Rey Mysterio Honors Eddie Guerrero on 20th Death Anniversary
On the 20th anniversary of his death, professional wrestling icon Eddie Guerrero received heartfelt tributes from friends and fans, highlighting his enduring influence on the sport. Rey Mysterio, a longtime friend and fellow Hall of Famer, published an open letter in The Players' Tribune on November 13, recalling their bond and Guerrero's pivotal role in shaping careers, including his own.
Guerrero, a second-generation wrestler from a prominent Mexican family, died suddenly at age 38 on November 13, 2005, in a Minneapolis hotel room. The cause was acute heart failure, stemming from an enlarged heart linked to past struggles with addiction and the physical demands of the industry. His passing sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, where he had risen from independent circuits in Mexico and Japan to stardom in Extreme Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, and ultimately World Wrestling Entertainment.
Mysterio's letter delved into the origins of their friendship, forged in the ring during early matches in Tijuana. He credited Guerrero with advocating for him ahead of their 1997 Halloween Havoc bout, where Mysterio's iconic mask was at stake. Despite initial...