Rey’s Fight4Autism has launched, where in exchange for a $4 donation, everyone is entered into a prize draw with some very special prizes. “The best thing we can do is bring more awareness (about autism) and find resources that can help all these families on growing, and not feeling left out of the world because autism can be a very scary thing, you just have to learn how to control it” says Rey. Now he intends to use that same passion to change perceptions of autism. Rey won the title, and changed perceptions of pro wrestling in the process. In 2006, Rey shattered the glass ceiling for smaller wrestlers when he lasted a record 62 minutes in the Royal Rumble and earned a shot at the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 22. “I’m truly blessed to have been able to take part in so many wishes from Make-a-Wish Foundation and now to be able to do something on my own, to connect with autistic children around the world, is just going to be magnificent” adds Rey. “The parents would tell Rey of their children’s difficulties with everyday life, but explain the joy they expressed when seeing Rey in the ring, or meeting him in person” says Steve. Steve Withers, who is a head of talent relations, noticed the instant rapport that Rey had with fans and the young people he encountered, and is part of a team in the UK that began working day and night to form a charity that could benefit autism.

It is a privilege that the wrestling high-flyer takes seriously, and so when he was approached by friends and colleagues in the UK about personally fronting a new charity for autism, he welcomed the opportunity with open arms.

After wowing fans in a number of wrestling promotions, Rey (real name Óscar Gutiérrez) signed with the leading brand in Sports Entertainment, WWE, in 2002.įor the most part, the luchador has spent the last 16 years there, and is often called upon to fulfil the wishes of terminally ill children that want to meet with their idol.

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