Have to say that along with Daniel Bryan, and Chris Benoit, Eddie probably was the feel good victory win when he beat Brock. While Mankind will always be that excitement factor of pinning Rock for the title, I think Eddie's win felt such a culmination of positives for him.
It was like even if he died the next day after, he got his one title. It was proof that he was able to really live up to his potential as a entertainer and as a wrestler.
Overall, his death was not shocking in hindsight; substance abuse and his body bulking up.
I am not left with sadness for him, more like, I am happy that Eddie was able to capture the World Title. He was a guy who was very good in the ring, but he is one of those guys that didn't need a title, but you would love to see it just once. And he did capture it, so your not left feeling let down of, "Man I wish he won it once." and what could have been because you hear stories of people being so talented yet having these demons that end up derailing them.
His life has been validated.