I woke up today and signed on to MySpace, first thing. I noticed a bulletin from my friend Rachael stating that a WWE wrestler had died. I figured it was a joke just like so many other bulletins... but sadly, it was not. The official WWE.com headline confirmed that one of my favorite wrestlers, Eddie Guerrero, had passed away in Minneapolis at the age of 38.
I haven't been this shaken up about a wrestler's death since Owen Hart died on May 23, 1999. I'm not sure which has affectedme more, either. With Owen, I was watching the pay per view where he fell from the rafters. I had some time, if only an hour, to prepare for his death, but I still cried some. In regards to Eddie, however, I never saw it coming and I have been crying for the better part of an hour.
As a wrestling fan of 14 years, watching every week, I've grown very attached to a lot of these guys. I have been around the business somewhat (although I'm certainly not claiming to be a part of it in any way) and I know people who wrestle professionally and itis their passion. Non-fans will say all sorts of things discrediting the profession, but it's a big part of my life and I have a tremendous amount of respect for those who wrestle for a living.
Eddie was a guy I always looked up to since I first saw him, when I began watching WCW in 1997. Not only was he greatly entertaining and an amazing performer in the ring, but at 5'8", he was the same height as me and showed me that a guy my size could make it in a big man's business. More importantly than that, however, by all accounts, he was a wonderful father, husband, son, brother, friend, etc.
Aside from the similarities in size that I could relate to, Eddie had a history of drug and alcohol abuse. This was something I could relate to, because I have had similar problems, although not nearly on the level that he did. I've had serious issues with alcohol and painkillers before. Eddie was a role model in that he was able to overcome his problems, even after losing his job and his wife, and was able to get all that back, become more successful than ever, and remain sober for the last 4 years.
Forgive me if this isn't as coherent as I'd like, but I'm still pretty upset. I can't even begin to imagine how his family and friends feel.
Thank you so much, Eddie, for all the hard work and sacrifices you made in order to entertain us, the fans. We'll miss you dearly.