Sasha Banks is one of the most popular and successful WWE superstars of the current generation. She has won multiple championships, main-evented WrestleMania, and starred in The Mandalorian. But did you know that she is also a huge fan of the late Eddie Guerrero, one of the greatest wrestlers of all time?
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Who was Eddie Guerrero?
Eddie Guerrero was a legendary performer who captivated audiences with his charisma, skill, and passion. He was a third-generation wrestler who competed in Mexico, Japan, ECW, WCW, and WWE. He won numerous titles, including the WWE Championship, which he famously defeated Brock Lesnar for in 2004.
Eddie Guerrero was also known for his catchphrase “Viva La Raza”, which means “Long Live the Race” in Spanish. He represented his Mexican heritage with pride and often used his Latino Heat persona to charm and cheat his way to victory. He was beloved by fans and peers alike for his entertaining antics and his heart.
Sadly, Eddie Guerrero passed away on November 13, 2005, due to acute heart failure. He was only 38 years old. His death shocked and saddened the wrestling world, as he was in the prime of his career and had overcome many personal struggles with addiction and depression. He was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by his friend and rival Chris Benoit.
How did Sasha Banks become a fan of Eddie Guerrero?
Sasha Banks, whose real name is Mercedes Varnado, grew up watching wrestling with her brother and cousin. She was inspired by many wrestlers, but none more than Eddie Guerrero. She admired his style, his personality, and his story. She wanted to be like him and emulate him in the ring.
Sasha Banks had a chance to see Eddie Guerrero live in 2005 when she bought a ticket for a WWE show in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She made a sign for him and hoped to meet him backstage. However, she was devastated to learn that he had died that same day. She described the incident on an episode of Ariel Helwani Meets:
“I remember going into the arena and I saw all these signs that said ‘Rest in Peace, Eddie Guerrero.’ I was so confused. I was like, ‘Well, maybe Minneapolis doesn’t like Eddie because it was advertised as Eddie Guerrero vs. Undertaker, which I just assumed everybody loved The Undertaker…”
“A fan came up to me and he told me that Eddie Guerrero passed away that night and everything inside of me just broke. I couldn’t believe that my hero passed away,” said Banks.
Sasha Banks never got to meet Eddie Guerrero, but she never forgot him either. She decided to pursue her dream of becoming a wrestler and honor his legacy.
How does Sasha Banks pay tribute to Eddie Guerrero?
Sasha Banks has paid tribute to Eddie Guerrero in many ways throughout her career. She has incorporated some of his signature moves into her arsenal, such as the Frog Splash, the Three Amigos suplexes, and the lie-cheat-steal tactics. She has also worn outfits inspired by his attire, such as the lowrider t-shirt, the Los Guerreros bandana, and the Halloween Havoc gear.
Sasha Banks has also expressed her gratitude and respect for Eddie Guerrero on social media and interviews. She has posted photos and videos of him on his birthday and death anniversary. She has also thanked him for inspiring her and motivating her to achieve her goals.
Sasha Banks has also formed a close relationship with Eddie Guerrero’s family over the years. She has worked with his widow Vickie Guerrero, his daughter Shaul Guerrero, and his son-in-law Aiden English in WWE. She has also received a pair of his tights from Shaul as a gift.
Sasha Banks considers Eddie Guerrero as her guardian angel who watches over her from above. She believes that he is always with her in spirit and guides her through her challenges.
The answer is no. Sasha Banks is not related to Eddie Guerrero by blood or marriage. They are not cousins, siblings, or in-laws. They are simply fans who share a love for wrestling and a admiration for each other.
However, Sasha Banks does consider Eddie Guerrero as her family in another sense. She sees him as her mentor, her idol, and her friend. She feels a connection with him that transcends time and space. She feels that he is part of her wrestling DNA and her soul.
Sasha Banks once said: “There would be no Sasha Banks if there wasn’t an Eddie Guerrero.” That statement sums up how much he means to her and how much she owes him.
Sasha Banks is not related to Eddie Guerrero by blood, but she is related to him by heart.