It is a tradition of Mexican professional Wrestling, called lucha libre. The wrestlers are known as luchadores, and the masks are known as máscaras. The mask represents the character they are portraying, often some sort of animal, deity, or legendary hero. In the same tradition, the character follows the mask. In Mexico, if Rey Mysterio took off his mask, he would be called Óscar Gutiérrez (though he might still be referred to by his ring name by some, especially those who don't know his real name). If he then gave his mask to another luchador to wear, that person would become Rey Mysterio while he wore the mask.
The mask, to a luchador, gives him an opportunity to be someone or something bigger than himself - larger than life, as it were. It is considered a grave insult to unmask a luchador, and is often grounds for disqualification if it happens during a match. Luchadores will sometimes put their mask up for wager in certain matches, like to entice a champion to put his title on the line as well.
Some have said that Rey Mysterio's mask is meant to hide a childlike face, which is blatantly untrue. He is not embarrassed about his face, but rather embraces the rich history and tradition of lucha libre. To suggest anything else would be insulting not only to Rey Mysterio, but also to Sin Cara and the thousands of luchadores in all parts of the world, past and present.
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rey mysterio buys masks at target in san jose
June 2010 the person above doesn't have a clue!! He doesn't buy them at any store, he has them specially made in Mexico try reading his book
It is a tradition which began since the first wrestlers in Mexico appeared (1950's). Santo, Blue Demon and other wresters popularized the use of masks to such extent that even when not appearing in public, they never took off their masks.
Looks very young at least in the video that I saw. Not bad looking at all.
he is old now, but he looks young with the mask