10. Cheating Death And Stealing Life: The Eddie Guerrero Story
Released during the first wave out truly outstanding productions by a revamped WWE Home Video department in 2004, "Cheating Death" is an in-depth look at the career of the late, great Eddie Guerrero. The documentary portion of the disc, which becomes even more poignant on the heels of his unforeseen and untimely death, follows Guerrero through his days in Mexico, his first major exposure to the American audience in Extreme Championship Wrestling, his stint with World Championship Wrestling and his first run in WWE. Everything from his partnership with Art Barr south of the border, to his legendary series of matches with Dean Malenko that established ECW as a revolutionary promotion rather than the house of garbage wrestling and the instant classic with Rey Mysterio are covered in great detail. The highlight of the disc, however, comes as Guerrero and his family discuss the lowest part of the second-generation star's life: his struggle with addiction. The wrestling industry can be hell on a performer's body, leading them to travel down a road of alcohol and painkiller addiction. That addiction threatened to rip his family apart and, for awhile, did. He and wife Vickie separated as Guerrero spiraled further and further out of control. Ultimately, he made the decision to clean himself up and get his family back. Every painstaking detail is covered in the documentary, which ends with the performer's redemption in the form of his first--and only--WWE Championship victory over Brock Lesnar at No Way Out 2004. The presence of the WCW Cruiserweight Championship match from Hallowen Havoc 1997 between Guerrero and Mysterio makes the match portion of the set automatically worthwhile but the Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship between Guerrero and Rob Van Dam from June 2004 puts the proverbial cherry on top. One of the most gifted performers of his, or any, generation, several of his finest performances are present for fans to enjoy. A fine way to wrap up a story so incredibly emotional yet so wildly rewarding.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
