The death of renowned Mexican wrestler Miguel Ángel López Díaz, better known as “Rey Misterio Sr.,” on Dec. 20, has shone a spotlight on Rosarito, where he spent much of his life.

Although born in Tijuana, Rey Misterio Sr. established his personal and family life in Baja California’s fifth municipality, residing in the Misión del Mar neighborhood for many years.

In his later years, health issues kept him away from the wrestling ring, but friends and fellow wrestlers remember him as a tireless promoter of lucha libre. He championed numerous sports projects and even served as the wrestling commissioner in Rosarito.

His close friend Paniko Saiko also recalls his role as a counselor at Calvario Chapel in the Constitución neighborhood, where the two strengthened their Christian faith together.

“He was a counselor who helped young people struggling with emotional issues, addictions, and alcoholism. He gave talks and offered support. Calvario Church runs various programs for adults, couples, youth, and children, but he was the leader of the ‘Celebrate Recovery’ program.”

“I graduated alongside him at Calvario Chapel, earning my certificate for the twelve-step recovery program. This shows that Rey Misterio was embraced by Rosarito. He lived here for half his life and built his family here,” shared Paniko Saiko, a Rosarito wrestler who now serves on the Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts Commission of Rosarito.

Among the many memories, Saiko highlighted Rey Misterio Sr.’s dream of inspiring his descendants to carry on his legacy. While his son, Miguel Aaron López Hernández, was still too young to train professionally, Rey Misterio Sr. initially mentored his nephew, who took on the name Rey Misterio Jr.

Later, Miguel Aaron would join the dynasty as El Hijo de Rey Misterio, also known as Rey Misterio El Heredero.

Today, it falls to these two successors to continue writing the story started by the lucha libre icon.

A celebration of Rey Misterio Sr.’s life was held on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 1pm at Calvario Chapel, located in the Ampliación Constitución neighborhood. Friends, fellow wrestlers, and family membersl gathered to honor his memory and legacy.

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