Here's the fourth batch of Eddie Guerrero memory emails. There will be a final batch of emails (I have another 80 or so in my inbox) that I will post probably Sunday night at some point that will culminate this week we have spent remembering the life and legacy of the great Eddie Guerrero. Next week I'm probably going to write a column to try to summarize the week, specifically the two shows WWE put on and also all the emails I've been reading through in the past week. I don't know how many there have been. I've lost count now, but I'd say the number is over 350 at least. I don't know how many are in this batch. Somewhere between 70-80 I gather. I know the word count, though, and it's over 14,000 and every single one of them is genuine. That's what Eddie meant to us. This is not about us, the fans, this is about Eddie.
Now here are more of your thoughts on the life and legacy of Eddie Guerrero.
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While Eddie Guerrero put on some great matches in his long career, my best Eddie Guerrero memories are always going to be the Raw and Smackdown that were aired in the week following his death.
Those two wrestling shows are always, in my mind, going to be Eddie Guerrero's legacy, and what a pair of shows they were. Look at what they had.
Naturally, these shows had matches, and not just good ones, but great ones. Everyone going out there for those two days was trying their hardest to put on a match of the caliber and quality that Eddie would have put on, and it showed. Everyone was a step above their normal game, and it showed all over. For me, several matches really stood out. Rey Mysterio and HBK. Shelton Benjamin and Kurt Angle. HHH and Chris Benoit. Best of all, Chavo Guerrero and LBJ, where Chavo hit his brother's favorite spots, his favorite tricks, and lied and cheated to steal the win.
They also had moments of candor. For one week, we got a much-needed reminder that behind the stories are real men that tell them. Even those who portrayed Eddie Guerrero's mortal enemies eulogized him like the great friend he was. Sometimes, in wrestling, we have to struggle to remember that a man who hurls racial slurs and threats of violence at another man in the ring might actually be his best friend in real life. This week, we had to struggle in the opposite direction.
However, it would be unfair to Eddie if we didn't also point out what these shows DIDN'T have.
They didn't have any ego. No one had any ego. No one cared about which brand was being made to look better. Triple H, for all his internet detractors would have expected otherwise, had no qualms about cleanly putting over Eddie's best friend in the main event, even on the "B-show". No one cared how unmanly they might have looked as they hugged, sobbing their eyes in the middle of the ring.
Best of all, they didn't have any garbage filler. Sure, there was the comedy spot of Eugene and Simon Dean, but it was short, sweet, and to the point. Plus, as far as I'm concerned, it played a valuable role in trying to break the heavy mood of the evening. I'm talking about the pure trash. There was no midget buffoonery, no promo by the network executive, no Boogeyman, no simulated anal surgery. The McMahons weren't in the ring. The divas were, of course.. but get this, these theoretical "wrestlers" actually wrestled, each as best as they could. No pillow fights, no T&A contest.. just wrestling.
In the end, these two shows combined nicely into one virtual pay per view - free for us, but only because Eddie paid for it already with his untimely passing.
Thank you for that gift, Eduardo Guerrero. To me, it will always be your legacy.
Viva la raza!
Charles Mousseau
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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I had the opportunity to see Eddie Guerrero wrestle live several times when he was in WCW. He was truly one of the greatest performers ever in the ring. He always brought the house down and stole the show, no matter where he was or who he was wrestling. I always enjoyed seeing him in the ring in the WWE also. He always knew how to bring a smile to my face. I loved everything he did. From his facial expressions to his promo work to his ring work, he was truly a consummate professional. Even though I never had to chance to meet him, I had followed his career since 1989, and I felt like I knew him personally, if only from TV.
I was very glad to hear that he was a Born Again Christian. I am as well, so I know I can look forward to meeting him in person one day in Heaven. I just hate that he had to go so soon. I pray for his family and friends, as I was so hurt over his death that I cried tonight watching the RAW tribute show. I can only imagine what his friends and family must feel.
Rest in Peace, Eddie. I love you, Eddie, and I know millions of others do too.
Derek Williams
An Eddie Guerrero fan for LIFE.
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Firstly, my deepest condolences go to his wife, Vickie and his children, who should see from the amount of testimonials on wwe.com and here on the Oratory being sent in that their father was a great man and was loved by many. It takes an ordinary man to never steer from the path, but it takes a bigger man to go that direction and come back. That itself is a testament to how devoted he was to his love of wrestling, and more importantly, the love of his family.
I know it sounds selfish of me, but I honestly can’t imagine watching ‘Smackdown!’ again without see his tremendous talent. Frankly, it was his show and it’ll never be as good as it was when he was there. It’s so unfair, and it’s so cruel that he is gone so soon. He
is easily one of the all-time greats the industry has ever seen and should be seen as a benchmark for all young talent to aim at. I can’t imagine what his family is going through.
One of my many favourite Eddie moments was during the Latino Heat Eddie/Chyna angle. There's this bit where Eddie and Chyna are in the ring. Suddenly, GTV comes up on the Titantron showing Eddie coming out of the shower with two hot women saying all his Latino slang and bigging himself up in the footage. Then we cut to him with this hilarious look of shock on his face. Even his 'Mamacita' entrance music made me laugh. Man, I'm gonna miss his music along with everything else for sure.
Eddie, find your peace now man, you will be sorely missed by all and I just wanted to say a little piece of all our hearts went with you November 13th, 2005. I think, from now on I’ll try to live my life with a little ‘Latino Heat’ inside of me.
Rest In Peace, Eddie. Viva La Raza
Mahmoud El-Azzeh, London (UK)
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What's Up, John C.!
My fondest memories of Eduardo Gory Guerrero took place during the weekend of WrestleMania 21. As you know, I was there at the Staples Center to witness the granddaddy of 'em all, and I told my little brother that Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio was gonna kick off WrestleMania! Lo and behold-- I was right! I was also cheering for Latino Heat to defeat Rey at Mania, but I guess you can't have everything in life! Despite his loss to Rey, I will never forget the feeling of cheering "Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!" I also got my wish, as Eddie FINALLY turned heel, but eventually Batista made him come to his senses.
Now, the night before WrestleMania 21-- the Hall of Fame, if you will-- was a totally different story. During one of the commercial breaks, the crowd was chanting Eddie's name, and Eddie got up and did his little salsa dance and wrestling taunts; I remember shouting: "WHOOOOOO-- EDDIE!!!"
I was just thinking: Heaven is a place that is reserved for the best. Well, with Mr. Perfect, Owen Hart, Rick Rude, British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Gorilla Monsoon, and Classy Freddie Blassie already at home, I guess you can say that there is a place reserved for Eddie. I can only imagine the main event: Eddie Guerrero vs. Owen Hart!
This is a very difficult time in the life of the wrestling world, as we have lost yet another brother in the family, but knowing Eddie, he would probably say: "Orale, Amigos-- don't worry about me! I'm cool now!"
VIVA EDDIE GUERRERO!!! GRACIAS POR LAS MEMORIAS!!!
Nicholas Johnson
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Yesterday was by far the worst mornings I ever had. It was just a regular morning with me catching up on my daily wrestling news until I saw the posting of Eddie Guerrero dies at age 38 on Rajah. At first I didn’t believe it. I thought ‘okay someone is screwing with us online again’ so I went on wwe.com to see if they said anything. And there it was, Tragic Loss under the picture of Eddie with the year of his death. I was in shock, I was definitely in a denial state of mind. I called my brother over and we both just looked at each other in disbelief. I called everyone I knew at that point, telling them the horrible news. Who knew yesterday would have turned out to be the saddest day for the wrestling world.
I know there has been other deaths in the wrestling world with people like Hart, Bossman, Crash, and others, but none have hit me as hard as Eddie’s did. I have been watching Eddie since I was a kid, tracing back to his early WCW days (feuding with Rey even then). To his breakthrough in WWE with the Radicalz, all the way up to yesterday morning. I have grown up with Eddie almost my entire life, through wrestling. He has been like a childhood friend to me. And now that childhood friend has been taken from us all.
