On Sunday morning, TNA joined the wrestling world in learning of the unfortunate and untimely passing of Eddie Guerrero.
The mood backstage in Orlando is solemn, as many TNA staff and stars were close with Eddie and worked with him throughout his career.
Everyone in TNA will keep Eddie and his family in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come as we say goodbye to a friend...
WWE
WWE is deeply saddened by the news that Eddie Guerrero has passed away. He was found dead this morning in his hotel room in Minneapolis. Eddie is survived by his wife Vickie and daughters Shaul, 14, Sherilyn, 9, and Kaylie Marie, 3.
New Japan
"From: David Marquez, Inoki Sports Management, Inc.
Mr. Inoki, Simon and myself extend our deepest condolences on the loss of Eddie. As you are aware, Eddie spent time working for our company and there are many people in NJPW that have fond memories of him as Black Tiger II. Although
Eddie will be most remembered as an outstanding WWE Superstar he is an essential part of our company's history too.
Warmest regards,
David Marquez
Vice President,
Inoki Sports Management, Inc.
USA Network
WWE was deeply saddened by the loss of Eddie Guerrero, who died Sunday morning in Minneapolis. In response, the entire WWE family gathered on RAW to remember Guerrero.
Superstars from both rosters took part in interbrand matches dedicated to their dear, departed friend. Between matches, Eddie's peers paid tribute with video messages. Many cried, all were overwhelmed with emotion.
Each cited stories particular to their friendship with Eddie, but all spoke of his inspirational role in their lives, his love for his family and his uncanny ability to summon any emotion and convey it to an appreciative crowd. Eddie was remembered as a consummate in-ring technician and exceptional performer.
In the final tribute match, WWE Champion John Cena defeated SmackDown star Randy Orton when Cowboy Bob prevented an FU, causing the disqualification. Randy afterward attempted an RKO, but Cena pushed away and caught Randy with an FU coming off the ropes. The Champ then removed the Guerrero shirt he wore all match long, placed it flat in the center of the ring, then draped it with the WWE Championship belt.
UPN
All of us at UPN are deeply saddened by the passing of WWE Superstar Eddie Guerrero. An incredible performer, who has been a fan favorite on Smackdown, Eddie will be truly missed, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Rey Mysterio Jr.
I would like to ask everyone to please say a little prayer for Eddie and his family. He has been my true friend, my brother, and one of the best person I have ever known. Although, the last few times you've seen us in the ring together, it seems like we didn't see eye to eye. But once we got backstage, Eddie and I were like brothers. What you saw on TV was entertainment. Eddie was a good man, a loving husband and father. He has always been good to me and my family. My family and I, send our love to his wife Vickie and daughters Shaul, Sherilyn, and Kaylie Marie, and to all of Eddie's family and friends.... We love you!
Rob Van Dam
Eddie affected everybody’s lives in a most positive way.
You have to respect his untouchable wrestling skills whether you’re inside the business or a fan or even someone that just saw him once. His personality and charisma entertained consistently without ever missing the mark. Eddie took his job responsibilities and his life very seriously. He approached everything from a perfectionist’s point of view and the results showed it. Whether he realized it or not, Eddie was a teacher; sharing his knowledge with so many people that he knew he could help. Not just a role model for his fans, but he was an inspiration to his peers, in the ring, in the dressing room, and around his family-which, by the way, is when I saw Eddie most content. I told Eddie that when I saw him, I would think “strength”, because he always seemed to be fighting something inside, and I was impressed by his relentless endurance. I enjoyed the honor of wrestling with Eddie in some kick-ass matches, and I always had hoped we could finish that debate about who’s got the better frog splash. This is a huge loss of all of us; the entire f-ing world! Rest in peace Eddie. You better know you’ll be missed.
Chris Jericho
I am devastated by the news of Eddy's passing and I am so sad...
I've lost alot of friends over the years but this one hurts the most by far.
