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| {{Infobox Wrestler | |||
| | name = Chris Benoit | |||
| | names = Chris Benoit<br/>Pegasus Kid<br/>Wild Pegasus<br/> | |||
| | image = <!--Do not replace this image with a fair use one. This image is free and free images are favored on Misplaced Pages. See "Misplaced Pages:Image use policy" for more information -->BenoitInTheRing.jpg | |||
| | height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}} | |||
| | weight = {{weight|pounds=234}} | |||
| | birth_date = {{Birth date|1967|5|21}} | |||
| | birth_place = {{flagicon|Canada}} ], ], ] | |||
| | death_date = {{Death date and age|2007|6|25|1967|5|21}} | |||
| | death_place = {{flagicon|USA}} ], ]<ref name="Newsday/Benoit"> {{cite web|title= | |||
| WWE wrestler Chris Benoit and family found dead|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usbenoit0626,0,4246396.story?coll=ny-top-headlines|date=], ]|accessdate=2007-06-25}}</ref> | |||
| | billed = ], ], ]<br />], ] | |||
| | trainer = ], ] | |||
| | debut = ], ] | |||
| }} | |||
| '''Christopher Michael Benoit''' ({{IPA2|bə'nwɑ}}) (], ] – ], ]) was a ] ] who wrestled for ], ], and ]. A ] in both ] and ], he was widely regarded as one of the most popular and gifted technical professional wrestlers of his generation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/benoit.html|title=Chris Benoit profile|publisher=Slam Wrestling|accessdate=2007-06-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/229302|title=WWE Canadian wrestler Benoit, wife and son found dead|publisher=Toronto Star|accessdate=2007-06-28}}</ref> | |||
| Chris Benoit, his wife ], and their 7-year-old son Daniel were found dead in their ] home on ], ]. Investigators believe that Benoit murdered his wife and son and later hanged<!-- DO NOT CHANGE THIS TO HUNG. "Hanged" is the correct form of the word when referring to death by strangulation. --> himself.<ref name="press conference">{{cite news|title=Authorities Confirm Chris Benoit Murdered Wife and Son|url=http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0607/2701_chris_benoit.html|accessdate=2007-06-28|date=], ]}}</ref> | |||
| == Career == | |||
| === Stampede Wrestling (1985-1989) === | |||
| Benoit idolized the ] growing up, and styled himself after him.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive2000/jan14_ins.html|title=Benoit inspired by the Dynamite Kid, Crippler adopts idol's high-risk style|author=Doug Lunney|accessdate=2007-05-10|date=], ]}}</ref> This prompted him to be a wrestler, so when he began wrestling, he was initially billed as "Dynamite" Chris Benoit. He also began using the Diving Headbutt and the Snap Suplex, some of the Kid's trademark moves. | |||
| After years of strenuous training in the legendary Hart family "]", Chris Benoit began his career in 1985 in ]'s ] ]. His debut match was a tag team match on ], ] in ], ], where he teamed with "The Remarkable" Rick Patterson against Butch Moffat and Mike Hammer. During his tenure in Stampede, he won several International Tag Team and British Commonwealth titles,<ref name="Titles">{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories| publisher=Archeus Communications|year=4th Edition 2006|id=ISBN 0-9698161-5-4}}</ref> and had a lengthy ] with ] that lasted for over a year. In 1989, Stampede closed its doors later that year, and with a recommendation from ], Benoit departed for ]. | |||
| === New Japan Pro Wrestling/Independent circuit (1989-1994) === | |||
| Upon arriving in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Benoit spent about a year training in their "New Japan Dojo" with the younger wrestlers to improve his abilities. While in the dojo, he spent months doing strenuous activities like push ups and floor sweeping before stepping into the ring. He made his Japanese debut wearing a mask and assuming the ] '''The Pegasus Kid'''. Benoit claimed numerous times that he originally hated the mask, but it eventually became apart of him. While with NJPW, he came into his own as a performer in critically-acclaimed matches with luminaries like ], ], ], and ] in their junior heavyweight division. | |||
| In 1990, he won his first major championship, the ], from Jushin Liger. He eventually lost the title (and his ]) back to Liger,<ref name="Titles"/> forcing him to reinvent himself as '''Wild Pegasus'''. Benoit would spend the next couple years in Japan having more classic matches, winning the ] twice (] and ]). He went on to win the ] in 1994, defeating Black Tiger, ], and ] in the finals, solidifying his status as one of the foremost ] in the world. | |||
| Benoit would wrestle outside of New Japan occasionally to compete in Mexico and Germany, where he won a few regional championships, including the ]. He would hold that title for over a year, having many forty-plus minute matches with ]. | |||
| === World Championship Wrestling (1992–1993) === | |||
