Kevin Nash Recounted Rey Mysterio Mask Loss Decision

The former WCW star reflected on the 1999 creative choice to have Rey Mysterio compete without his iconic mask.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Wrestling

Expressive editorial sports illustration showing two wrestlers in dynamic action inside a ring, captured in a high-contrast, painted style. — Kevin Nash reflected on his 1999 decision to force Rey Mysterio to perform without his mask for a WCW promotional advertising campaign. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Kevin Nash oversaw the 1999 Hair vs. Mask Match at Superbrawl IX that forced Rey Mysterio to perform unmasked. The decision was driven by WCW executives who required Mysterio to appear in a planned advertising campaign without his mask.

Why it matters

The creative move highlighted the friction between WCW management and wrestling talent during the late 1990s. Nash also used the unmasking and subsequent singles losses to smaller opponents to attempt to demonstrate a commitment to clean finishes.

The match between Rey Mysterio and Kevin Nash on February 22, 1999, lasted for 3 minutes. This bout occurred shortly after the Superbrawl IX event where the unmasking took place.

The players

Kevin Nash

He is a retired professional wrestler and former WCW executive who held significant creative influence during the late 1990s.

Rey Mysterio

He is a professional wrestler who gained international fame for his high-flying style and iconic luchador mask.

Scott Hall

He was a prominent professional wrestler who was a central figure in the WCW roster during the era.

Konnan

He is a professional wrestler and long-time associate of Rey Mysterio who participated in the 1999 match.

The details

Kevin Nash booked the Hair vs. Mask Match at Superbrawl IX, which resulted in Rey Mysterio and Konnan losing to Nash and Scott Hall. Mysterio competed without his mask for the remainder of his WCW tenure as part of the promotional push.

Rey Mysterio lost his mask at Superbrawl IX in 1999.
Rey Mysterio defeated Kevin Nash on February 22, 1999.

Roadmap

This event remains a critical reference point in the history of luchador traditions within American wrestling promotions. It illustrates the ongoing struggle between cultural identity and mainstream commercial demands in the late 20th-century industry.

Fans can view these historical WCW segments on various streaming platforms to analyze the evolution of wrestling production. The story serves as a reminder of how executive creative control directly altered the career paths of legendary performers.

The takeaway

The unmasking of high-profile stars remains a controversial topic in wrestling history due to its cultural significance. This historical look provides insight into the creative strategies used by executives to force character shifts for marketing purposes.