WWE News: Backstage Tension Between WWE Officials and Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio has been out of action since August 2011, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a big source of tension backstage in the WWE. 

Mysterio has suffered a number of serious injuries throughout his career and has had issues in contract negotiations with the WWE before, and it looks like those two factors are causing company officials to sour on the high-flying superstar. 

From PWInsider.com (via WrestlingInc.com): 

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Following Rey Mysterio's visit backstage at last week's Raw SuperShow in San Diego, California, any mention of his name to WWE brass reportedly resulted in a very negative speech. There has been underlying friction on management's part due to tough contract negotiations and not returning from injuries as early as they'd like. Also, some feel because of his small stature, he's lucky to be employed to WWE. 

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Uh oh. This could get interesting. 

Mysterio and the WWE haven’t exactly had the greatest relationship over the years, a result of a number of factors, such as his aforementioned inability to stay healthy and issues during prior contract negotiations. And Mysterio’s most recent knee injury has only made matters worse. 

The high-flying superstar is one of the most popular wrestlers in all of the WWE, but sits on the sidelines almost as often as he competes in the ring. His small stature and risky style have made him incredibly injury-prone, and he hasn’t been the same Mysterio over the last few years. 

Mysterio has only been a true World title contender and main event star a couple of times throughout his career—yeah, he’s popular, but not John Cena popular—and he comes with a bit more baggage than most of the WWE’s bigger stars do. 

Since around 2009 or 2010, it’s seemed like Mysterio could be on the outs with the WWE, so this latest news really isn’t all that surprising. 

It’s not like Mysterio is getting any younger (he’s 37) or healthier (at least five knee surgeries), and the latest friction during the contract negotiation process is something that the WWE may no longer want to deal with. 

Although Mysterio’s done a lot for the WWE and still moves a ton of merchandise, this tension may ultimately result in him mutually parting ways with the company.

Drake Oz is a WWE Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter and ask him any wrestling-related questions on Formspring.Drake Oz is a WWE Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter and ask him any wrestling-related questions on Formspring.