Published 14:49 IST, November 13th 2019
WWE wrestler Eddie Guerrero died on this day in 2005, here's how he was honoured
Eddie Guerrero had passed away on November 13, 2005, due to acute heart failure. A tribute show was hosted in the WWE wrestler's memory on the same day.
- SportFit
- 4 min read
Eddie Guerrero was found unconscious in his hotel room in Minneapolis Minnesota by his younger brother Chavo Guerrero on November 13, 2005, i.e. exactly 14 years ago. and by the time the paramedics arrived at the scene, Eddie was declared dead. He was 38 at the time of his untimely death. It was then revealed that he had died as a result of acute heart failure. As per reports, his better half Vickie Guerrero claimed that he had been unwell in the week leading up to his death. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon asked whether the show that was scheduled on that day be canceled. However, upon Chavo's insistence, there were no cancellations as he said that even Eddie would have wanted the show to go on.
A special tribute show dedicated to Eddie Guerrero
Originally, both the Raw and Smackdown superstars were scheduled to perform on that day. However, due to Eddie's untimely death, the WWE decided to dedicate a special tribute to him, with all the performers breaking their respective characters on that particular day. The superstars were seen crying bitterly and most of them remembered Eddie while paying him a video tribute.
“Eddie Guerrero has passed away. Eddie was in the prime of his life, 38 years old, the prime of his career. So tonight, we celebrate the life of Eddie Guerrero. Eddie Guerrero loved this business, he loved it, he had a passion for it like no-one else. Eddie loved to perform, more than anything else, whether he was booed or whether he was cheered, he loved to perform for all of you. Eddie’s goal every night was to steal the show. So tonight, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Eddie would want the show to go on, and so it shall. Tonight, as we pay tribute to the memory of Eddie Guerrero. At this time, I would ask you all to stand in silence as we toll the bell ten times, after which, there will be a special video presentation. So if you would all please stand. Thank you. VIVA LA RAZA!”, said, Vince Mcmahon
''Eddie Guerrero was a great man. He was one of the most passionate individuals about everything that he did. On a personal level, when I didn't know anything he helped me not only as an in-ring partner but as a father figure. The stuff that you don't necessarily teach - the hip tosses and body slams. Eddie Guerrero went past that and taught me to find this (heart, passion and determination) through all his technical prowess. That's what Eddie had the best. He had this. He taught me to find this and he taught me to embrace it- good, bad or indifferent. My condolences go out to the Eddie Guerrero family and I know who were in the locker room close to him. Chavo of course, Rey Mysterio, Chris Benoit, and Dean Malenko. Eddie was a man of faith, so I know he is in a better place but selfishly, every single one of us will miss him. We love you, Eddie", said John Cena.
John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) who was an arch-nemesis of Eddie Guerrero in the ring said that Eddie had helped him fight his demons when he was going through a tough phase in life. Meanwhile, Batista said that Eddie loved the business and that he ate, slept, breathed, bled the business. His real-life best friends Chris Benoit and Rey Mysterio could not control their emotions while paying tribute to their dear friend. What made things even special was that both the then world champions John Cena and Batista placed their WWE and World Heavyweight Championships on Eddie's customised T-shirts. Cena had placed his title at the end of Raw after his main-event match against Randy Orton while Batista had placed the world title on Eddie's T-shirt which was placed on The Latino Heat's low rider when Smackdown had kicked off. That week's episodes of Raw and Smackdown which were supposed to be filmed on November 14 and 18 respectively were filmed on the 13th instead as a part of the tribute.
Updated 17:11 IST, November 13th 2019