| Chris Benoit first came to WCW in June 1992, teaming up with fellow Canadian wrestler ] for the NWA World Tag Team title tournament; they were defeated by ] and ] in the first round. He did not return to WCW until January 1993 at the ''Clash of the Champions'', defeating ]. A month later, at ], he lost to ], getting pinned with only 3 seconds left in the 20-minute time limit. At the same time he formed a tag team with ]. After he and Eaton lost to Scorpio and ] at ], Benoit headed back to Japan. | |||
| === Extreme Championship Wrestling (1994-1995) === | |||
| In 1994, Benoit began working with ] (ECW) in between tours of Japan. At "November 2 Remember '94" Benoit accidentally broke ]'s neck within the opening seconds of the match. The injury came when Benoit threw Sabu with the intention that he take a face-first "pancake" ], but Sabu attempted to turn mid-air and take a backdrop bump instead. He did not achieve full rotation and landed almost directly on his neck. After this match, Paul Heyman, the head booker of ECW at the time, came up with the "crippler" moniker for Benoit, which Chris confirms on his DVD ''Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story''. From that point until his departure from ECW, Chris was known as the "Crippler" Chris Benoit. However, when he returned to WCW in the fall of '95, WCW modified his ring name to the "Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit. | |||
| Benoit and ] won the ] from Sabu and ] in February 1995.<ref name="Titles"/> After winning, they were initiated into the ] ], led by ], ]. The team lost the titles to ] that April at ''ECW's Three Way Dance''.<ref name="Titles"/> | |||
| === World Championship Wrestling (1995–2000) === | |||
| New Japan Pro Wrestling and ] (WCW) had a working relationship, and because of their "talent exchange" program Benoit signed with WCW in late 1995/early 1996. He started out in WCW as a member of the ] division, having lengthy matches against many of his former rivals in Japan. | |||
| After impressing higher-ups, he became a member of the reformed ] in 1995, alongside ], ], and ]. When Pillman abruptly left the company for the WWF, Benoit was placed into his ongoing feud with (booker) ]. Sullivan booked a feud in which Benoit was having an ] with Sullivan's (real life) wife ] (also known as Woman). Benoit and Nancy were forced to spend time together to make the affair look real, (hold hands in public, share hotel rooms, etc.) This on-screen relationship developed into a real-life affair off-screen. Because of this, Sullivan and Benoit had a contentious backstage relationship at best and Benoit defeated Sullivan in a ]. Benoit did, however, admit having a certain amount of respect for Sullivan, saying on the DVD ''Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story'' that Sullivan never took undue liberties in the ring during their feud, even though he blamed Benoit for breaking up his marriage. | |||
| In 1998, Benoit had a long ] with ]. They fought over the ] until Booker lost the title to ].<ref name="Titles"/> Booker won a "Best-of-Seven" series which was held between the two to determine a Number One Contender. Benoit went up 3 to 1 before Booker caught up, forcing the 7th and final match on ]. During the match, ] interjected himself, interfering on behalf of Benoit in an attempt to get him to join the ]. Benoit refused to win that way and told the referee what happened, getting himself disqualified. Booker refused that victory, instead opting for an eighth match at the ] to see who would fight Finlay later that night. Booker won the final match and went on to beat Finlay for the title.<ref name="Titles"/> This feud significantly elevated both men's careers as singles competitors, and both remained at the top of the midcard afterwards. | |||
| In 1999, Benoit teamed with Dean Malenko once again and defeated ] and ] to win the ].<ref name="Titles"/> This led to another reformation of the Four Horsemen with the tag team champions, Anderson, and ]. After a falling out with the latter two, Benoit and Malenko left the Horsemen. Later in 1999, he also won the ]<ref name="Titles"/> before bringing together Malenko, ], and ] to form "]". The Revolution were a group of younger wrestlers who felt slighted (both kayfabe and legit) by WCW management, believing they never gave them the chance to be stars, ] older, more established wrestlers instead. Benoit's most notable match of 1999 was with Bret Hart on ''WCW Nitro'' on October 1999, in ], as a tribute to ], who had recently died due to an equipment malfunction. | |||
| By January 2000, they made their last try at keeping him, putting the ] on him at ].<ref name="Titles"/> However, due to disagreements with management and to protest the promotion of Kevin Sullivan to head booker, Benoit left the company the next day alongside his friends ], Dean Malenko, and ], forfeiting his title in the process. | |||
