Eddie Guerrero: 2006 Royal Rumble Win?

The question of whether Eddie Guerrero was slated to win the 2006 Royal Rumble is a complex one, shrouded in speculation and what-ifs. Eddie's untimely passing in November 2005 left a void in the wrestling world, and it also led to many questions about WWE's plans for him in the months leading up to his death. Let's dive deep into the circumstances, rumors, and potential storylines that surrounded Eddie Guerrero at that time to try and understand if a Royal Rumble victory was indeed in his future.

Eddie Guerrero's Career Trajectory in 2005

In 2005, Eddie Guerrero was a prominent figure on the SmackDown! brand. He had a memorable run as WWE Champion in 2004, defeating Brock Lesnar in an epic encounter. Throughout 2005, he was involved in various high-profile feuds, including a notable storyline with his real-life friend Rey Mysterio. This feud was deeply personal, playing on their history and friendship, and it captivated audiences with its emotional intensity and in-ring action. The storyline saw Eddie turn heel, revealing dark secrets about Mysterio's son Dominick, adding layers of complexity and drama to their matches.

Before his death, Eddie was also starting a program with Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship. This hinted at a potential main event run and suggested that WWE still saw Eddie as a top-tier performer capable of carrying significant storylines and championships. His ability to blend comedy with serious in-ring competition made him a unique and valuable asset to the company. His charisma and connection with the audience were undeniable, making him a fan favorite despite his occasional heelish antics. The planned rivalry with Batista was seen as a stepping stone for Eddie, possibly leading to another championship reign.

The circumstances surrounding Eddie's death led to much speculation about what WWE had planned for him. Given his status and the storylines he was involved in, it's reasonable to assume that he was in line for a significant push. The Royal Rumble, being one of WWE's premier events, would have been a perfect stage to elevate Eddie back into the main event scene. Winning the Rumble could have set him on a path to challenge for a world title at WrestleMania, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time. However, without concrete confirmation from WWE officials or those close to Eddie, it remains a topic of conjecture and remembrance.

The 2006 Royal Rumble Context

The 2006 Royal Rumble took place in the shadow of Eddie Guerrero's recent passing. The WWE roster and fans alike were still mourning the loss of a beloved performer. This emotional atmosphere undoubtedly influenced the plans and direction of the event. The Royal Rumble match itself is always a significant event, setting the stage for WrestleMania and determining who gets a shot at the world championship. In 2006, the stakes were even higher due to the circumstances.

At the time, WWE had several top stars who could have plausibly won the Royal Rumble. Names like Randy Orton, John Cena, and Kurt Angle were all in strong positions. Each of these superstars had ongoing storylines and strong fan support, making them viable candidates to win the match and go on to WrestleMania. The decision of who would win was a closely guarded secret, and WWE often keeps multiple options open until the last minute to maintain suspense and adapt to changing circumstances. The unpredictability of the Royal Rumble is part of its appeal, and 2006 was no exception.

The emotional weight of Eddie's death added another layer of complexity to the decision-making process. WWE had to balance honoring Eddie's memory with moving forward and creating compelling storylines. There was a sense that whoever won the Royal Rumble would, in some way, be carrying the torch for Eddie, representing his spirit and legacy. This put additional pressure on the creative team to make the right choice, one that would both respect Eddie's memory and set the stage for an exciting WrestleMania season. The eventual winner would not only gain a title shot but also inherit a sense of responsibility to honor Eddie's contributions to the wrestling world.

Rumors and Speculation

Following Eddie Guerrero's death, numerous rumors and speculations arose regarding WWE's original plans for him. Some reports suggested that Eddie was penciled in for a significant role at WrestleMania 22, potentially involving a championship match. The exact nature of this match and his opponent remained unclear, but the rumors indicated that WWE saw Eddie as a key player in their main event scene. Given his popularity and in-ring skills, it was plausible that he would have been in contention for either the WWE Championship or the World Heavyweight Championship.

One popular theory was that Eddie was going to win the Royal Rumble and challenge Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. This scenario would have been a fitting tribute to Eddie, as Angle was one of his greatest rivals and a respected performer in his own right. Their matches were always highly competitive and entertaining, and a WrestleMania showdown would have been a fitting culmination of their rivalry. This storyline would have also allowed WWE to capitalize on the emotional connection between Eddie and the fans, creating a memorable and impactful WrestleMania moment.

However, these rumors were never officially confirmed, and WWE's plans often change based on various factors, including injuries, fan reactions, and creative decisions. It's possible that Eddie's death forced WWE to scrap their original plans and come up with new storylines. Without concrete evidence, it's impossible to say for certain whether Eddie was indeed going to win the Royal Rumble. The rumors serve as a reminder of what could have been and the potential storylines that were lost due to his untimely passing.

Possible Storylines and Scenarios

If Eddie Guerrero had been slated to win the 2006 Royal Rumble, several exciting storylines could have unfolded. One compelling scenario would have seen Eddie challenging Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22. This match would have pitted two of the most skilled and charismatic performers against each other on the grandest stage of them all. Their history of intense battles and mutual respect would have added depth and drama to the storyline, making it a must-see event.

Another intriguing possibility would have involved Eddie winning the Royal Rumble and challenging John Cena for the WWE Championship. This clash of styles would have been a fascinating contrast, with Eddie's cunning and technical prowess matched against Cena's power and resilience. The storyline could have played on Eddie's ability to manipulate and outsmart his opponents, creating a compelling narrative of good versus evil. This match would have also elevated Eddie back to the top of the WWE hierarchy, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest champions of all time.

Furthermore, a win at the Royal Rumble could have led to a storyline where Eddie mentors a younger superstar, passing on his knowledge and experience. This could have been a way to honor Eddie's legacy by showcasing his impact on the next generation of wrestlers. The storyline could have involved Eddie guiding a promising young talent, helping them navigate the challenges of the wrestling world and ultimately leading them to success. This would have been a fitting tribute to Eddie's contributions to the sport and his ability to inspire others.

The Aftermath and Legacy

Ultimately, Rey Mysterio won the 2006 Royal Rumble, dedicating his victory to Eddie Guerrero. This was a poignant moment, as Mysterio and Eddie had been close friends, and their on-screen rivalry was one of the most memorable in WWE history. Mysterio's victory was seen as a tribute to Eddie, honoring his memory and celebrating his contributions to the wrestling world. Mysterio went on to defeat Kurt Angle and Randy Orton in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 22 to win the World Heavyweight Championship, further cementing Eddie's legacy.

Eddie Guerrero's impact on the wrestling industry remains profound. His charisma, in-ring skills, and ability to connect with the audience made him a beloved figure among fans and peers alike. His legacy continues to inspire wrestlers and entertain audiences around the world. Eddie's influence can be seen in the performances of many contemporary wrestlers who emulate his style and charisma. His matches are still watched and studied by aspiring wrestlers, and his name is often invoked as a symbol of excellence and passion.

While we can never know for certain if Eddie Guerrero was indeed supposed to win the 2006 Royal Rumble, his memory lives on through his incredible performances and the impact he had on the wrestling world. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of charisma, skill, and passion in the world of professional wrestling. Eddie Guerrero's contributions will always be remembered and celebrated by fans and wrestlers alike, ensuring that his name remains synonymous with greatness in the wrestling industry. Viva La Raza!