The Legendary Career of Eddie Guerrero
Early Life and Beginnings
Eduardo Gory Guerrero Llanes, known to the world as Eddie Guerrero, was born on October 9, 1967, in El Paso, Texas. Coming from the illustrious Guerrero wrestling family, Eddie was destined for the ring. His father, Gory Guerrero, was a legendary figure in Mexican wrestling, and Eddie followed in his footsteps, debuting in 1986. Growing up in a wrestling family, Eddie was immersed in the sport from a young age, often attending his father’s matches and learning the intricacies of the craft.
Rise to Prominence
Eddie’s early career saw him wrestling in Mexico and Japan, where he honed his craft and developed his high-flying, technical style. He gained significant attention in the United States with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he won the ECW World Television Championship twice. His matches against Dean Malenko in ECW are still remembered as some of the best technical wrestling bouts of that era.
World Championship Wrestling
In 1995, Eddie joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he became a fan favorite. He won the WCW United States Championship and the WCW Cruiserweight Championship, showcasing his versatility and charisma. Despite his success, Eddie felt underutilized and left WCW in 2000. During his time in WCW, Eddie was part of the Latino World Order (LWO), a faction that celebrated Latino heritage and brought a unique flavor to the promotion.
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
Eddie’s move to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) marked a turning point in his career. Alongside Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn, he formed The Radicalz, a group that made an immediate impact. Eddie’s “Latino Heat” persona, characterized by his catchphrase “I Lie! I Cheat! I Steal!”, endeared him to fans worldwide. His on-screen romance with Chyna was a memorable storyline that showcased his comedic timing and charisma.
Championship Glory
Eddie’s WWE career was marked by numerous championships. He won the WWF European Championship, WWF Intercontinental Championship, and the WWE Tag Team Championship. His crowning achievement came in 2004 when he won the WWE Championship, defeating Brock Lesnar at No Way Out. This victory solidified his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation. His celebration with the fans and his emotional speech after winning the title are moments that will forever be etched in wrestling history.
Personal Struggles and Redemption
Eddie’s career was not without its challenges. He battled substance abuse issues, which led to his release from WWE in 2001. However, his determination and resilience saw him return stronger than ever. His journey of redemption was an inspiration to many, and he openly shared his struggles in his autobiography, “Cheating Death, Stealing Life”. Eddie’s openness about his battles with addiction helped break the stigma and encouraged others to seek help.
Memorable Matches and Feuds
Eddie Guerrero’s career was filled with memorable matches and feuds. His rivalry with Rey Mysterio is considered one of the best in wrestling history, with their match at Halloween Havoc 1997 being a standout. Eddie’s feud with Kurt Angle also produced some classic matches, including their bout at WrestleMania XX. His ability to tell a story in the ring and connect with the audience made every match a must-watch.
Legacy and Untimely Death
Tragically, Eddie Guerrero passed away on November 13, 2005, at the age of 38, due to acute heart failure. His death was a significant loss to the wrestling world, but his legacy lives on. Eddie was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, and he remains a beloved figure in wrestling history. His influence can be seen in the careers of many wrestlers who followed, and his matches are still studied by aspiring wrestlers today.
Eddie Guerrero’s career was a testament to his incredible talent, charisma, and resilience. He left an indelible mark on the wrestling world, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of wrestlers and fans alike. His catchphrase, “Viva La Raza,” is still chanted by fans, a tribute to a man who truly lived for the wrestling business.
News Writer. Living in Tasmania Dave is a lifelong wrestling fan, formerly working for Mix It Up Radio’s Wrestling Asylum Radio program, and Wide Bay Pro Wrestling working backstage and writing articles. Podcaster with 15 years of journalism experience across different sports mostly AFL and professional wrestling, photographer for local footy in Tasmania.
