From Wrestling Superstars February 2000
GOAL ACHIEVEMENT:
He has won the WCW cruiserweight title five times, which is a record. Misterio's
last reign was his longest: four months. While still cruiserweight champ,
Misterio captured the WCW World tag team title with Billy Kidman. He upset
Kevin Nash, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Scott Norton, among others, and earned a
reputation as a giant killer. It was another banner year for Misterio, but
critics believe he could have accomplished much more. His membership in the
No Limit Soldiers, as well as his fruitless partnership with Konnan, did nothing
to further his career. But he accomplished more than any other cruiserweight
in 1999. GRADE: A
HEALTH:
Everyone in WCW has gotten healthier since the NWO disintegrated. He was
a frequent target because his size made him vulnerable. Kevin Nash throwing
Misterio into the side of a trailer like a lawn dart is one of the most memorable
images of 1996. It was a 1998 injury, however, that still might have repercussions.
Chris Jericho smashed Misterio's knee with a toolbox in January of that year,
forcing Misterio to undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL and miss nine months
of action. He hasn't shown any lingering effects of that injury so far, but
that vulnerability could be a factor in the future. GRADE: A
CREATIVITY:
The grade in this category depends on whom you ask. Country music fans would
grade Misterio very low in this category, although followers of rap would
likely say he had a fantastic year. In truth, Misterio bounced back stronger
than ever after losing his mask in a special stipulation tag team match pitting
him and Konnan against Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. He tried to forge a new
identity as a street-wise guy from the barrio, and Konnan gave him credibility
in that regard. Since The West Texas Rednecks humiliated the No Limit Soldiers,
Misterio seems to be the only member left with a bright future. He's better
off without all the "hooty hoos." GRADE: A
MARKETABILITY:
WCW is selling Konnan T-shirts, so why not a cool Rey-Rey T-shirt? It doesn't
seem as if WCW is putting its full marketing push behind him, despite the
enormous popularity he enjoys. He recently bleached his hair also. We don't
know if that's an attempt to get flashy or if he really wants to look like
Bam Bam from The Flintstones. Misterio is more effective forging his own identity
and staying away from cliques. GRADE: B
CAREER GROWTH:
Misterio proved it's possible to get ahead in pro wrestling without being
a ruthless backstabber. Throughout his career, he has maintained a sense of
honor and a willingness to help his friends. That tendency borders on naivete
sometimes. Why is he helping Konnan and the other Filthy Animals? A couple
of years ago, Konnan tried to end Misterio's career by injuring his leg.
Some things shouldn't be forgiven. Billy Kidman and even Psicosis have proven
to be dependable allies. Misterio must be more selective. GRADE: A