Eddie Guerrero: 2006 Royal Rumble Win?
\nThe question of whether Eddie Guerrero was slated to win the 2006 Royal Rumble remains a topic of much speculation and discussion among wrestling fans. Eddie Guerrero, a beloved and charismatic performer, tragically passed away in November 2005, just a few months before the event. At the time of his death, Guerrero was a prominent figure on the SmackDown! brand and was involved in a storyline with Batista and other top stars. His untimely passing left a void in the wrestling world, and many fans have wondered what plans WWE had for him leading into WrestleMania 22. This article explores the rumors, backstage reports, and potential storylines that suggest Eddie Guerrero might have been in line for a significant victory at the Royal Rumble in 2006. It delves into the circumstances surrounding his death, the creative direction of WWE at the time, and the various scenarios that could have unfolded had he not passed away. By examining these aspects, we can gain a clearer understanding of whether Eddie Guerrero was indeed destined for a Royal Rumble win and a potential championship opportunity at WrestleMania.
Examining the Evidence
To understand whether Eddie Guerrero was supposed to win the 2006 Royal Rumble, it's essential to examine the evidence available from various sources, including wrestling news outlets, backstage reports, and insider accounts. Several factors point to the possibility that Guerrero was being considered for a major push leading up to WrestleMania 22. First, Guerrero was actively involved in a high-profile feud with Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship in the months leading up to his death. While he did not win the title, his involvement in the main event scene indicated that WWE management still viewed him as a top-tier performer capable of headlining major events. Second, Guerrero had demonstrated his ability to connect with the audience and generate significant fan support. His charisma, in-ring skills, and compelling storylines had made him one of the most popular stars in WWE. This popularity would have made him a natural choice for a Royal Rumble victory, as it would have generated considerable excitement and anticipation among fans. Third, WWE had a history of rewarding Guerrero for his contributions to the company. He had previously won the WWE Championship in 2004, and his continued presence in main event storylines suggested that WWE recognized his value as a performer. Given these factors, it is plausible that WWE had plans for Guerrero to win the Royal Rumble and challenge for a world championship at WrestleMania 22. However, it is important to note that this is based on speculation and circumstantial evidence, as WWE has never officially confirmed these plans.
The Circumstances of Eddie Guerrero's Death
Eddie Guerrero's sudden death in November 2005 sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. The circumstances surrounding his passing undoubtedly had a significant impact on WWE's plans for the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season. Guerrero's death was attributed to acute heart failure, a condition that was likely exacerbated by his history of substance abuse and health issues. At the time of his death, Guerrero was scheduled to face Batista and Randy Orton in a triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series. However, the match was canceled, and Guerrero was replaced by Randy Orton, who ultimately won the title. Guerrero's death not only affected the immediate storylines but also forced WWE to reconsider its long-term plans for the SmackDown! brand. With one of their top stars gone, WWE had to find a way to fill the void and create new opportunities for other performers. This meant that any potential plans for Guerrero to win the Royal Rumble and challenge for a championship at WrestleMania had to be abandoned. Instead, WWE focused on building up other stars, such as Rey Mysterio, who ultimately won the Royal Rumble in 2006 and dedicated his victory to Guerrero's memory. The circumstances of Guerrero's death serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritizing health and well-being. His passing left a lasting impact on the wrestling world, and his legacy continues to inspire fans and performers alike.
