For the past week, Eddie Guerrero’s death hasn’t seemed real to me. Sure, I accepted the fact that he was dead. In fact, I wasn’t even that shocked to begin with. But for some reason, it just didn’t sink in that he was really gone. He’s been so entertaining and reliable for so long, a part of me just assumed he’d be on Smackdown this week, giving the fans what they paid to see. I haven’t watched Smackdown yet, and I might not. Actually, I haven’t watched Smackdown in months. Maybe if I continue to miss it, I can pretend that Eddie’s not really gone.
Since I’ve started reviewing WWE AM Raw, I’ve been skipping more of Monday Night Raw than normal, and just getting caught up on Saturday mornings. It helps me write the report, as most segments and matches are still “new” to me. Even though I’d watched most of Raw this particular week, I wasn’t prepared for the Saturday morning version to start off with the entire WWE roster somberly standing around the entrance set. My lip starting quivering. Then they played the new Eddie tribute video set to “Here Without You” by Three Doors Down. I broke down. It finally sunk in that Eddie wasn’t coming back. His wife and daughters would never see him again. His family and friends would never see him smile. At least not here on Earth.
I’ve met quite a few professional wrestlers in my day, but Eddie was never one of them. I’m not going to pretend I knew him, or act like I was really destroyed by the news of his passing. He’s just a wrestler, right? Why should I care? He knew what he was doing to his body all those years. But watching that excellent video really hit me hard. Eddie will be missed by many people, many of them fans like me. But it’s Eduardo’s family and friends that are truly the ones who have lost something special. I’ll just miss him as an entertainer and a wrestler, but not as a friend or loved one.
The word “guerrero” means “warrior” in Spanish. Eddie was a warrior. He was a warrior in the ring, and a warrior battling his demons until his dying day. But most importantly to Eddie, he was a warrior of God.
You will truly be missed by those who have known you, and by those of us who had the privilege of watching you perform.
Adiós, Eddie.
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The show opens with the entire active WWE roster and key members of management standing in front of the stage, most of them crying, and all of them looking extremely sad. Vince McMahon spoke about Eddie being in his prime, and announced that tonight was a celebration of his life.
The traditional moment of silence during the ten-bell salute followed.
Next, Vince introduced the phenomenal tribute video that I mentioned in the open. Seriously, if you haven’t seen the new Three Doors Down video, you need to do yourself a favor and check it out. This past Monday they used a Johnny Cash song. It was good, but this new video really hits home. Every time I see the footage of Eddie as a baby (around my daughter’s age, she turned 1 yesterday), I lose it. I’m starting to well up just typing about it.
Anyway, if you haven’t seen it yet, click here.
Vince speaks some more and ends it with an intense “Viva la raza!” The crowd chants “Thank you, Eddie!” People are shown crying in the audience.
Commercials.
A clip of Eddie trying to auction off Kurt Angle’s belongings on Smackdown was shown.
Kurt Angle defeated Shelton Benjamin via submission. Benjamin tapped to the Ankle Lock in the finish of a very good wrestling match.
Rey Mysterio speaks about his friend Eddie Guerrero. He removes his mask at the end as he puts his head down.
Commercials.
A video package of Eddie’s “Lie, Cheat, and Steal” days from his DVD. Funny stuff.
Eddie’s nephew Chavo Guerrero speaks about his uncle.
Commercials.
A clip of Eddie winning his first ever WWE Championship is shown. He defeated Brock Lesnar at No Way Out in February of last year. He celebrated the victory by jumping into the crowd with the belt. His family was sitting ringside and shared in his joy.
Rey Mysterio defeated Shawn Michaels via pinfall. Excellent match. Rey pinned Shawn after a springboard leg drop. I think Eddie would have enjoyed this one.
Batista speaks about his friend Eddie Guerrero.
Commercials.
A clip is shown of Eddie and Chris Benoit celebrating at the end of WrestleMania 20. A very emotional moment, as both he and Benoit are world champions on the grandest stage of them all.
Chris Benoit speaks about his best friend Eddie Guerrero.
Commercials.
A clip of Eddie accidentally winning the Intercontinental title from Chyna is shown. I forgot all about this. It was a great clip. He and Chyna must have been wrestling for some reason, but as Eddie was consoling her after a Kurt Angle attack, he inadvertently pinned her shoulders to the mat for three. Eddie shines in this as he has to tend to his wounded mamacita, and try to subdue his excitement over winning the belt. He pulls it off perfectly. This, for me, was Eddie in his prime. He looked healthy, his character was entertaining and fresh, and he seemed to be very happy.
John Cena defeated Randy Orton via disqualification. Bob Orton attacked Cena as he was trying to put Randy away with his finisher. John eventually hulked up, hit his spots, and cleared the ring. He layed an Eddie t-shirt in the middle of the ring and placed the WWE championship belt on top of it.
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This was a tough show to review, so I kept it simple. Most of you have already seen Raw, so you don't need the wrestlers' interviews transcribed word-for-word. Besides, I couldn't bring myself to actually watch them again. This was a classy show, highlighted by the new tribute video. I hightly recommend watching it if you haven't already.
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