WWE fans routinely complain that the modern day product feels too formulaic, lacking both realism and genuine passion in its storylines.A key reason for this is that many superstars are now said to have their interviews and backstage segments carefully scripted by the company's writers.The upshot of this is that many performers have begun to sound alike, with their character motivations and backgrounds sometimes poorly defined - making it hard for the audience to properly connect with a superstar.This has not always been the case, though, as an Eddie Guerrero promo from 2004 - which has recently gone viral - proves.Guerrero cut the epic speech on the February 12, 2004 edition of SmackDown during an in-ring face-off with then-WWE champion Brock Lesnar."Latino Heat" was due to face Lesnar for his championship at the No Way Out pay-per-view some three days later - and drew from his own personal history in order to emphasise how important the match was to him.Having battled addiction to both alcohol and drugs throughout his career, Guerrero was compelled to confront his demons in 2001, after WWE released him from his contract due to these dependency issues.Guerrero would soon bounce back, however, seeking help for his problems and becoming sober. His clear commitment to turning his life around led to WWE re-signing Guerrero in 2002 - after which he would embark upon the most high profile run of his career.This success ultimately led Guerrero to the main event picture, where he would challenge Lesnar in his first singles pay-per-view headliner. In the weeks leading up to the match, Lesnar had mercilessly mocked Guerrero, attacking both his Mexican heritage and his aforementioned struggles with addiction.
Never one to back down from confrontation, Guerrero addressed Lesnar's jibes head-on, citing in-ring competition as his new addiction.
"That's my new addiction homes. See when I step into this ring I am addicted...I'm addicted to the high I get when I go home and tell my family 'Hey I'm doing it!'. I'm addicted to the satisfaction that I get to tell everybody like you who didn't believe in me 'you can stick it up your ass!' I'm addicted to the do or die feeling homes that I'm going to have this Sunday at No Way Out.
"But the difference between you and me Brock, is that I'm an addict and I'll do anything, and run over anybody, that it's going to take to get that title around my waist and get my high at No Way Out and become the WWE Champion, Orale Vato!"
Guerrero would indeed be true to his word and defeat Lesnar for the WWE championship in what would become a truly memorable moment for fans around the world.
Tragically, Guerrero would pass away a little over 18 months after his historic victory. The mark that he left on the wrestling world, though, will never be forgotten.
Ironically, Lesnar is currently once again the WWE champion and is set to defend his title against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 36 next month.
WWE fans would surely love to see McIntyre hype the biggest moment of his career with a promo as brilliant as the one Guerrero delivered in 2004.