Rey Mysterio’s Asking Price Reportedly Too High For NJPW and ROH
Former WWE champion Rey Mysterio Jr. remains the hottest name on the free agent market, but his asking price could keep him on the sidelines.
WWE officials reportedly passed on Mysterio while negotiations with GFW/Impact Wrestling fell through. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, ROH and NJPW are interested in bringing in the 42-year-old lucha libre legend.
ROH is looking to expand and Mysterio’s diversity would allow him to work with a variety of opponents in the organization. Meanwhile, NJPW is planning on running more West Coast events and Mysterio’s name would likely boost sales in that area.
NJPW held two shows in California back in July. Each show drew just over 2,300 fans. NJPW owner Takaaki Kidani said the company would return for a US tour in early 2018.
However, the masked superstar's $10,000 is more than either company is willing to pay at this point. Mysterio is currently getting enough independent bookings at that price where he’s living comfortably but isn’t making close to what he was receiving annually during his time in WWE.
Mysterio was a regular during seasons two and three of Lucha Underground, but with season four up in the air, he would be wise to explore any avenue presented to him. He recently competed in WCPW, battling Will Ospreay and Richochet, and had a series of matches in CWE.
The longtime fan favorite last appeared on WWE television in April 2014, losing a RAW match to Wade Barrett. Following the bout, he took time off to heal a wrist injury and then entered into a contract dispute with the company before leaving in February 2015.