Published 18:46 IST, October 10th 2019
Eddie Guerrero's fascinating journey to gold after beating addiction
Eddie Guerrero is one of the most cherised WWE superstars to have ever existed. His journey was not without challenges and in this article we look at the same.
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If Eddie Guerrero was alive, he would have turned 52 on October 9. The WWE's 'Latino Heat' earned a legion of fans before his untimely death in 2005. The WWE Hall-of-Famer fought through adversity and personal demons to get to the top spot in the WWE. Let's reflect on Eddie's time in the WWE.
A Lesson in perseverance
Eddie Guerrero was born in a wrestling-loving family and decided to follow the footsteps of his family at a very young age. After working in wrestling promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling, ECW, and the WCW, Guerrero made his way to the then WWF in the year 2000 as part of 'The Radicalz'. Guerrero eventually made his name in the WWE as he wrestled mid-card matches and won the European Championship along with his on-air love story with Chyna.
Tragedy struck in 2001 when Guerrero was going through a heavy drinking addiction and was issued an ultimatum by the WWE to clean up his act. Guerrero spent time in rehabilitation only to be involved in another Drunk driving incident after which the WWE terminated his contract. Guerrero decided to clean up his act and came back to the WWE in 2002 after quitting drinking. On his return, Guerrero teamed up with his nephew, Chavo Guerrero, to form the team of 'Los Guerreros'.
As Los Guerreros, Eddie Guerrero and Chavo won the WWE Tag Team Championships and Eddie Guerrero even held the Intercontinental Championship and the United States Championship in the following years. His 'Lying, Cheating, Stealing' gimmick earned him a lot of fans in the WWE as he finally got his big break in 2004. Eddie Guerrero won a 15-man Battle Royale on SmackDown to get a shot at the WWE Championship which was held by Brock Lesnar. At No Way Out 2004, in typical underdog fashion, Eddie Guerrero won the WWE Championship in what was one of the most celebrated WWE Championship victories of all time.
Eddie Guerrero held the WWE Championship for a while before losing it and getting back to Tag-Team action with Rey Mysterio eventually splitting with him. The pair then participated in the famous 'The Custody of Dominick' storyline. Eddie Guerrero was found unconscious in his hotel room by nephew Chavo Guerrero in 2005. He died at the age of 38 and left behind a legion of fans who could not believe what had happened. Eddie Guerrero was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame posthumously in the same year. His legacy continues to live on.
14:53 IST, October 10th 2019