Rey Mysterio has credited Kurt Angle as the first WWE star to mentor him after their SummerSlam 2002 match.
Speaking on The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast, Mysterio recalled how Angle chose him as an opponent from three options presented by WWE. Angle told Mysterio he had wanted to work with him since seeing him in WCW. Mysterio said he felt honored by the choice. Mysterio described how Angle helped improve his craft. He noted that Angle pulled him aside and taught him new methods to make his work better. Mysterio added that such guidance from veterans helps younger wrestlers adapt and build better habits over time.