How Did WWE Wrestler Eddie Guerrero Die?

Eddie Guerrero, the charismatic and talented WWE wrestler, died on November 13, 2005, at the young age of 38. The official cause of his death was acute heart failure, believed to be linked to underlying heart disease. He was found unconscious in his hotel room in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following a WWE event. An autopsy later revealed that he had atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, highlighting the heart problems that ultimately took his life.

Eddie Guerrero's untimely passing was a significant loss to the wrestling community. Despite his incredible talent and charisma in the ring, his life was cut short due to a combination of medical and personal issues, including his history of heart and addiction problems. These factors, including a previous addiction to painkillers and alcohol, likely contributed to his untimely death.

His Journey to Tragedy

Guerrero's history of heart problems and addiction issues began in 1999 when a New Year's Eve car accident left him with multiple injuries. After missing a turn on the road, he suffered a fractured collarbone, compressed spine disc, and a broken right hip socket. Although recommended bed rest, Guerrero, motivated by his passion for wrestling, returned to the ring in just five months. To mask his injuries, he turned to painkillers and alcohol, eventually becoming heavily addicted to these substances. He once even stated, 'I cheated death and stole life,' which later became his famous catchphrase, 'We lie, we cheat, we steal.'

In 2001, Eddie Guerrero was sent to rehab in Minneapolis. Despite efforts to address his substance abuse problems, his health continued to deteriorate. He was involved in a drinking and driving incident in 2001 and arrested for it. This incident, coupled with his deteriorating relationship with his wife, Vickie Guerrero, led to his eventual firing from WWE.

The Struggles Behind the Scenes

Life in WWE was demanding, and Eddie Guerrero struggled to balance his career and personal life. He found solace in alcohol, which ultimately became a hindrance in both his personal and professional life. His debut in the WWF (now WWE) on January 31, 2000, was followed by a series of events that brought his efforts to a halt. In 2001, his wife threatened a divorce, and family members distanced themselves from him. The arrest for a drunk and drive case resulted in his termination from the company.

A New Beginning and Legacy

After losing his job, Eddie Guerrero took the time to reflect on his life and make amends. He devoted himself to spiritual service, working with smaller promotions like IWA, WWA, and NJPW. He also started mentoring new wrestlers, including CM Punk. These steps marked a turning point in his life, and he was able to rebuild his relationship with Vickie Guerrero.

Despite his personal struggles, Guerrero was remembered as one of the most talented and charismatic performers in the wrestling industry. He showcased his incredible skills and passion for wrestling until the end, and his legacy continues to resonate with WWE fans worldwide.

Myths and Realities

Many rumors and fake news circulated on the internet about Eddie Guerrero's death, suggesting that he perished during a wrestling match. However, WWE's storyline on May 20, 2004, at Smackdown, showed that he collapsed in the ring but was not performing at the time of the cardiac event. This storyline was a creative response to the real-life health issues Eddie was facing, making it seem realistic and impactful to the audience.

The narrative was designed to reflect reality, incorporating Guerrero's life struggles into the storyline. The on-screen version of the event highlighted the troubles behind the scenes, adding a layer of authenticity to the storyline and allowing the audience to relate to the character's journey.