Eddie Guerrero was one of the most beloved and talented professional wrestlers in WWE history. His charisma, athleticism, and connection with fans made him a standout in the wrestling industry. However, his journey to the top was not without its struggles, and his sudden death in 2005 shocked the world. In this article, we will explore what happened to Eddie Guerrero, from his rise to stardom to the personal battles that ultimately led to his untimely passing.
Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings
The Guerrero Wrestling Legacy
Eddie Guerrero was born on October 9, 1967, into a prominent wrestling family in El Paso, Texas. His father, Gory Guerrero, was a legendary wrestler in Mexico, and his brothers followed in his footsteps. Wrestling was in Eddie’s blood, and from a young age, he was determined to make his mark in the industry.
Eddie began his wrestling career in Mexico, where he honed his skills in the lucha libre style. His agility, quickness, and technical ability set him apart from other wrestlers. As he gained experience, he started wrestling in various promotions in the United States and Japan, further cementing his reputation as a rising star.
Breakthrough in WCW
In the mid-1990s, Eddie Guerrero signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), one of the biggest wrestling promotions in the world. It was during his time in WCW that he gained mainstream attention. He quickly became known for his high-flying maneuvers, technical prowess, and his ability to work with wrestlers of all sizes.
Despite his talent, Eddie found himself frustrated in WCW. The company often overlooked smaller wrestlers in favor of larger, more muscular performers. While Eddie had a dedicated fan base, he struggled to break into the main event scene. This frustration eventually led him to make a life-changing decision.
Eddie Guerrero in WWE
Joining the WWE
In 2000, Eddie Guerrero made the switch to WWE (then known as WWF), alongside fellow WCW wrestlers Chris Benoit, Perry Saturn, and Dean Malenko, forming a group called The Radicalz. This move marked a turning point in his career, as WWE provided him with more opportunities to showcase his abilities and connect with a wider audience.
Eddie’s charisma and “Latino Heat” persona resonated with fans, and he quickly became one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE. His in-ring work and his ability to tell compelling stories through his matches earned him praise from both fans and his peers.
Rise to the Top
Eddie Guerrero’s popularity continued to grow as he feuded with top WWE stars like Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar, and Rey Mysterio. However, it was in 2004 that Eddie reached the pinnacle of his career. At No Way Out, Eddie defeated Brock Lesnar to win the WWE Championship, fulfilling a lifelong dream. His victory was met with overwhelming support from fans, who celebrated his underdog triumph.
Despite his success, Eddie’s journey was far from easy. Behind the scenes, he battled personal demons, including a long struggle with addiction.
Eddie Guerrero’s Struggles with Addiction
The Impact of Substance Abuse
One of the most significant aspects of Eddie Guerrero’s life was his battle with substance abuse. His issues with alcohol and painkillers began early in his wrestling career, exacerbated by the physical demands of professional wrestling. Like many wrestlers, Eddie turned to painkillers to cope with injuries and the rigorous travel schedule. However, what started as a way to manage pain quickly spiraled into addiction.
In the late 1990s, Eddie’s addiction problems became public knowledge. He was released from WCW due to his struggles with substance abuse, and he even experienced a near-fatal car accident in 1999, which he later admitted was the result of his addiction.
Road to Recovery
In 2001, Eddie Guerrero’s addiction led to his release from WWE. His personal life was falling apart as well—he was separated from his wife, Vickie Guerrero, and distanced from his family. At rock bottom, Eddie made the decision to turn his life around. He entered rehabilitation and worked tirelessly to overcome his addictions.
Eddie’s recovery story is one of resilience and determination. Not only did he regain control of his life, but he also made a triumphant return to WWE in 2002. His fans welcomed him back with open arms, and Eddie embraced his second chance with gratitude and humility. His journey from addiction to redemption became an integral part of his wrestling persona, and fans admired his transparency.
The Tragic Death of Eddie Guerrero
What Happened to Eddie Guerrero?
On November 13, 2005, Eddie Guerrero was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was scheduled to perform at a WWE event that night. Despite immediate medical attention, Eddie was pronounced dead at the scene. He was only 38 years old.
The news of Eddie Guerrero’s death shocked the wrestling world and left fans, fellow wrestlers, and his family devastated. To understand what happened to Eddie Guerrero, it’s important to look at the official cause of death.
Cause of Death
An autopsy revealed that Eddie Guerrero had died from acute heart failure caused by underlying heart disease. His heart was significantly enlarged, a condition exacerbated by years of steroid use, intense physical activity, and his history of substance abuse. While Eddie had been clean and sober for years, the damage caused by his past lifestyle had already taken a toll on his body.
The wrestling world mourned the loss of one of its brightest stars, and tributes poured in from across the globe. WWE dedicated several shows to Eddie’s memory, and his impact on the wrestling community was evident in the outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike.
Eddie Guerrero’s Legacy
Impact on WWE and Wrestling Culture
Eddie Guerrero’s legacy in WWE and professional wrestling as a whole is undeniable. He was a pioneer for smaller wrestlers, proving that size doesn’t dictate success in the industry. His charisma, technical ability, and passion for wrestling inspired countless future wrestlers, many of whom have cited Eddie as a major influence on their careers.
Eddie’s catchphrase, “I lie, I cheat, I steal,” became iconic, embodying his mischievous yet lovable character. Despite his passing, Eddie’s influence can still be felt in WWE today, with his style of wrestling and his ability to connect with fans serving as a blueprint for future generations of wrestlers.
The Guerrero Family and WWE Today
The Guerrero family has continued to play a role in WWE and professional wrestling. Eddie’s wife, Vickie Guerrero, became a major on-screen personality in WWE, and his nephew, Chavo Guerrero, had a successful wrestling career of his own. Eddie’s influence extended beyond his own achievements, as he helped pave the way for his family to thrive in the industry.
Wrestlers like Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, and Batista, who were close friends of Eddie, have spoken at length about the impact he had on their lives and careers. Eddie’s legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew him best.
Conclusion
What happened to Eddie Guerrero is a heartbreaking reminder of the toll that professional wrestling can take on the human body, as well as the personal demons that can accompany fame. Eddie’s journey from addiction to redemption was inspiring, but his untimely death serves as a cautionary tale.
Despite the tragedy of his passing, Eddie Guerrero’s legacy remains strong. His impact on the wrestling world is still felt today, and he will always be remembered as one of the most talented and beloved wrestlers in history.
FAQs
What caused Eddie Guerrero’s death?
Eddie Guerrero died from acute heart failure due to underlying heart disease. Years of steroid use, physical strain, and past substance abuse contributed to the condition.
When did Eddie Guerrero pass away?
Eddie Guerrero passed away on November 13, 2005, in his hotel room in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Was Eddie Guerrero clean from drugs at the time of his death?
Yes, Eddie Guerrero had been clean and sober for several years before his death. However, the damage from his past substance abuse had already impacted his health.
What is Eddie Guerrero’s legacy in WWE?
Eddie Guerrero is remembered as one of the most talented and charismatic wrestlers in WWE history. His rise from personal struggles and his ability to connect with fans left a lasting impact on the wrestling industry.
Did Eddie Guerrero have any family in WWE?
Yes, Eddie Guerrero came from a wrestling family. His wife, Vickie Guerrero, became a prominent WWE personality, and his nephew, Chavo Guerrero, had a successful wrestling career.