It was almost exactly six years ago to the minute when I woke up and thought, “Something happened in wrestling while I was asleep.” I still have no idea how I knew that something was up, but I went to WWE.com to see what it was, and that’s when I learned about the untimely passing of “Latino Heat” Eddie Guerrero.
Guerrero wasn’t my favorite wrestler, but I did always enjoy his matches and interview segments. And out of respect for his contributions to an industry that I enjoyed so much, I immediately got on AIM, and started a chat room where my friends and I could share some of our favorite Eddie Guerrero memories.
We later learned that Eddie died of heart complications, due to years of drug and alcohol abuse. Guerrero passed away completely sober. Even though he had gotten himself back on track, even going so far as to become a born-again Christian, it was, unfortunately, too late. The years of abuse had cut his life short, at age 38.
Guerrero is one of the few wrestlers who was adored by casual fans and by the more hardcore wrestling fans. Casuals loved him because of his endearing personality and incredible sense of humor. The hardcore fans loved Eddie because he could wrestle in several different styles – He could have a great high-flying match with Rey Mysterio one week, have a knock-down brawl with Stone Cold Steve Austin the next, and then have a technical match with a guy like Lance Storm, the next. Most wrestlers aren’t that talented.
I only got to see Eddie wrestle a couple of times, but I was in the audience at Wrestlemania X-Seven in 2001, when he defeated Test to win the WWF European Championship. Seeing a wrestler win a championship is a pretty good memory to have, I’d say.
Eddie left behind three daughters and a wife. And right now, Eddie’s widow, Vickie Guerrero, is the most hated character in the WWE. I had a chance to meet Vickie during Wrestlemania week 2010, and she was one of the nicest, sweetest, celebrities with whom I’d ever had the fortune of crossing paths. I wish her nothing but continued success in carrying on her husband’s name.
Thanks for lying to us, cheating us, and stealing our hearts, Eddie.