Randy Orton continues to face criticism from fans for his controversial 2006 WWE segment where he disparaged the late Eddie Guerrero. The incident, which unfolded during a February episode of SmackDown, remains a deeply contentious moment in wrestling history due to its insensitive nature. Understanding the background of the Randy Orton controversial Eddie Guerrero rant sheds light on the complexities behind the scene and why it still fuels outrage today.
Background of the Disrespectful Segment on SmackDown
In early 2006, WWE aired a storyline involving Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio, which included a reference to the recent death of Eddie Guerrero. During this particular SmackDown episode, Orton mocked Mysterio’s emotional tribute to Guerrero by declaring:
“You’re looking up towards the heavens like you’re looking at Eddie, but let me tell you something, bro. Eddie ain’t in heaven. Eddie’s down there, in hell.” —wrestleclipsofficial on Instagram
The harsh comment shocked many viewers and generated intense backlash. Although Orton faced limited immediate consequences, fans argue such disrespectful content would be unacceptable by today’s standards and likely result in more serious repercussions. The segment aimed to fuel the rivalry between Orton and Mysterio but was widely condemned for crossing ethical boundaries given the sensitivity surrounding Guerrero’s passing.
Orton’s Personal Discomfort During the Segment
Despite delivering the cutting remarks on-screen, Randy Orton later revealed he was deeply uneasy about mocking Guerrero’s death. On ‘The Kurt Angle Show’ featured by ‘The Brass Ring’ YouTube channel, Orton said he was “100% not comfortable” performing that promo. Rey Mysterio, who was a close friend of Guerrero, encouraged Orton to proceed, assuring him that the segment reflected what Guerrero would have wanted.
“100% [I] was not comfortable with it. Rey assured me that it’s something that Eddie would’ve wanted.” —Randy Orton
Before finalizing the segment, Orton and WWE sought approval from Guerrero’s widow, Vickie Guerrero, who also consented to the angle. She explained that Eddie would have wanted to help the business through such an act, despite its morbid nature, especially since Rey Mysterio was involved.
“Eddie would’ve wanted to help you guys in this manner. If he could’ve used his death in some way to help the business, as morbid as it sounds, he would’ve wanted us to do it, especially with Rey being involved.” —Vickie Guerrero
These insights reveal that the controversial segment was not simply an offhand insult but a scripted part of a larger storyline, devised with the involvement and consent of those close to Guerrero. Nevertheless, the audience reaction reflects a lasting discomfort with the approach taken.
Veteran Commentator Jim Ross Voices Strong Disapproval
Years after the segment aired, WWE veteran commentator Jim Ross publicly criticized Orton’s comments about Guerrero’s death during his podcast, Grilling JR. Ross called the remarks “distasteful” and described the segment as an example of “go-away heat,” a form of negative audience reaction where viewers reject the content so strongly they stop watching altogether.
“I didn’t like that Eddie thing. ‘Eddie’s in hell.’ I thought it was a reach. It was knee-je*k, it just was distasteful. That’s the wrong kind. That’s go-away heat, [like] ‘I don’t wanna see this anymore, I don’t wanna hear this anymore.’ Go-away heat is not beneficial for anyone. I thought this was very distasteful in that respect.” —Jim Ross
Ross’s perspective highlights how even wrestling insiders viewed the promo as damaging to the fanbase’s trust and respect. The segment’s controversial legacy remains a cautionary example for wrestling storytelling choices involving real-life tragedies.
The Enduring Impact and Discussion Around the Segment
Though nearly two decades have passed since the aired segment, the Randy Orton controversial Eddie Guerrero rant continues to evoke strong responses from fans and commentators alike. It serves as a reminder of how storytelling in sports entertainment can provoke outrage when it touches on sensitive subjects like death.
The incident also sparks debate about the ethical limits of scripted drama, especially when it involves recent losses and the emotions of those still grieving. Vince McMahon and WWE leadership at the time presumably aimed for heightened realism and heat between characters but underestimated the lasting negative repercussions.
Moving forward, WWE and other wrestling promotions face the ongoing challenge of balancing impactful storytelling with respect for wrestlers’ legacies and their families. This moment remains a significant example of the potential fallout when that balance is lost, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in future narratives.
