Eddie Guerrero

October 9, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Eduardo Gory Guerrero Llanes was born in El Paso, Texas, on October 9, 1967. He was a Mexican-American wrestler who came from a wrestling family with a long history. Guerrero was a part of Mexican wrestling promotions before breaking into the mainstream ring in the U.S. He had already competed for Extreme Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, and World Wrestling Entertainment, so he had several performances under his belt. He had become the top wrestler on SmackDown in addition to being extremely popular among wrestling fans due to his magnetic persona. We have all the details as you honor this well-remembered wrestler’s special day right here.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Eduardo Gory Guerrero Llanes

Nickname:

Black Tiger (II), El Caliente, Máscara Mágica and Latino Heat

Birth date:

October 9, 1967

Death date:

November 13, 2005 (age 38)

Zodiac Sign:

Libra

Height:

5' 8"

Net Worth:

$6 million

Background

Eduardo Gory Guerrero Llanes was born on October 9, 1967, in El Paso, Texas. After attending Thomas Jefferson High School in El Paso, Texas, he graduated in 1985 and attended the University of New Mexico followed by the New Mexico Highlands University on an athletic scholarship. Coming from a well-known wrestling family, he moved to Mexico to pursue a career as a professional wrestler. Guerrero began his career in CMLL (a professional wrestling promotion based in Mexico City) as the original Máscara Mágica and remained there until 1992. Guerrero debuted in New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1992, where he was known as the second incarnation of Black Tiger. This pioneering Latino wrestler made a name for himself as a charismatic and ruthless character with his Latino Heat gimmick, and his signature catchphrase “I Lie! I Cheat! I Steal!”

After returning to the U.S, he won the 1996 Best of the Super Juniors tournament for junior heavyweights. In 1997, he successfully defended his U.S. Heavyweight Championship. Guerrero, along with Rey Mysterio Jr. and Konnan, became a founding member of The Filthy Animals after his return to WCW Monday Nitro on May 31, 1999. He then made his debut in World Wrestling Federation (WWF) appearing as part of The Radicalz on “Raw Is War” on January 31, 2000. Guerrero made his World Wrestling All-Stars debut at The Revolution on February 24, 2002, defeating champion Juventud Guerrera and Psicosis in a Triple Threat Match for the WWA International Cruiserweight Championship. Guerrero later competed in a tournament for the WWE U.S. Championship in July 2003. On November 11, 2005, he defeated Mr. Kennedy by disqualification on SmackDown!, advancing to the SmackDown! Survivor Series team.

In 2005, his autobiography “Cheating Death, Stealing Life” — the title based on his catchphrase — was published. Guerrero died on November 13, 2005, from acute heart failure, due to an underlying disease.

Career timeline

1987

Guerrero Begins His Wrestling Career

He begins his professional wrestling career as Máscara Mágica in the CMLL.

1992

The Move to Japan

Guerrero begins his professional wrestling career in Japan, where he is known as the second incarnation of Black Tiger.

1997

The U.S. Heavyweight Title

At Clash of the Champions XXXIV, Guerrero successfully defends his U.S. Heavyweight Title.

2000

The WWF Debut

On “Raw Is War,” Guerrero makes his WWF debut with The Radicalz, interfering in a match between The New Age Outlaws.

2002

The All-Stars Debut

Guerrero makes his World Wrestling All-Stars debut at The Revolution, winning the WWA International Cruiserweight Championship in a Triple Threat Match against champion Juventud Guerrera and Psicosis.

2005

The Last Wrestling Match

Guerrero defeats Mr. Kennedy on SmackDown! by disqualification, advancing to the SmackDown! Survivor Series.

Why We Love Eddie Guerrero

He was an incredible wrestler
Guerrero was an incredible wrestler and athlete. He was capable of walking along the ropes and executing a double head scissors takedown.
He had real connections with his fans
Guerrero had a close bond with his fans, who adored him for his humor, personality, and talent. He was a popular wrestler, and WWE named him one of the most beloved and accomplished superstars of all time.
He was kind to other wrestlers
Throughout his career, Guerrero made many friends, including wrestlers such as Batista, Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, and others. He backed them up and enjoyed watching them wrestle as well as train and perform with them.

5 Surprising Facts

He began wrestling at nine years old
Guerrero wrestled his first match in front of an audience at the age of nine.
His wrestling training saved his life
Guerrero was seriously injured in a car crash, but his head was unharmed thanks to one of the most basic lessons any pro wrestler learns while flying through the air.
He once fought with Kurt Angle
Guerrero was furious with Angle and confronted him in the locker room, where Angle pushed him and Guerrero fought him until the two were separated.
He wasn't fond of the cheat gimmick
Ironically, the gimmick that ultimately elevated Guerrero was the one he disliked because he felt it disgraced him and his family.
He had a five-star match
Guerrero teamed up with Love Machine during the Tag Team Match on November 6, 1994, at the AAA When Worlds Collide event.