Dominik Mysterio Says His WWE Character Is Rooted in Eddie Guerrero’s Legacy

Dominik Mysterio is making it known—his on-screen persona today wouldn’t exist without the lasting influence of Eddie Guerrero.

In a new video posted by WWE on Thursday, the current Judgment Day member opened up about how much Eddie meant to him personally and professionally, revealing just how deep the connection goes. Dominik started by dropping a major behind-the-scenes detail: the infamous 2005 custody battle storyline that captivated WWE fans was Guerrero’s own idea.

“He did so much for our family because it was his idea to do the whole custody battle.”

Back then, Dominik was only eight years old, watching two of WWE’s greatest—Eddie and his own father Rey Mysterio—duel it out in a ladder match at SummerSlam. But behind the scenes, Eddie made sure the kid at the center of it all was protected and cared for.

“He was just always making sure that I was okay, getting taken care of. Always very kind, helpful, just a bright light.”

Just months after that unforgettable SummerSlam match, Eddie tragically passed away at age 38. For Dominik, the impact of that loss hit hard.

“When Eddie passed, that was the first time I saw my dad cry. I know Eddie had a rough past. I know he struggled with a lot of stuff in the past, addictions and stuff like that that he’s dealt with. I know that when he was doing the angles with me, he was the best version of himself.”

Before Dominik fully committed to pro wrestling, he said he hit a crossroads—dropping out of college, unsure of his future, and physically and emotionally lost. It was his now-wife who gave him the push to chase his passion.

“I was around 260lbs. Just lost. My wife now, girlfriend at the time, she knew it… I started crying, just bawling up and she looks at me and she’s like ‘Dom, you have to go. You got to do this.’”

Now that Dominik is a key figure on WWE TV, especially in his work with Rhea Ripley and The Judgment Day, he credits Eddie Guerrero for planting the seeds that shaped the swagger and attitude he brings to the ring.

“This is all Eddie. I watched him just so much that it organically became a thing. Even with the Rhea stuff—Eddie and Chyna. Now, the lie, cheat, and steal stuff that we’re currently doing.”

“Without Eddie even knowing, he planted that seed. He’s just always been there. The whole time.”

Dominik may be one of WWE’s most polarizing characters today, but his heart—and his inspiration—comes straight from someone fans still cherish to this day.