To some, ranking Eddie Guerrero at number 14 on this list, one ahead of Scott Hall, may be ludicrous. After all, he never reached a point beyond the midcard and was typically booked as a spoke in the wheel, another Chris Benoit or Chris Jericho who was used to ensure a good match but never justifiably compensated for his contributions with a legitimate push up to the card. The frustration that ultimately resulted from his mistreatment led to him jumping ship to WWE, along with Benoit, Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn in January 2000. The move brought an end to a career that, all things considered, was quite impressive in Turner land. At Starrcade in December 1996, Guerrero captured the WCW United States Championship by defeating Diamond Dallas Page in a tournament to crown a new champion. It was a crowning achievement for the second-generation star, who had cemented his reputation as one of the best workers on the entire roster. The fall of 1997 saw Eddie undergo a personality change. The polite young man that had been a favorite of fans across the country suddenly became a despicable, vile villain that fans wanted nothing more than to see get beat up. He attempted to unmask Rey Mysterio but wound up losing what would ultimately be recognized as one of, if not the, best match in the history of the company at Halloween Havoc 1997. Whether he was making life miserable for Mysterio, nephew Chavo or clowning around with the Filthy Animals, Guerrero was never not relevant. At a time where several highly talented individuals meant very little to anything going on in the company, it is a testament to Guerrero's greatness as a performer that he was able to stay as relevant as he did.
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.
