WWE stepped up in a major way for lucha libre legend Psicosis, and Rey Mysterio appears to have been the driving force behind making it happen.
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE covered the cost of Psicosis’ hip replacement surgery after Mysterio pushed for the company to help his longtime rival and friend. Nick Khan ultimately approved the expense, which was said to be around $44,000.
Meltzer explained that Psicosis, whose real name is Dionicio Castellanos, is currently under a WWE Legends merchandise deal and that Mysterio spearheaded the effort because of their long history together.
“WWE, through a decision by Nick Khan, paid for Dionicio ‘Nicho’ Castellanos (the original Psicosis) hip replacement. Castellanos is under a merchandise ‘legends’ deal with the company. The price tag was in the $44,000 range. Rey Mysterio spearheaded this.”
Meltzer also pointed to just how important Psicosis was to Mysterio’s career, noting that the two worked extensively together across multiple promotions and produced some of the most memorable matches of Mysterio’s early run.
“Castellanos was Mysterio’s regular opponent and made him shine in AAA, ECW, WAR and then WCW and he had many of his best career matches with him.”
Psicosis became a major name to American wrestling fans through his work in ECW and WCW during the 1990s, where he became a two-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion. He later had a run with WWE in the 2000s before eventually moving into a Legends agreement with the company.
The timing of the surgery news also adds some context to Psicosis’ recent public appearance. At the 2026 Cauliflower Alley Club reunion, he was honored with the 2026 Lucha Libre Award with Mysterio there to help celebrate the moment. Psicosis was also seen using a cane to help with his mobility, making WWE’s decision to cover the hip replacement especially significant.
The move also comes shortly after Nick Khan was connected to another unusual WWE Legends deal. Earlier this month, death match veteran Necro Butcher was signed to a WWE Legends deal despite never actually wrestling for the company.
In Psicosis’ case, though, this went far beyond a merchandise agreement. WWE picked up a major medical bill for a wrestler whose history with Mysterio stretches back decades, with Rey apparently making sure one of the men who helped shape his career got the help he needed.
What do you think of Rey Mysterio pushing WWE to cover Psicosis’ hip replacement surgery? Do you think WWE should do more things like this for wrestling legends? Leave your feedback in the comments below.
