WWE News: Rey Mysterio Likely Not Returning At ‘Wrestlemania 32’, ‘SummerSlam’ Is Possible

Amid reports of a strained relationship between Rey Mysterio and Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA) the legendary luchador is reportedly expected to return to the WWE by SummerSlam, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (via Daily Wrestling News).

Mysterio, 41, is reportedly done with AAA as the company is reportedly struggling to pay its performers. Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet originally reported over a week ago that Mysterio and AAA were in a “contract dispute.” Wrestling Inc expanded on the report, saying that the only way Mysterio would return is if they “paid up and offered him guaranteed creative control.”

After a decorated 12-year stint with WWE, Mysterio left the company in early 2015 and began working the independent scene. In addition to the independents, Mysterio worked for AAA and eventually made his way to Lucha Underground, where he’s currently performing. The master of the 619 will be a part of Lucha Underground’s second season and it’s unclear if he will sign on to be on the third.

If Mysterio’s involvement with Lucha Underground is limited to just the second season, many expect him to return to WWE. The Inquisitr reported yesterday that Mysterio could potentially return to the company by Wrestlemania 32, giving the WWE another marquee name for the show. However, per the Observer’s report, Mysterio returning to WWE will hinge on his ability to get out of his current contract with Lucha Underground.

Since leaving, Mysterio has been asked about a potential return to the WWE on numerous occasions. Despite missing a lot of time due to injuries in the latter part of his WWE stint, Mysterio was still one of the company’s most successful and marketable performers. Speaking to Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard last August, the former two-time WWE World Heavyweight champion left the door open in regards to a potential return to the company.

“I didn’t leave on bad terms. I left on good terms with WWE, so I don’t want to say never. They treated me very well, and I’m nothing but thankful with that company for letting Rey Mysterio be Rey Mysterio and be recognized worldwide. If the opportunity comes about in the future, and there is interest from both parties, then why not?”

Although the circumstances were much different, Alberto Del Rio recently returned to the WWE after being fired from the company a year prior. Much like Mysterio, Del Rio toured around the world during his hiatus from WWE, wrestling for several companies in Mexico and the United States. Del Rio also joined Lucha Underground for a brief time and the company believed he would re-sign for the second season. However, Del Rio bolted for the WWE last November.

Speaking to Wrestle Talk TV last November, Mysterio expressed his surprise with seeing Del Rio back in WWE but understood why he made the decision to return.

“I actually didn’t expect (it), but I’m glad he did. If you ever get the opportunity to go back, and that’s where you want to be, why not? Take advantage of your time. Your time is a blink of a second.”

Reports have suggested that if Mysterio were to return to the WWE at some point, he would like to work a reduced schedule. With the abundance of injuries he has suffered over this three-decade long career, working a full-time schedule for WWE would likely end in disaster. Matches with current WWE United States champion Kalisto, who has drawn numerous comparison to Mysterio, is something that has been rumored if he returns to the company.

[Image via Tabercil (Own work)/CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons]