In the annals of professional wrestling history, few periods hold as much significance as the legendary era of the “SmackDown Six” in 2002. It was during this time that the blue brand reached unprecedented heights of popularity and quality, thanks in large part to the immense talent and contributions of superstars like Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit. However, behind the curtain, the dynamics of their matches were often more intricate and nuanced than fans could ever have any idea about.
In a recent exclusive interview with Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Bill Apter, former WWE star Chavo Guerrero delved into the fascinating world of professional wrestling during the SmackDown Six era. Reflecting on the bygone days, Chavo revealed a captivating story that shed light on the unconventional nature of matches during that time.
Chavo recounted a remarkable incident that took place in Toronto, where he found himself thrust into the spotlight alongside his uncle, the late Eddie Guerrero, in their first-ever main event match. Their opponents? The formidable duo of Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit, renowned for their technical prowess and fierce athleticism. What unfolded that night would go down in wrestling lore.
With a twinkle in his eye, Chavo disclosed that he and Eddie had, in fact, legitimately dominated Angle and Benoit in the ring, leaving no doubt about their in-ring superiority. The match had been a closely contested battle, a spectacle of strength, skill, and sheer determination. When they finally retreated backstage, their adrenaline still pumping, they were met by a perplexed Kurt Angle, who couldn’t conceal his surprise at the outcome.
Approaching Chavo and Eddie with a mixture of awe and disbelief, Angle exclaimed, “What the hell was that? You guys kicked our asses!” The jovial Chavo, his face beaming with satisfaction, couldn’t resist a playful retort. “Weren’t you going to do that to us?” he quipped, emphasizing the irony of the situation. Angle, caught off guard but ever the good sport, sheepishly admitted, “Yeah.”
“The first time they put us together, a main event, that was on SmackDown, against Kurt Angle and Chris [Benoit]. It was Toronto, Maple Leaf Arena. We kicked their butts, we really did. It was very, very close. We went to the back and Kurt Angle came to us and said ‘What the hell was that? You guys kicked our a**es’. And I went ‘Weren’t you going to do that to us?’ and he was like ‘Yeah’.”
