Remembering Perro Aguayo Jr: Why Rey Mysterio Should Not Be Blamed

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

During an event for the the CRASH promotion on the night of Friday, March 20, Hijo del Perro Aguayo passed away during a match with recently released WWE star Rey Mysterio and TNA's own Tigre Uno and Manik. It was heavily speculated as to what the cause could have been as the footage (which I strongly advise against watching for its graphic nature) doesn't make it clear, but it was later revealed Saturday that the death could be attribute to a stroke caused by cervical spinal damage after suffering from whiplash. He was rushed to the hospital immediately where he sadly was pronounced dead at 1 a.m.

The news came as a complete shock to me when I read it Saturday morning. Although I wasn't overly familiar with his work, from what I've seen he was a great worker and an even greater guy. It was a terrible tragedy, but what's even more unfortunate is all the "hate" I see for Rey Mysterio online and how he's being blamed for Aguayo's death. It goes without saying that these claims are completely ridiculous, especially when people should be morning his loss and celebrating his life (though I don't speak for everyone, as many people have been treating the situation with the utmost respect and care).

Let's face the facts: it was a freak accident. Rey Mysterio should not be faulted.

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Yes, it can argued that the medical examiner should take part if not most of the blame, and I absolutely agree with that. He wasn't present at ringside when he should have been (in his defense, he was backstage tending to two other injured individuals), but it was an absolute tragic incident. Could someone be blamed? Sure, but I don't think that's what should be getting all the attention right now.

The last thing I want to be reading in the comment section of an article detailing someone's tragic .. I am fully aware this is the Internet after all and I should come to expect those type of things, but it's simply crossing the line. How do think Rey Mysterio feels about all of this? He now has to live with the fact he was involved in a match were someone abruptly passed away. He has it hard enough right now; the last thing he needs is people sending him death threats, ignorantly blaming him for the loss of someone else's life.

If it was anyone else, would they have received the same treatment? Mysterio was not the most well-liked Superstar on the roster by the "IWC" (Internet Wrestling Community) by the end of his WWE tenure, often receiving criticism he was too injury prone and how he should have hanged up his boots years ago. I was never the biggest Mysterio fan (though I did have the distinct honor of meeting him in person five years ago), but I came to respect his work as he got older. Injuries happen, obviously, and there was nothing left he could do. In fact, an article I recently wrote discussed why he should have had a grander exit from the company last month.

The point I'm trying to get at is if whether these sad group of people only put the blame on Mysterio because of their previous disdain for him. If so, then that might be the most ludicious thing I've ever heard. To "hate" on the guy is one thing, but to blame him for someone's death is the lowest of lows. However, on the bright side, it's been encouraging to see the stories of people remembering Aguayo and the legacy he left behind overwhelm those that cite Mysterio as the reason he died. That much has brought a necessary sense of comfort to the whole ordeal. He will be missed.

My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the friends, family and fans of Perro Aguayo at this time.