When Eddie Guerrero died on November 13, 2005 it was a shock to the wrestling world. He was actually scheduled to win the World Heavyweight Title on the same day that he died, but instead he was found dead in his hotel room after suffering a heart attack. WWE did tribute shows to Eddie that were very good. It didn't end there, though. With Eddie's death fresh in the minds of the fans, WWE decided to incorporate his passing in their storylines by having his close friend Rey Mysterio become the guy that was doing everything for Eddie. Leading up to the 2006 Royal Rumble, WWE pushed the idea that Mysterio was going to win it for Eddie. He was wearing Eddie arm bands ("EG" on them), he would go to the ring in a low rider like Eddie did and basically just shoved it down our throats that he was doing things for Eddie. Mysterio won the Rumble and his first World Title at WrestleMania 22 with WWE mentioning Eddie's name all the time. WWE went so far as to have heels get heat by using Eddie's death in storylines. It was a famous moment when evil Randy Orton got right in the face of Rey Mysterio and delivered this line: "Eddie ain't in heaven. Eddie's down there...in hell!" It was cheap heat to have Orton and others use Eddie's name to get the fans to hate him, but WWE had no problem doing it just like they had no problem using Eddie's name to make Mysterio look like a bigger star. If somebody dies in wrestling it doesn't always have to be a part of the show. The phrase "rest in peace" is supposed to mean something after all.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