| === World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment (2000-2007) === | |||
| ==== 2000–2001 ==== | |||
| Along with Guerrero, Saturn, and Malenko, Benoit debuted in the WWF as a stable that became known as ]. After losing their "tryout matches" upon entry, The Radicalz aligned themselves with WWF Champion ] and became a ] ]. Benoit quickly won his first title in the WWF just over a month later at ], pinning ] in a triple threat match to win ]'s ]. Benoit then entered into a long-running feud with Jericho, who made fun of Benoit's demeanor by referring to him constantly as ] due to his cold personality. Benoit and Jericho met on PPV four times in nine months, exchanging the title back and forth and culminating in Jericho defeating Benoit in a ladder match at the ]. Benoit won the Intercontinental Title three times between April 2000 and January 2001. | |||
| It was also in this time period that Benoit wrestled in his first WWF pay per view main events, challenging ] for the title in July 2000 and as part of a fatal four way title match in September. Both times, Benoit appeared to have won the WWF Championship, only to have the decision reversed by then-WWF commissioner ] due to cheating on Benoit's part. | |||
| In early 2001, Benoit broke away from The Radicalz (who had recently reformed three months earlier) and turned babyface, feuding first with his former stable-mates and then with Kurt Angle, whom he wrestled at ]. The feud continued after Benoit stole Angle's cherished ]. This culminated in a match at ] where Angle won a ] with the help of ]. In response, Benoit teamed up with his former rival Jericho to defeat Edge and Christian in that night's Tag Team Turmoil match. | |||
| The next night on '']'' in ], Jericho and Benoit challenged WWF Tag Team Champions ] and Triple H for their titles. Jericho and Benoit ended their reign and used the win as a springboard to challenge Austin for his world title (This was the night that Triple H suffered a legit injury by tearing his quadricep muscle while attempting to clothesline Jericho). Benoit got two title matches the following week, first losing via ] in Calgary and then just barely losing to Austin in Benoit's hometown of Edmonton. Unfortunately, also in that time period came a four-way TLC match where Benoit suffered a neck injury that required surgery with Dr. ]. Despite this, he worked through until the ], where he was pinned in a triple threat match versus Austin and Jericho. Benoit missed the next year due to his neck injury. | |||
| ==== 2002–2003 ==== | |||
| During the first ], he was picked by Vince McMahon third to be part of the new ''SmackDown!'' roster,<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 102 | language = English}}</ref> although still on the injured list. However, when he returned, he did so as a member of the ''RAW'' roster. On his first night back, he turned heel again and aligned himself with Eddie Guerrero, and he feuded with Steve Austin briefly.<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 148 | language = English}}</ref> He and Eddie Guerrero were then moved to SmackDown during a storyline "open season" on wrestler contracts,<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 200 | language = English}}</ref> with Benoit taking his newly won Intercontinental championship with him.<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 197 | language = English}}</ref> ] defeated Benoit at ] and returned the title to ''RAW''.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 111 | language = English}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 211 | language = English}}</ref> | |||
| After returning to ''SmackDown!'' in October, he was crowned the first winner of the ], alongside foe and partner ].<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 111 | language = English}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 279 & 280 | language = English}}</ref> They both turned face again by betraying ]. The two made an impressive combination, but could not stand each other.<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 291-296 | language = English}}</ref> | |||
| Angle won his third WWE Championship from ] at ],<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 112 | language = English}}</ref> and Benoit faced him for the title at the ]. Although Benoit lost the match, he received a standing ovation for his efforts after a very outstanding match.<ref name="PS104">{{cite news | author = Hurley, Oliver | title = Power Slam Magazine, issue 104 | work = "Every Man for himself” (Royal Rumble 2003) | publisher = SW Publishing. | date = 2003-02-21 | pages = 16-19 | language = English}}</ref> Benoit returned to the tag team ranks, teaming with the returning ].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030227.html|title=SmackDown—February 27 2003 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> At ], the WWE Tag Team Champions, ], put their belts on the line against Benoit and his partner Rhyno and ] in a triple threat tag team match. Team Angle retained when Shelton Benjamin pinned ].<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 112-113 | language = English}}</ref> | |||
