Why Rey Mysterio Left WWE In 2015, Explained
Liam Parker 
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Rey Mysterio is an all-time legend of the wrestling business, even though he is still an active performer today. Mysterio made a name for himself outside of WWE, revolutionizing WCW’s cruiserweight division alongside the likes of Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, and more. Although he established himself elsewhere, his star power and legendary status expanded tenfold in his years working for WWE, with him becoming perhaps the most recognisable luchador of all time. Despite winning World Titles and earning good money, Mysterio left WWE in 2015. Some fans may wonder why exactly he left the company, especially since he is such a huge name who would have likely had a role in WWE for much longer.
Rey Mysterio Left WWE Despite Years Of Success
Mysterio made the move to WWE all the way back in 2002, a year after WCW was purchased by WWE. His arrival was hyped up in a strong way, with vignettes teasing his arrival, coupled with a successful debut. From there, Mysterio would have a lucrative time in the company, winning his fair share of titles, wrestling in show-stealing matches, and being a part of some very memorable feuds, namely against the likes of those he shared the ring with in WCW such as Eddie Guerrero and Chris Jericho.
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Over the thirteen years he spent in WWE, he rose to international stardom, winning the World Heavyweight Championship, WWE Championship, Intercontinental Title, Cruiserweight Title, multiple Tag Team Championships, and even a Royal Rumble victory. It bodes the question as to why Mysterio would want to walk away from WWE after such a successful time in the company. However, even with all his glory and fame, Mysterio allowed his WWE contract to expire in 2015, and he parted ways with his long-time home.
Rey Mysterio Allowed His WWE Contract To Expire
The situation regarding Mysterio’s departure was a little awkward, with Mysterio stating beforehand that his intention was to leave the promotion. However, due to time taken off with an injury in 2014, WWE extended Mysterio’s contract. This led to a deadlock of sorts between the two sides, in which no agreement could be reached on terms. PWInsider stated that Mysterio was even flown in for talks, only for the parties to not agree on anything. Mysterio had also allegedly cut off communications from WWE over the course of the year. At times, it was unclear whether Mysterio was even still contracted to the company, with him appearing in a video on AAA’s TripleMania event, in addition to showing up to see other events around the independent scene too.
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His last match in WWE (to that point) had come against Bad News Barrett on the night after WrestleMania 30 in a glorified squash. Mysterio had been getting booked fairly poorly over the last few months, with the fans even turning against him at the 2014 Royal Rumble. Those factors may have bled into his decision to voice his wishes to leave, though he would come out with an explanation several years later.
Rey Mysterio Experienced Burnout And Needed To Leave WWE
In an interview with The National, Mysterio was asked about his decision to step away from WWE back in 2015, and his reasoning was very much along the same lines of countless other individuals who have made the decision to leave WWE in the past, including several great performers such as Christian Cage, RVD, Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley), and more. Mysterio stated, “I left because I was just tired physically, mentally, and I wanted to reconnect with my family.”
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When looking at WWE’s rigorous schedule, it is of no surprise when wrestlers get burned out. Being on the road most of the year is intense, with very little time being able to get spent at home. Mysterio clearly missed his family, and the draining schedule had taken its toll after well over a decade, especially with the style with which Mysterio wrestles, with a high-flying luchador moveset. However, this wasn’t the end of Mysterio’s story.
After spending some time away from WWE, returning to the ring after 11 months the following year, according to his matches on cagematch.net, competing in the likes of AAA, Lucha Underground, NJPW, and even at ROH’s All In PPV (which is regarded as the precursor to All Elite Wrestling), he returned to WWE in 2018. After a one-off appearance at the Royal Rumble, he later signed with WWE, remaining there until the present day. In that same interview, Mysterio stated, “I always knew I wanted to come back and I wanted to retire in the WWE. My career was definitely going to end in WWE, no matter what.”