Unlike most of his fans, I don’t have any most memorable moment of him. Whenever I saw him wrestle has now become a memorable moment. That is probably the one thing I will miss the most about Eddie, is his hilarious antics he performed to entertain us. His lyin’, cheatin’, and stealin’, with Chavo was absolutely classic. I remember one skit Eddie and Chavo performed backstage, on a stairway with both of them talking to their Grandma before their next tag match. For those who remember that skit, I’m sure all of you remember the line “Well, woopty ding-dong!” I still use that line when I’m talking with someone to this day.
Eddie was one of the greatest performers ever to step into a wrestling ring. He was one of those last few guys who could go in there and have a great match with anybody. It is a shame that Mrs. Guerrero decided to have the funeral closed to the public because if she hadn’t, there would be millions of people in attendance. She would then fully grasp how much Eddie meant to all of his fans. Eddie was a class act, humble in all respects. He will surely be missed, but not to be soon forgotten. Heaven should be grateful to have an angel like Eddie within their gates.
We miss you Eddie. May your soul rest in peace.
- Dale Bender Jr. -
“VIVA LA RAZA!”
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This has to be the 5 or 600th time I have written these things for, Eddie, yet the pain isn't getting any better. I went to bed last night hoping I would awaken from that horrible day. I woke up yesterday morning rather earlier than usual.
The first thing I did was log onto WWE's website. I never do that first thing, but for some reason I had to. My heart felt like it fell to the pits on my stomach. The only thing available was that single few word comments regarding his passing. No more info, just those few words. Baffled, I called the first person I could. I started to talk about it and read those lines to him, and I started crying. Crying like my father passed away. Crying like my brother has left and would never return. Crying cos he wasn't gone but a couple hours, and it felt like an eternity. I have never felt such pain.. such sorrow. Then I thought, if it hurts this much for me, being someone who has only had the privalege of cheering him on Live events, how horrible this must be for his wife, mother and his 3 kids. I would wish this feeling not even on my worst enemy.
Eddie, you have brightened my days and brought excitement to my TV. You have made me, and many others, feel like I was apart of something special, something unique and something that no one can ever touch. I thank you for everything you have done... the life you have given to me... to us. We love dearly and will never forget you.
Enclosed is a graphic tribute for anyone who may want to see:
http://chrisjerichomedia.com/images/ripeddie.jpg
Thank you John C. for this outlet.
John Swengel
Tucson AZ
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Hey John, I have expressed my thoughts on the forums already but after a day to digest all this I think I have some clearer thoughts. This has hit me really hard, when Owen passed I was only in third grade and new with wrestling so that kinda went over my head. This though I am a young man who lives, breathes, and eats wrestling and who has really thought a lot about life, lessons, how much we take for granted and so forth. Eddie was a inspiration to me in my dream to one day be a pro wrestler. He was a joy to watch and whenever Eddie came out I was looking forward to the match. Eddie gave me many moments and memoires I'll never forget, from when he won the title at No Way Out and how happy I was for him, and the moment that had me tears at Wrestlemania XX with Chris Benoit. Those have been popular choices under the Eddie moments but we all know there is so much more and it was a joy to see Eddie no matter what face or heel, he was so good at what he did. This is truely tragic in everyway, Eddie is leaving behind his three daughters and a wife and the rest of the Guerrero family, his friends, his fans. Although this is so sad and I still can't process it all, I look forward to RAW and Smackdown! this week to see the tributes for Eddie, he deserves it so much. Now as I finish this up and tears run down my face, I thank Eddie for all he did. Thankyou so much...
R.I.P Eddie Guerrero 1967-2005
Adam Gault (Atom)
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I try to write this and not shed a a few tears. I had just finished a career mode on the new Smackdown vs Raw, I was Eddie and won the title at Wrestlemania, it took me back to No Way out 2004, and WM20, I thought how great it would be if they gave Eddie the title at least until Batista came back, he deserved it, he earned it.
Then my friend phoned me and said see Eddie Guerrero died, I started to laugh, I thought he was playing a sick joke because he knows how much I love Eddie, he said he was being serious so I turned on my laptop went to WWE.com and there it was..... Eddie Guerrero 1967-2005 A TRAGIC LOSS, tragic doesnt come close to describing it.
I know things like this happen everyday. My grandad passed a few weeks back and I have shed more tears over the last few days than I did a few weeks back. I think thats a testament to the talent Eddie had, he could make you feel you was performing for only you and like you said in your column it's hard to think i'll never see a new Eddie Guerrero match.
The truth is i was about falling out of wrestling in 2002 and I would tune in every few weeks to catch up on what had been going on but then i had heard Eddie had been signed up again and I started watching just as he and Benoit jumped to Smackdown. i started watching Smackdown every week and loved that no matter who was in the ring with him he pulled out great matches and could make anybody look good, i'll always remember the period of the Smackdown 6.
I'm so happy that I have the memory that I saw Eddie Guerrero perform at the MEN Arena in Manchester England Smackdown taping in October last year, traveling down from Edinburgh to see him perform, i will always have the pictures on my camera phone now.
He could electrify a crowd with just a facial expression. The man was so passionate about what he done and has to be up there with the all time greats of the business, the Harts, Flairs, Savages, Steamboats, Austins, Angles, Benoits, Eddie has to be there too.
He touched so many hearts, fought so many demons. For someone to fight so hard to overcome all his demons and have it taken away in a click of a finger, life just is not fair.
My thoughts go out to his family
RIP Eddie we all miss you
Chris Main
Ednburgh, Scotland
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Eddie Guerrero was one of the strongest men both in and out of the ring you are ever likely to see. His whole life he has always been overcoming obstacles, from being told he was to small to make an impact in wrestling, to overcoming the personal demons of drug addiction, Guerrero never backed down, rather he fought on every minute of everyday, fighting to become a stronger person.
When you look back at Eddie's life all his achievements are paralleled by the hard work and dedication he put in to achieving them. Stone Cold Steve Austin once requested a program with Guerrero not because he wanted a solid match, but because he wanted to get the best out of himself, and through Eddie's love and passion for not only wrestling but life he knew he would be able to do that.
It is weird how I never knew Eddie personally yet I feel I have learnt so much from him. I am grateful for all the effort he put in to entertain us. You will be missed holmes, I hope you live it up Viva La Raza style up there in heaven. Rest in Peace.
Tomislav Malekin,
Melbourne, Australia
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John C.
The attached picture says it all. He would even let a fan "win" his belt. I met him in Dothan Alabama in early 2004. He wrestled JBL that day. I have known JBL personally for 3 years or so, and he always talked about how great of a person Latino Heat was. He will surely be missed.
Hutch
JBL's personal Blackhawk pilot
(Note from John: There was a picture attached of Hutch posing with Eddie and the WWE title, but I didn't want to include it without the author's permission).
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I never met Eddie, but I liked him. I have watched wrestling for more than 15 years and there are only a small group of wrestlers who have really enthralled. I count Eddie in that group.
One of the things I have noticed over the years is how the fans treat the wrestlers. Eddie had the ability to be monster over as a face or monster hated as a heel. He was comfortable in both roles and that is something that you can only say about the likes of Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart and Ric Flair.....Eddie loved what he did and loved the business. Wrestling was, and still is, in his blood.
My girlfriend doesn't like wrestling, but she liked Eddie. I will miss him.
Lee,
Liverpool,
England.
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First of all im from mexico, i remember seeing EDDIE for the first time when he used to wrestle in Triple AAA( name of the company) he and ART BART (love machine) were known as "los gringos locos" or the crazy gringos, they were the best heel tag team in the history of wrestling in mexico but Art Bart in that time he was EDDIE's best friend , Art was also found dead in a hotel room.
When i read the news that EDDIE was also found dead i stayed quiet for about 15 minutes remembering the great matches he had in TRIPLE AAA in WCW, ECW, WWE and also in his other gimmick Tiger mask ( a character i only saw at CMLL).
For me i can watch over and over again EDDIE's matches if you happen to find the DVD "Masters of pain" you can see one of EDDIE's great matches as a heel here in mexico.
