If there is one sound that wrestling fans all over the world love to hear, it’s the sound of the bell ringing – signifying the beginning of the match. But no one likes to hear that bell ring ten consecutive times – because that means that a wrestler has passed away. Unfortunately, that happened on Sunday – when WWE Superstar Eddie Guerrero passed away in hotel room in Minneapolis, Minnesota – he was 38-years-old.

A life-long grappler and member of the legendary Guerrero family, Eddie truly loved the business. Wrestling his first matches before the age of ten, Eddie wanted nothing more than to conquer the wrestling world – and he did just that – by becoming the first Latino-American to become the WWE Champion.

Inside the ring, he was a consummate professional – and was both loved and hated by wrestling fans – but whether he was cheered or booed – he filled every arena he performed in. Outside the ring, he was a gentleman who befriended everyone in the locker room – a fact that was evident by the amount of tears that flowed on Monday Night Raw and SmackDown! during the two-show tribute to Eddie’s life.

Watching the tribute, I was almost immediately moved to tears. It was so moving to watch WWE Superstar after WWE Superstar break out into tears when they talked about how much they loved Eddie Guerrero. The two wrestlers that touched me the most were watching Vince McMahon himself – a man I have never seen cry – being unable to keep it together; and Chris Benoit – who, in the middle of a sentence – begin sobbing uncontrollably until he could no longer speak.

I had the honor of meeting Eddie Guerrero when he came to City Hall on March 10, 2004, along with Lita, Booker T – and Mick Foley – to accept a proclamation for the WWE from a city councilman for making April 20, 2004, “Wrestlemania Day” in New York City. Before the presentation, I had the privilege of talking to Eddie Guerrero for about twenty minutes. From that conversation, I knew that Eddie Guerrero was genuine – and not a “gimmick.” Eddie was, in the ring, exactly what was he was out of it – a champion.

During our dialogue, we discussed his winning the WWE title, his life in the business – and the love he had for his family. When it was time to head to the ceremony, he took a picture with me and actually placed the WWE Championship belt on my shoulder. That was truly an incredible moment that I will never, ever forget.

No matter who comes and goes in the wrestling business – there will never be another Eddie Guerrero. He brought a passion to the ring that was completely his own. Through his amazing athletic prowess, his skillful microphone work – and his championship heart – he etched a place for himself among the legends of this industry that have come before him. His passing left a void in the WWE and in the hearts of all who loved him – both inside and outside the ring – that can never be filled. But, thankfully, he left a legacy behind that – like Eddie Guerrero – will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace Eddie – Viva La Raza.