Backstage Reports and Rumors
Backstage reports and rumors surrounding Eddie Guerrero's potential Royal Rumble win in 2006 have circulated for years, adding fuel to the speculation. While it is difficult to verify the accuracy of these reports, they provide valuable insights into the creative discussions that may have been taking place behind the scenes. One popular rumor suggests that Guerrero was originally slated to win the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series in November 2005. However, due to his health issues and concerns about his ability to maintain the rigorous schedule of a world champion, WWE decided to postpone his title win. Instead, they planned to have him win the Royal Rumble in 2006 and challenge for the title at WrestleMania 22. Another report claims that Guerrero was being considered for a heel turn in the months leading up to his death. This heel turn would have seen him betray his friend Rey Mysterio and feud with him over the World Heavyweight Championship. The plan was for Guerrero to win the title and defend it against Mysterio at WrestleMania 22. However, Guerrero's death put an end to these plans, and WWE ultimately decided to have Mysterio win the Royal Rumble and challenge for the title as a tribute to his fallen friend. It is important to note that these are just rumors and speculations, and there is no concrete evidence to support them. However, they do provide a glimpse into the creative possibilities that were being considered for Guerrero at the time of his death. Whether he was ultimately destined to win the Royal Rumble remains a matter of debate, but the fact that his name continues to be associated with the event is a testament to his enduring popularity and legacy.
Potential Storylines and WrestleMania Implications
If Eddie Guerrero had won the 2006 Royal Rumble, the potential storylines and WrestleMania implications would have been significant. A Guerrero victory would have undoubtedly generated a tremendous amount of excitement and anticipation among fans, setting the stage for a memorable WrestleMania match. One potential storyline would have seen Guerrero challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship, which at the time was held by Kurt Angle. This would have been a highly anticipated match, as both Guerrero and Angle were known for their exceptional in-ring skills and their ability to tell compelling stories. Their rivalry could have been built around their contrasting styles and personalities, with Guerrero playing the role of the charismatic underdog and Angle portraying the arrogant and dominant champion. Another potential storyline would have seen Guerrero feud with his friend Rey Mysterio. As mentioned earlier, there were rumors that WWE was considering a heel turn for Guerrero, which would have seen him betray Mysterio and challenge him for the World Heavyweight Championship. This storyline would have been emotionally charged, as it would have pitted two close friends against each other in a battle for supremacy. The WrestleMania match between Guerrero and Mysterio would have been a highly emotional affair, with both men putting their friendship and their careers on the line. Regardless of the specific storyline, a Guerrero victory at the Royal Rumble would have undoubtedly elevated his status as a top star in WWE and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest performers of all time. His presence at WrestleMania 22 would have added a level of excitement and unpredictability to the event, making it a truly unforgettable experience for fans.
Rey Mysterio's Tribute and Royal Rumble Win
Following Eddie Guerrero's death, WWE made the decision to have Rey Mysterio win the 2006 Royal Rumble as a tribute to his fallen friend. Mysterio's victory was an emotional and poignant moment, as he dedicated his win to Guerrero's memory and celebrated his legacy. Mysterio's Royal Rumble win was not only a tribute to Guerrero but also a significant accomplishment in its own right. Mysterio entered the Royal Rumble match as the number two entrant and lasted over an hour, eliminating several top stars along the way. His victory was a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. At WrestleMania 22, Mysterio went on to defeat Kurt Angle and Randy Orton in a triple threat match to win the World Heavyweight Championship. His victory was another tribute to Guerrero, as he dedicated his title win to his friend and mentor. Mysterio's championship reign was a celebration of Guerrero's legacy, as he honored his memory by emulating his in-ring style and carrying himself with the same charisma and passion. Mysterio's tribute to Guerrero was a touching and heartfelt gesture that resonated with fans around the world. It was a reminder of the bond between two friends and the enduring power of their legacy. While Eddie Guerrero may not have won the Royal Rumble in 2006, his spirit lived on through Rey Mysterio, who carried his torch and honored his memory in the most fitting way possible.
In conclusion, while there's no definitive confirmation that Eddie Guerrero was slated to win the 2006 Royal Rumble, the circumstances, backstage reports, and potential storylines all suggest that it was a possibility. His untimely death undoubtedly altered WWE's plans, leading to Rey Mysterio's emotional tribute and Royal Rumble victory. Whether or not Guerrero would have won remains a question that can never be answered with certainty, but his legacy as one of the greatest performers of all time remains intact.