Rey goes in-depth about why he stepped away from WWE in 2014.
In 2014, former 3-time WWE World Champion Rey Mysterio made the decision to step away from the company. Rey's contract situation got messy during his departure and he was stuck although he was no longer working shows. Rey was eventually let go and went on to take a brief break from wrestling, got in good health and got himself back in shape and fast-forwarding to present day and some have said that Mysterio is in the best shape of his life at 43-years old.
It was recently announced that Mysterio is returning to WWE full-time and he has a set list of dates already listed on WWE's website so fans can know when they'll see "The Master Of The 619". Prior to the announcement of Rey coming back to WWE full-time, he sat down with the folks over at 'Al Arabiyah English' to promote WWE 2K19 in Dubai. Rey spoke about his favorite parts of the game and looking forward to playing as himself, then the conversation transitioned over to real-life wrestling and Rey was asked about his departure from WWE in 2014 and he explained in detail why it was good for him to get away when he did.
?The Rey Mysterio itself is definitely been the athlete and the person that has been staying more consistent with how to feel better, and how to make this career? how to take my career and make it longer. How to create this person and be able to get more years out of my career. Having eight surgeries on my knee has been really tough, and that was one of the main reasons why I had to step away because as you know, when you sign up to be part of the WWE roster, it?s a grind, it?s a grind and don?t get me wrong, I loved every moment of it, without a doubt." He continued, "But there comes a time when your body just says, ?Okay, gotta slow down a little bit? and that?s when I decided to step away so now, I?ve been able to refocus, concentrate on what works, what doesn?t work for me, being able to stay fit. Being able to eat the right things, take the right supplements, which sometimes you get caught up with your lifestyle, with traveling so much, with wrestling, that you lose track of what you need for yourself that?s probably the best thing that I could?ve done.?
Rey made his in-ring return for WWE this past Tuesday at SmackDown 1000 and he pinned the WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura which earned Rey a spot in the WWE World Cup tournament. The win also earned Rey a shot at the U.S. Title as he is now being advertised to face Shinsuke at Starrcade on November 24th.
If you are going to use the quote above, please credit 'Al Arabiyah English' with an H/T to Fightful for the transcription.