10 shocking moments from WWE 2004

#4 Eddie Guerrero abuses fans in Germany

Flawed genius?

Another name to benefit from the WWE's transitional phase during 2004 was the late, great Eddie Guerrero. The year could not have got off to a better start for "Latino Heat". After winning a RAW-exclusive 15-man Royal Rumble, Guerrero was announced as the No. 1 contender for Brock Lesnar's WWE Championship.

Today's fans will be able to appreciate how much of an ask it would have been back then for somebody like Eddie to defeat Brock Lesnar in singles competition. However, despite the odds, and with a little help from Goldberg, Guerrero became the new WWE Champion and was tasked with fulfilling the roles that are normally associated with such a privileged position.

Despite his immense talent as a performer, it is no secret that Eddie had his fair share of personal demons. Many look back at his title reign as a bit of a mistake on the WWE's part, asking far too much from a guy unable to keep his personal life in check.

This was made fairly apparent during a European tour in June 2004. In the middle of a championship match at a house show in Germany, Eddie became agitated at a selection of fans who were booing him despite going in as the face. Guerrero was said to have grabbed the microphone and shouted 'Germany sucks' at the fans before holding up his middle finger at them.

Despite the fact that the fans were provoking him, this was clearly not the kind of behaviour the WWE expects from their champions. Guerrero would not end the year with the belt, and unfortunately, he would not be around long enough to prove to himself and the fans that he could really be trusted as the champion for any extended period of time.