Eddie Guerrero would become one of WWE’s all-time greats and World Champion, but that only came after being fired from the company.

Guerrero joined the then-WWF in early 2000, alongside Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn, collectively known as the Radicalz.

In 2001, Guerrero was fired for being unable to control his personal demons, including his substance abuse problems.

On the most recent episode of his Grilling JR Podcast, Jim Ross, then WWE’s Head of Talent recalled the difficult decision.

“I saw greatness. I saw one of the greatest pro wrestlers in the world that we’re about to lose if we don’t get our arms around his problem. But in order for us to get our arms around his problem, he’s gotta cooperate with us. He’s gotta allow us to hug him.

“That’s what we kept waiting on. So, yeah, that was probably the toughest because I had such an emotional investment in him.”

After getting better, Guerrero was rehired in 2002 and remained with WWE until his death in 2005, aged 38.