I know right know EDDIE is in heaven with one of his best friends Art Bart or love machine howeber you want to call him , they must be talking about their great matches as mexico's best tag team since el santo and blue demon. In fact EDDIE right now must be among those great legends teling them about his matches with Brock Lesnar, JBL, El hijo del santo, blue demon Jr., and about his friends like Benoit, Malenko and others
EDDIE did somethin that not all men can he put passion to the sport everytime you saw him wrestle you knew he was all about passion, when a man has passion for his work everyone around him notices, when you show passion for your work you falll in love with it, when fans saw EDDIE's passion they fall in love with him, everyone loves his style and his passion.
EDDIE's life was a example for everyone who watches wrestling he fought with all those demons with his best weapon his passion for the sport and the love for his family. His work was all about heart and passion.
his life for a moment was stuck in the hole of addictions and somehow he climbed out and reached for the stars he then became a inspiration for all...he is now immortal since he lives in our memories he lives in his daughters, he lives in the heart of every wrestling fan around the world.
I am raza , you reader are raza. everyone is raza, but now one member of la raza has gone ahead of us someday we will catch up with him but for the moment we can only remember him..
My favorite EDDIE moment was that fight in wrestlemania 20 against Kurt angle masn that fight had so much pasion , not just because i'm mexican but because he had such a great spirit, in the moment whe he plated the boot trick on angle in was so great such creativity in the ring could only be done by this great man...
I feel like i lost a friend..we all lost a friend siento que perdi un amigo...todos perdimos a un amigo
EDDIE GUERRERO was not just a wrestler, he was a loving father, a caring friend, a great inspiration of life
Ferewell EDDIE from all your fans in mexico, in the states and around the world
VIVA LA RAZA i can still feel the heat
By Andres Carlos
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Hello John,
First off I want to say I've been a fan of your columns for quite some time now and have been wanting to write you and add my two cents for quite sometime but haven't gotten around to it. When I saw what happened to Eddie Guerrero I realized that now was the time to have my voice heard.
I'm not going to lie I wasn't a huge fan of his at first. I've been a huge WWE fan for over 15 years now so my loyalties always lied with Raw during the Monday night wars so I rarely watched WCW. You asked what was my favorite Eddie moment well that's pretty obvious the moment he and Benoit shared at WM XX. But my most memorable would have to be the feud he had with Austin when he first came in. He was such a good heal right from the get go I remember him in a bar playing his guitar and singing. And I remember how much dislike I had for the guy. But I could see that his in ring ability was tremendous. As time grew I gradually became a huge fan of his. His shimmy dance always made me smile. I truly agree with you when you said "I don't even care how he died" I care because he's gone "All that matters is another wrestler was taken away from us to soon". He was a great individual and he truly will be missed.
My heart goes out to the friends and family of Eddie Guerrero, the world truly lost a great man. He made us laugh he made us cry and he made us angry and I am forever grateful for the memories I have of him.
RIP Eddie
Sincerely Shawn,
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Hey John,
I enjoyed reading your column because it brought back memories i have of Eddie and his career...i was so sad and shocked when i heard about his death yesterday...i didn't believe it at first but unfortunately reality eventually sunk in. The thing I'll remember most about Eddie was how he was such a quality person who loved his family and fans and they loved him back to...and on the job...he was one of the best...he could do it in the ring or on the mic...as a face or heel...everything he did was just so entertaining...Smackdown will never ever be the same again...RIP Eddie
Brian Reed
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Like so many, I had the honor of seeing Eddie perform, in Augusta, Maine a little over a year ago. He was the tag team champion along with Chavo and he lied, cheated and stole the show in the four-way tag match. He was one of the few wrestlers who appeared to be having fun. When he was good, he was really good and funny. In his last televised match against Mr. Kennedy, Eddie stole the show by tossing the chair to Kennedy to win the match. It was typical Eddie, having a good time. He will truly be missed by all wrestling fans and it's a big blow to Smackdown and the WWE. Rest in peace Eddie. You will be missed.
Sincerely, The Connman...
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I was sitting at my computer, dressed for school there was a couple of minutes left until I left so I thought I would go on the Smackdown vs. RAW on the Gamefaq’s site board immediately the first topic to catch my eye was ‘Tribute To Eddie Guerrero’ above it was a Topic called ‘What Happened to Eddie?’ immediately I swallowed and clicked the topic above it I then clicked stop and redirected myself to Rajah Where I read ‘Eddie Guerrero passes away at age 38’ and immediately I went white I read what was in it and the Tribute that was above and I was completely and utterly shell-shocked.
I watched Eddie in WCW when I was a kid and tried to do backflips on my mother’s bed. I remember the tag team of him and Jericho and how when Jericho vs. Chavo how Chavo threw Jericho into Eddie and they hugged its moments like that that made me a Guerrero fan the way they used to chant ‘Eddie sucks’ and I felt sorry for him (being a mark and not understanding the concept of Heel)
When he came to WWF with the radicalz I was happy because then I could see Eddie again. My favourite moment of this time was when he wrestled in a tag team with Chris Benoit and he did a Frog Splash while Benoit had them in the crippler.
Then he became WWE champion and I was a bit skeptical but I remember the promo when he took on both bashams that was a great promo wonderful I will remember the way he stood on the turnbuckle for the rest of my life we joked about how “Back suplexes where all the bashams knew how to sell”. The pressures of being a champion got to him I kind of wish that JBL’s Reign hadn’t even started (I only thought he was US title level anyway) he cut promo’s about hardship and overcoming adversity that appealed to us all in a way I see that sig “You can ask god for help but you have to bring a shovel because you have to do the work” and I think of Eddie during this time.
I went to school and was sad all day I kept thinking of the banner on Rajah and it kept spinning in my head “Eddie Guerrero is dead” and I kept thinking “why?” and hoping that it was a horrible worked shoot angle I kept hoping and praying that it was but it isn’t
I do not know Eddie as a person I cannot comment as a friend but what I can comment as is a fan, Guerrero gave us his all the Song Smooth by Santana was the perfect music for him “I will give my world to lift you up, I will change my life to better suit your mood” that’s exactly what he did he gave us his all and I will miss him and its wonderful too see how you all miss him too my condolences to his family
VIVA LA RAZA
-Andrew Hetherington
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Hey !!
My name is Eddie too, so i identify with the man. Been following his career from the beginning he will be miss. Excellent entertainer love as a heel and as a face. There's no way that he can be replace. To his family, Sorry for our lost, because Eddie was part of us all. From Puerto Rico, Eddie we love you.
Eddie
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I cannot pick out a single Eddie moment as my favourite. Instead, I want to mention what I think is my favourite WWE moment of the year. Eddie's Bedtime story chapter 1. The way Eddie checked his own armpits when Rey fled the ring was awesome. Only someone as terrific as Eddie Guerrero could get away with such an effect.
The likes of Big Boss Man, British Bulldog, Mr Perfect, Owen Hart and Hawk may have left a gap within the ranks of the WWE when they passed on, but Latino Heat has left a vacuum.
Les H
London
UK
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Eddie was one of the greatest he made everyone laugh. He was a great ring performer I always remember the great ladder match with jerhico it was a classic. when He fought Kurt he made it cool to cheat to win he was alwasy funny he was Latino Heat and as a latino I felt he was one of my heroes when I heard the news I was choked up i couldn't believe he was in my top ten wrestlers list he was one of my favs i will miss wathcing him on tv but will always remember this Great Legend whose in heaven with Owen and the rest of the greats Rest in Peace Eddie i hope i'll meet you on the other side. One if ur greatest fans Angel Bonilla
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It's just so weird. I was sick on day of his death, and wasn't online all day, so around 10 PM I decided "hey, before I go to bed, I guess I'll check some stuff." So I went about my online business, posting at boards, checking my e-mail, etc as if it was an ordinary day. Then I go to a wrestling forum, and check out its multimedia thread. I see a lot of people requesting Eddie Guerrero matches. Clue number one, although it wasn't much of a big deal, I mean, why need an excuse to want to watch an Eddie match?
