This review was commissioned by Ryan Husted over on my Ko-fi account.
Chavo Guerrero’s WWE career in the 2000s is such an odd thing to look back on. Basically all of it is spent in the shadow of his much more talented and famous uncle Eddie, whether it be teaming with him in Los Guerreros or being pushed against him as a rival. Eddie’s tragic death in 2005 only solidified this further, enshrining Eddie as a beloved legend gone too soon while Chavo kept chugging on both fighting on behalf of Eddie’s legacy, and at times for that sweet cheap heat, against it.
Even this match for Rey Mysterio’s Cruiserweight Title isn’t free from Eddie’s influence. While Eddie’s challenging Brock Lesnar for the WWE Title that evening, Chavo’s here to answer for a backstage attack on his uncle.
It’s fascinating to see Rey slotted into this storyline position as well. Again, there’s an element here of the match happening in defense of Eddie’s honor–Rey blames Chavo for the backstage attack on Smackdown, and this feud spiralled off from there. In hindsight, it reads like a prologue for their 2006 rivalry which is much more overtly about the legacy of the deceased Eddie Guerrero. In the immediate aftermath of Eddie’s passing, Rey would be positioned as the default vanguard for his friend’s honor, with Eddie’s memory being a central theme for much of his 2006 main event push.
The difference here is that even before Eddie’s passing, Rey had long established a stunning legacy of his own. Rey had so much more to lean back on than Chavo in the end, and it was easier for him to escape that particular vortex in the end.
All of which is to say that even though Eddie Guerrero’s euphoric WWE Championship win rightfully steals the show at No Way Out 2004, this Cruiserweight Title bout is still great in its own right.
What stands out more than anything is that it’s a brilliantly laid out match. There’s no appreciating it until the entire match unfolds, but every choice works so well. My favorite might just be the decision to work Rey’s babyface shine all the way up to an early 619. Rey uses one of my favorite 619 set ups ever here too, baiting Chavo to chase him on the mat before kicking out the knee to get Chavo set up on the ropes. Rey hits the 619, and just as he sets up for the follow up West Coast Pop, Chavo Sr. interferes to transition into the heel heat. It’s a choice that allows us the early catharsis of Chavo getting beat up, and even having to eat the champion’s gorgeous finisher, without giving away the pinfall win or even having to burn a 2 count on it. It’s the most joyous part of a match that Chavo will steal from us in the end.
To his immense credit, Chavo’s control works really well here too. The phrase “The Messiah of the Gutbuster” came to mind here as Chavo hits several really sweet ones throughout. There’s that killer avalanche one off the top, and multiple great cut offs that target Rey’s midsection. Even the smaller moments pop such as Chavo trapping a wrist to nail some punches to the ribs or a grounded abdominal stretch where he smacks at the body too. His offense remains remarkably focused in this regard, including some real gross half crabs that bend Rey’s spine in disgusting ways. Rey’s so good about selling his body all throughout too, often clutching at his gut, and generally feeling like he’s a step slower when having to climb the turnbuckles or follow up on his comeback.
There’s live rounds to spare in this match with Rey and Chavo trading punches and forearms that even Tazz mentions leave a “smack of skin.” The go-to phrase both commentators reach for here is this being a very “physical” match and I agree with them wholeheartedly. Solid, focused action, combined by the dazzling fireworks that Rey busts out.
It’s a great finish too. After championship boxer Jorge Páez knocks out Chavo Sr. after the first transition into the heat segment, the latter finally recovers enough to push Rey off the top turnbuckle and crashing into the ropes. Chavo grabs a handful of tights to both steal the win and also pay off all the body work done throughout the match.
Rock solid stuff, a great piece of highway robbery.
Rating: ****
