#1.) The unmasking debacle
In 1999, Rey Mysterio was forced to unmask after losing a Hair vs Mask match against Kevin Nash & Scott Hall. Mysterio was understandably upset by the decision, publicly stating his disappointment. But understandably, it was either going to be his mask or his job. But he still felt it was major disrespect to him and Lucha culture, where the mask means everything.
Interestingly enough, he was originally supposed to lose his mask in a Title vs Mask match against Eddie Guerrero at Halloween Havoc 1997 two years prior. Guerrero himself protested to backstage officials and it was only 10 minutes before the match that Mysterio was told that he was going to win. They would put on one of the greatest matches in WCW history.
When Mysterio debuted in WWE, it was with the mask upon his own request. It turned out to be an excellent decision as it helped him pave his own identity while also having the mask become a massive merchandising machine.