Then on the next page I see someone posting an Eddie tribute video, saying "We'll miss you, Eddie." This, obviously was MUCH more noteworthy. I'm thinking maybe he was fired, maybe he quit, maybe he retired, but death never ONCE crossed my mind. Then I see an avatar of Eddie, saying "Goodbye Eddie." My interest was peaked, by now I was contemplating his possible death.
With a pounding heart I rush to the sites main page, and there it is: Eddie Guerrero passes away at 38. I think nothing. I stare at the screen and click the link, read what little info it had, and then think nothing again.
Eddie had been doing great. He was energetic in and out of the ring, happy as never, his face hadn't shown a sign of wear for months, and just last Friday he put on a great match with Ken Kennedy. Unbelievable.
I call my friend, and say bluntly "Eddie Guerrero is dead." "What?" "Eddie Guerrero is dead." "You've got to be fucking kidding." I reiterate, saying the only thing I can: "Eddie Guerrero is dead." What else could the response be but "Holy shit."? My extreme sickness and tiredness quickly vanished, as I stayed up with his reminiscing about Eddie.
I watch Eddie vs. Lesnar where he one the title. More than once in the match the fact that Eddie was dead completely escaped me. I thought of him as alive and well while watching that match, and even thought to myself "I can't wait to see if anything develops between him and Kennedy." Then my mind comes back to reality. "Oh ..." is all I could say.
I have many great memories of Eddie. Throughout the years, even during rough times in my life, when I would watch WWE, whatever tribulations I was going though would vanish while Eddie was on the screen, whether he was giving a hilarious promo, having a great match, or just making me feel happy with his greatest smile in the world.
My first WWE show was a house show when I was 11. The opener was Eddie vs. Malenko. It was a great match, with Malenko winning after reversing a top-rope hurricanrana into a Texas Cloverleaf. The other, more recent, show I went to was a Smackdown. The Smackdown right after Eddie turned on Rey definitely, brainbustering him on stairs. I was one of the first to hear his new theme, and listen to his amazing heel promo. It was chilling in person.
You don't have to know the man personally to know what a great person he was. You can just look at pictures of him with his family, see the love and good nature in his eyes to know that he's someone who just makes this world better.
RIP, Eddie. You were more than worth the avatar change at PD ;)
- Tim.
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I have so many favorite memories of Eddie. Eddie has always been fun to watch on TV I feel very fortunate to have been able to see him live . . . . Eddie will be so missed. . . . by not just his friends and family but by all his fans and I hope he knows that this things I remember most about Eddie is when there was a chair or something in the ring and the ref. wasn't looking he would hit the ground with the chair and give it to the other guy and fall to the ground. So the ref. would think the other guys hit Eddie. There was that one time where Eddie could tell the Bashams brothers apart and they got caught switching places. . . .All my life since I was 6 years old I have seen wrestling well Eddie now it will never be the same.
..;~!*Allie*!~;..
Rest in Peace Eddie Guerrero!!
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First and foremost, I must say how deeply saddened I am to know that one of the best wrestlers in the world has passed away. I had already checked Rajah.com that morning for wrestling news and the Eddie story hadn't yet been published. I'd say an hour later I thought, "What the hell, I'll check it again", and saw the headline "Eddie Guerrero passes away at age 38". I had this rush come over me as I clicked the link. I, like so many other people, hoped it wasn't true. After rushing to WWE.com and having the nightmare confirmed, I teared up as I saw the picture of him. I cried for many reasons...for his family, for his friends, but mostly, I cried for HIM. Just the thought of Eddie never doing that strut that I still emmulate towards my girlfriend, and never seeing him perform again was unbearable. I had the honor of seeing him perform this past December in Nashville, TN, teaming with Booker T. Eddie Guerrero was a very remarkable man who will be missed by millions around the world. He is a man that will not soon, if ever, be forgotten. Fans and wrestlers alike will always cherish what he gave them...a reason. A reason to still enjoy pure wrestling at it's absolute finest. There's no one man in the business he couldn't wrestle or out-wrestle. Eddie could've wrestled a broom for 15 minutes that had "face" written on it and people would've loved it and they would've marked out and boo ed for Eddie. He had that ability that not many in the business have. To be loved or to be hated, executed flawlessly. To overcome the odds that he has faced. To have his family taken away by drugs, to have fought through the pain and the heartache and to be able to be the man that he was and get them back and to pass away at age 38 in his prime is nothing short of tragic. A friend of mine once asked me if I could be or resemble a wrestler or wrestling style, who would I choose? All I could say was, "I'll put it like this man, I'd pay to see Eddie Guerrero vs Owen Hart before I'd sit down and watch Hulk Hogan vs Vince McMahon for free". Eddie will be sorely missed and I for one sincerely hope that his legacy will live on forever. God Bless the Guerrero family! For they lost Eddie, but his spirit will live on in every fan's mind and heart and so many friends that he greatly influenced. As I type this through tear filled eyes, I say Thank you Eddie! Thank you for never letting any of the millions of people who loved you down. I hope he's teaching the angels how to strut with a little "latino heat." Heaven just got a whole lot brighter! GOD BLESS YOU EDDIE!!!!
R.I.P. Eddie Guerrero
1967-2005
jbmac
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Just had to say how stunned I was when I saw that the wrestling world lost Eddie. However my favorite moment has to have been the feud Eddie had with Dean Malenko in ECW. I was privileged enough to see one match of the best of three series. Condolences go out to Eddie's Family and Friends. Viva La Raza.
Matt
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I'm a fourth generation wrestling fan and grew up either watching Eddie's family or hearing about them for most of my thirty one years of life, wrestling probably is the sport with the fans who love the competitors the most almost an extension of our own circle of friends and family. Whether we're cheering for them or booing them there's always a soft spot in our hearts for them. It doesn't matter if it's Buddy Rogers, Big Dick Dudley a Von Erich, a Hart, Road Warrior Hawk or Eddie Guerrero when someone in the sport passes away there's a hole left in the heart of the wrestling fan.
As the Guerrero family mourns its loss I'm sure the outpouring of love and concern for them from we the fans means a tremendous amount to them. As fans though, left with our memories we have the privilege of honoring Eddie's accomplishments in the ring. Eddie is gone from us now but we can still cherish the matches, the charisma and dedication he brought to each show. As much as the knowledge that Eddie is no longer going to be there entertaining us each week may pain us, we still have the good memories to enjoy and the knowledge that right now Owen and Eddie might be tearing it up in that great big ring in the sky.
Matthew Doute
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John,
When I got home from work Sunday my wife and kids were out so I actually got to sit down and get on the computer. When I saw the news I could not believe it, I was stunned. When they got home I took my wife aside and started to get choked up as I told her the news. I then told my 9 y/o daughter and 7 y/o son (we tape the shows for them to watch). It was very hard to explain to them that Eddie is gone.
My son Sam and I won tickets to the March 22, 2004 show that had the first draft lottery. While the seats were pretty bad, we were off to the side of the Titan Tron, we did get to see Eddie get in his lowrider and get ready to pull out. Sam was pretty excited about that as he really loves cars.
I guess it's just hard because Eddie was one of the guys who REALLY seemed to enjoy and respect the business, and that can't be said for a lot of the guys. You will truly be missed, God Bless Eddie and the entire Guerrero family.
The Close family
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I can only think of 3 classic Eddie fueds that come to mind when thinking of the best. His battle of the frog splash with Rob Van Dam and all of their great matches, you cant name just one. His fued over the WCW Cruiserweight championship with Chris Jericho and the pure wrestling they put on. Also the classic ECW feud with Dean Malenko. There are so many many more but those are the ones that stand out to me.
Kaitlin
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John,
I've never emailed anything in before, but I do check the site everyday. I got the news yesterday morning probably right after it posted on the site. I got on and checked out a story that was posted, then went back to the home page and there it was. I couldn't believe the news. Socked doesn't even begin to describe what I was feeling. I called my little brother, who was out of town to tell him, but couldn't get a hold of him. We both watch Raw and Smackdown together. Unfortunately I couldn't get the word to him, that one of the "All Time Greats" has gone home. To me Eddie Guerrero was one of the more superior talents out there. Every time you saw him you knew you were in for an exciting time. The first time I noticed who this man was, was before the move from WCW to WWE. But when Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko, Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero got into that WWE ring for the first time, I knew it was something special. History in the making. I had the amazing opportunity to see him live and up close at Wrestlemania 20. Eddie had a certain charm, and cunning that couldn't ever be faked in that industry. Watching "Latino Heat" week in and week out, you get a sense that he could be a home boy that you know down the block.
