Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit were two of the most respected professional wrestlers in the business in 2004. Both veterans of the more than ten years with stints in Japan, Mexico, ECW, WCW and the WWE under their belts, they were two absolute pros and had the admiration of not only the fans but of management and their fellow workers. Unfortunately for them, they were undersized (even with chemical assistance) and WWE had never really viewed them as main event material, despite their consistently great performances and connection with the crowd. But something changed in early 2004 and both men found themselves champions of their respective brands. Benoit won the 2004 Royal Rumble and then jumped to Raw the following evening, setting up his triple threat match versus Shawn Michaels and Triple H in the WrestleMania XX main event. Over on Smackdown, Eddie beat Brock Lesnar for the WWE title after Brock Lesnar grew disillusioned with the company and WWE decided to focus more on the latino market. To the surprise of many, Triple H put over Benoit clean in the 'Mania main event. After the match Benoit's best friend and WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero came out to celebrate with him as confetti fell. For longtime wrestling fans, this was a moment to cherish and remember. For those same fans it also signalled a possible change in direction and focus on supremely talented (but smaller) wrestlers. Unfortunately, Eddie cracked under the pressure of carrying the belt and it was switched to repackaged perennial midcarder Bradshaw, now JBL. Benoit lasted a little longer but lost the title prematurely to up-and-comer Randy Orton. Neither man would hold the title again and it would be a while before a wrestler in their mould would do so.