I had the pleasure of meeting Eddy in Mexico City almost 14 years ago and we've been close ever since (although it didn't start that way!) He is one of my favorite people that I've ever met in the wrestling business, as well one of the greatest performers I've ever seen and had the pleasure to work with. One of my favorite times in my career was when Eddy and I were an underutilized, underpushed, hell, almost non-exisitant tagteam, that were thrown together randomly in WCW. But there was a chemistry there that existed becuase we had mutual respect for each other and we both loved what we were doing. One of my most cherished matches was myself and Eddy vs Chris and Dean in Knoxville, on a benefit show for our dear friend Brian Hildebrand. All four of us started the same way and had the same love and respect for the business, for Brian and for each other...it was a magical night. My best match of 1997 was against Ed at Fall Brawl that year. He was as talented as they come and a true class act.
He was also so humble and a true family man and most importantly a warrior for God. He taught me so much about wrestling and about being a man and it is an honor to call him a true brother and friend.
I have so many classic Eddy stories that I would love to share, but instead I'm just going to go and cry myself to sleep remembering what an awesome human being Eddy was and will always be...
May God bless your family and your soul and may he keep you safe forever putillo falso....I love you my brother...
Love your chapete
Nora Greenwald (Molly Holly)
I will miss Eddie very much. My favorite professional moment of his was his match with Rey Mysterio at the 1997 Halloween Havoc. A personal memory I will never forget, is one time on a tour bus overseas, he shared some Bible verses with me and we had a good discussion about life.
I am so thankful I was able to know Eddie personally, and am especially thankful I got to give him a hug the night before he passed away.
Nora Greenwald
Lance Storm
"Eddie was a guy I only worked once, never went out with, and as sad as this sounds I can’t recall a conversation between us that lasted more than a couple minutes, yet some how I always felt close to him. I felt a genuine love and connection to Eddie, which I can’t for the life of me explain. I guess he was just a special person that way, he loved people, and I for one felt that love and will always be grateful for it."
Dory Funk Jr.
Funk's Corner
By Dory Funk Jr.
Eddie Guerrero's father Gory Guerrero was a personal friend of our family as early as 1947. We lived at the Del Norte Hotel in El Paso. My father was wrestling with Gory Guerrero, Gordon Hestle, and The Great Kierlinko. (The Mad Russian)
In 1967 when Eddie was born we were the booking office out of Amarillo for El Paso. The promoter in El Paso was Gory Guerrero. We would meet with him to book the show, then work El Paso. I knew Eddie in diapers.
We have been family for all these years. I watched the Guerrero kids grow up in the wrestling business, Chauvo, Mando, Hector, Eddie and then Chauvo Jr.
They all had the gift of wrestling and credibility of their father, Gory Guerrero. I remember great matches with Chauvo in the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Marti and I last saw Eddie several weeks ago when WWE came through Florida. He reminded us we are family.
I was thinking the other day of their family in the wrestling business and how much they have accomplished. We see each other and then time passes.
Lots of time.
Then I got the call for Mark Nulty about Eddie's passing and was devastated.
Dory Funk Jr.
Lou E. Dangerously
"Eddie was a huge part of the ECW locker room and always treated everyone with such great respect. His series with Dean Malenko was and always will remain one of the best sets of matches in the wrestling world. His rise to fame throughout the wrestling world was well deserved and he will be sorely missed. My condolences to his wife, children, and family."
Lou D'Angeli
Lash LeRoux
"Any attempt to eulogize Eddie Guerrero in a manner that will do him justice is impossible. It simply can't be done. Many of his wrestling brothers who love him will try, but we will fail miserably. How can you sum up the fire and passion behind Eddie's eyes in just a few feeble words? However, anyone who knew him well cannot help but try. Eddie had that effect on you.
It would be extremely conceited for me to claim that Eddie and I shared an intimate friendship, or that he regarded me as highly as I loved and respected him. Any such pretense on my part would do a disservice to the bond Eddie shared with his most cherished friends like Chris Benoit, Dean Melenko and Chavo Guerrero. Any yet, if you shared any personal time with Eddie, he made you feel like you were the most important person in the world to him at that moment. He gave his sincere undivided attention to you as a person, and as a result you felt genuinely loved. Eddie cared about other people's problems as much as he cared about his own. That is why so many in the wrestling community feel an emptiness in their heart without Eddie around.
Warriors can be replaced on the battlefield. Many superstars will step up their game and try to fill the entertainment void left by Eddie. Some will succeed in helping us cope with our loss, and the wrestling world will go on. However, the void that can't be filled is that left by Eddie Guerrero the man. He was more than a colleague. To many of us, he was a teacher, a mentor, a brother and a friend. This leaves a hole in my heart no one can fill. I can only hope to aspire to be half the man Eddie Guerrero was."