I'm African-American but I was proud that Eddie represented his culture the way he did. Even when the could tell the riggers of the road had been getting to him you could still see that his heart was with the business. He cared about what he was giving to us and cared about how well it was represented. There will never be another Eddie Guerrero. Him and his family will be in my prayers. We'll miss and never ever forget you Mr. Eddie Guerrero. "VIVA LA RAZA". God bless you Eddie. Thank you.
-Reese Cole
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I really don't know where to begin when talking about eddie. I guess the first place to start would be when I woke up yesterday morning I thought I'd go to Rajah's to see what's going on in the wrestling world as I do just about everyday. When I got to the site I saw the Topic Eddie Guerrero Passes Away At Age 38. I just looked at the topic and thought, "no this is a joke. It's not true." I clicked on it and read what it had said. I quickly went to wwe's website and saw the big picture of Eddie on the front page. I told my uncle who was sitting next to me about it and he didn't believe me. I clicked on the press conference of Vince and Chavo and watched it with my uncle. I have been feeling nothing since I saw that topic.
I called back home to Indiana since I'm in North Carolina on Vacation and told my other Uncle what happened. All I heard from him was a Thud as he dropped the phone. A minute later he came back and told me he'd talked to me later as he wanted to tell my Aunt the news. My friend called my cell phone about an hour later and asked me if I knew about Eddie's passing. I told him I just learned about it. I also reminded him that he had saw Eddie wrestle before, when I was hanging out at his house watching wrestling. He said "I've never watched wrestling, don't really care for it. But when I saw the picture of him, I knew him. I remember seeing him wrestle one night when you was here. He was a good athlete. I never watched a wrestling match before, but when he came on the tv I sat down next to you and watched him wrestle. Damn good athlete I remember saying to you."
I have sat here for over a day now just thinking about all the matches I've seen Eddie in. I keep thinking that this is some bad dream and any minute I'm going to wake up and Eddie will be alive and wrestling, but I know it's not a dream. I have been to every single Wrestling event that has come to Indiana. That includes all the WcW Nitro's/Thunders, all the WWF/E Raw's and Smackdowns. It just saddens me to see the one wrestler who could put on a damn good show night after night, week after week is gone.
The only thing I can think of why Eddie's life would been shortened so badly is because maybe the Lord wanted Eddie to come up there and teach him some wrestling moves. Eddie isn't gone, he will live in all of us forever. I sit here and I think about Eddie and a small smile comes over my face. I can just see Eddie up in heaven putting a chokehold or doing the 3 amigo's on God. Eddie, you are loved and you will be missed by everyone in this world that knows you or has ever seen you wrestle.
blackjac2000
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I've been a huge wrestling fan since I was a little boy. I've seen wrestler come and go. As time went on, wrestlers became more and more personable. I found wrestlers that have inspired me. One of these wrestlers was Eddie Guerrero. He always seemed bigger than life, but still down to earth. You can always see it in his performance, his eyes, and his smile. He enjoyed performing. He enjoyed entertaining his fans. Eddie was one of those wrestler who I never wanted to turn heel because he was so awesome, but even when he did, you couldn't take away his performance and passion in the ring. His struggle in his life was an inspiration to many fans like myself. It gave hope. I will miss Eddie tremendously. But I know he's in Heaven watching over his family and friends. R.I.P 1967-2005.
Ben T.
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Eddie Guerrero, Amazing how that simple name seems larger than life. I remember my first wrestling experience was playing the WCW thunder game and watching the clip where Eddie talked over and over when you went to choose a character. I remember thinking wow there's just something about that guy. A few years later as Eddie was fighting his demons I had some demons of my own and lost all hope in ever over coming them. I saw Eddie reach the bottom and then just pick him self up and reach the top. That inspired me and I said you know what this man went through more hell than me and he did it why can't I. Eddie Guerrero was my inspiration to be better, he inspired me to be the man I was afraid to be. And today I am that man because of him. I love Eddie like I would a brother and I never even met him. I wonder if Eddie knew how really loved he was that someone who didn't know him feels like he lost a close relative and has shed tears because he lost his hero, his inspiration, and his back bone. I would watch Eddie all the time and think look at him he really made it. And now I think wow
thanks to him I made it. These are some of the darkest days I've ever felt in my whole life and it's so surreal I wish that I could wake up and just hear some one say man what are you talking about that was a dream. But I will wake up day after day and it will remain this way. I love Eddie and I've lost a huge part of who I am. I thank Eddie for the life he didn't know but he greatly changed. We are all part of your raza Eddie.
El Cucuy
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John
I have a hard time believing that Eddie is gone. This whole shicking loss has taken me back in time six years, to the day Owen Hart died, which was exactly one week after my father died suddenly.
I was completely lost at that point, going through the agony of a funeral, and all that goes with losing a loved one. My one saving grace that week was the WWF PPV, a way to lose myself for a couple of hours, and enjoy something that I've enjoyed for years. Then Owen Hart fell, and I was ripped back to reality.
On Sunday, I went to work in my little comic shop as I always do, and fired up the computer. In the quiet times, I check out the different websites, and clicked on Rajah for the latest. What I saw sent a shockwave through my system, and sent back six years. Eddie Guerrero, the man I expected to be World Champion at the end of the week, had been found dead in a hotel room.
I remember his skits with Chavo, his battles with Chris Jericho in WCW, and his debut in a WWE ring, the night he dislocated his elbow doing a frog splash. I loved the obvious passion and desire to entertain you saw in his eyes, and like many others, was shocked when he was let go, to handle his demons.
When he returned, and frog-splashed RVD, I cheered. Eddie was back! His work with Chavo again was brilliant, and the entire Los Guerreros run was masterful. You could tell they were having a lot of fun together...
Eddie Guerrero was a man that enjoyed what he did, and made sure you enjoyed it as well. The WWE, and the wrestling world at large, is smaller for his loss. My heart goes out to his family, both in ring, and out...to all of the fans that loved Eddie, honor his memory, and enjoy your own life as much as he did his.
That's the true legacy of Eddie Guerrero. No matter what, enjoy.
Eric
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Just first want to thank you John for the outlet on this tragic situation. For me it's was first Owen and then Crash and now Eddie. It's a shame what this business does to these guys. I'm an Indy wrestler and a weekend warrior so I can only imagine how hard it must be to do this full time. I have a lot of great Eddie memories dating back to his WCW days. I have been to many WWE events and this year Smackdown was taped in my hometown of Roanoke, Va. Not only did I see Eddie here at that show but I drove to D.C. for Summerslam and watched the Eddie vs. Rey ladder match for the custody of Dominic. That was one of the best matches of that PPV in my opinion but everything Eddie did you knew he gave you 110%. My thoughts and prayers goes out to his immediate family and also his wrestling family we will miss a great performer.
Take time to love all you can you never know until it's over. SMILE Bye!!!
Tone
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For the past 24 hours, I haven't been able to do anything but think about Eddie Guerrero and his family. I never had the pleasure to meet him personally, but I feel as though I know him through the hours that I spent with him on television. Two years ago, I got to see Eddie Guerrero wrestle live on my birthday. It was definitely the best birthday present I have ever had. He touched me like no other wrestler has. I feel like Eddie is a part of me in some way. His success story has inspired me a lot, and I think of him as a role model.
Last night I rewatched Eddie's match where he won the Heavyweight Championship. I cried the first time I saw it out of joy for Eddie, and this time I broke down watching it because of how sad I am. I read John Layfield's interview where he mentioned Eddie helping him through his divorce with scriptures, and realized that one of the brightest people on this Earth has left us. I have had an Eddie Guerrero poster on my wall for a few years, and I have now decorated it with a banner to remember his death. I want to remember this man, and hopefully live up to some of his standards.
