Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio's custody battle revelations, discussed by Dominik Mysterio, on the 20-year mark
Twenty years have passed since the historic "Custody of Dominik" ladder match took place at SummerSlam 2005. This emotional and personal bout saw Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero battling it out for custody of Rey's son, Dominik, who was a child at the time.
In a surprising turn of events, Rey Mysterio emerged victorious, retaining custody of Dominik. However, looking back in 2025, Rey expressed a regret that Eddie had not won and kept custody, given the complex relationship Dominik has since developed with his father. Now wrestling as "Dirty Dom" and showing disdain towards Rey, Dominik seems to have taken more after his late uncle Eddie Guerrero's legacy.
The original match is remembered as one of WWE’s most memorable personal storylines, with its intense emotion and storytelling still resonating today. It remains a celebrated classic, with highlights and full match footage accessible on platforms like WWE’s official TikTok and YouTube. Fans and WWE regularly pay tribute to this match, especially during anniversaries, recognising its uniqueness as the only “custody ladder match” in WWE history.
Rey Mysterio shared that Dominik watches and performs matches that pay tribute to Eddie Guerrero, reflecting his ongoing connection to and respect for his uncle's memory, despite the storyline tension with his father. Dominik is set to face AJ Styles this Sunday, a match that he is particularly excited about, given his admiration for the "Latino Heat" gimmick of the late wrestling great Eddie Guerrero.
In the past, Dominik was front and centre for the family celebrations with Rey Mysterio after his win at SummerSlam. However, Dominik has since referred to his father as a "deadbeat" and a "terrible guy," and has claimed that Eddie Guerrero was nicer to him compared to his father. Interestingly, Dominik was put up for foster care during the custody match, a fact that has come to light recently.
The original plan for the custody match was for WWE to hang Dominik Mysterio from a cage, but this idea was eventually abandoned. Dominik's first direct involvement in WWE came while working with Guerrero mere months before the latter's passing. Since aligning himself with the Judgement Day, Dominik has adopted the 'Latino Heat' gimmick of the late wrestling great Eddie Guerrero.
In an exclusive interview, Dominik mentioned that he rewatches the ladder contest and studies Eddie Guerrero, citing him as the best, if not the greatest of all time. AJ Styles, known as The Phenomenal One, has previously named Guerrero as the star he wished he had the chance to share the ring with. As we approach the 20th anniversary of the "Custody of Dominik" match, it serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of Eddie Guerrero and the complex family dynamics that often play out in the world of professional wrestling.
References: [1] talkSPORT (2021). Dominik Mysterio: I rewatch the ladder match and study Eddie Guerrero. [online] Available at: https://www.talksport.com/sport/wwe/1276903/dominik-mysterio-i-rewatch-the-ladder-match-and-study-eddie-guerrero/ [2] WWE (2021). WWE's Top 10 Custody Matches. [online] Available at: https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2021/toplist/top-10-custody-matches [3] WWE (2021). Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero - Custody of Dominik Match - WWE SummerSlam 2005. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-jg6JQsjmI [4] WWE (2021). SummerSlam: The Greatest Matches - Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero - Custody of Dominik Match. [online] Available at: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwe/video/7016786328583426379 [5] WWE (2021). WWE SummerSlam 2005: Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero - Custody of Dominik Match. [online] Available at: https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2005/matches/rey-mysterio-vs-eddie-guerrero-custody-of-dominik-match-25655347
In the realm of sports, both MLB and football offer their own unique thrills, but the 2005 "Custody of Dominik" match in WWE stands out as a remarkable chapter, showcasing a level of personal storytelling rarely seen even in football locker rooms or baseball dugouts. Rey Mysterio and Dominik, now following Eddie Guerrero's footsteps and known as "Dirty Dom," will face off against AJ Styles this Sunday, a match that mirrors the complex family dynamics and legacy left by the late Eddie Guerrero, echoing through the halls of WWE, MLB, and football alike.