Scott Hudson
During the entire run of WCW when he, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Rey Mysterio, Jr., and the others brought a redefinition of wrestling to the masses, Eddie, singularly, stood out as a humble, respectful man. I have vivid memories of Eddie walking up on those Monday afternoons and sincerely thanking us for putting him over in the commentary; recognizing a subtle furtherance of a storyline he had worked into his match; spotlighting an intricate new spot that he and his opponent had worked on for an hour. He understood that every aspect of wrestling (the wrestlers, the announcers, the referee, the camera operators, the director, etc.) was integral to a successful product and would help to, to coin a phrase, "put asses in seats." He never once took the star trip (even though he deserved to). His ego did not register with anyone (even though no one would have begrudged him that). He was always smiling (even though we knew what he was smiling through.) And most of all he loved the sport and those who loved it with him (even though sometimes it didn't love him back.)
In many ways wrestling does not need anymore Eddie Guerrero's. You know the ways I'm referring to. But in many, many more ways, wrestling cannot have enough Eddie Guerrero's. From his mid-70's elementary school-age brawls with Chavo, Jr. to his current run at the top of the WWE, he never once left it backstage. He always left it in the ring each night.
I didn't cry when my parents died. I cried watching Chris Benoit talk about his best friend. Hard. Good-bye, my friend. I'm glad you found your peace.
Scott Hudson
Krissy Vaine
Losing Eddie is a loss too big for words. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family....I can't imagine the pain they are suffering.....
Amber O'Neal
Eddie Guerrero was one of the most talented wrestlers
on this planet. I think this is a sad day in the
wrestling world. We have lost a special person who had
problems just like each and every one of us, and he
overcame them. I hate he did not get to continue to
live the happier portion of his life longer. He said
to a friend he just celebrated his 4th year of
sobriety. I am happy he got to experience that and
Eddie and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
RIP Eddie. You will be very missed.
Amber Oneal
CM Punk
Kids and Heros
I ain't nobody. I'm just some Punk rock kid with a big mouth and an opinion. I'm just some kid...
Eddie Guerrero was a hero of mine. I was fortunate enough to work with him many times, and he helped me more then I could ever put into words.
Eddie was my friend. He still is. Maybe i'll be back on here to tell some stories when I clear my head, right now is just too hard.
I remember Eddie Guerrero.
Cheat to win.
XpunkX
Nicole Bass
What can I say when one so great pass's away. Sad day here and a happy one in Heaven. May God bless his soul.
Nicole
Altar Boy Luke
eddie was a awesome guy who would always help anyone who needed it! i had a chance to spend some time with him last year and we went out to dinner and he was just full of advice and and a pleasant guy to be around! i ran into him many of times but i only got to spend a good bit of time with him that once and it was a great experience, eddie you will be missed!!!!
Luke (altar boy)
Malia Hosaka
I have nothing but great respect and fondness for Eddie and his family. Eddie was always a warm and kind person on the road. I will miss him greatly and keep his family in my prayers.
Sonny Siaki
I wrestled with Eddie Guerrero briefly at WCW and in the short time that i got to work with him he was one of the only veterans that showed he cared about the new guys that were just getting in the business. I am very sad that we lost a great wrestler, christian, husband, father and person. The wrestling world will not be the same without you. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, kids, family and close friends. God bless you Eddie, i know you're in heaven smiling down on us, i miss you Bro.
Sonny Siaki
Frankie Kazarian
Lets put wrestling aside, everyone knows Eddie was one of the best to ever lace boots. Period. More importantly, Eddie was a loving father and husband, an incredible human being, and a man of God. I am honored to have shared a locker room with such an amazing spirit. You are with with our heavenly Father now, and you will be missed more then I can begin to say. Thank you for inspiring me, and countles others. Till we meet again, goodbye.
Frankie Kazarian
Jacqueline
I will truly miss Eddie. Eddie was a nice and honest person. I love how he entertain and wrestle. He was one of kind. Eddie had a beautiful smile that I will never forget. What an angel. Thank you Eddie, for the memories.
