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LOOKING BACK: AN OPEN LETTER TO EDDIE GUERRERO

Originally posted on November 14, 2005.

Dear Eddie:

I am writing this letter to you today—not as a columnist, not as a critic of professional wrestling, not even as an individual—but as one voice representing the legions of fans that have followed and supported you throughout your illustrious 17 year career.

Words cannot express the deep sadness and loss that we all felt (and still feel) after learning of your tragic and sudden passing.  Words also cannot express the joy you brought into our lives every time you stepped through the curtain, strutted down that aisle, and performed like only you could perform inside the ring.  Therefore, instead of trying to convey these feelings, I simply wish to thank you on behalf of those legions of devoted fans that span the globe worldwide.

Thank you for always being the consummate professional.  No matter where you were or what position you held on the card, you always gave fans something they could remember when they left the arena.  I remember the first time I saw you perform live.  I arrived already a fan, but I left an admirer.  From start to finish, you had us all in the palms of your hands.  And when your match was over, you left us craving for more.  To me, that is the essence of a great performer, no matter what the craft.

Thank you for showing the world that technical wrestling was not a lost entity at a time where it seemed like the business was becoming more and more of a circus act.  Your series of matches with Dean Malenko and 2 Cold Scorpio (among others) in ECW were pure works of art.  I only wish that I had caught on to the ECW experience during this period so I could’ve witnessed first-hand what kind of technical prowess and overall ability you possessed.

Thank you for being an inspiration to every Luchador, and every other undersized wrestler, for becoming the WWE Champion against all odds.  Your victory over Brock Lesnar at No Way Out on February 15, 2004 was truly one of the greatest and most touching moments I’ve ever witnessed in my twenty years of watching pro wrestling.  When you leapt into the stands hugging your adoring fans and loving family, I found myself wishing that I was there in the Cow Palace live to share in your moment of glory.

Thank you for being an inspiration to everyone who has battled substance abuse and personal tragedy in their lives.  By conquering your own demons, you gave hope to several others that they, too, could climb their way out of the deepest and darkest of holes and re-emerge into the bright light of tranquility. 

Thank you for being the ultimate entertainer each and every time you appeared in front of a camera.  Your fun-loving spirit, natural wit, attention to detail, and engaging smile all contributed to many classic WWE moments that we’ll never forget.  I remember when I saw the first “Lie, Cheat and Steal” vignette with you and Chavo, I laughed uncontrollably from beginning to end AND all the way through the commercial break that followed.  Even looking back on it now, with Chavo holding the baby’s milk bottle and you pondering what he could possibly do with it, I can’t help but chuckle.

Thank you for setting a great example to your peers and fans about priorities.  It was easy to see that family, to you, was the most important thing.  Being just a fan, I never knew you personally.  But through interviews and listening to your amigos talk about you on your tribute show, it was obvious how much you loved your wife and children.  Sometimes we all get so wrapped up in what you guys do, we forget that at the end of the day you’re all human beings with families and friends just like us.

Thank you for treating the fans with the same love and respect that they showed you every time you came to their town.  You always took the time to reach out to your audience before, during, and after the show.  Whether it was signing autographs, snapping pictures, slapping hands or simply pounding your chest in a sign of adulation, fans always knew where they stood with you.  And I think it’s safe to say that you knew where you stood with us.

But most of all, Eddie, thank you for all the terrific memories you have given us.  I only wish that you were still here so you could provide us with many, many more.  But alas, the Lord has abruptly taken you away from us.  Needless to say, Heaven has received yet another hero.

Your motto in the WWE was to lie, cheat and steal at all costs.  But in reality, it’s clearly evident that honesty, fairness, and extreme generosity were the credos by which you lived your life.  Your millions of fans will remember you for the former, but your peers, friends and family will always cherish you for the latter.

So on behalf of fans everywhere… thank you Eddie Guerrero!  God Bless you and your family!  And rest in peace!

Sincerely yours,
Loyal and heart-broken Eddie Guerrero fans everywhere

You can write me with thoughts and memories on Eddie Guerrero at rwross@chartermi.net.