What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes
Episode: Rey Mysterio
Date: February 18, 2026
Host: Cody Rhodes
Guest: Rey Mysterio
Overview
This episode of "What Do You Wanna Talk About?" brings together two generations of wrestling greatness as Cody Rhodes sits down with the legendary Rey Mysterio. Their candid, in-depth conversation journeys through Rey's iconic career, the legacy of lucha libre, wrestling family dynamics, memorable matches and moments, the evolution of wrestling psychology, and personal philosophies behind their sustained success. Long-time fans and newcomers alike gain a rare backstage glimpse into what makes Rey Mysterio a universally respected figure—and the bond between legacy superstars.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Rey’s Legacy and Influence in Wrestling
- Cody introduces Rey as the greatest luchador in history, surpassing even the legendary El Santo (00:50).
- Rey is celebrated for his cross-generational influence: world champion, tag team champion, cruiserweight champion, WWE Hall of Famer, Royal Rumble winner.
Quote:
"I consider the greatest luchador of all time even being bigger than the unbelievable El Santo..."
— Cody Rhodes [00:50]
2. The Art and Significance of the Mask
- The duo’s conversation opens with Cody praising Rey’s unique and evolving sense of style, especially his iconic masks.
- Discussion of Rey’s favorite mask—the Hall of Fame mask designed like a helmet by his longtime designer, Hayashi, who has crafted Rey’s gear since 1996 (02:54–06:11).
- The culture of gear in Japanese wrestling, gift-giving, and the enduring relationship with his designer.
Quote:
"He came to me with the present. He flew in from Osaka... And he pulled it out. And my masks bend made out of material. This one was like a helmet..."
— Rey Mysterio [02:52]
3. Stories Behind Iconic Outfits and Matches
- Rey reminisces about his historic “Phantom” suit from Halloween Havoc 1997 against Eddie Guerrero, revealing its inspiration for a unique cocktail (“Desert Phantom”) served during the episode (08:08–09:12).
- Discussion about memorable but challenging costume moments, like his troublesome WrestleMania 21 latex mask (10:00–11:51).
Quote:
"That was one of the masks that I loved. I just struggled throughout that whole match trying to keep it on. It would slip and move."
— Rey Mysterio [11:25]
4. Tributes and Connections: Eddie Guerrero, Art Barr, and Wrestling Families
- A look at Rey and Dominik’s tribute gear to Eddie Guerrero and Art Barr (“Los Gringos Locos”) at WrestleMania (12:28–13:01).
- Rey’s candid reflection on his close friendship with Art Barr and the limitations of fame “before social media” (13:33–14:12).
- Generational wrestling is a recurring theme—Rey shares his own journey and how relationships, both personal and professional, shaped his career.
Quote:
"Some weird reason, Art and I just got along very well...”
— Rey Mysterio [13:33]
5. Family Pride: Watching the Next Generation
- Cody shares a touching moment of watching Rey observe his son, Dominik ("Dom"), at a show—comparing this to memories with his own father (17:19–21:21).
- Rey discusses the pride in seeing his children pursue their paths, especially Dom’s rise as a major WWE figure.
Quote:
“Watching you watch him in Boston ... it’s really wild. ... It has to be for you.”
— Cody Rhodes [19:07]
6. Backstage, Psychology, and Breaking In
- Rey recounts his audition for WCW, trial matches with Dean Malenko, and learning to adapt his style from the fast-paced Lucha libre to the more story-driven American wrestling (23:08–25:43).
- Key lessons from forebears—Dean Malenko’s advice on physical communication in the ring, adapting, and building chemistry.
Quote:
"Dean was just incredible at just putting pieces together and, and I would tell him, I would love to do this. Where can we throw this in?”
— Rey Mysterio [23:40]
- The supportive locker room and mutual admiration among the “cruiserweight class” (Jericho, Dragon, Eddie, etc.) and the emergence of their division as a crucial component of WCW’s success (29:08–31:48).
7. Lucha Libre’s Next Evolution & Generational Talent
- Discussion about WWE's acquisition of AAA, fan expectations and the enduring essence of Lucha libre (35:25–36:44).
- Rey highlights up-and-coming Luchadors like Hijo del Vikingo, son of Dr. Wagner Jr., Penta, Fenix, and the generational aspect of wrestling in both families and stables (40:25–45:01).
- The challenge of giving advice—should young wrestlers today “do less to mean more,” or push the boundaries like Rey did in his youth? (41:26–42:14)
- The importance of “basing” in lucha (the art of being the foundation for high-flying moves), with Cody crediting Rey for teaching crucial fundamentals (84:04).
Quote:
"Being a heel is 10 times harder than being a baby face. Because you have to base, you have to carry. You have to be in the right spot…”
— Rey Mysterio [83:31]
8. Opening Doors for Each Other
- A profoundly emotional segment where Cody thanks Rey for choosing him as his WrestleMania opponent, describing it as a “life-changing” opportunity (52:31–57:36).
