Alli’s intro to wrestling: Eddie Guerrero’s influence
I didn’t grow up watching wrestling. But that does not mean I don’t know anything about the early 90’s wrestling & the two men that come to mind about these incredible wrestlers are the late great Eddie Guerrero and the high flier Rey Mysterio Jr.
Guerrero and Mysterio were both born into wrestling families in Mexico and dreamed of making a name for themselves in wrestling. When both of them came to the States, they brought Lucha Libre with them to American Wrestling. Guerrero made it to WCW first and started to make an impact with his charming attitude and the smirk that ensured trouble and spectacular moves like the frog splash. Then came the insane ability and, quite frankly, strong-as-hell kneecaps that Mysterio had with moves like the iconic 619 and tornado DDT.
Mysterio was my favorite wrestler from the beginning of my journey of watching wrestling. Everything about him quickly grabbed my attention. The way he moved in the ring and the height of his jumps astonished me. After a few weeks of watching him, I started to look more into him and loved who he was out of character based on all he stood for. I loved how much he loved being a luchador and how humble he was about the impact he has had on people's lives
When I first got into wrestling, Guerero had already passed, so you might be asking. ”bitch then how can you put him as one of your favorite wrestlers?”A few months into my watching wrestling, I was watching a Mysterio Interview where he spoke about his and Guerrero's friendship both in the ring and out, so I began to research him and fell in love with everything about Guerrero's wrestling and his character. From his music and low rider to the way lied, cheated, and stole. I was hooked and immediately watched every one of his matches that I could find on YouTube or TV.
All of this is to say that both of them deserve all the credit that they receive and so much more for all they have done for the wrestling industry. They helped pave the way for many amazing luchadors to do amazing things on American television. I will always applaud them and look up to them for all they have done.
-Allison, Black Girl Wrestling
