Apple Watch setup keeps asking forOLD Applie ID that has not been used for several years?

Logged in with current Apple ID. Apple Watch pairs and connects to iphone 12 mini but then shows a "Messages" screen stating "Signing in with your iMessage account allows you to send and receive SMS, MMS, and iMessages from your Apple Watch and shows the very OLD apple id with two options - Enter Password and Forgot your password? I do not remember password for old id and the forgot your password will not work either (says "Cannot Reset Password This Apple ID is not valid or not supported".