The debut of Rey Fenix couldn’t have gone much better, either for him or WWE. The 34-year-old luchador signed with the promotion almost immediately after being released from his All Elite Wrestling contract. While it wasn’t a shocker – considering his brother Pentagon arrived earlier in the company – the reaction may have surprised some fans.

However, those who have watched Fenix for several years will tell you that he is a better all-around performer than his brother. And quite frankly, he could be in the conversation as the top high-flyer in the world. Now that this shooting star is streaking across the WWE Universe, there’s no telling just how far Fenix could fly.

At the same time, we are witnessing the end of an era when it comes to the greatest luchador of all time, Rey Mysterio. And while he’s still in incredible shape at 50 and is still a massive talent, even he would acknowledge that he’s getting close to retirement. So, could Fenix really be the “next Rey Mysterio” that WWE has been searching for such a long time? And would the icon pass the torch to the newcomer, perhaps in a spectacular retirement match at next year’s WrestleMania? It’s very possible, and it’s certainly an option that WWE should explore.

WWE’s Newest Luchador Has Massive Potential

World Wrestling Entertainment handled the introduction of Rey Fenix flawlessly. While the vignettes that preceded his arrival pretty much gave away what we already knew, his emergence in the arena still drew a gigantic reaction. Based on that, and his prior body of work, there’s no denying that he’s a budding superstar.

After an amazing career in Mexico, Lucha Underground, AEW, and all points in between, the only mountain Fenix had seemingly yet to conquer was WWE. For many years, he was known as Penta’s brother. But now, he’s surpassed his hermano in terms of excitement and expectations. He’s the more dynamic performer of the two, but Fenix also wrestles with the same intensity that runs through his family’s blood.

Fenix, at 5’10” and 185 pounds, can work with a variety of performers, both big and small. He has all the same tools in his toolbox that Mysterio has, and more. In time, he could very well be the man to take the icon’s place. WWE has been trying to replicate Mysterio’s massive commercial success for decades. The combination of a cool mask, bright colors, and amazing in-ring prowess is one that spells merchandise sales, but unfortunately, no other masked luchador has been able to step up to those heights. Until now.

Mysterio and Fenix Have a Lot in Common

Both Have a Charisma That Extends Beyond the Mask

Both steeped in the Mexican wrestling tradition, Mysterio and Fenix come from accomplished wrestling families. They have both been groundbreaking in the ring, as well. Mysterio’s 6-1-9 and West Coast Pop are crowd favorites, while Fenix has defied logic (and gravity) with his cat-like rope walks and explosive aerial assault.

However, they both also defy the traditional thoughts about masked wrestlers. Many fans and critics argue that it’s harder to convey emotion ‘under the hood’, but both men have been able to sell both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat just fine. They are able to emote through their actions and aggression, while also throwing in enough theatrics to keep the audience invested.

Rey Mysterio Should Put Fenix Over at WrestleMania 42

Legendary Luchador Can Put His Stamp of Approval on His Younger Counterpart

At some point, the two stars are bound to cross paths in the WWE Universe. And that’s where things would get intriguing – especially if it led to a blow-off (and blowout) match next year at WrestleMania 42. It’s really unfortunate for Dragon Lee, who is currently billed as Mysterio’s protégé, but he has not been able to garner a decent level of excitement for fans. WWE simply did not give him the same presentation that it reserved for the Lucha Bros, but Lee could still be a part of a feud for the future of lucha libre. However, that should culminate in Fenix vs. Mysterio at WrestleMania 41.

If that’s the case, then WWE should book it as Rey Mysterio’s retirement match. They can have the 2022 Hall of Famer officially put his stamp of approval on Fenix as his heir apparent. It would be the perfect sendoff for a class act like Mysterio, and it would be a huge springboard in the career of Fenix. A “mask vs. career” stipulation could add even more excitement to the bout. The “luchas de apuestas” is a time-honored tradition in lucha libre, where the wrestlers bet something on the result of the bout (usually their mask). WWE could tap into this tradition to create a truly unique spectacle for WrestleMania.

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While many fans will point out that it was considered a given that Dominik Mysterio would take on his father in a final showdown, WWE doesn’t need that, as Dom is already over on his own. It would be more prudent to give the rub to Fenix, as Dom has already established himself within the promotion. It’s a time-honored tradition to “go out on your back” in pro wrestling, losing a final match to give a new star the push they need, and Mysterio is in the perfect position to do so.

Fenix will surely have to prove himself over the next year, but he’s in a position to ride a wave of popularity while also producing great matches. He could even re-form the Lucha Bros. tag team with Penta – or possibly feud with his brother to help solidify his character. By this time next year, however, WWE should be positioning Rey Fenix vs. Rey Mysterio for WrestleMania 42. Make it mask vs. career, in the tradition of Mexican wrestling. And let the next generation take another step forward, as the company continues to build its dynasty for today and the future.