| Benoit feuded with ] and the ],<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030417.html|title=SmackDown — 17 April 2003 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030424.html|title=SmackDown — 24 April 2003 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> teaming with Rhyno occasionally.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 113 | language = English}}</ref> In June 2003, the ] was reactivated, and Benoit participated in the tournament for the belt. He beat Rhyno in the first round <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030619.html |title=SmackDown — 19 June 2003 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> and then ] in the second,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030717.html|title=SmackDown — 17 July 2003 Results|accessdate= 2007-05-14}}</ref> before losing the final match to Eddie Guerrero at ].<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 113 | language = English}}</ref> The two feuded over the title for the next month,<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 113-114 | language = English}}</ref> and Benoit's popularity ascended to an all-time high. He defeated the likes of ],<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 114 | language = English}}</ref> The Big Show, and ] by submission.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 114 | language = English}}</ref> General Manager ] began a vendetta against Benoit along with Lesnar, preventing him from gaining a shot at Lesnar's WWE Title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031204.html|title= SmackDown —December 4 2003 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> When Benoit won a qualifying match for the ] against the Full Blooded Italians in a Gauntlet Match, Heyman named him as the number one entry, but Benoit swore victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040101.html|title= SmackDown — 1st January 2004 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> | |||
| ==== 2004–2005 ==== | |||
| ].]] | |||
| On ], ] Benoit won the ] by last eliminating Big Show, and thus earned a ] title shot at ].<ref name = "RoyalRumble2004" /> As a result of the long-standing Royal Rumble tradition that the winner receives a shot at the world champion at ], being on the SmackDown! brand at the time, Benoit challenged for the WWE Championship. Benoit, however, exploited a "loophole" in the rules and challenged ] ].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040126.html|title=RAW — 26 January 2004 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> This "loophole" clause has become standard storyline practice, with the Royal Rumble winner being free to choose which title he will challenge for. With this win, Benoit became one of only two men to enter at #1 and win the Royal Rumble (the other being ] at the ]). Though the match was originally intended to be a one-on-one match, Shawn Michaels, whose ] against Triple H at the Royal Rumble for the World Heavyweight Championship ended in a draw,<ref name = "RoyalRumble2004">{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 114 | language = English}}</ref> thought that he deserved to be in the main event. When it was time for Benoit to sign the contract putting himself in the main event, Michaels ]ed him and signed his name on the contract,<ref name = "RoyalRumble2004" /> which eventually resulted in a Triple Threat Match between Michaels, Benoit, and the champion, Triple H.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040216.html |title=RAW — 16 February 2004 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> | |||
| On ], 2004, at ], Chris Benoit won the ] by forcing Triple H to tap out to his signature submission move, the Crippler Crossface.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 115 | language = English}}</ref> It marked the first time the main event of a WrestleMania ended in submission. (It happened again at ] and ]).