WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio has been pulled from the WWE World Cup tournament after suffering an injury. The Mexican star has not wrestled since October 30 in Mexico City and recently had an incredible match against Intercontinental Champion Gunther on Friday Night Smackdown.
Mysterio was set to take part in the World Cup Tournament, which is taking place on Smackdown in reference to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The winner of the tournament will take home their own “World Cup Trophy” and also earn a title shot against Gunther, likely at WWE Survivor Series 2022.
The eight-man tournament opened with Santos Escobar representing Mexico, Shinsuke Nakamura representing Japan, Braun Strowman representing the United States, Jinder Mahal representing India, Butch representing England, Sami Zayn representing Canada, Mustafa Ali representing Pakistan, and Ricochet representing the United States. Mysterio was set to take part but was replaced by Ali representing Pakistan instead.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter confirmed that Mysterio was backstage on Smackdown but had to be pulled from the tournament due to either a foot or ankle injury, known due to the boot he was wearing.
Rey Mysterio was scheduled for the World Cup but he had either a foot or an ankle injury and was replaced by Mustafa Ali. He was in Indianapolis backstage with a walking boot on. He’s not expected to be out more than a few weeks but wasn’t going to be able to do the tournament.
Dave Meltzer on Rey Mysterio’s injury
It is unknown when Rey Mysterio will return from injury.