It is uncommon to find a WWE Superstar these days who hasn’t gotten inked. While tattoos have been an integral part of several cultures, especially among the Polynesians, the painful art form has found a greater audience with the passage of time. Unsurprisingly, almost the entire WWE roster has embraced the fad- with the exception of John Cena and a few others.

A few people who instantly pop up when we discuss tattoos among pro wrestlers are Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes. A few years ago, The Great One redefined his iconic Brahma Bull inking, once synonymous with his persona. The Beast Incarnate’s dagger tattoo running from his chest downwards to the midriff is one of a kind. 

The American Nightmare’s eponymous design, though infamous, does make him stand out among his peers. Apart from these three, there is one more notable name who has quite a few tattoos- in fact 37 of them! He is none other than Rey Mysterio. The Master of 619, soon to be 49 years old, collected these body designs in the last 27 years. Let’s look at some of his iconic tattoos and find out the meaning behind them.

How old was Rey Mysterio when he got inked?

Mysterio, who grew up in San Diego, didn’t get his first tattoo until he was 21. In an August 2019 episode of Superstar Ink, the 48-year-old told host Corey Graves that his respect for his parents kept him from getting inked.

But once he left the house and married his longtime girlfriend, Angie. He still has the design on his left hand. According to Rey Mysterio, the tattoo was drawn freehand and sits right beneath the ‘Angie’ tattoo- which is dedicated to his wife.

Getting an area code tat!

Apart from his high-flying moves his iconic springboard entrances and the masks, Mysterio has made himself synonymous with the three-digit code- 619. While the WWE Universe doesn’t need an introduction to this code, many casual fans might not know the origin behind this iconic number. 

This is nothing but the area code where Mysterio grew up. As the move gained popularity and slowly acquired cult status, it also found an area on Mysterio’s left forearm.

The representational tattoo

Another trademark design that the WWE Hall of Famer carries is the Mexican tattoo. According to the luchador, the ‘Mexican’ tattoo helps him with verification while connecting with his fans. He told Graves that when he goes out without the mask, he is often stopped and asked by fans if he’s who they think he is. 

Mysterio added that he also pulled up his shirt to show the iconic design, much to the faithful’s delight. “That’s just one of those that defines you as who you are and who you represent,” he said. Mysterio has always proudly displayed his Mexican and Hispanic heritage and is currently the leader of the revamped Latino World Order (LWO).

One for Eddie

No Rey Mysterio series is ever fully complete without an Eddie Guerrero reference. This duo- be it as partners or opponents- was so potent that the WWE is still incorporating it in their storylines even 18 years after Guerrero’s untimely demise. Considered as one of the greatest heels in pro wrestling history, the one-time WWE Champion died on November 13, 2005.

To honor his idol and friend’s legacy, Rey Mysterio has a special tattoo on the inside of his left arm. It consists of a cross and a tombstone with the initials EG. Mysterio described the tattoo as something very “private”, “personal”, and “meaningful” to him. He also revealed that the ‘Eddie Tattoo’ is also one of the most requested ones by fans who want to see the artwork.

Aztec artwork

As a proud Hispanic, Rey Mysterio wears his culture on his pecks! Literally! Both his right and left peaks have been covered with ink depicting Aztec artwork. This is also part of the Mexican culture that Mysterio carries with him. He has two falcons in the center and the birds are surrounded by the Aztec calendar. 

This big piece, covering his entire chest wasn’t done at once and just like Johnson’s Brahma Bull, it evolved over time as his body changed.

Tattoo covering Rey’s back: symbolism of resilience 

Rey boasts a unique design inked from his neck down to his lower back, symbolizing the alignment of his spine. He views each vertebra as a representation of overcoming life’s challenges.

Rey aimed for his tattooed spine to depict the interconnectedness of strength required to navigate life’s highs and lows, reflecting the challenges he faced.

Rosary beads with cross and chest wings

Adorning his neck and chest, the tattoo displays rosary beads along with the cross pendant, signifying the wearer’s deep religious beliefs and spirituality.

Rey Mysterio tattoos two angel wings on his chest, one on each side, symbolizing his pursuit of continuous blessings and good fortune from a higher power.

Dominik, Aalyah and other tattoos

It is no secret that Rey Mysterio is a family man. A look at his social media posts will verify that claim. At the age of 22, he married his wife, and they have navigated life’s challenges together for nearly 28 years.

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They are also blessed with two children- son and WWE Superstar Dominik Mysterio and daughter Aalyah. 

While Mysterio’s on-screen relationship with his son has been on the wane for a year, the junior Mysterio still finds a place in his father’s body as one of his tattoos. Rey Mysterio similarly has his daughter’s and wife’s names engraved. Apart from these, he has dozens of other tattoos, ranging from tribal motifs to religious symbols and prayers.

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Which of these tattoos do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below.