Cancel all your plans, and stock up on snacks because WWE Vault is the place to be today.
Two days before Wrestlepalooza, WWE’s next premium live event, fans are being treated to the ultimate primer for a Brock Lesnar match. As Lesanr gets ready to face John Cena this Saturday, WWE Vault looks back at 2003 and one of the greatest matches in SmackDown history.
Twenty-two years ago today, Lesnar faced Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship in a 60-minute Iron Man Match. The contest, which was taped two days
earlier, was a rare treat even for its time. Despite featuring big matches weekly on TV, this was a pay-per-view-worthy performance.
Besides its physicality, this particular Iron Man featured great psychology as it saw Lesnar gain a two-fall advantage heading into the home stretch, thanks to nefarious means. Angle, the reigning champion, fought back valiantly, pushing Lesnar to the limit in the final minutes.
Because it originally aired on TV, the WWE Vault version matches the broadcast cut, running just over 49 minutes. While it would be nice to see what happened during commercial breaks, this is still must-see viewing. Early 2000s SmackDown delivered some of the industry’s best action, and this match set the standard for pace, brutality, and storytelling.
But that’s not all.
Also coming to WWE Vault is a collection no one will want to miss. As we approach the 20th anniversary of the passing of the great Eddie Guerrero, the Vault is releasing “Eddie Guerrero Mixtape: Full Matches, Rare Interviews and BTS Footage.” Per the video’s description on YouTube:
“Get ready to lie, cheat and steal with this four-hour Mixtape devoted to WWE Hall of Famer Eddie Guerrero, featuring matches against his most iconic rivals, rare finds and much more.”
For over a decade, Guerrero wowed fans in Mexico and Japan before making waves in the U.S. — first in ECW, then WCW. After joining WWE in 2000 following a notable departure from WCW alongside Dean Malenko, Chris Benoit, and Perry Saturn, his charisma quickly stood out.
After being paired with Chyna — the first woman to hold the Intercontinental Title — Guerrero’s career took off. He dubbed himself “Latino Heat” and never looked back.
However, he was released by WWE in 2001 due to substance abuse issues. After working to get clean, Guerrero returned with a renewed passion. His mantra became “Lie, Cheat, and Steal.” His matches, exciting as ever, now featured new and inventive ways to outsmart his opponents.
In 2004, his personal struggles became part of the storyline heading into a WWE Title match against Brock Lesnar at No Way Out. In a final confrontation with Lesnar before the event, Guerrero delivered an emotional promo that solidified his connection with the fans. He spoke about being so high at one point that he was taken from the arena straight to rehab.
And so began his journey to redemption.
“Day by day, by the grace of God, I have earned my way back into this ring,” said a determined Guerrero to Lesnar on an episode of SmackDown.
He said he had regained the respect of his peers and family, and that winning the WWE Title would be his way of making amends and securing a better future. As he closed, Guerrero flipped Lesnar’s taunts back at him, embracing his past.
“The difference between me and you, bro, is that I’m an addict, and I’ll do anything and run over anybody that it’s gonna take to get that around my waist.”
Guerrero shocked the world days later, defeating Lesnar to win his first — and only — world title. He reigned for four months. It was rumored he was set to win a second world title in late 2005, but he tragically passed away from a heart attack. He was 38.
Nearly 20 years later, Guerrero’s influence lives on in performers like Dominik Mysterio (his kayfabe son), Mercedes Moné, and others who still honor him with his signature moves.
WWE Vault’s four-hour collection promises to bring back fond memories and stir deep emotions for a legend who is gone but certainly not forgotten.
