Sports
Remembering WWE Legend Eddie Guerrero 19 Years After His Passing
November 13, 2024, marks the 19th anniversary of the passing of WWE legend Eddie Guerrero, a figure whose impact on professional wrestling continues to be felt deeply. Known as ‘The Latino Heat,’ Guerrero left an indelible mark on the sport with his charisma, fluid movement in the ring, and the ability to seamlessly transition between being a heel and a fan favorite.
Guerrero’s career was marked by several memorable matches that have become staples of WWE history. One of his most iconic rivalries was with Rey Mysterio, particularly their Cruiserweight Title vs Mask match at WCW Halloween Havoc 1997. This match is often cited as one of the best in WCW history, with Mysterio emerging victorious and claiming the WCW Cruiserweight Championship.
Another notable match was against Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 20, held at Madison Square Garden in New York. Guerrero successfully defended his WWE Championship against the Olympic Gold Medalist, showcasing his skills and determination in the ring.
Guerrero also faced off against ‘The Beast Incarnate’ Brock Lesnar at WWE No Way Out 2004. Despite initial doubts due to his size, Guerrero delivered a standout performance, assisted by Goldberg, and won the WWE Championship for the first time. The emotional celebration following this victory is remembered as one of the happiest moments in wrestling history.
His feud with Edge, which included matches at SummerSlam and Unforgiven, culminated in a No Disqualification Match on the September 26, 2002 episode of SmackDown. This match is still highlighted as one of the best on SmackDown, with Guerrero’s sunset flip powerbomb being a memorable moment.
Guerrero was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, a testament to his enduring legacy. His sudden death at the age of 38 on November 13, 2005, was a tragic loss for the wrestling world, but his influence continues to inspire new generations of wrestlers.
Current WWE stars, such as Charlotte Flair, have paid tribute to Guerrero, reflecting on the impact he had on their careers and the sport as a whole.