EXCLUSIVE: Why third-generation wrestler Dominik Mysterio ‘doesn’t feel pressure’ to reach famous father’s heights

Pro wrestling – similar to any sport – is littered with second and third generation athletes.

Over the years, a lot of them have struggled to live up to the hype and ultimately fallen by the wayside, unable to capture the magic that their fathers or grandfathers created.

But for every failed son or daughter of a wrestling legend, there are the rare examples of those who surpass what their predecessors managed to achieve in WWE.

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The most obvious of those is The Rock, who followed in the footsteps of his father Rocky Johnson and his grandfather “High Chief” Peter Maivia but soon became one of the biggest stars WWE has ever seen across the 1990s and 2000s.

Randy Orton has also established himself as one of the all-time greats.

Randy Orton in action this year Getty

His father, Bob Orton Jr, got him a start in the early-2000s but from there, it was up to Randy to forge his own path and it’s safe to say with 14 world titles and multiple WrestleMania main events to his name, he has more than paid it back tenfold.

More recently, Cody Rhodes reached the mountaintop almost two decades on from his WWE debut, winning the one title his iconic father Dusty never could.

Those three men, who have all dominated the industry for parts of this century, perhaps stand head and shoulders above the rest of the multi-generation wrestlers.

However, slowly but surely, a new kid on the block has been making a name for himself.

Dominik Mysterio – the son of the legendary Rey Mysterio Jr and great-nephew of Rey Misterio – was perhaps seen as a classic nepotism hire at the start of this decade.

The youngest member of the family had been part of WWE as a kid, getting dragged into on-screen dramas and often seen celebrating with his legendary father.

Dominik and Rey Mysterio in 2003 WWE via Getty Images

Being the son of the most beloved luchadore ever was always going to be a difficult burden to carry and early on in his career, it looked like Dominik was going to be nothing more than a flash in the pan who couldn’t possibly follow in his father’s footsteps.

Fast-forward to 2025 and there might not be a more improved wrestler in the world.

Mysterio has grown leaps and bounds, both from an in-ring perspective but also with what he brings to the table outside the ring as one of WWE’s great characters.

Enjoying the best year of his career, Mysterio won the coveted Intercontinental title at WrestleMania, before capturing the AAA Mega Championship in Mexico, representing WWE on a more global stage and bridging the gap between the promotions.

Speaking to Wide World of Sports during the company’s recent Perth takeover, the 28-year-old admitted the weight associated with carrying gold and a famous last name have only motivated him as he cements himself as a major part of WWE’s future.

Dominik Mysterio with his championships WWE via Getty Images

“I don’t really feel the pressure,” Mysterio said.

“When it comes to being a multi-generation family in the industry and having the Mysterio name and everything he’s done, I never really took the pressure in a bad way.

“It almost motivated me and made me want to go out there and have fun. Now when people talk about the Mysterios, they talk about me as well which is really cool to see.

“It’s also very hard to be able to sit down and smell the roses while you’re constantly on the go – it’s non-stop what we do, it’s 365 days a year.

“So whenever I can, I try to enjoy those special moments – for example at SummerSlam, beating AJ Styles or winning the title at WrestleMania.

“We don’t get many of those moments, but we live for these types of moments. It’s cool to be five years into my career and already have so many moments.”

Dominik Mysterio celebrates at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas Getty

While still playing the villain or “heel” in most situations, Mysterio has started to garner more respect from crowds across the globe – including during the recent Perth tour.

It’s obvious that fans – especially those in the know, who have seen stars shine and fade on a regular basis – are starting to recognise the work Mysterio has put in to break out on his own and not coast on his father’s legacy, which has spanned across five decades from 1989 until now.

Mysterio was practically booed out of the building last year when WWE made the trip Down Under, but it was a very different story this time around.

“Last time I was here in 2024, the crowd did not take too kindly to me,” he said.

“They had to black out the TVs back home because of the stuff they were yelling at me.

“I was just excited to get back to Perth and get the job done.”

Dominik Mysterio and Australian star Grayson Waller in Perth WWE

While the goodwill from the WWE fans is growing by the week, it may start to slightly dissipate soon if the rumour mill is on the money.

According to various reports, Mysterio is slated to defend his Intercontinental Title against the retiring John Cena, who is soaking in the final moments of adulation from fans that have supported his wrestling career since the early-2000s.

Cena – who competed on Australian soil for the final time at Crown Jewel on October 11 – will hang up the boots in December, sailing off into the sunset from WWE.

But before then, the 17-time world champion could look to add one more slice of history and it would come at Mysterio’s expense.

John Cena WWE via Getty Images

It’s a challenge the youngster is ready to tackle head-on.

“It would be amazing,” Mysterio said.

“I’d love to put one of the final nails in the coffin of John Cena’s career. I’ve known him since I was a kid, so being able to get in the ring with him would be awesome.

“This is the only title he has never held in the WWE.

“If he wants some, he can come and get some.” 

The 48-year-old legend has four appearances left on his farewell tour, with the first stop in his hometown of Boston, before heading to New York, San Diego and Washington DC.

Cena’s final appearances will be broadcast on Netflix for Australian fans.