During a recent game of "Stay silent until you hear a wrestler better than you," CM Punk didn't utter a word when hearing names like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Brock Lesnar, John Cena, The Rock, Triple H, or Shawn Michaels.
When Eddie Guerrero's name came up, he cracked. After letting out a loud groan, Punk paid homage to Guerrero's greatness.
I can't pretend that I'm better than Eddie Guerrero.
The moment was a rare display of humility from The Best in the World. Punk and Guerrero share a history that goes back to the independent wrestling circuit, before Punk's big break in WWE. In March 2002, a young CM Punk crossed paths with Guerrero at an IWA Mid-South event, competing in a memorable triple threat match alongside a pre-WWE Rey Mysterio. Guerrero ultimately won with his iconic Frog Splash, and thus began their mentor-mentee relationship.
Punk has repeatedly credited Guerrero with teaching him invaluable lessons about ring psychology, match structure, and the craft of professional wrestling — lessons he carried all the way to the top of WWE.
Eddie Guerrero, who captured the WWE Championship at No Way Out 2004 in one of the most emotionally charged title wins in company history, remains one of the most impactful performers of this century: a master technician, storyteller, and entertainer whose "Latino Heat" persona transcended the sport.
CM Punk is scheduled to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 42.
