WWE legend Rey Mysterio is reportedly close to making his in-ring return after being sidelined for five months due to a torn groin injury sustained during WrestleMania 41 weekend in April 2025. Sources from PWInsiderElite.com confirm that Mysterio is expected to be at the WWE Performance Center next week as part of the final steps to be medically cleared for competition, a strong indication that his WWE comeback is imminent[1][2][3].

Mysterio’s injury forced him off WWE television just before WrestleMania 41, robbing fans of a highly anticipated match against El Grande Americano. The injury was severe enough to require surgery on both a torn groin and abductor muscles, presenting a challenging recovery for the veteran high-flyer known for his physically demanding style in the ring[4][5]. Despite the longer-than-expected recovery timeline, WWE has taken a cautious approach to ensure Mysterio’s return is fully safe and sustainable.

Before his unfortunate hiatus, Rey Mysterio had been a key figure on Friday Night SmackDown, involved in a heated feud against Santos Escobar and the faction Legado Del Fantasma. His presence was pivotal to SmackDown’s storyline landscape, and his absence left a notable void on the roster[1][2]. Meanwhile, his son Dominik Mysterio has solidified his own rising star status on Monday Night Raw, currently holding the Intercontinental Championship and preparing to challenge for the Mega Championship at the upcoming AAA Worlds Collide event. This added family storyline intrigue has WWE and AAA fans eagerly anticipating both Mysterios’ trajectories[1][5].

According to sources close to WWE and the luchador himself, Rey Mysterio is “getting closer” to returning to active competition, though he has not yet received official clearance. His scheduled appearance at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando is widely viewed as a critical evaluation phase before WWE officially announces his ring return[1][3][6]. This step marks an important milestone reflecting the medical and physical readiness of one of wrestling’s greatest masked icons.

The timing of Mysterio’s return could not be better as WWE partners with AAA for Worlds Collide on September 12, 2025—an event that will spotlight top talent from both promotions. Rey Mysterio is expected to be involved with AAA, potentially sharing the ring once again and adding tremendous star power to the collaboration. In a recent interview, Mysterio hinted at the possibility of renewing rivalries in AAA depending on the outcomes of high-profile matches during Worlds Collide, mentioning that he would “tip his mask twice” if Dominik wins the Mega Championship, emphasizing familial pride and legacy[5].

Backstage, WWE officials are optimistic about Mysterio’s impact upon his return, viewing him as a crucial veteran presence who can boost SmackDown’s viewership and inject excitement into WWE’s fall programming. A WWE insider shared, “Rey’s return is a game-changer—he brings a unique blend of experience, charisma, and high-flying athleticism that few can match. The WWE and AAA fans have waited long enough, and it’s shaping up to be a huge moment when he finally steps back into the ring”[1].

While the exact date of Rey Mysterio’s WWE in-ring return remains unconfirmed, all signs point to him being cleared imminently and possibly appearing on television before the year’s end. His comeback aligns with WWE’s strategy to strengthen its talent roster ahead of major events, including the upcoming WWE shows at Madison Square Garden and WWE’s counter-programming plans against rival AEW events[4].

Rey Mysterio’s journey from injury to recovery highlights the physical toll that wrestling takes on even the most durable athletes. His gradual return underscores WWE’s careful balance of safeguarding talent health while delivering the compelling in-ring action that fans expect. For devotees of lucha libre and WWE alike, Mysterio’s comeback promises to be a major highlight of the wrestling calendar and a vital piece in the evolving WWE-AAA partnership narrative.

Key Points:

• Rey Mysterio suffered a torn groin and abductor injury during WrestleMania 41 weekend in April 2025[4][5].
• He is in the final recovery stages and expected to undergo medical clearance at WWE Performance Center imminently[1][3][6].
• His son, Dominik Mysterio, is currently the WWE Intercontinental Champion, engaged in AAA’s Mega Championship scene[5].
• WWE officials view his return as a significant boost for SmackDown and AAA Worlds Collide[1][4][5].
• The partnership event AAA Worlds Collide on September 12 marks an ideal spotlight for Rey’s return[5].

As WWE and AAA fans await Rey Mysterio’s next move, his recovery and imminent return remain a top story in professional wrestling, underscoring the enduring legacy of one of the industry’s most iconic figures.