<ref name = "WrestleMania22">{{cite news | author = Hurley, Oliver | title = Power Slam Magazine, issue 142 | work = "WrestleMania In Person” (WrestleMania 22) | publisher = SW Publishing. | date = 2006-04-20 | pages = 16 – 19 | language = English}}</ref><ref name = "WrestleMania23">{{cite news | author = McElvaney, Kevin | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated, July 2007| work = "WrestleMania 23" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | year = 2007| month = June | pages = 74-101 | language = English}}</ref> After the match, an emotional Benoit celebrated his win with the then-reigning ] and best friend ]. Four years after they came to WWE together, they stood in the ring at Madison Square Garden, both of them world champions. It is considered the biggest win of Benoit's 19-year career, as he won his second official World Championship in the main event of the biggest show of the year. The match was voted the 2004 ] Match of the Year). This was Benoit's first World Heavyweight Title reign. The rematch was held at ] in Benoit's hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This match was a Triple Threat match, which also involved Triple H and Shawn Michaels. It was Michaels who ended up submitting to Benoit's Sharpshooter, allowing Benoit to retain his title,<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 115 | language = English}}</ref> once again proving he was worthy of the main event. The next night in Calgary, he and Edge won the World Tag Team titles from ] and ], making Benoit a double champion.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040419.html|title=RAW — 19 April 2004 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> | |||
| At ], Chris Benoit retained the ] against Kane. | |||
| On ''RAW'', Benoit defeated Triple H in a one-hour ]. Benoit scored the first fall with a pinning predicament out of a Crossface attempt. Triple H then rallied to take a 3-1 fall advantage by a Pedigree pinfall, spinebuster pinfall, and a count out decision. After Benoit evened the falls up 3-3 via Sharpshooter and Crippler Crossface submissions, he got the final pin in the match's closing seconds (due to the outside interference of ]) to retain the title. | |||
| On ], 2004, Chris Benoit was defeated by ] for the World Heavyweight Championship at ].<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 116 | language = English}}</ref> This title change is notable because it is rare for a top face World Champion to ever ] the title ] to a heel. His reign lasted 5 months, and he gained 7 straight ] victories. Benoit then feuded with Edge, leading to ] where Chris Benoit, Edge, and Shawn Michaels were all put into a poll to see who would face Triple H for the World Heavyweight title that night.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/041018.html|title=RAW — 18 October 2004 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Michaels received the most votes and as a result, Edge and Benoit were forced to team up to face the then tag team champions, ], in the same night. However, Edge deserted Benoit during the match and Benoit was forced to take on both members of ] by himself. He still managed to win the World Tag Team titles.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 116 | language = English}}</ref> At ], Benoit sided with Randy Orton's team while Edge teamed with Triple H's team, and while Edge was able to pin Benoit after a Pedigree, Orton's team won.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 116-117 | language = English}}</ref> The Benoit-Edge feud ended at ].<ref name="PS127">{{cite news | author = Evans, Anthony | title = Power Slam Magazine, issue 127 | work = "Tripper strikes back” (New Years Revolution 2005) | publisher = SW Publishing. | date = 2005-01-21 | pages = 30-31 | language = English}}</ref> The feud stopped abruptly, as Edge feuded with Shawn Michaels, and Benoit entered the Royal Rumble.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 117 | language = English}}</ref> The two then continued to have matches in the following weeks until the two of them, Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, ], and Christian were placed in the ] at ]. Edge won the match by knocking Benoit off of and smashing his arm with the ladder.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 117 | language = English}}</ref> The feud finally culminated in a Last Man Standing Match at ]. Edge won with a brick shot to the back of Benoit's head.<ref name="PS131">{{cite news | author = Power Slam Staff | title = Power Slam Magazine, issue 131 | work = "WrestleMania rerun" (Backlash 2005) | publisher = SW Publishing. | date = 2005-05-21 | pages = 32-33 | language = English}}</ref> | |||
| On ], ], Benoit returned to ''SmackDown!'' after being the first man selected by the ''SmackDown!'' side in the 2005 Draft Lottery, and participated in an ECW-style revolution against the ''SmackDown!'' heels.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050609.html|title=SmackDown — 9 June 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit appeared at ], defeating Eddie Guerrero. At the end of the night he delivered a flying headbutt to his former WCW boss and former ''RAW'' General Manager ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwweppv/ecwonenightstand.html|title=ECW One Night Stand 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> | |||
