Sitting across from you, we just have to ask: How can you see in that mask?
I can’t! It’s very difficult. The eyepieces are very dark, and my vision is obscured. I’m often just working on instinct, reacting to the moment based on how well I know my way around the ring, and what I know about my opponent. I’m almost like an animal in that way, just going with my instincts.

When you debuted, there was a lot of talk about you being the successor to Rey Mysterio. Did you take that as a compliment, or the shortsightedness of the WWE Universe reacting to another masked Superstar?
I think being compared to Rey Mysterio is a great honor! In Mexico, Rey’s an icon, so to be mentioned along with him is in no way a bad thing. But I also don’t see myself as a Rey Mysterio clone. Our styles are similar, but each of us has something distinct, as well. I’ve learned a lot from Rey. Being his partner has been one of the highlights of my career.

We’re really enjoying the split-masks concept. Whose creative idea was that?
Rey and I came up with that idea. We wanted to show the unity between Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara. This is a dream team, having the two of us together, and we felt that creating a split mask reflects the best of both worlds. It’s the perfect way to symbolize that Rey and Sin Cara are unified.

What has been the hardest thing about adapting to life in WWE?
By far, the most difficult thing I’ve had to adapt to is the fact that 95 percent of the Superstars speak English and only English. I’m a Mexican-born luchador, and I never felt I was going to need English. I lived in Mexico; I had a career there. It’s not that I never wanted to learn English; I just never had the need to. So working in an English-speaking environment has been quite the challenge! But I’m taking classes, and I study at home and on the road.

The rivalry between you and Hunico (aka Sin Cara Negro) was really what put you on the map and cemented your place on the roster. What was your take on it?
I loved it. It was cool to have to wrestle myself, in a way, because originally he had the same outfit I had. Then when he changed to the black version of my gear, it felt almost like I was wrestling my shadow. Something that I couldn’t get rid of but was also a dark reflection of myself. There was a lot about that rivalry I enjoyed. And when it was over, I showed everyone who the real Sin Cara was!

To read more from the exclusive interview, including what Sin Cara plans for 2013, pick-up the January issue of ‘WWE Magazine’ or SUBSCRIBE HERE and save 70 percent off the newsstand price.