Eddie Guerrero – And the wheels keep turning

Eddie Guerrero

There is a famous song by Tony Banks which reminds us just how flimsy life is. October 9th is just like any other day of the year, at least for non – wrestling fans. But for the wrestling fans, that is a day which fills us up with ambivalence; conflicting emotions, nostalgia and reminiscing what once was.

October 9th this year would have been the 46th birthday of one Eddie Guerrero. It’s hard to believe that it has already been eight years; eight years since I’ve seen the little shimmy as Eddie made his way through the curtains, eight years since I’ve heard the phrase “Lie, cheat and steal”. Eight years since the brightest light in professional wrestling was taken away.

To wrestling fans, October 9th will be anything but ordinary.

I remember the night of No Way Out in ’04. While everyone was concentrating on the Goldberg – Lesnar feud, there was one other person about to realize his dream, the very reason he got into professional wrestling.

At No Way Out ’04, Eddie Guerrero won the prestigious WWE title, something that validated his career. After going through hardships – From battling personal demons to going through a messy divorce, or even surviving a horrendous car crash, Eddie Guerrero finally achieved his dream.

He finally reached the pinnacle of professional wrestling. Eduardo “Gory” Guerrero was a true inspiration to all the fans, and non – wrestling fans as well.

From being fired from the WWE for alcohol abuse to headlining WrestleMania just three years later, Eddie Guerrero saw the ups and downs of the business.

The image of Eddie Guerrero closing WrestleMania 20 with Chris Benoit, as two of the greatest wrestlers embraced in the middle of the ring is something that no wrestling fan can ever forget.

For a non – wrestling fan, that would be just two guys expressing joy and emotion. For a wrestling fan however, that will be something that would send goosebumps, a shiver down the spine every time you think about it.

But what made Eddie Guerrero so special wasn’t just his demeanour as an on – screen character, but Eddie Guerrero the person.

It is always fascinating to know how the fans can connect with the superstars, even though we don’t know them personally. Eddie Guerrero was the one person who could make you laugh or cry in an instant; what made him special in the ring was his ability to be transparent.

If Eddie wanted to make you hate him, he would make you absolutely loathe him. If he wanted to make you laugh, he did that with ease.

Eddie was an amazing performer, but an even better person. His biggest on – screen rival, JBL had once credited Eddie for being the only person to help him through tough situations. Being the son of the legendary Gory Guerrero wasn’t easy, as a lot was expected from Eddie Guerrero.

But he made a mark for himself in the business, and unlike the other superstars/performers who ride on the coat tails of their fathers to make it into the business, Eddie honed his craft. He learned the tricks of the trade and traveled the world making a name for himself.

When Eddie passed away, the entire wrestling world stopped for a moment. Most of the fans still can’t believe the fact that Eddie Guerrero isn’t around anymore.

After all, a person who was responsible for making so many people laugh had, paradoxically in the end, left us with broken hearts and uncontrollable tears. As “Latino Heat” fizzled out, there was an outpour of emotions from fans throughout the world, with some expressing grief while the others celebrated the life and memory of Eddie Guerrero.

When all is said and done, one can only hope to be remembered long after they’re gone, and Eddie Guerrero, even after eight long years, is still remembered by the fans that were fortunate enough to ride along with him.

Eddie’s title victory was one of the very few “feel good” moments in a business which is scripted, and is said to be smoke and mirrors. Even though Eddie isn’t around anymore, he left us with a lot of fond memories; memories that we’ll keep with us for a long time to come.

For a wrestling fan, October 9th will not be just any other day.