7. Eddie Guerrero (1967-2005)
Eddie Guerrero cut his teeth in Mexican and Japanese promotions before spells in the ECW, WCW and finally the WWE where he found massive success as world champion. He had the reputation of being a wily competitor who would do almost anything to win a match. "I lie, I cheat, I steal!" was his mantra. He was a heel for most of his career but remained extremely popular despite his villain status. He also suffered substance abuse problems with both alcohol and drug abuse. These problems were often written into the script with Guerrero's consent. One of the biggest and most beloved WWE stars, Guerrero had some fabulous feuds with Rey Mysterio and Batista to name a few. On November 13th 2005, Eddie Guerrero was found dead in his hotel room in Minneapolis by his nephew Chavo, who tried to resuscitate him. It was too late, Guerrero was pronounced dead at the scene, he had apparently been feeling unwell all week according to his wife. At a mere 38 years old, Eddie had died of acute heart failure from underlying heart disease. This came as a shock to the other wrestlers who had seen Guerrero do punishing cardiac regimes in the gym. The WWE immediately rolled out the commemoration bandwagon. Tributes to Guerrero were screened and all story lines suspended. Raw started off with a Ten Bell salute before McMahon addressed the crowds. Wrestling territories all over America paid tribute to Guerrero - TNA, OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling) and Combat Zone Wrestling. This was a great show of respect for Guerrero as one of the greatest contemporary wrestlers. Posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the night before Wrestlemania 22, the death of Guerrero robbed the WWE of one of their brightest and most beloved stars.