How Good Was Eddie Guerrero Actually?
1. Conclusion
Eddie Guerrero’s legacy collides somewhat with Eddie Guerrero’s actual career. He’s considered one of the very best artists in the history of the form, but his key match catalogue is slightly less impressive than his reputation suggests. He’s considered one of the most beloved characters in WWE history, but as a babyface, the numbers do not support that narrative. It was as a heel that he started to catch fire in ‘05.
Eddie would probably be the best wrestler in the world, if he was born two decades later. The industry would be far more welcoming of him. In fact, Eddie’s mastery of pure pro wrestling, combined with his magnetic charisma, would position him as the target of the ultimate AEW Vs. WWE bidding war. In composite, Eddie was the perfect wrestler.
The ultra hardcore fans - those who actually trawled the fringe markets and bought and traded tapes - adored Guerrero. The two hottest tapes of this era were WCW/AAA When Worlds Collide, and the inaugural Super J-Cup. The latter in particular was a phenomenon - considered, for a time, the very best and most futuristic pro wrestling event ever promoted. Guerrero stole When Worlds Collide and entered two stunning performances in Sumo Hall. WWE fans, meanwhile, idolise Guerrero for his arena-sized wit and underdog story.
As the result of personal issues, a hostile and creatively broken industry, and, perhaps, his own inability to consistently hit the big match pinnacle, he was never able to put that together. The Best of Eddie Guerrero, though, might be the ultimate Greatest Hits comp in history.
Overall: 8.5/10