According to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, WWE will not bring back former WWE Champion Rey Mysterio.
The deal-breaker was apparently Mysterio's representation, former wrestling standout Konnan.
"The rift between Konnan and McMahon dates back decades to when WWE invested thousands of dollars into the Max Moon character for Konnan, before he ultimately made the decision to continue main-eventing in Mexico. Konnan was recently welcomed backstage at a WWE event by Chris Jericho, but his appearance did not help mend any of the issues that exist between himself and the WWE office."
Both WWE and rival GFW — formerly TNA Impact — had interest in signing former Mysterio once he became a free agent.
Mysterio's contract ended with WWE back in 2015, and he was not retained despite being of the most popular stars in the promotion over the past decade-plus. Mysterio has since been working heavily on the independent scene, including doing the Lucha Underground TV show.
At 42, Mysterio has slowed down, but is still capable of great match and has been kept healthy by the less demanding independent schedule. Going back to WWE could prove to be the best financial move for him with how the company has been able to move his merchandise in the past, but the week-to-week WWE schedule could prove to be too much for the over 25-year wrestling veteran at this point.
Between WCW and WWE, Mysterio is one of the most decorated "cruiserweight" wrestlers of all time. Mysterio is a three-time WWE World Champion, a two-time Intercontinental Champion, five-time tag team champion, and eight-time cruiserweight champion. Mysterio is also one of the few remaining active wrestlers to have wrestled for the original ECW, WCW and WWE.