Brent Albright
I am still reeling from the news. While we weren't close, I can certainly say that the wrestling world has lost one of its "true champions." His presence, his talent, his dedication... the loss leaves a gaping hole not only in the business but in the personal lives of so many. His family is most certainly in my thoughts and prayers.
April Hunter
“Latino Heat” Eddy Guerrero, 1967 - 2005
I tried to stay off the computer while I was away as much as possible, so it figures that when I finally turned it on, I saw what I did…that Eddy Guerrero had passed away. Worse, yet, I wasn’t even surprised. Not that it was him…just that another wrestler had died. I mostly just felt gutted. With so many people dying of nearly the same thing, I wonder if WWE would now consider cutting out one house show per brand per week.
I’d met Eddy while I was at WCW. He was only there a short while before leaving for WWE, but I’ve always been a huge fan of his and he’s one of the people who influenced me to get into this whacked-out profession. At Killer Kowalski’s, the guys nicknamed me “Mamacita” to rag on me for my idolization of him.
I’d always considered him to the “total package” in wrestling: He’s got the look, the ability and is entertaining on the mic. Not to mention, his unrestrained charisma. The thing I loved most about him, though, was his versatility in the ring. He could go from the mat to air, work big and small…and that’s truly a gift. I’ve attempted to pattern my own career after him, to try to make myself versatile too. Sadly, I’m nowhere near, because if I were a tenth as good as he was, I’d be pretty damn decent, but he has always remained my main inspiration. I think I own nearly every ‘Best Of’ tape of his ever made. I wonder if he knew just how much he gave to others who viewed and knew him, but ‘I’m Your Papi’ is truly fitting, because he fathered a lot of talents.
Even when wrestling is sometimes hard to watch, as soon as I’d hear his music hit, I’d come out from the other room to catch his matches. Sometimes, it’s the only one I’d see.
When he left WCW with Benoit, Saturn and Malenko, I thought, “not only are these guys talented, but they’re smart and loyal too.” That might not seem so interesting to most, but truly, when you’re fighting for a spot in the world of entertainment, loyalty is extremely unusual. Rare. Well, nearly extinct. It’s one of the aspects about this business that disgusts me on a regular basis, to be honest. So, I had respect for him on every level.
I’m very sorry for his family and friends. I suppose the only bright side in this is that he will always be remembered as being young and vibrant and he’ll never have to deal with growing old and pained.
Viva La Raza.
"Classic" Colt Cabana
I had the opportunity to meet Eddie on a bunch of occasions. I met Eddie when he was on a mission to be the best Independent wrestler ever. Oh Boy! was he succeeding. There was a time when CM Punk, Chris Hero, Ace Steel, Myself and a bunch of others were grinding our teeth in IWA Midsouth trying to be the best wrestlers we could be. Ian Rotten promoted a show where one of the matches would be CM Punk vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. After the match, I was so proud of Punk for not only not screwing up, but totally fitting in to the caliber of wrestling that was performing in that ring on that night.
What came next was something I didn't expect. Eddie had seen something in Punk. He went on to wrestle him 3 or 4 more times including a threeway match with Myself v. Punk v. Eddie. I actually suffered my only ever asthsma attack in that match and was always looking forward to the day I could once again wrestle with Eddie and conquor my condition.
Eddie really saw something in Punker and formed a bond with him. Eddie would not only share a lot of his wrestling wisdom with Punk, but his personal beliefs and values. Although Punk is the complete opposite religiously, I believe Punk took the basic principals of what Eddie had to say and applied them to his own views and beliefs in life. Eddie didn't have to do any of this. Eddie could of been like most other "superstars" that come into our independent lockerrooms. He could've showed up, wrestled, collected his check and moved onto the next stop. I believe in my heart of hearts that Eddie saw the future of wrestling in Punk (as most of us do). He made an effort for wrestling. He loved pro wrestling so much that he understood there will be wrestlers after his time. For this, he wanted to share.
Eddie was one of the good guys that come back to the indy's and share their knowledge of this art, sport and profession. For that I always saw Eddie in a higher light. Its very hard when you're trying to become the best in your profession and you don't have road agents like Ted Dibaise, Arn Anderson and Michael Hayes teaching you on a daily basis. As an Independent wrestler you have to be fortunate enough that veterans of the ring will be on your shows and will be willing to help the younger guys grow as wrestlers. Eddie was one of those guys. To me he was a good guy wanting to see wrestling expand past his era. Obviously I'm not the only guy who thinks this after reading millions of words about how great a man Eddie Guerrero is.
