Two decades have passed since the wrestling world lost one of its most electrifying performers, Eddie Guerrero, yet his legacy continues to resonate throughout the industry. The WWE Hall of Famer, known to millions as Latino Heat, died suddenly on November 13, 2005, at just 38 years old, sending shockwaves through the professional wrestling community.
Emotional tributes from wrestling peers
Current World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk recently opened up about his time with Guerrero during 2002, when Eddie had been released from WWE and was navigating personal struggles. 'Working with Eddie at that stage of his career, he was real sad,' Punk revealed, noting he felt sympathy for Guerrero's fall from grace to smaller independent shows. Despite this, Punk emphasised Guerrero's unwavering professionalism: 'He wrestled me like it was the main event of WrestleMania.'
Punk credits Guerrero with teaching him crucial lessons about in-ring psychology. '[Eddie] taught me, it's not about moves, it's about when you do them,' he explained. 'He taught me about the connection between your fans and you, and making it emotional.'
The standard bearer for wrestling excellence
William Regal, WWE's vice-president of global talent development, considers Guerrero the ultimate benchmark for professional wrestling. 'There's never or will never be anybody better than Eddie Guerrero at this job,' Regal stated in 2022. 'He was so good in far better ways than most people even know, which only a very few people at a very high standard of wrestling know.'
Regal added that modern wrestlers should study Guerrero's work to understand true excellence in the industry. Lita experienced Guerrero's protective instincts firsthand when he tried to dissuade her from attempting a dangerous hurricarana move from the top rope to the outside. 'He was so adamant about not doing it, and I was so adamant about doing it and it hurt me!' she laughed. 'I landed on the ground like, "He was right."'
Friendship and fiery passion beyond the ring
Booker T recalled nearly coming to blows with Guerrero over a forgotten disagreement. 'Eddie and I, we almost got into a fight one time,' Booker remembered. 'I don't even know why we almost got into a fight, but I do remember about 15 minutes later, we was apologising to each other, like, "What were we thinking?!" We didn't even know what the fight was about!'
John 'Bradshaw' Layfield developed a deep friendship with Guerrero outside the ring, serving as a groomsman at JBL's wedding and delivering part of his eulogy. JBL remembered Guerrero's remarkable empathy: 'I'm not one to tell people about that,' he said about personal struggles. 'Eddie came up to me, "Hey, something's bothering you. I want to talk to you." I thought that was really cool, that was really observant of Eddie, and he did that to everybody.'
The legendary performer's career achievements remain impressive:
- WWE Hall of Famer, class of 2006
- WWE Undisputed Champion
- Two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion
- WWE United States Champion
- Four-time WWE Tag Team Champion
Rey Mysterio expressed gratitude that fans and wrestlers 'still keep Eddie's name alive through his moves' and memories. His son Dominik, who worked with Guerrero as an eight-year-old, remembered: 'I'm very blessed. As an eight year old, I was excited to skip school and travel with my dad and get given candy by Eddie. It was a great time. He was just such a good guy, you know?'
Two decades after his tragic passing, Eddie Guerrero's name still echoes through wrestling arenas worldwide, his legacy preserved through emotional stories, influential wrestling techniques, and the enduring love of fans and colleagues alike.