God be with Eddie's family and friends. I know they are hurting even more than I am. I think we are all blessed to have been inspired by such an extraordinary person.
-Cody Northrup
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I always remember watching wrestling....I was never a mark... nor a extremely hardcore fan... but i still enjoyed very much tunning in to whatever the brand of wrestling was for the love of the sport.... And i think The sport lost one of its bigger heart.........Eddie was always giving his 110 on every match he ever did.... and in my book thats one of the biggest sign of a guy who gave everything for what he loved.....
youll be remembered eddie......
Redge the french speaking guy
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When ur with someone for many years u feel like ur growing up with them as time passes by. Ive been watching Eddie Guerrero wrestle since his days in ECW...and i feel that as time passed by...i grew up with him...i remember the hair...the tights...the frog splash...the quick wrestling holds...the look of concentration on his face..and i also remember his transition from babyface Eddie..to Heel Eddie..in WCW..and his transition from Eddie Guerrero to Eddie "Latino Heat" Guerrero.
Im at work right now...i come from a Middle Eastern country called Bahrain...no one really knows about Eddie over here...so i cant share my true feelings about him except through this email...i am trying my best to not cry...or tear up while im at work becoz everytime i think about Eddie...goosebumps start...Eddie's death is still not sinking in with me...This is the same feeling when the same happend to Owen (May he Rest in Peace)...Im still wondering could this all be true...has Eddie really passed away..??? whats going on?? someone i "grew" up with is dead?? I feel something is missing..something u cant replace is gone...and thats what Eddie is..an unreplacable human being...there is no one like Eddie and nor will there ever be...he is a leader...an icon..a legend..a family man...and all those qualities combined are very hard to find in one person...Rest in Peace Mr. Eddie Guerrero...God Bless you for what you have done and given all of us...and we ALL will see you again...
Munther Buhindi, Bahrain
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I have watched wrestling for nearly 22 years now and I have seen alot of greats taken way too early. What bothers me the most about the Eddie Guerrero situation is that he had overcame so much in his life to be taken away so fast. I used to read about in Pro Wrestling Illustrated before he even made into the States. When he started with ECW, the moved to WCW, and eventually to WWE, I was blown away by his charisma and zest for life he displayed. My heart hurts for the Guerrero Family. May God Welcome him into the Eternal Kingdom. Viva La Raza.
Jake McMasters
Cleveland Ohio
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Just wanted to send in one of my personal experiences with Eddie. I’m more of a mark than a hardcore fan. I’m 21, but have only been really following wrestling for about 6 years. I don’t have cable, and am usually on the road on Friday Nights, so I don’t really get the chance to watch WWE events live. 95% of my experience with the WWE and wrestling in general has been over the internet. Luckily, last Friday, I was house-sitting for a friend with my fiancée, and got to catch Friday Night Smackdown. My fiancée isn’t a wrestling fan, but from time to time will sit and watch a show with me, and Friday was one of those times. The only two people she recognized on Smackdown were Rey and Eddie, already a testament to the impression he can have on even non-wrestling fans. At the end of the Eddie Kennedy match, she burst out in laughter at Eddie’s actions in getting Kennedy DQed. She had me rewind it about 5 times and said that it had “made her night”. She wasn’t being sarcastic or just joking around. Watching Eddie do his thing really made her laugh and enjoy herself. For that brief interval, she was more into wrestling than I was. She loved not only the concept of the fake chair shot, but how perfectly timed it was and Eddie’s reaction afterward. It was all Eddie, a snapshot into his character and how great his is, not only in the ring, but on camera and with the fans.
She was saddened by the news early Sunday morning as well, sympathetic for me, but also sad herself.
He wasn’t corny, he wasn’t over the top (most of the time), he didn’t need a crutch in the ring, and most of all, he had an aura of sincerity around him. His story was one of the ones you could bring up for a guy who fell for awhile, succumbed to the pressures of wrestling with alcohol and drug addiction, but made his way back. He was a family man, and a guy that cared about those around often more than himself. Eddie was someone you want to introduce your friends to.
Eddie was that guy that all of us wrestling fans are looking for. Someone who has the power to not only light up the emotions of wrestling fans, but also the power to affect anyone, even someone who hates wrestling, and make everyone enjoy themselves while watching.
Daniel Gladwell
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eddy was a great wrestler and the best heel in the business. that los guerrero's angle was great. i'll never forget that first night on raw when the radicals showed up and attacked dx. winning the title from brock lesner to overcome all those demons i have great respect for the man. then at wrestlemania 20 him and beniot hugging each other with their titles on their shoulders was awesome bought a tear to my eye. Latino heat will always be missed, I wish he could have left as champ as he was supposed to take the belt from batista. R.I.P. Eddy you be champion in heaven as you arrive in your lowrider. You will be missed.
Yours Truly
John. G.
Queens, NY
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I was at the Great american bash this past year and was fortunate enough to have aisle seats. Eddie G walked 3 feet from me... It's nice to have that ever lasting memory os such a great competitor and person.... eddie G will always be in our hearts
Mike R.
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I have never cried when a wrestler passed away, but Eddie was one of those reasons I was, am and will be a fan, he put the wrestling business in another level, he gave us emotions and reasons to chant his name whether it was to cheer or boo him.
My best memory of Eddie was when he was with Chyna, I think that was the beginning of his stardom. The beginning of the real LATINO HEAT.
Thank you Eddie, and thank you fans for giving Latino heat in your own way his tribute.
Alek S.
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Hi John,
Dunno if you've had many from this end of the world, but I suppose those of us here in New Zealand are just as shocked by this as anyone else. I got an email about a month ago saying "Road to WrestleMania is coming to New Zealand...." March the 4th, 2006. Being (as some would say) at the bottom of the world, this opportunity to see the WWE would almost be a once in a lifetime, and I was stoked... Batista, Randy Orton, and hopefully (although not confirmed) Eddie Guerrero. I remember the first time the then WWF hit our screens over here. Around about 88 if I remember correctly (give or take a year or two). No Eddie on screen then, but definitely a product that kept a 13 year old kid amused on a Saturday night. Needless to say, we grow up, leave home, and wrestling dropped off NZ TV. Pay TV, a god send. I think I subscribed right about the time The Radicalz hit the scene. Haven't left since. Eddie to me was a great performer, as well as wrestler. It's probably all been said 10 times over, I haven't read them yet. Eddie is one of the reasons, why as a 30 year old, I still watch wrestling, and now have my girlfriend watching wrestling. When I told her yesterday that Eddie had passed away, her first comment was "He's the one with the "I'm your Papi T shirt" isn't he". She was hooked as well.
As we say in New Zealand Eddie, Kia Kaha, be strong, maybe a little too late....
Jared Woodcock
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You dont understand how much you miss someone until they are gone. This is especially true for me regarding Eddie Guerrero.
I awoke yesterday morning and the first thing I do is check the latest happenings in the world of Wrestling. I load the main page and the first headline I see; "Eddie Guerrero Passes Away At Age 38". It seemed like time just stopped! I stared at that heading for about 5 minutes in utter shock and disbelief. I then gathered my composure and read the article. I still couldn't believe it. Until that moment I didn't fully appreciate what Eddie meant to me, you, and the WWE. After reading what everyone else has shared, I have now come to realize what a great performer, and most importantly, what a great person Eddie truly was.
I've had the opportunity to see Eddie twice live. The first was at a RAW Taping in Detroit, Michigan about 4 or 5 years ago. Unfortunately his match with Chris Jericho only last about 3 minutes. Jericho monkey flipped Eddie and he hit the ropes with his legs and couldn't finish the match. The second time was much better. It was SummerSlam 2004 in Toronto, ON, Canada and he faced Kurt Angle. This match totally stole the show! I believe every person in the arena were on their feet the entire match. It was just totally awesome!
Though No Mercy and WM XX are right up there with my favourite Eddie moments but my favourite is when the "Radicalz" first debut on RAW. They attacked someone and each of them completed their finishers. The last being Eddie's frog splash. It was awesome! I cheered so loud!
