Early Life and Background
Roberto Gutierrez Sr. was born on February 29, 1948, in Mexico, during a time of economic struggle and cultural transformation. He lived a life marked by responsibility and diligence, becoming a factory worker to support his family. Roberto married Maria del Rosario, and together they settled in Tijuana, a city that would play a pivotal role in their children’s upbringing.
Roberto’s work ethic was forged through necessity. He labored in manufacturing, often under demanding conditions, while Maria worked as a house cleaner. Their modest income provided a stable—though humble—foundation for their four sons. The couple emphasized education, discipline, and family cohesion, values that would later influence their son Óscar’s path to international stardom.
The Gutierrez household operated with few luxuries. Their son Óscar—later known to the world as Rey Mysterio—attended school across the border in San Diego, navigating bilingual and bicultural challenges. Roberto’s insistence on perseverance and personal responsibility helped shape the resilience that defined Rey’s career.
Family Structure and Roles
Roberto and Maria had four sons, each of whom followed distinct life paths, but all carried forward the foundational values of family loyalty and ambition.
| Name | Relationship to Roberto Sr. | Role/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio | Son | Born 12/11/1974; known as Rey Mysterio; pro wrestler |
| Rojelio Gutiérrez | Son | Businessman; owned a pizza franchise |
| Roberto Gutiérrez Jr. | Son | Involved in wrestling promotions; co-supports Aro Lucha |
| Luis Gutiérrez (“Lalo”) | Son | Wrestling business supporter; contributes to Aro Lucha |
The family remained centered around Tijuana, with Rey’s professional career primarily rooted in the U.S., illustrating the family’s cross-border cultural and economic dynamic.
Impact on Wrestling Legacy
While Roberto Sr. never entered the ring himself, his legacy is embedded in the careers of his descendants. He laid the groundwork for one of wrestling’s most prominent families.
- Óscar Gutiérrez (Rey Mysterio) debuted in 1989 at age 14, mentored by his uncle Rey Misterio Sr. (Miguel Ángel López Díaz).
- Rey joined WCW in 1996, then WWE in 2002, earning multiple championships.
- Rey was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2023, a milestone that traces back to Roberto’s influence and values.
Roberto’s grandchild Dominik, born April 5, 1997, became a professional wrestler and debuted on global television, becoming a tag team champion alongside Rey in 2021—the first father-son duo to do so.
Rey’s cousin, El Hijo de Rey Misterio, continues the family legacy in Mexico, maintaining the “Mysterio” name in lucha libre circuits.
Key Dates and Milestones
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb 29, 1948 | Roberto Gutierrez Sr. born in Mexico |
| Dec 11, 1974 | Birth of Óscar Gutiérrez (Rey Mysterio) |
| 1989 | Rey debuts as professional wrestler at age 14 |
| 1996 | Rey joins WCW in the U.S. wrestling scene |
| Apr 5, 1997 | Birth of Dominik Gutiérrez |
| 2002 | Rey Mysterio signs with WWE |
| 2021 | Rey and Dominik win WWE tag team championship |
| Mar 31, 2023 | Rey Mysterio inducted into WWE Hall of Fame |
| Nov 17, 2024 | Roberto Gutierrez Sr. passes away at age 76 |
Family Tree Overview
| Name | Born | Relation | Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roberto Gutierrez Sr. | 1948–2024 | Patriarch | Factory worker; cornerstone of family |
| Maria del Rosario | N/A | Wife | House cleaner; mother of four sons |
| Óscar (Rey Mysterio) | 1974 | Son | Wrestling legend; global WWE icon |
| Rojelio | N/A | Son | Business owner; Godfather’s Pizza |
| Roberto Jr. | N/A | Son | In wrestling promotions (Aro Lucha) |
| Luis (“Lalo”) | N/A | Son | Wrestling support (Aro Lucha) |
| Angie Gutiérrez | N/A | Daughter-in-law | Wife of Rey; mother of Dominik, Aalyah |
| Dominik | 1997 | Grandson | WWE superstar; part of The Judgment Day |
| Aalyah | 2001 | Granddaughter | Health & beauty influencer |
Influence and Values
Roberto’s philosophy on life was centered around:
- Hard Work: Long hours in manufacturing demonstrated to his children the value of consistency.
- Family Loyalty: He remained a steadfast presence in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives.
- Perseverance: Despite economic limits, he encouraged ambition and grit.
- Humility: Avoided the spotlight, focusing instead on supporting his family from behind the scenes.
His son Rey publicly described Roberto as a model husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law, especially in a tribute posted shortly after his death in November 2024.
Legacy of Support
Inspired by Roberto, the Gutierrez family stays involved in wrestling off the mat:
- Luis and Roberto Jr. are active in Aro Lucha, a wrestling organization promoting lucha libre traditions.
- Dominik’s WWE career continues to rise; as of late 2024, he is part of a dominant wrestling faction.
- Aalyah, born August 20, 2001, uses her platform in health and beauty to maintain a strong family presence in the public eye.
Even without formal education in sports or entertainment, Roberto enabled multiple generational achievements in wrestling, business, and media.
FAQ
Who was Roberto Gutierrez Sr.?
Roberto Gutierrez Sr. was the father of Rey Mysterio and a foundational figure in the Mysterio family’s wrestling legacy.
When was Roberto Gutierrez Sr. born and when did he die?
He was born on February 29, 1948, and passed away on November 17, 2024.
What was Roberto’s profession?
He worked as a factory worker in Tijuana, Mexico, providing for his family through manual labor.
Did Roberto Gutierrez Sr. wrestle professionally?
No, he was not a wrestler but supported his family’s wrestling careers from behind the scenes.
How many children did Roberto have?
He had four sons: Óscar (Rey Mysterio), Rojelio, Roberto Jr., and Luis.
For Roberto, who is Rey Mysterio?
Roberto’s son, Rey Mysterio, was born in 1974 as Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio.
What wrestling achievements are linked to Roberto’s family?
His son Rey Mysterio became a WWE Hall of Famer, and his grandson Dominik is also a successful WWE wrestler.
Where did the Gutierrez family live?
They lived in Tijuana, Mexico, while Rey frequently crossed into San Diego for school and wrestling opportunities.
What is Aro Lucha and how is the family involved?
Aro Lucha is a wrestling promotion supported by Roberto’s sons Luis and Roberto Jr., alongside Rey.
Did Roberto Gutierrez Sr. influence Rey’s wrestling career?
Roberto’s work ethic and family values shaped Rey’s career and life.
What are the names of Roberto’s grandchildren?
His grandchildren include Dominik Gutiérrez (born 1997) and Aalyah Gutiérrez (born 2001).
