On the morning of November 13, 2005 I awoke around 7:00 a.m. at the Marriott in downtown Minneapolis. I was headed to the Target Center for RAW and SmackDown. Following the shows that evening, the plans were to leave for Europe with the SmackDown brand. As I was preparing to head to the building with the other producers, I was met by Dave Finlay. Judging by the look on his face, I knew instantly that something was wrong. He proceeded to tell me of Eddie’s passing. At that moment my world stopped for what felt like a lifetime. The feeling was eerily reminiscent of my father’s passing in September of 1994. Until then, I hadn’t felt such a tragic loss as the day Eddie left us.
It’s an indescribable feeling to lose someone you’ve shared so much of your life with through the years. It’s hard to express ones feelings when they lose a loved one. I loved Eddie Guerrero very much. Eddie was part of my “road family” along with Chris Benoit for the past 15 years. I can honestly say I have spent more time with both Eddie and Chris than with my own family. On the road you form a bond of trust with each other, and with Eddie -- I would have trusted him with my life. As friends we shared milestone moments together, from him being part of my wedding to the birth of our children. We were bonded by our passion for the business and the fact that we were both second generation wrestlers. Eddie and I depended on each other through all the trials and tribulations of being on the road for so many years.
It seems unfathomable that the anniversary of his death is upon us. I have truly missed my friend along with the rest of the world. Throughout his career and personal life, Eddie touched numerous people. His smile and outgoing personality was contagious. I am certain he would have been proud to see his wife Vickie keeping the Guerrero name alive in the business. To this day, there isn’t an arena I enter that I don’t hear his name or feel his presence. I am truly blessed to have shared my life with someone like Eddie.
Your friend forever,
Dean Malenko
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