Rey Mysterio, Jr.

Rey Mysterio, Jr., a soft-spoken, compact professional wrestler of Mexican descent, is holding his own in a field dominated by loud-mouthed giants. Born Óscar Gutiérrez in San Diego, California, the high-flying 5-foot-6 grappler is one of World Wrestling Entertainment's biggest stars – but rather than impressing fans and haters alike with his size and strength, Mysterio wows them with his speed and finesse. Along with the late Eddie Guerrero, Gutiérrez has quieted those who held that smaller wrestlers with a lucha libre background would never succeed in American wrestling.

Mysterio, Jr.'s career began at the age of 14, when he started training with his uncle, Rey Misterio, Sr., a star in Mexico's beloved wrestling circuit during the '70s and '80s. Only a few months later, Gutiérrez made his professional debut in Mexico as Colibrí (The Hummingbird), eventually changing his moniker to Super Niño (Super Kid). At 18, Gutiérrez assumed the name of Rey Misterio, Jr. with the blessing of his uncle, Rey, Sr. Gutiérrez' risky, acrobatic style electrified crowds while his clean cut image made him an ideal foil for fellow rising star – and training partner – the maniacal Dionicio Castellanos, aka Psicosis.

After years of plying his trade in Mexico, Mysterio made the jump to the underground hit Extreme Championship Wrestling promotion in the United States. He then moved on to Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling, where he quickly went from virtual unknown to crowd favorite. Despite his popularity as a masked luchador, WCW unmasked a reluctant Gutiérrez – a move that would disgrace Mysterio in Mexico. His new look would consist of a dye job and faux horns. When WWE purchased the ailing WCW, Mysterio took a self-imposed hiatus. Months later, Gutiérrez re-emerged on WWE – masked, again. It was a move almost unheard of in lucha libre and a shrewd choice, as fans welcomed the return of the masked Mysterio with thunderous applause.

After nearly 20 years of professional wrestling, the now 32-year-old Gutiérrez appears to be winding down as an active wrestler. Yet Mysterio, Jr. continues to be a mainstay in the world of WWE. He is featured as a marquee character in WWE video games while his replica masks and action figures are a hot commodity among collectors. A man of his times, the charismatic Gutiérrez already enjoys the popularity of a legend.