| On ] at ], Benoit failed to win the ] from ],<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 118 | language = English}}</ref> but he faced him in a rematch at ]. Benoit defeated Jordan in 25 seconds with the Crippler Crossface to win the title.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 118 | language = English}}</ref> On the next two editions of ''SmackDown!'', Benoit defeated Jordan by submission in 23.4 seconds<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050901.html|title=SmackDown — 1st September 2005 Results|accessdate= 2007-05-14}}</ref> and 22.5 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050908.html| title=SmackDown — 8 September 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Two weeks later, Benoit defeated Jordan by submission in 49.8 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050923.html|title=SmackDown — 23rd September 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit then started wrestling ] in some friendly competitions,<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 118 | language = English}}</ref> but it was all a ploy, as Booker and his wife, ], cheated Benoit out of the US title on an episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051021.html|title=SmackDown — 21st October 2005 Results|accessdate= 2007-05-14}}</ref> | |||
| Chris Benoit appeared on ''RAW'' on ], ] for Guerrero's tribute show hosted by both ''RAW'' and ''SmackDown!'' superstars. Benoit was devastated at the loss of his best friend and was very emotional during a series of video testimonials, where he said that he loved Eddie and will never forget him, eventually breaking down on camera.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/051114.html|title=RAW — 14 November 2005 Results|accessdate= 2007-05-14}}</ref> The same week on ''SmackDown!'' (taped on the same night as ''RAW''), Benoit defeated Triple H in a tribute match to his fallen friend. Following the contest, Benoit, Helmsley, and ] all assembled in the ring and pointed to the sky in salute of Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051118.html|title=SmackDown — 18 November 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> | |||
| ==== 2006–2007 ==== | |||
| ] on ] at ].]] | |||
| After controversy surrounding a US title defense against ], ] set up a "Best of Seven" series between the two. Booker T won three times in a row, due largely to his wife's interference, and Chris Benoit faced elimination in the series.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 119 | language = English}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051129.html|title=SmackDown Special — November 29 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051209.html|title=SmackDown — 9 December 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit won the fourth match to stay alive,<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 119 | language = English}}</ref> but after the match, Booker suffered a legitimate groin injury, and Randy Orton was chosen as a stand-in. Benoit defeated Orton twice by disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051230.html|title=SmackDown — 30 December 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060106.html|title=SmackDown — 6 January 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> However, in the 7th and final match, Orton defeated Benoit with the help of Booker T, Sharmell, and Orlando Jordan, and Booker captured the US title.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2006 | work = Arena Reports | publisher = Kappa Publishing | year = 2006 | month= May | | page = 130 | language = English}}</ref> Benoit feuded with Orton for a short time,<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2006 | work = Arena Reports | publisher = Kappa Publishing | year = 2006 | month= May | | page = 132 | language = English}}</ref> only to compete against Booker for the US title. Benoit was given one last chance at the US title at ] and won it by making Booker submit to the Crippler Crossface, ending the feud.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 119 | language = English}}</ref> Soon after, Benoit defeated Randy Orton in a ] on Smackdown via Crippler Crossface. | |||
| The next week on ''SmackDown!'', Benoit (kayfabe) broke ] hand (JBL actually needed surgery to remove a cyst).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060224.html|title=SmackDown — 24 February 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> A match was set up for the two at ] for Benoit's title, and for the next several weeks, they attacked each other. When it came time for their match, JBL won the match with an illegal cradle to win the title.<ref name = "WrestleMania22" /> Benoit used his rematch clause two weeks later in a steel cage match on ''SmackDown!'', but JBL again won with illegal tactics.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060414.html|title=SmackDown — 14 April 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> | |||
