If it seems like you never see Rey Mysterio on WWE television, that's because you never see Rey Mysterio on WWE television. The 39-year-old veteran is perpetually injured -- he's currently out dealing with an issue with his hand -- and it was thought not long ago that Vince McMahon would choose to pass on re-signing him when his contract came due this year because of the expense for a guy who is constantly rehabbing physical ailments.
Well, according to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required but recommended), Mysterio was re-signed without his ever knowing about it and it's because of all those injuries.
Dave Meltzer explains the bizarre situation:
On the Rey Mysterio front, his contract was to have expired a few weeks ago. He got word that Vince McMahon had renewed it for one year, even though there was no option period of that type in the contract. WWE contracts are allowed to be frozen in the event of injury. The WWE went with the idea that due to his missing so much time during the contract period due to injuries, that Mysterio owed them time and he was renewed through May of 2015 on that basis.
It's an interesting decision because Mysterio makes a lot of money whether he's being used on TV or not. He's clearly demonstrated an inability to stay healthy for an extended period of time, making it nearly impossible for WWE to count on him creatively.
Still, if there's value -- and there is -- it makes sense McMahon would want to get his money's worth.
Right?