Published 18:35 IST, November 17th 2019
Eddie Guerrero Tribute: When John Cena won everyone's hearts with this kind gesture
John Cena received a standing ovation from the fans for his heartwarming gesture for Eddie Guerrero on the special edition of Raw after his sudden demise.
Eddie Guerrero passed away on November 13, 2005, due to acute heart failure. All the fans and his co-workers were shocked by his untimely demise. A tribute show was held in his honor that had featured both Raw and Smackdown superstars and among them was one of Eddie's close friends John Cena. The year 2005 is when Cena's rise to superstardom had begun. He went on to win his first WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 21 and there was no looking back. A couple of months later, he was drafted to Raw. However, after Vengeance 2005, a section of the crowd started to boo the then WWE Champion and the boos only got louder each week. But, on Eddie Guerrero's tribute show, 'The Champ' won the hearts of the people present in the arena.
John Cena wins people's hearts
In the main event of that night's Raw John Cena faced Randy Orton. When Cena had made his way to the ring, he had received more boos than cheers. Both the young superstars gave their best and just when Cena was on the verge of winning that contest. Randy's father Cowboy Bob Orton attacked Cena from behind and the match ended in disqualification. The father-son duo then attacked the WWE Champ but it was just a matter of time before Cena gave it back. He first got rid of Orton Sr. and then delivered an FU to Randy to end the proceedings. But he was just not done yet.
After the match, the referee handed the WWE title to him and he was seen smiling but his face looked gloomy. On that particular night, all the performers were wearing Eddie Guerrero's ''I'm your Papi!'' shirt and so was Cena. He took off his T-shirt and laid it flat in the center of the ring with Eddie Guerrero, Latino Heat facing up. In what was a really heart-touching gesture, John Cena then laid his belt on the T-shirt and exited the ring as he received huge round of applause from the fans.
John Cena's tribute to Eddie Guerrero
While paying tribute to Eddie Guerrero on that episode of Raw, John Cena fondly remembered the 'Latino Heat' and also spoke about how much he meant to him.
''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.
Updated 22:02 IST, November 17th 2019