I won't forget Chris Candido. I won't forget Stevie Lee or Yukon Braxton.
I won't forget Eddie.
RIP
Cheers,
Colt Cabana
LuFisto
November 14, 2005
Goodbye Eddie…
As I couldn’t sleep tonight in Japan because of the flu, I started to chat with some friends and surf the net… I never expect to find out what just happened…
Unfortunately, I came across this message: “WWE is deeply saddened by the news that Eddie Guerrero has passed away. He was found dead this morning in his hotel room in Minneapolis . Eddie is survived by his wife Vickie and his two daughters.”
I didn’t know Eddie Guerrero personally but I knew about his fights. I knew how hard he battled his daemons to get back on track and we can only be proud of a man fighting back on the toughest things in life.
He was a unique talent, entertaining and what a great wrestler. I surely will be missed in and out of the ring. I wish him peace and my deepest sympathies for his family, wife and daughters.
Rest in peace, God bless you and thank you for the memories…
Eddie Guerrero – 1967 - 2005
LuFisto
Melissa Coates
Eddie was a great guy - really thoughtful, sweet and just an awesome man.
I met him about a year ago while he was visiting at OVW. A group of us went out after the show and had dinner, and he actually picked up the bill for all of us - and damn they're were probably 15 of us! This is just one example of the man's incredible generosity.
He was also very generous with sharing his life experiences. During the dinner he took the time (about 30 mins!) to answer some of my questions about wrestling, and to give me some good advice. He talked about his trails and tribulations and how they had taught him valuable lessons about life and living. This was an obviously deep man who had lived through hell and wanted to share his experiences to help others. And I will never forget his kindness.
The last time I saw him was 2 months ago in Little Rock, AR. It was at the airport, and it was 6 am the morning after the Supershow last Sept. Eddie was so sweet, he actually made a point of coming up to say hello to me when he spotted me. And always a big smile on his face! I only wish I had had more time to chat with this wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
Melissa Coates
Rain
It is a very sad that we lost someone as amazing as Eddie. He was one of the
greatest talents out there and I hear that he was a WONDERFUL person. He will be
missed!
Josie
I just walked in the house Sunday morning when I got this call. I was floored. He he went through hell and back to get where he was today. The top........Now he's gone. He was what alot of wrestlers strived so hard to be. His passing has left a huge hole in the wrestling world. My thoughts and prayers got out to his family.
Adam Windsor
It was a huge and devastating loss to professional wrestling just a little over a week ago when Eddie Guerrero passed away. I was actually in England at the time, and I received a message on my cell phone from a friend of mine telling me Eddie had gone. Of course at first I did not believe it, I mean I had just seen him on smackdown and I knew he was supposed to be coming to the UK while I was there.
So then of course I looked online, and sure enough reality struck.
I had the pleasure of meeting Eddie for the very first time when I did my first dark match with Brent Dail for WCW. Even though I was very new to the business, he was very nice to me.
I had the opportunity to meet and talk to Eddie many times since then when doing dark matches with WWE or at show. He would always, always stop and talk to me. He knew my trainer Dory Funk Jr. from growing up around him. Eddie even if he just talked to me for a few moments would always give me some little piece of advice, something to take with me and to think about to make me a better wrestler and person.
With living in Florida and seeing Eddie at shows, there with him would always be his family. You would always see him with his wife and children and you could always guarantee to see his brother Hector there watching Eddie perform - now that's a real family.
Eddie will surely be missed and thought of forever in this business - he is and will forever be a true legend and inspiration to this business.
Adam Windsor.
Slyck Wagner Brown
I had the privilege of meeting him on more than one occasion when working dark matches for the WWE. He was one of the nicest and most genuine person I've met not only in wrestling, but in life.
My favorite memories of Eddie were his matches with Rey Mysterio in WCW and his work with Chyna in WWE. He was an inspiration to me and many others because he always worked hard and loved the wrestling business. Eddie was the total package, he could entertain and he could wrestle.
If there is one word to describe Eddie Guerrero, it would be RESPECT. Eddie we love you, we miss you and we will never forget you. "Viva La Raza!!"
