WWE wrestler Eddie Guerrero died unexpectedly earlier today, he was 38 years old. At this point it is not known what caused his untimely passing, but it is believed to had been heart failure. He was found in the bathroom of his hotel room, with a toothbrush still in his mouth.
It is a sad day for wrestling fans, Eddie was a true highlight of the sports entertainment industry. He is a man who fought demons for years, including drugs and alcohol. He lost his family because of his problems, but he got himself on the right track, defeating the demons and regaining his family.
I first saw Eddie in the late 1990's, as I was getting back into being a wrestling fan. He was with WCW, and I did not pay him much mind. I was always entertained by his skill and ever present mullet, but it was not until he jumped to the WWE in, I believe 1999, that I started to notice him. His tenure with the WWE was marked with tragedy and triumph. He had put on some great matches, but his drug problems caught up with him and was fired by the WWE.
He entered rehab, got himself clean and won his job back with the WWE. Since that time he had been a big part of WWE: Smackdown's success. His success culminating with his Championship title reign in 2004. He may not have been the champion this year, but he was part of a number of high profile story lines, including those with Rey Mysterio and currently with the reigning champion, Batista.
Eddie comes from a long line of wrestlers, dating back decades. His nephew, Chavo Guerrero is also on the WWE roster (currently using the moniker of Kerwin White). He was skilled at the high flying luchadore style, as well as being a fine technician and brawler. In 2002-2003 he was at the core of a group dubbed by the internet wrestling community as the Smackdown Six, along with Chavo, Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, and Edge. Together they put on great matches in just about every combination.
The wrestling community has lost a great personality and talent in Eddie Guerrero. I did not know him personally, but all I have read about him has indicated a good man. While, not without his demons, strove to improve himself, overcoming the obstacles placed before him.
His career lasted 18 years, and he has cemented his place in wrestling history. His final televised match was Friday November 11,2005 where he faced, and defeated, Mr. Kennedy.
My prayers and best wishes go out to Eddie Guerrero's family and friends in their time of loss.
The WWE taped a Supershow (Raw and Smackdown on the same night) tonight. Both shows are a tribute to Eddie. There will be no storyline advancement, it will be dedicated to in ring wrestling and personal tributes to Eddie.
Eddie, you will be missed.
You can read more at WWE.com, which also features photo galleries and video clips of Eddie in action.
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