Eddie Guerrero, born Eduardo Gory Guerrero Llanes on October 9, 1967, in El Paso, Texas, was a celebrated Mexican-American professional wrestler renowned for his charismatic in-ring persona and technical prowess. Known for his "Latino Heat" gimmick and the catchphrase "I Lie! I Cheat! I Steal!", Guerrero's career spanned major wrestling promotions including ECW, WCW, and WWE, where he achieved significant success before his untimely death in 2005.
Eddie Guerrero was born into the legendary Guerrero wrestling family, with his father, Gory Guerrero, being a prominent figure in the wrestling world. Growing up in El Paso, Texas, Eddie was surrounded by wrestling from a young age, which influenced his decision to pursue a career in the sport. He began his professional wrestling journey in 1987 with the Mexican promotion Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (EMLL), where he initially wrestled under the ring name Máscara Mágica. Guerrero's early career saw him achieve significant success in Mexico and Japan, notably winning the NJPW Junior Heavyweight Super Grade Tag League Championship with The Great Sasuke and the Best of the Super Juniors tournament in 199623.
Eddie Guerrero's tenure with The Radicalz marked a significant chapter in his career. The Radicalz, consisting of former WCW wrestlers Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn, and Guerrero, debuted in the WWF on January 31, 2000. Their arrival was impactful, as they immediately engaged in a brawl on Monday Night Raw, showcasing their wrestling skills and establishing themselves as a formidable faction23. Guerrero's time with The Radicalz was marked by his pursuit and capture of the WWF European Championship, which he won twice during his tenure with the group2. The faction's storyline included various feuds, notably against The Hardy Boyz and Lita, culminating in memorable matches such as their victory at Armageddon 20003. Guerrero's involvement with The Radicalz not only highlighted his in-ring prowess but also his ability to thrive in a group dynamic, contributing to the faction's overall success and his individual accolades in the WWF23.
Eddie Guerrero's personal struggles with addiction were a significant part of his life and career. After a severe car accident in 1998, he became addicted to painkillers and alcohol, which led to numerous personal and professional challenges. His addiction resulted in strained relationships with his wife and children, multiple stints in rehab, and ultimately, his release from WWE in 2001 after a DUI arrest345. Guerrero's battle with addiction was publicly acknowledged during a storyline with Brock Lesnar, where he openly discussed his struggles and recovery13. Despite these setbacks, Guerrero found redemption through religion and a renewed commitment to sobriety. His hard work and determination led to a successful return to WWE, where he reconciled with his family and achieved his dream of winning the WWE Championship in 2004235. Guerrero's journey from addiction to redemption remains an inspiring testament to his resilience and dedication.
Eddie Guerrero's untimely passing on November 13, 2005, at the age of 38, was a profound shock to the wrestling world. He was found unconscious in his hotel room by his nephew, Chavo Guerrero, and was later pronounced dead due to acute heart failure caused by underlying atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease123. Guerrero's death deeply affected his family, friends, and fans, leading to an outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow wrestlers and the WWE community. His passing prompted WWE to implement the Wellness Policy, aimed at preventing similar tragedies by monitoring the health of its performers more closely35. Guerrero's legacy continues to resonate, with his contributions to wrestling celebrated and his memory honored through various tributes and Hall of Fame inductions35.