Eddie Guerrero

Biography

Eduardo Gory Guerrero Llanes, famously known as Eddie Guerrero, was born on October 9, 1967, in El Paso, Texas, USA, into a legendary wrestling family. He was the son of Gory Guerrero, a pioneer in Lucha Libre wrestling, and was surrounded by the sport from an early age. Growing up in a family of wrestlers, Eddie's brothers Chavo, Hector, and Mando were all professional wrestlers, and his nephew Chavo Guerrero Jr. also achieved success in the industry.

Eddie was introduced to wrestling early on, attending matches and training in his father’s wrestling school. This foundation set the stage for Eddie to become one of the greatest performers in the history of professional wrestling.

Wrestling Career

Eddie Guerrero's career spanned multiple promotions and continents, showcasing his charisma, technical ability, and versatility. Here's a breakdown of his illustrious journey:

1. Early Career in Mexico and Japan

Eddie started his professional career in the late 1980s, wrestling in Mexico for the Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (EMLL) and later for Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA). Teaming up with "Love Machine" Art Barr, Eddie formed the infamous tag team "La Pareja del Terror" (The Pair of Terror). Together, they became one of the most hated duos in Mexican wrestling, known for their controversial tactics.

Eddie also competed in Japan for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he adopted the masked persona "Black Tiger." His time in NJPW further honed his technical wrestling style and expanded his international appeal.

2. Arrival in ECW and WCW

In 1995, Eddie joined Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he quickly made an impact. His matches against Dean Malenko were highly acclaimed, showcasing his exceptional in-ring skills. These performances caught the attention of World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Eddie made his debut there later that year.

During his time in WCW, Eddie became a cornerstone of the company’s cruiserweight division, delivering standout matches against Rey Mysterio Jr., Chris Jericho, and others. He won multiple titles, including the WCW Cruiserweight Championship and the WCW United States Championship. However, Eddie grew frustrated with WCW’s lack of focus on smaller, technical wrestlers and left the promotion in 2000.

3. Rise to Stardom in WWE

Eddie Guerrero joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 2000, alongside Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn as part of "The Radicalz." Eddie's charisma and incredible in-ring talent quickly made him a fan favorite.

In WWE, Eddie’s career reached new heights:

• He won multiple championships, including the Intercontinental Championship, United States Championship, and Tag Team Championship.
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• Eddie’s "Latino Heat" persona, which combined humor, cunning, and a larger-than-life personality, endeared him to fans.

Eddie became known for his slogan, "I Lie, I Cheat, I Steal," using underhanded tactics in a way that made him a lovable rogue. His feud and partnership with his nephew, Chavo Guerrero, were highlights of his career.

4. WWE Championship Reign

The pinnacle of Eddie's career came on February 15, 2004, when he defeated Brock Lesnar at No Way Out to win the WWE Championship. This victory solidified Eddie as one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation and a main-event talent. His emotional celebration with fans and family remains one of the most iconic moments in WWE history.

Eddie’s championship reign included a memorable feud with Kurt Angle and showcased his ability to deliver both emotional storytelling and high-quality matches.

Personal Struggles and Redemption

Eddie Guerrero's life was not without its challenges. He struggled with substance abuse issues, which led to his release from WWE in 2001. However, Eddie made an incredible comeback, getting sober and rededicating himself to wrestling and his family. His redemption story inspired countless fans and wrestlers.

Tragic Passing and Legacy

On November 13, 2005, Eddie Guerrero tragically passed away at the age of 38 due to acute heart failure, attributed to the toll of his past struggles and the physical demands of wrestling. His death sent shockwaves through the wrestling world.

Eddie’s legacy lives on through his unforgettable matches, charisma, and influence on future generations of wrestlers. He was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by his close friend Rey Mysterio and nephew Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Legacy in Wrestling

Eddie Guerrero’s impact on professional wrestling is immeasurable:

• He is celebrated as one of the greatest technical wrestlers and storytellers in wrestling history.
• His "Latino Heat" persona broke barriers for Latino wrestlers in WWE.
• Wrestlers like Sasha Banks, Andrade, and Rey Mysterio have credited Eddie as a major influence on their careers.