RIP Eddie Guerrero

When I wrote the previous entry, I had no idea I would be writing another memorial in just a few hours. And this one, much more personal.

WWE wrestler Eduardo "Eddie" Guerrero was found dead in his hotel room this morning. He was only 38, but he had apparently died of a heart attack. You can find detailed descriptions on his illustrious career and his skills elsewhere, I'd like to remember my favorite wrestler on a bit more personal level.

I had the privilege to see Eddie perform live numerous times. First time was in a house show in 2003 in London, where he totally won my heart with a passionate performance – he was a trickster, and loved to perform in front of a crowd. And that's how I want to remember him – when performing in a front of a camera he was always conscious of the camera, and doing the show for the fans at home. When he was in a small house show surrounded by just thousands of people (instead of millions) he was much more relaxed and much more friendly.

And he always, always, gave everything to his fans. I remember queuing up to see him in Nottingham last year when he was signing autographs – unfortunately we didn't get to see him as he spent a lot more time with individual people than what had been allocated: in words of a security guard: "Unfortunately, he's a very nice man." And as a fan, as someone who wants to see and meet performers face to face, there's nothing better. That time it meant that we didn't get to meet him, but it always brought me pleasure to think that those that did get to meet him got his full attention, and that he too wanted to meet them, not just sign autographs on an conveyor belt (and I've met those too).

He died way too early, and my heart breaks when I think that I'll never see him again - but he also leaves a wife and three daughters, and a large extended family who now have to live with the presence of his absence. My heart goes out to them, as they are the ones that are really hit the worst by this. It is tragic that he had just days ago celebrated being sober and free of drugs for four years, and things were really looking up for him both personally and professionally.

Eddie will be sorely missed, and long may live the memory of Latino Heat.

Thanks to Henri for borrowing this marvelous photo of Eddie that captures so much of his ring persona. See rest of the photos in his gallery.

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