My MSN name reads: "RIP Eddie Guerrero". I blew off my girlfriend in order to watch the tribute show. No one I know understands how I feel about this. They all keep telling me there's nothing to get upset about. You don't even know him. He's only a character on TV......To a normal personal that's all he was. To me he was more than that. He was....NO. He IS a member of my family. He IS my friend. When you see a guy almost every week, you make a bond him. It doesn't matter if its on TV or in person. This bond will last forever.
In final, Eddie was one hell of a human being. With all the demons he has faced and his un-dying love for the industry and everyone around him! He is one of those truly unbelievable people that come along once in a life time. Eddie...WE are going to miss you. But I know that you are still smiling down on all of us! Thank you Eddie! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I love you man. VIVA LA RAZA!!!!!
Chris
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Hi
I never met him, but when I heard of his passing it felt as if a family member died. I wore his 'Latino Heat' shirt that I bought at WM20 today. I will miss his shenanigans!
Kimmie
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Man Eddie I gotta say brother its hard even think that your gone. I keep thinken that your goin to come and give us that same energy you have always given us. The things you over came made you one of the realest wrestlers that most people if not all could relate to. Even though I didn't know you personally seein you each and every week had helped build a differant kind of relationship, and it hurts still man that we won't see you in the ring again, but please believe dawg, I will see you later on and watch you wrestle in that big ring in da sky.
My memory is of eddie isn't jus one thing its a whole sh-- load of them, but I'll name jus two right now. The first Was jus the fact that I am a fan of Lowriders, and cutlasses, and seein you come out in ya rides each, and every week when you did it made me love them all over again. Lastly and forgive me on this, I can't place the Pay Per View, but it was the one when you tricked Kurt Angle into thinken your ankle was messed up, and you rolled him up to win the title. We'll I'm getten choked up so I'll jus end with this, "We Love You Brother", and we'll see one day dawg. ~Peace~ & Viva La Raza.
Derrick aka "Sincere"
Baltimore, Md
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Eddie Guerrero, you will be missed. You were the complete package, something few wrestlers have ever been able to legitimately claim. You were one of the most charismatic individuals to ever step foot into the ring. Your mic skills were rivaled by few. You had the in-ring ability that most wrestlers can only dream of having. You worked harder than anyone in the ring and out. When you finally won the title on the big stage at Wrestlemania all I thought of was that no one in this business deserved it more for their dedication and hard work. All the blood, all the sweat and all the tears, all for your fans. You were not afraid to put your body on the line for us. You always did the right thing for the business. You never refused to job, nor use backstage politics to get ahead. You poured your heart and soul into every single match. How can I pick a favorite moment? There's thousands. I cherish every single moment that I ever saw you wrestle, or put on a classic promo. I loved to cheer for you, even as a heel. You overcame so much in your lifetime and you are a true role model for so many. So Eddie, may you rest in peace, and thank you for all the memories. Your fans loved you.
Brian A.
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Hey John, first let me say thanks for giving everyone a forum to voice their thoughts on the late, great Eddie Guerrero.
If I had to pick one moment that made me realize just how special Eddie was, it would be his title win against Brock Lesnar that cold February night back in 2004. The match where a 5 foot 9 inch tall Hispanic wrestler pinned Brock Lesnar clean in the center of the ring. The match where once again, Eddie proved that anything in this world is possible. His joy was contagious. I too danced and shouted at the top of my lungs in a wave of happiness. As I type this now, I'm starting to tear up thinking about how special Eddie was. And I realize that this isn't something that will just go away. He was so special that this feeling will stay inside me long after he's gone. That's the true measure of a man.
Once again Eddie...you stole the show. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
-Pat Sheils.
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Eddie Guerrero was such a great being to me and I just loved those moments with him being in the WWE. I loved it whenever he was lying, cheating, and stealing. I even loved when he won the championships. It was just so great to have him be part of the wwe. He was truly an inspiration for all the wwe fans and superstars. He was so funny during his career and I do understand that he was one of my favorite wrestlers. He will always be remembered and god bless him. There will be a time when we all will see him again.
Sincerely Kamil,
Wota
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When I first met and also seen Eddie Guerrero. It was in ECW when he took on Dean Malenko. I remember watching this match and thinking to myself wow i couldn't believe the moves he did. This match just was so great. I never seen such a great match before.
After seeing this match i became a fan. I talked about it to all my friends, but at the time nobody knew what was ECW. Then to my surprise when I was watching WCW, Eddie Guerrero Came out. I couldn't believe it, But i knew after seeing him Wrestle he would make it to the big time. After his WCW run he made it to the WWE an Became the Champ. I was so proud of him and all the impact he made.
Your Soul is blessed R.I.P. Eddie Guerrero
From your number one fan Cisco.
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Hey John,
I wanted to drop a note to express my appreciation for Eddie Guerrero. I go to church with Jimmy Hart and speak with him often, and he used to call me the "Guerrero Mark" (He always liked the big guys, but said to me that Eddie was one of the most dedicated workers he's ever been around)
Eddie seemed to enjoy himself more than most when he performed. There was a sparkle--a glint---in his eyes every time he was out there in the spotlight. He had a unique love for what he did--as many second generation wrestlers seem to---and it brought his game up to a new level.
Watching him in WCW, ECW, and with Vince, he had a consistent sharpness to his style---a style that few in the business have today. Benoit, Angle, and he were the only active ones that come to mind---but I think of the Dynamite Kid, Dean Malenko, and Arn Anderson. Crisp, clean, and sudden. Picture perfect in every way.
I enjoyed watching the Raw show this evening, so that I could have an idea as to how he was outside the ring. His inspirational performances inside the square circle seems to have paled in comparison to his effect on the people he worked with. They all mentioned his strength, his humility, and his faith and love for his family. That speaks volumes for what kind of man he was.
I remember my shock and sadness when Owen Hart died tragically, and my numb feelings when Curt Hennig met the same fate...but these pale in comparison to the tragic departure of one of the best of all time, in my opinion.
Rest in Peace, Eddie. I'll see you in Glory.
Scott Braddock
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What can i say besides that even though Eddie is gone, he will always be remembered in our hearts. He will live on thru his family, friends and us..the fans. We love you. I'm glad i decided to go to the No Mercy PPV here in Houston in October 05.As it turned out, it was Eddies 38th b-day and Batista, after the show, led all of us something thousand people in singing Happy Birthday to Eddie. I will never forget this moment. I'm grateful for the memories as a fan but i cant imagine the pain his family must be going thru .I do know 1 thing and thats that Eddie would want everyone to be strong for him. He would want to know that he succeeded in life. And that he did. We will always love and cherish the Latino Heat, Eddie Guerrero.
Chris Trevino
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It's not so much wrestling memories for me that will make me remember Eddie Guerrero. It's more of what he went through in his life that I will remember. I am still going through some very rough times in my life. I have pulled out of hard times before, but this time is very rough. But I can honestly say in a small way I can relate to Eddie's past problems. And to see Eddie come out of it a better person and get his life back is truly inspiring. It will help me through my problems, and make me strive to be at least half the man he was. As I sit here typing this with tears in my eyes, and thinking of the fond memories of Eddie, I miss him, and will always miss him. God bless you Eddie, and thank you for being a beacon of hope for me. Latino Heat forever.
Matt R.
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I have the great pleasure that few people will ever get to say....I have personally met Eddie Guerrero. I was attending a film premiere of a christian "rapture" themed movie a few years back in tampa, florida. I was walking out of the movie feeling rather moved with a friend of mine who wasn't the biggest wrestling fan, and this was when eddie had a longer mullet styled haircut. I walked with a tingling feeling saying I have to pay respect to him and say that I'm a huge fan. I walked to him, and said "Eddie Guerrero?" he smiled and was very humble, but before we conversed any further, he introduced me to his wife Vicki. We talked for 2 minutes total, He was still in WCW and was out of action. I asked when are you stepping back into the ring. He said soon and that he couldn't wait. This is the kicker, I grabbed a pen and had nothing else but a one dollar bill on me. Although he was hesitant because he didn't want to deface currency, but eventually obliged. I still have that dollar bill along with an autographed picture framed. He wrapped it up by saying god bless brother nice to meet you. He was a real class act. Eddie and vicki were just very very nice, humble easy going human beings. I am very lucky to have had this opportunity. I'm gonna miss him. Viva la raza eddie. R.I.P
Ramsey G.
