Eddie Guerrero’s career thrived mainly in major promotions like WCW, WWE, ECW, and New Japan Pro Wrestling, leading many to assume that his best match would occur in one of those venues. However, what if the match widely regarded as his finest took place in a Mexican promotion where his name was spelled with a ‘y’ (his preferred spelling)? This match not only featured two legends of Lucha Libre but also stands as one of the most significant “what-if” contests in wrestling history, despite Guerrero’s limited participation.
The When World Collide match, where Guerrero teamed with Love Machine Art Barr against El Hijo del Santo in a hair vs. mask bout, has earned legendary status. Alongside Konnan vs. Perro Aguayo, it was one of the showcased bouts in the first Lucha Libre event broadcast on pay-per-view in the U.S. This match marked a peak moment for AAA during its early years, and tragically, it occurred just days before Guerrero’s passing. He would later incorporate the Frog Splash into his signature moveset.
Guerrero’s journey began as the son of Gory Guerrero, an early Lucha Libre icon and partner of El Santo, both revered as some of the greatest figures in wrestling history. Following their fathers’ legacies, Guerrero and Hijo del Santo formed the duo La Pareja Atomica (The Atomic Pair), the same name used by Gory and Santo throughout their careers. However, jealousy on Guerrero’s part and manipulation led to a split, birthing the Los Gringos Locos alliance and setting the stage for When World Collide.
While Guerrero had many other remarkable matches, like his encounter with Rey Mysterio at Halloween Havoc in 1997, the combination of history, storytelling, and a passionate pro-Mexican crowd at the Los Angeles Sports Arena elevates When World Collide to a pinnacle moment for both Lucha Libre and Guerrero’s career. Other matches may have featured flashier moments, but this particular event encapsulated a unique magic that is hard to surpass, aided by Barr, Santo, and the Octagon.
Written by Eric Mutter
Editorial Opinion: This matchup not only highlights Guerrero’s profound impact on wrestling but also underscores the significance of Lucha Libre in the broader wrestling community. For fans, it serves as a reminder of the emotional storytelling and cultural heritage that can elevate the sport beyond mere athleticism.
