It is July 23rd 2002 and WWE are in Indianapolis, Indiana for the SmackDown following Vengeance. Historically, this is often circled as the start of Paul Heyman’s blue brand era, featuring Brock Lesnar’s first night as a member of the SmackDown roster. It’s quite the show, involving Lesnar immediately and also hosting hot action such as The Big Valkbowski vs. Reverend D-Von. In all seriousness, this show includes a tag team title match, with Hulk Hogan and The Rock challenging The Un-Americans.
In addition, it’s closed by a Steel Cage match between Chris Jericho and Edge, but is perhaps most famous for featuring Rey Mysterio’s promotional debut. The week prior, Chavo Guerrero had claimed the role as his initial opponent, scoring a submission win over Hurricane and cutting a promo in Mysterio’s direction. Those two had history, wrestling as far back as 1996 and sharing a good one at SuperBrawl Revenge. That match is notable, as Mysterio is clearly struggling some.
In the seventeen months since, Mysterio has floated around, taking some time away before working Mexico and Puerto Rico. Moreover, he’s made a couple towns for IWA Mid-South, working a famous three way with CM Punk and Eddie Guerrero. After signing with WWE, Mysterio made a single appearance in OVW, then touring with main roster house shows, initially wrestling Chavo Guerrero. In fact, he hardly worked a match in that month or so that didn’t involve Guerrero.
Chavo immediately takes Rey to the mat, kicking off a wrestling exchange that with a kick to the gut, he halts at the first sign of a disadvantage. They go into a gorgeous sequence from there, as Mysterio’s speed overwhelms Guerrero for a seamless flurry. Their chemistry is instantly apparent, with Guerrero basing neatly until a violent German suplex. He then briefly targets the mid-section, throwing some body punches after dropping Mysterio on the top rope.
An abdominal stretch follows, while Michael Cole reminds us of Guerrero’s aforementioned recent win. In that bout, Chavo took advantage of an injury to Hurricane’s leg, which they now use as a defining trait. It’s not much, just adds some colour. Mysterio keeps fighting nonetheless, kicking off a comeback only to be dropkicked out of the air. Guerrero then chucks Rey to the floor, bringing him back in for a gorgeous gutbuster.
Mysterio finds a timely dropkick in response, then diving to the floor with a corkscrew thingy. He continues to roll as they return to the ring, further rattling Guerrero with his speed. They are highlighting how elusive he is as much as any acrobatics and such, creating a cat and mouse dynamic. Chavo’s timing is enough to keep him competitive, landing a Gory Bomb for 2. Mysterio rallies immediately afterwards, scoring 619 and a springboard ‘rana for the win!
It’s a nice debut, even if not an outright touchdown. Part of that is why this run worked so well though in truth, as Mysterio is clearly ready to adjust. This isn’t WCW Rey Jr, nor is it supposed to be, he’s instead plugging his game into a WWE formula. While divisive at the time, I think it’s fair to say that things worked out in the end. In that same vein, he probably sells a smidge too much here, but that’d ultimately define his run, so whatever.
I will say that I had no idea that almost immediately afterwards, he was left laying by Test. Howling. Either way, good match, packing quite a bit in its six minutes or so. Guerrero does a tremendous job and keeps things moving with his control segment, serving as a steady hurdle for Mysterio to overcome. It’s a good start for an iconic run, enjoyable television graps.
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