November 13 2005 was the day that the wrestling world was saddened to hear that Eddie Guerrero had passed away at just 38 years of age.
A former World Champion, Hall of Famer and influence to many in the pro wrestling world, Eddie was the most successful member of the legendary Guerrero family, and looked destined to achieve more accolades had he not passed so soon. An emotional tribute episode of SmackDown followed, along with a video package to the tune of “Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down, meaning that many fans think of the legendary wrestler every time it is played.
While the likes of Rey and Dominik Mysterio, who were closely linked to Guerrero throughout his career, have often paid homage to the late, great, pro wrestler, Guerrero’s legacy extends much further as AEW star Mercedes Mone regularly pays homage to her hero in her matches, along with the likes of Sammy Guevara and Seth Rollins all referencing Latino Heat one way or another.
From matches that still hold up today, storylines that have been replayed and all-time great moments, Guerrero’s name is one that will still be mentioned for the next 20 years and beyond.
Eddie Guerrero’s Greatest Matches & Moments
Although the majority of Latino Heat’s best work was during his WWE tenure, his legendary match against Rey Mysterio at WCW Halloween Havoc 1997. Very much ahead of its time and a classic match that still holds up today, both of the Cruiserweights stood out in an industry with the tag line “Where the Big Boys Play.” Following his jump to WWF in the year 2000 as part of The Radicalz, Guerrero began his rise to the top of the card.
With Raw more based on storylines in the early 2000s, SmackDown became the wrestling show. Along with his nephew Chavo, Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, Edge and Rey Mysterio, the “SmackDown 6” had amazing chemistry and set themselves apart as standout performers on the blue brand at a time when the show was an afterthought.
Guerrero was a great in-ring wrestler in his own right, it was his trademark lying, cheating and stealing that made him a firm fan favourite among fans. While comedy and wrestling can be very hit and miss, as has been seen many times, Guerrero’s antics never got old. From faking being hit by weapons, whipping a referee, or having his boot come off in his match with Kurt Angle at WrestleMania, Guerrero always found a new way to make the fans smile, and has seen the spots recreated in WWE and AEW.
While Guerrero was definitely one of the most popular stars on the SmackDown roster, he was not seen as the guy, as once again his size proved to be a limiting factor. However, at No Way Out 2004, Latino Heat finally won the big one as he defeated Brock Lesnar in one of the most emotional title changes in the Ruthless Aggression Era.
For anyone who has yet to check out Guerrero’s back catalogue, or wants to reminisce on his best work, here are 10 matches that are essential viewing:
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio – Halloween Havoc 1997
Eddie Guerrero vs. Brock Lesnar – No Way Out 2004
Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle – WrestleMania XX
Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit – ECW (August 1995)
Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko – ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rob Van Dam – Raw (May 2002, Ladder Match)
Eddie Guerrero vs. Edge – SmackDown (September 26, 2002, No DQ)
Eddie Guerrero vs. JBL – Judgment Day 2004
Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Jericho – Fall Brawl 1997
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio – WrestleMania 21
How Eddie Guerrero’s Legacy Still Lives On
The legacy of Guerrero still lives on most weeks on WWE TV thanks to the ongoing tension between Rey and Dominik Mysterio, 2 wrestlers who were very close to Latino Heat, and the latter being involved in an infamous storyline. With Guerrero claiming that he was Dom’s father, the Custody of Dominik Ladder match took place between Rey and Eddie at SummerSlam, which ultimately saw the masked star emerge the victor. However, now that Dom is one of the top heels on Raw, the former Intercontinental Champion regularly brings up the storyline, and pays homage with the signature Guerrero cheating spots, which comically have little effect. Additionally, WWE famously ran back the Eddie and Chyna storyline with Dom and Rhea Ripley, which once again saw the powerful female get their vengeance after being heartbroken.
An inspiration, an extensive back catalogue of matches and always providing memorable moments, there will never be another Eddie Guerrero.
Featured image: WWE