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Life is a very precious thing.
More often than not we take it for granted, but have you ever really stopped, ever taken the time out of the hustle and bustle that is your day-to-day existence to contemplate, to think and reflect on how fragile life is? One moment, you could be on top of the world, and the next it could all be taken away, in the bat of an eyelash. Such is the case with Eddie Guerrero.
It was like I got hit in the gut by a sledgehammer when I heard the news. I was probably one of the last to read it, but it was still a shock. I thought, perhaps, it was some kind of misinterpretation on my part. I was speechless for a minute: My hands froze in place on my keyboard. It was a few seconds later that I clicked the link to read the article.
The heart. The passion. The love for the business that every one of those people have, it's hard to understand, even as a fan of wrestling, how these guys feel about what they do until something like this happens. Unlike football, unlike basketball or any other professional sport, there is no off season in wrestling. Just sit here a second, let that sink in. Just like you and I, these guys have families: Wives, kids, mothers, fathers, and they're on the road 300 days a year or more. Why? Love. Love for the business. Love for us, their fans. The sheer enjoyment they get from performing, for putting their bodies on the line. For us. When we are all playing with grandchildren, enjoying retirement at 60 or 65, these guys will be in excruciating pain from all of the shit they've done in the ring. That is passion, man. That borders on fanatical obsession. How many of us can say the same? How many of us can say that they love their jobs enough to make that kind of a sacrifice? I know that I honestly cant.
Guerrero. Wow. I wasn't a huge Eddie Guerrero fan, I'll admit it. But I'll tell you what. No matter what, if he was a heel or face, funny or serious, when he was scheduled to perform you knew one thing: You were in for a treat. The man never, EVER, had a bad match. He was a hell of a performer; I know me, personally, I was never disappointed when I watched him wrestle. Ever. There are so many moments that so many people have touched on yesterday and today, so I won't rehash it, but every one I read brought a smile to my face, because I remembered something about those Eddie Guerrero moments. The Wrestlemania XX match, the ladder match with Rob Van Dam, the Big Show feud...all of it. Good, classic moments.
But as far as I'm concerned, I think that the best memory of Eddie I have was Raw tonight. For two hours, I had tears in my eyes. Why? The love. Not because he's no longer with us, but because of the love that every one of those people showed for a co-worker, a friend, a brother, a father figure that they lost. The tears in Big Show's eyes. Booker T. Dean Malenko. Chavo. Rey. And especially Chris Benoit. I broke down right along with him in his segment--thinking about it now has me wrecked. The emotion, the love, the pain in the man's eyes, the intensity. It brings a smile to my face when I think about how fucking lucky Eddie was to be that loved. I know he's thankful, watching from the best seat in the house.
I'm not the only one, I know that. But I'm sure as hell going to miss the lying, cheating thief.
Te Quiero Mucho, Amigo. Vaya Con Dios.
- Josh L.
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I wanted to say thank you Eddie. As a wrestling fan for more than 25 years I can honestly appreciate greatness and Eddie was great. I had the honor of watching Eddie's career evolve from very early. I watched his early matches from AAA Lucha from Mexico. I saw when he went up against El Hijo De Santo and lost his hair. One of the Greatest feud of all of wrestling. I saw his brief stay in ECW and then his real big break in WCW. Before Eddie, No one knew what "Lucha Libre" was except for those few lucky enough to see it on Galavision. Because of Eddie lucha libre style became mainstream. The real reason that WCW took the number 1 spot from the WWF/E was not Goldberg, Not just the nWo, but it was the luchadores. People loved too see new fresh high risk moves. He opened the doors for luchadores such as Rey Misterio Jr, Juventud Guerrera, Psycosis, La Parka, Ultimo Dragon, Chavo Guerrero Jr, Konan, and others.
Chris Jericho then goes to WWE which leads to Eddie with his pals Benoit, Malenko, and Saturn to also come and make a real impact. This move was monumental for the WWE. These five wrestlers Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn were the REAL demise of WCW. The WCW being number 1 forgot one thing --- and that was developing the new fresh talent. They relied on established names like Hogan, Nash, Goldberg and forgot about the real hard dedicated guys.
Eddie as part of the WWE truly broke out. He was given a lot more mic time. He finally was being used a reliable mid carder not just tiny little "Mr Cruiserweight". Eddie did not just entertain us in the ring but his Mic skills, promos, and stints were very very entertaining. I can honestly say that he may have had better promos then Stone Cold or the Rock.
The Lie, Cheat, Steal gimmick was great to watch. Their antics were hilarious and it always made you wonder how they could out due themselves. Eddie winning the WWE belt was also another mile stone in wrestling history. I celebrated because it was the start of another era ---real talent, with great wrestling. Not just the big strong guys like Lesnar, Taker, Batista, HHH. Not since Bret Hart winning the WWE Title, had one wrestler make so much of an impact to wrestling. This showed why McMahon has a true love for the business, allowing talent to overcome strength and size. This brought in the Guerrero/Benoit Era which in retrospect was great for real fans of wrestling not just the gimmick aspect.
Who are the greatest of all time. Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, Benoit, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels. This says a lot. Being Among these elite. Eddie you did it -- you made your dream a reality. You are one of the best of all time and we will remember it.
Eddie will be missed, I wish we could have had more Eddie Moments. I wish we could have had more of Eddie and his mischievous smile. I wish we could have had more Latino Heat. On Sunday November 13 Eduardo Guerrero became immortal. His memory and legend will forever live on through US the fans.
Eddie thank you for the moments. Thank you for being an inspiration to those that fall short. I bet doing a Frog Splash from up in Heaven is the Best Thing Anyone can Experience. Rest In Peace and God Bless.
Leo S.
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I was fortunate enough to see Eddie live twice while he was in the WWE. The first time was at Wrestlemania 19, I had always been a fan of his, but unless you saw him perform live in front of you, you were missing out. The second time was at a Smackdown house show, I do not recall whom he was wrestling, but his match was the most entertaining matches I had ever seen. I loved him as a heel and as a face, not only could he wrestle, but also he could keep you entertained throughout the whole match. There will never be another EDDIE again. Eddie we, your fans will miss you and will forever remember your heart and dedication to your fans, your family, as well as to the wrestling business. Wherever you are, I hope your doing a few frog splashes, and bouncing around in that low-rider ruck.
May you rest in peace Eddie Guerrero. We will never forget you.
Gregg Hess, Jeremy Rametes and Alex Norelius
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I remember when the Radicalz came to the WWE from WCW. I didn't know anything about them, really, but I liked them right away. They had everything a major wrestling stable needed: Strength, Speed, Intelligence and Heart. Perry Saturn had the strength, Dean Malenko had the speed, Chris Benoit had the Intelligence, And it was apparent the first time I saw him wrestle, that Eddie had the heart. I think the best memories I had of Eddie were back in the days of "Mamacita". I always used to laugh at how ridiculous Chyna and Eddie looked together. He made it the most entertaining part of the show. He was always a must watch part of any show he was involved with. He also has some of the best in ring skills of anyone in the business. He personified "Wrestling Entertainment" and there will be a hole that no one can or will replace. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all of the fans who enjoyed him as much as I did.
God bless, Eddie. I hope to see you in heaven.
DB
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John: That's it for this time. I'll be back again probably Sunday night at some point to post the final batch of your thoughts on Eddie Guerrero. Thanks again to all those who have written. It has been a wonderful way to remember this man. More tomorrow.
John
Links
Your Thoughts on Eddie Guerrero - Part 3
The Oratory Reviews Raw
Your Thoughts on Eddie Guerrero - Part 2
Your Thoughts on Eddie Guerrero - Part 1
My Goodbye to Eddie Guerrero
