Professional wrestling thrives on storytelling, tradition, and character work that spans generations. Few figures embody that blend of charisma and tactical ingenuity like the late Eddie Guerrero, whose legendary “Lie, Cheat, and Steal” gimmick made him one of the most beloved wrestlers of all time. Nearly two decades after his passing, Eddie’s influence continues to echo throughout the squared circle. Now, according to former WWE Champion Big E, there is only one man who deserves to carry Eddie’s signature tricks forward: Dominik Mysterio.
The controversial “Dirty Dom” has made a name for himself not only as a member of The Judgment Day, but also as a performer who seamlessly incorporates Eddie Guerrero’s signature “Eddie spot” into his matches. On a recent episode of WWE RAW, Dominik defended the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Rusev, using classic Guerrero-inspired tactics to secure victory. This sparked a debate within the wrestling community, and Big E made his stance clear: Dominik should be the exclusive heir to Eddie’s gimmick.
The Legacy of Eddie Guerrero’s “Eddie Spot”
Before examining Big E’s comments and Dominik Mysterio’s current role in WWE, it’s important to revisit what made Eddie Guerrero so unforgettable. Eddie was a true ring technician, but what set him apart was his unmatched ability to entertain fans with clever, often comedic in-ring psychology.
One of his most iconic tactics was the “Eddie spot”—a trick where Eddie would toss a weapon, like a steel chair, into his opponent’s hands and then fall to the mat, pretending to be injured. When the referee turned around, they often assumed the opponent had attacked Eddie, leading to a near disqualification or complete chaos in the ring.
This creative maneuver became synonymous with Eddie’s “Lie, Cheat, and Steal” persona, and it turned him into one of the most beloved superstars in WWE history. His fans tuned in week after week not just to watch his wrestling skills, but to see how Eddie would outwit his opponents.
Why Dominik Mysterio Has Embraced Eddie Guerrero’s Tricks
Dominik Mysterio, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio, has carved out his own path in the company. Though often met with boos and jeers from live audiences, Dominik has embraced his role as a true heel, leaning into underhanded tactics that echo Guerrero’s famous style.
During his match with Rusev on WWE RAW, Dominik demonstrated exactly how Eddie’s influence lives on. Near the end of the bout, he brought two championship belts into the ring. While the referee dealt with one, Dominik used the other as a weapon. When that didn’t finish the job, he attempted to replicate the Eddie spot—throwing the belt to Rusev before collapsing to the mat.
Although the referee wasn’t fooled at first, Dominik quickly followed up with another dirty tactic: a low blow while the official was distracted. Moments later, he rolled Rusev up for the pinfall and retained his Intercontinental Championship. The sequence highlighted both Dominik’s cunning and his willingness to lean into the same tricks that made Eddie Guerrero unforgettable.
Big E’s Bold Claim: “The Eddie Spot Belongs to Dominik Alone”
On WWE’s RAW Recap with Sam Roberts and Megan Morant, Big E shared his thoughts on Dominik’s performance and Eddie Guerrero’s lasting legacy. The former WWE Champion expressed admiration for the Eddie spot but also a strong belief that it should not be overused by other wrestlers.
“I love the Eddie spot, but it can lose its appeal if you see it over and over again. I think it’s Dominik’s spot now. I think Dominik has the right to the Eddie spot. Everyone else has to leave it alone. It’s Dom’s exclusively. He’s owned it. He’s been killing it. It’s his.”
This is a powerful statement coming from Big E, a fan-favorite superstar in his own right. For him, Dominik Mysterio is not just borrowing from Eddie Guerrero’s playbook—he’s carrying the torch in a way that honors Eddie’s memory while keeping the gimmick fresh for modern fans.
The Connection Between Dominik Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero
The connection between Dominik and Eddie goes deeper than just wrestling style. Longtime fans will remember the infamous 2005 storyline feud between Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio, which revolved around the custody of a young Dominik. While the storyline was fictional, it created a symbolic bond between Eddie and Dominik that has only grown stronger with time.
