Raw is War
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 14, 2005
Celebrating Eddie Guerrero
November 14, 2005
WWE was deeply saddened by the loss of Eddie Guerrero, who died Sunday morning
in Minneapolis. In response, the entire WWE family gathered on RAW to remember
Guerrero. Superstars from both rosters took part in interbrand matches dedicated
to their dear, departed friend. Between matches, Eddie’s peers paid tribute with
video messages. Many cried, all were overwhelmed with emotion. Each cited
stories particular to their friendship with Eddie, but all spoke of his
inspirational role in their lives, his love for his family and his uncanny
ability to summon any emotion and convey it to an appreciative crowd. Eddie was
remembered as a consummate in-ring technician and exceptional performer. He is
missed, and in the words of Stephanie McMahon, he will always be a champion.
The night began with a 10-bell salute as WWE Superstars stood in silent
remembrance. As Mr. McMahon introduced a special video tribute, the fans in
attendance chanted, “Thank you, Eddie!”
What followed was a truly rare match pitting World Tag Team Champions Kane & Big
Show against WWE Tag Team Champions MNM. Mercury, Nitro & Melina did everything
they could to try to outwit the bigger men — knowing they couldn’t overpower
their monster opponents. Melina also attempted to distract the World Tag Team
Champions, but when she jumped on the ring apron, she received a big, wet kiss
for her trouble. For a second time, an increasingly desperate Mercury attacked
Kane with a championship belt. But that would prove to be as close as MNM could
come to stealing the win. Soon after, Nitro found himself on the receiving end
of a double-chokeslam and was out for the three-count. Following the match, Big
Show imitated Eddie’s signature strut in homage.
The evening’s next tribute match brought mentor and student back together. Kurt
Angle battled former protégé Shelton Benjamin and was forced to cope with all he
had taught his athletic pupil. Benjamin, a graduate of the University of
Minnesota, also enjoyed the support of the Minneapolis crowd.
Despite the circumstances of the match, Angle brought intensity and focus to the
ring — immediately going to work on Benjamin. But the acrobatic Shelton shifted
the momentum with a soaring tope-rope clothesline. The Stinger Splash that
followed missed the mark, allowing Kurt to connect with rolling German suplexes
and eventually an Angle Slam. To Angle’s shock, Shelton kicked out, but the
series of events seemed to launch the Olympic gold medalist into yet another
gear. Shelton was able to hit a jaw-dropping suplex off the top rope that
rotated Angle completely in the air, but Kurt played possum and caught Benjamin
with the ankle lock. Immediately, Angle grapevined the hold, spelling doom for
Shelton who tapped soon after.
Angle then held his black, “E.G.” armband high in victory.
In the next truly special interbrand contest, Eddie’s close friend Rey Mysterio
took on “The Showstopper” Shawn Michaels. Both men wore Eddie t-shirts to the
ring. The match would turn on a series of attempted finishers. Twice Michaels
successfully ducked the 619 and escaped, but Rey returned the favor by dodging
Sweet Chin Music after absorbing a top-rope elbow smash. From there, Rey
connected with a hurricanrana that propelled HBK into the ring ropes, allowing
Mysterio to finally hit the 619. With lightning speed, Rey followed with Droppin’
Da Dime and earned a classic victory. An emotional Rey began to cry, then
pointed to the heavens as an act of dedicating the win to Guerrero.
The Divas of RAW and SmackDown took to the ring next. Each wore Guerrero tees
into the ring, then pulled off that layer to reveal the sumptuous outfits
underneath. In the frenetic atmosphere of the Diva Battle Royal beautiful bodies
were flying everywhere. Mickie James exited first, followed soon after by
Jillian Hall. Backstage announcer Maria tried to stay out of the fray while the
other Divas went at it. Candice sent Christy to the floor with a right hand, but
surprisingly Maria used the opportunity to eliminate Candice. With her newfound
confidence, Maria attacked both Trish and Melina and was immediately tossed out
in response. That left the Women’s Champion alone with the vixen of MNM. The
match turned when Trish attempted the Stratusfaction only to be caught by
Melina. Trish was left in a precarious position and couldn’t quite fight her way
back to solid ground. Melina picked up the huge victory and put another notch in
her belt.
With sadness and palpable emotion in the air, it was a welcome distraction as
the entertaining Eugene took to the ring against Simon Dean. The fitness guru
inadvertently sent himself into the top turnbuckle, then walked into a Rock
Bottom for the pin. Two savvy ring veterans followed, as Intercontinental
Champion Ric Flair finished off William Regal with the Figure-Four Leglock.
In the final tribute match, WWE Champion John Cena defeated SmackDown star Randy
Orton when Cowboy Bob prevented an FU, causing the disqualification. Randy
afterward attempted an RKO, but Cena pushed away and caught Randy with an FU
coming off the ropes. The Champ then removed the Guerrero shirt he wore all
match long, placed it flat in the center of the ring, then draped it with the
WWE Championship belt.
Monday night was filled with heartfelt tributes from Eddie’s friends and peers.
John Cena called Eddie a great man and a father figure. Lilian Garcia cited
their Latino connection and remembered their time together with the troops in
Iraq. Shawn Michaels spoke of their shared deeply held faith, and how they’d
meet again in the Kingdom of Heaven. Triple H remembered the little things Eddie
could do to make you laugh or cry — anything he wanted to emotionally accomplish
as a performer in the ring. Stephanie McMahon explained just how humble and
sweet Eddie was, saying that he just stole your heart. A distraught Batista
spoke of just how close the two friends had grown, and how Eddie helped him
carry the heavy burden of the World Heavyweight Championship.
Rey Mysterio explained the bond between his family and Eddie’s. Overcome by
emotion, Rey dropped his head and removed his mask. (WATCH)
Chris Benoit spoke of Eddie as his best friend — a friend of just about 15
years. He said Eddie was one person he could always pour his heart out to and
someone he could always call on. (WATCH)
Nephew Chavo said that he and Eddie were truly brothers with big shoes to fill
growing up in the Guerrero family. He spoke of their instinctual bond, in the
ring and out, and the inspirational role Eddie played in his life. (WATCH)
Matches
Eugene def. Simon Dean
John Cena def. Randy Orton
Kurt Angle def. Shelton Benjamin
Melina wins the Diva Battle Royal
Rey Mysterio def. Shawn Michaels
Ric Flair def. William Regal
Big Show & Kane def. MNM