5 Ways WWE can turn Humberto Carrillo into the next Rey Mysterio

WWE is a multinational business, a company that transcends barriers and borders across the globe. Vince McMahon’s business is known in all four corners of the world due to his ability to create International Superstars. Strategically, WWE has always tried to cater to several International markets, allowing their merchandise and TV product to appeal to various dialects.

For the past two decades, Rey Mysterio has been the face of Mexican wrestling in America. Not only is the 44-year-old Mexico’s greatest export, but he’s also one of the biggest stars of the modern era. That’s why the company has struggled to replace him, continuously coming back to him.

Humberto Carrillo has been tipped as the next WWE Latino megastar and the man to finally replicate the success of the '619 Luchador.' If he’s booked right, Humberto could be huge.

Here are 5 ways to make Humberto Carrillo into the next Rey Mysterio.

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#5 Don’t give up on him

Humberto Carrillo's full name is Humberto Solano Carrillo

In a day and age where the average person is used to getting things almost instantaneously, patience often runs thin. Because of this mentality, many a WWE Superstar has seen their push cut short due to a perceived lack of interest from fans. With a guy as talented as Humberto Carrillo, WWE cannot afford to give up on his connection with the crowd. It’s always hard to introduce someone brand new to the WWE Universe and expect fans to take a liking to them straightaway.

That connection has to be gradually built up over time as fans become sure that they can build interest in him before a potential burial is initiated. Fans must be able to get to that point where they recognize the talent of Humberto Carrillo, but also his likability, and this can only come with time. If WWE pulls the rug from under him too quickly, they’ll never be able to build him into the next big thing.

#4 Join a faction

Humberto Carrillo made his pro wrestling debut in 2012

Humberto Carrillo’s work on 205 Live is nowhere near enough to establish him as a recognized babyface on the RAW roster. As you can tell by current crowd reactions, the mainstream wrestling public doesn’t quite know who he is, and likely won’t for another couple of months at least. In order to fast-track Carrillo to the forefront of the show, the 24-year-old must share his TV time with a face fans recognize.

In the past, we’ve seen some of the greats paired with more established Superstars in order to first find their feet. Take for example, Randy Orton, who was thrust under the tutelage of Ric Flair and Triple H while The Rock was thrown into the Nation of Domination. Potential can’t always be instantly tapped into. It must first be nurtured over a period of time around the right people.

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#3 Let him be himself

Humberto signed with WWE in 2018

In a day and age where kayfabe is virtually dead, WWE needs to find new ways to appeal to fans. The dirt sheets have allowed viewers to understand the backstage dealings of the company, leaving the business less room to surprise the audience.

The worst thing WWE can do with Humberto Carrillo is to micromanage him and present him in the way they feel appeals to their target demographic. Fans always reject what they feel is being shoved down their collective throats. They especially hate to have their intelligence insulted and when something ‘fake’ is pushed, they react negatively.

It’s imperative the 24 year old’s natural personality shines through, giving the average 21st Century viewer a reason to get behind him. The youngster already has infectious charisma and energy around him that makes him likable, especially to the younger demographic.

#2 Book him as the underdog

Carrillo faced Seth Rollins on his first night on RAW

The good thing about Humberto Carrillo is that he already looks like an underdog character. He has a young face and a big smile that makes him look like someone who would never hurt a fly. To establish the RAW Superstar as a babyface, WWE must package him as an underdog that’s looking to work for every opportunity available. Fans like to see Superstars earn their opportunities based on merit, not favoritism from the powers that be.

That’s why a man as talented as Seth Rollins is now getting mixed reactions from fans because they feel he’s being handed everything this year, instead of working to earn them. If Humberto is to be the next Rey Mysterio, he must be the ultimate underdog just like his idol was. Even to this day, Mysterio has defied the odds and fans have gravitated toward him because of his underdog story. Now it’s time to replicate that story with Carrillo.

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#1 Heel turn

Could you see Carrillo as a heel?

Besides Hulk Hogan, most of the great babyfaces had heel runs before they turned good. John Cena and Roman Reigns are perhaps the best examples in recent times, as both made considerable headway as heels before embarking on successful main event face runs.

Sometimes the best way to garner a reaction from the crowd is to force it out of them. Although being a heel may not be the most attractive position on the roster, a good heel turn is the most sure-fire way to get people talking. As a heel, Humberto could completely defy the nice guy persona he's currently portraying.

The heel turn would also have to be initiated in the most epic manner with Rey Mysterio himself succumbing to a vicious beatdown from the youngster. This would catch people’s attention, and turn the 24-year-old into a force to be reckoned with.