- Rey credits Conan for opening doors in his own path, mirroring the mentorship Cody received from Rey.
Quote:
"You changed my life...I would have never had a high. Everything. So I have to thank you."
— Cody Rhodes [54:36]
"I've had incredible opponents over the years that thanks to them, like, I have outshined and been put on the map. But I truly don't believe that I would be here if I wouldn't have been given the opportunity..."
— Rey Mysterio [56:00]
9. Respect, Locker Room Camaraderie, and Staying Grounded
- Cody lauds Rey’s reputation as the most universally beloved figure in wrestling locker rooms (63:19–64:07).
- Rey attributes this to his upbringing, gratitude, treating all peers with respect, and passion for wrestling.
Quote:
"I've always respected all my peers younger or older than me. And I think I've always treated everyone the way I've been wanting to be treated."
— Rey Mysterio [65:18]
10. Family Training, Next Generation, and Personal Growth
- Both discuss their early training—Cody’s with his father Dusty, Rey’s as a child under his uncle (74:02–76:45).
- Rey shares updates about his daughter Aaliyah’s interest and progress in training and the excitement (and anxiety) of possibly having another family member step into wrestling (76:27–79:26).
- Rey’s philosophy as a father: never force but always support the dreams of his children (94:39–95:22).
11. Philosophy on Learning, Longevity & Remaining Timeless
- Both agree that continued learning, adaptation, and humility are vital for longevity (88:15–88:49, 89:40).
- Rey reflects on his goals post-Hall of Fame induction; his ongoing roles include contributing to AAA’s growth, supporting Dom’s journey, and adapting to the ever-changing industry (90:46–91:37).
12. Fun Rapid-Fire Topics and Lighthearted Moments
- Rey’s “Dream Team” (zombie apocalypse or wrestling apocalypse): his dogs, and his lifelong friend Konnan (97:06–99:08).
- Final word games: Rey coins the phrase “Wheatley so good I drink it maskedly” for a vodka jingle (100:18).
- Anecdotes about first training matches, locker room pranks, The Miz’s competitiveness, springboards, and the art of “basing.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
-
On the Hall of Fame mask’s story:
“He came to me with the present. … My masks bend made out of material. This one was like a helmet.”
— Rey [02:52] -
On the Halloween Havoc 1997 “Desert Phantom” suit & drink:
“This drink is special. It was the Halloween Havoc 97 against Eddie Guerrero. Phantom outfit. So it’s … a touch of Rey Mysterio. Ish."
— Rey [08:08] -
On Dom’s generational growth:
“Watching you watch him in Boston … it’s really wild. … It has to be for you.”
— Cody [19:07]“I now understand and can imagine how your dad felt watching you. Because we have the sense of pride and joy … in some way or form, that is paying off.”
— Rey [58:18] -
On opening doors in wrestling:
“You changed my life...I would have never had a high ... So I have to thank you."
— Cody [54:36]"I've had incredible opponents over the years ... but I truly don't believe I would be here if I wouldn't have been given the opportunity … which was Conan.”
— Rey [56:00] -
On staying beloved and grounded:
“I’ve always respected all my peers younger or older than me. … That comes from home.”
— Rey [64:45] -
On being a base, not just a flyer:
"Being a heel is 10 times harder than being a baby face ... you have to base, you have to carry. You have to be in the right spot."
— Rey [83:31] -
On timelessness and continuing to learn:
"I feel your open mindedness ... the character Rey Mysterio is timeless ... just watching last night ... it's very timeless. Congrats."
— Cody [88:49]
Highlighted Segments (Timestamps)
- Intro & Rey’s Fashion Sense: 00:00–04:55
- Bond with Designer, Japanese Culture: 04:55–07:02
- Favorite and Worst Masks: 10:00–11:51
- Eddie Guerrero/Art Barr Tributes: 12:30–14:12
- On Watching Dominik Rise: 17:19–21:21
- Adapting to American Style, Lessons from Dean Malenko: 23:08–25:59
- Learning to Base, “Heel is Harder” Philosophy: 83:04–84:04
- WrestleMania Life-Changing Story: 52:31–57:36
- Locker Room Camaraderie & Respect: 63:19–66:21
- Aaliyah’s Interest in Wrestling: 76:27–79:26
- Dream Team Segment: 97:06–99:08
- Maskly Vodka Jingle: 100:18
Tone & Language
The conversation is warm, deeply respectful, self-deprecating and often playful—a blend of nostalgia, mentorship, humor, and authentic gratitude between two icons from wrestling families. Cody’s heartfelt storytelling meets Rey’s humble reflections; both speak with candor, reverence, and camaraderie, making this episode a gift for fans of wrestling, lucha libre, and compelling life stories.
For wrestling fans, aspiring athletes, or anyone interested in legacy, learning, and the bonds that shape champions, this episode is unmissable.