Rey Mysterio on How He Was Ready To Retire From His Wrestling Career Before Dominik Voiced Interest in Pro Wrestling, Being Surprised His Left Knee Is Still Going After 14 Injuries, & His Praise of Dragon Lee and Penta

A recent episode of The Late Run podcast featured WWE Hall of Famer and Lucha Libre AAA General Manager Rey Mysterio as the guest. One of the topics discussed included Mysterio’s thoughts about how he was ready to retire from his wrestling before his son Dominik voiced interest in pursing a wrestling career of his own.

“I actually do remember a point that happened in my life. Not too long ago, maybe about five or six years, I just wasn’t getting that same emotion when I would step into the ring. I think my body was burnt out mentally and physically. And I just didn’t, I told my wife, I remember sitting down with her and telling her, ‘You know what, I don’t feel what I would always feel everytime I would step into the ring, I think I’m going to tap out. I just don’t feel it anymore.’ Shortly after, my son told me that he wanted to try and break into the business. And seeing him or helping him get on board kind of just inspired or ignited that fire once again and it’s been going since. So yeah, it was one incident of me not wanting and then him coming into the picture and me reigniting myself for crazy.”

Mysterio also gave his thoughts about how he is surprised that his left knee is still holding up for him at his age of 51 despite the large amount of injuries his knee has sustained throughout his wrestling career.

“I have an incredible wife at home that’s always looked out for me from day one, she’s always taken good care of me. She’s always reading and researching the best things for me in particular because I’ve suffered way too many ACL tears. But still, after I believe it’s 14, I’m sometimes amazed like, how is my knee still going like that? Between 14 ACL tears, meniscus tears, PCLs, just on the left one. I go back and watch tapes of my matches from back in the day. I’m right handed, but every time I would land — there’s this move, the Frankensteiner or the Rana. Every time I would jump and roll between his legs and hook him, my knees would bend in. So, every bend in kept on loosening and loosening until it snapped one time. I kept on doing it afterwards, I was stubborn. When you’re young, you don’t know, you wanna keep going and keep going. But, I’ve learned my lesson.”

In a separate recent interview with the Six Feet Under with The Undertaker, Mysterio and co-host The Undertaker gave their praise of Dragon Lee’s work in WWE and AAA.

Rey Mysterio – “I see a lot of similarities in Dragon Lee that I had growing up and being part of this business. Like, he’s always willing to learn, asking for advice. A lot of Rey Mysterio-ish in him.”

The Undertaker – “I love him, by the way.”

Mysterio – “Such a good kid.”

The Undertaker – “When he comes down [to AAA]. He’s such a good dude and always wanting to do the best.”

Mysterio – “That he can, right? I was telling Angie [Mysterio’s wife], I said he reminds me so much. And I’ve been able to hang out with him and his family outside of the wrestling world. And to see the time and dedication that he gives his wife and his two little girls, it’s like, man, I envy that, because I wasn’t like that when I was 29 years old. So that’s like, props to him. I really admire him for having his head straight on his shoulders and walking the right path and doing the right things. Not just for him, but to provide for his family. That speaks highly to who he is.”

Mysterio also gave his thoughts about his praise of Penta’s work and the possibility of him becoming the next great luchador in WWE.

The Undertaker – “I think he has a really cool approach,” Undertaker said. “Because he’s separating himself. I think he stands out from the other guys, just because of his personality and things like that. So, yeah, you can definitely tell that he’s thinking differently.”

Mysterio – “He’s such an incredible wrestler too — incredible. Very original, very creative. And he’s always on top of things.”

Transcript h/t: F4WOnline.com 1 & 2, Fightful.com