For fans who followed that arc, seeing Dominik now adopting Guerrero’s signature spots feels both nostalgic and poetic. It connects the past and present, creating a unique sense of continuity in WWE’s storytelling. Dominik isn’t just paying homage—he’s embracing Eddie as part of his own character’s evolution.
Why Authenticity Matters in Wrestling Gimmicks
One of Big E’s key points is that authenticity is crucial in professional wrestling. Much like in hip-hop, fans can tell when something doesn’t feel genuine. Eddie Guerrero owned his “Lie, Cheat, and Steal” persona because it matched his charisma, wit, and mischievous personality.
Dominik Mysterio, though still relatively early in his career, has managed to make the Eddie spot his own. He doesn’t simply imitate Eddie—he incorporates the tactic into his heel character, blending it with the arrogance and cowardice that define “Dirty Dom.” This authenticity makes his use of Eddie’s gimmick feel natural rather than forced.
If multiple wrestlers were to use the Eddie spot today, it could dilute its impact. By reserving it for Dominik, WWE ensures that the legacy feels respected, and the maneuver retains its special significance.
The Debate: Should Anyone Else Use Eddie Guerrero’s Gimmick?
Big E’s comments raise an important debate among fans and wrestlers alike: should anyone else be allowed to use Eddie Guerrero’s signature tricks? On one hand, many wrestlers pay homage to legends with subtle nods, moves, or mannerisms. On the other hand, certain gimmicks are so iconic that they should remain tied to one individual—or in this case, passed down to a single successor.
Some fans argue that Eddie’s daughter, Shaul Guerrero, or even his nephew Chavo Guerrero Jr. might have a stronger claim to carrying on the tradition. Others believe that Eddie’s legacy should remain untouched altogether. However, given Dominik’s unique storyline history with Eddie and his current role in WWE, Big E’s argument carries weight: Dominik might be the perfect wrestler to keep the gimmick alive.
Dominik Mysterio’s Future as a WWE Champion
Big E didn’t just praise Dominik’s use of Eddie Guerrero’s gimmick—he also predicted that Dominik has what it takes to become a future WWE Champion. This may seem surprising to some, considering how controversial Dominik is with the WWE fanbase. However, in wrestling, drawing strong reactions—whether cheers or boos—is a sign of success.
Dominik has developed into one of WWE’s most hated heels, often receiving deafening boos every time he tries to speak on the microphone. This level of crowd engagement is rare and invaluable, showing that fans are heavily invested in his character. Pair that with his steady in-ring improvement and his connection to Guerrero’s legacy, and it’s not hard to see why Big E believes Dominik’s future is bright.
How Eddie Guerrero’s Legacy Lives On Through Dominik
It has been nearly 20 years since Eddie Guerrero’s untimely passing in 2005, yet his legacy continues to shape the wrestling world. His blend of technical skill, charisma, and clever gimmicks made him a once-in-a-generation performer. By adopting Eddie’s signature tactics, Dominik ensures that a new generation of fans is introduced to Guerrero’s brilliance—even if they never saw him wrestle live.
Every time Dominik executes the Eddie spot, it sparks conversations among older fans, introduces younger fans to Guerrero’s legacy, and keeps the memory of one of wrestling’s greatest alive. It’s not imitation—it’s preservation.
The world of professional wrestling thrives on honoring the past while building the future. Big E’s bold claim that Dominik Mysterio should be the only one using Eddie Guerrero’s gimmick speaks to the importance of authenticity, legacy, and continuity in WWE storytelling.
Eddie Guerrero’s legendary “Lie, Cheat, and Steal” persona was built on wit, charm, and creativity. Dominik, though despised by fans for his heel antics, has found a way to make those same tricks work in his favor. In doing so, he bridges generations of wrestling storytelling, keeping Eddie’s spirit alive while cementing his own identity as “Dirty Dom.”
Whether or not fans agree with Big E, one thing is certain: Dominik Mysterio’s rise is one of the most intriguing storylines in WWE today. And if Big E is right, the Eddie spot isn’t just a gimmick anymore—it’s a legacy, and Dominik is the rightful heir.
