Despite Boxing Backlash, Noah Lyles Makes Bold Confession to WWE Legend Rey Mysterio: “Lot of Entertainment”
In the exhilarating first season of Netflix’s *Sprint*, Noah Lyles declared his ambition to become the face of track and field. Fast forward to Paris 2024, and after clinching gold in the 100m, Lyles is living that dream. Recently, his ventures off the track have captured as much attention as his record-breaking sprints. From racing internet sensation IShowSpeed to weighing in on high-profile boxing matches, the Olympic champion has become a magnet for both admiration and criticism. Now, he’s made headlines yet again—this time in the realm of professional wrestling.
A short while ago, the official WWE Instagram shared a clip of Noah Lyles shaking hands with legendary wrestler Rey Mysterio at ComplexCon. The 27-year-old sprinter’s words reflected genuine respect for Mysterio’s craft:
> “Hey, bro, it’s an honor to me. I know what you gotta put your body through. I know you guys do a lot of entertainment, but a lot of sports too.”
Lyles’ praise for Mysterio highlighted the physical toll and athleticism required for professional wrestling, especially for a veteran like the 49-year-old Mysterio, known for his jaw-dropping acrobatics inside the ring.
The WWE captioned their Instagram post with enthusiasm: *“The world’s fastest man @nojo18 meets the greatest high flyer @619iamlucha at @complexcon!”* Lyles’ meeting with Mysterio was a standout moment from ComplexCon, an event that blended the worlds of sports, music, and fashion. Stars like CM Punk and Liv Morgan were also in attendance, alongside musical acts like Travis Scott and Playboi Carti. As a known fashion enthusiast, Lyles appeared in his element, enjoying the event’s exclusive releases and lively atmosphere.
However, despite the celebratory nature of the encounter, Lyles hasn’t entirely escaped controversy.
Boxing Fans Roast Noah Lyles for His Take
Noah Lyles is no stranger to criticism, having previously sparked online debates with his infamous *“World champions of what? The United States?”* comment about NFL teams. More recently, he found himself under fire for his rookie take on boxing following Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor’s rematch.
In a controversial bout at AT&T Stadium, Katie Taylor narrowly edged out Serrano in another split-decision victory. Lyles supported Serrano’s claim of being robbed in the decision, tweeting:
> “I’m very new to boxing so idk how it works but it looked like to me you definitely won.”
This statement did not sit well with boxing enthusiasts, who pointed out the contradiction in his admission of inexperience while voicing a strong opinion. One irate fan wrote, *“Come on man, first you say you don’t know s**t but then give your half-baked take.”* Despite the backlash, Lyles appeared unfazed.
A Champion Beyond the Track
Noah Lyles continues to transcend the world of athletics, engaging with fans and legends across various domains. His encounter with Rey Mysterio showcased his admiration for other sports and entertainment forms, proving that even amidst criticism, the sprinter remains confident in forging connections and voicing his thoughts. Whether it’s the track, the boxing ring, or the wrestling arena, Lyles isn’t afraid to make bold moves and share his perspective.