| Benoit entered the ] tournament, only to be defeated by ] in the opening round, after Finlay struck Benoit's neck with a chair and delivered a Celtic Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060505.html|title=SmackDown — 5 May 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> At ] Benoit gained some revenge by defeating Finlay with the Crippler Crossface in a grudge match.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 121 | language = English}}</ref> On the following edition of ''SmackDown!'', ] attacked Benoit during a match, giving him back and rib injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060526.html|title=SmackDown — 26 May 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit then announced a sabbatical to heal nagging shoulder injuries. On ], Benoit made his return at ], defeating ] by submission in a surprise match.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 122 | language = English}}</ref> Later that week, he won his fifth United States Championship from ] also by submission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/061013.html|title=SmackDown-October 13 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> | |||
| Benoit then engaged in a feud with ] and ]. He wanted answers from the Guerreros for their rash behavior towards Rey Mysterio, but was avoided by the two and was eventually assaulted.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/061117.html|title=SmackDown -November 17 2006 Results| accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit retained his United States Championship at ]<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 122 | language = English}}</ref> and ],<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 122 | language = English}}</ref> both times defeating Chavo Guerrero. The feud finally ended after a match with no-disqualification rules in play, which Benoit won to retain his United States title.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2007 | work = Arena Reports | publisher = Kappa Publishing | year = 2007 | month= May | | page = 130 | language = English}}</ref> | |||
| After defeating Guerrero, ] (MVP) claimed that he was the best man to hold the US title, so he challenged Benoit for the title at ], where Benoit retained.<ref name = "WrestleMania23" /> Their rivalry continued with similar results again at ].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash07.html|title= Backlash 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> At ], however, MVP gained the upper hand and the title in a two-out-of-three falls match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday07.html|title=Judgment Day 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref> | |||
| On the ] edition of ''RAW'', Benoit was drafted from ''SmackDown!'' to ''ECW'' as part of the ], after losing a match to ].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070611.html|title=Raw — 11 June 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref> Benoit won his ] debut match teaming up with ] and defeating ] and ] by disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ecw-wwe/070612.html|title=ECW — 12 June 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref> | |||
| On ], ], Benoit wrestled his last televised match, defeating Elijah Burke in a match to determine who would face CM Punk for the vacated ] at ].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ecw-wwe/070619.html|title=ECW — 19 June 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref> Benoit missed the weekend ]s, telling WWE officials that his wife and son were vomiting blood due to food poisoning (see ]). When he failed to show up for the pay-per-view, viewers were informed that he was unable to compete due to a "family emergency," and he was replaced in the title match by ]. Nitro went on to win the match and became ECW Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/vengeance07.html|title=Vengeance 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref> | |||
| == In wrestling == | |||
| ]) on ].]] | |||
| ]''''' to ] at ].]] | |||
| * '''Finishing and signature moves''' | |||
| * '''As Chris Benoit''' | |||
| ** '''''Crippler Crossface''''' (]) | |||
| ** ''']''' | |||
| ** ''']''' | |||
| ** ''']''' — WCW / ECW | |||
| ** ''Hat Trick'' (]) | |||
| ** ''Three Amigos'' (]) (as a tribute to Eddie Guerrero) | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] (sometimes with the opponent outside the ring) | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] — WCW / ECW | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] - 2000-2003 | |||
| ** ] - 1985-1991 | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| * '''As Pegasus Kid and Wild Pegasus''' | |||
| ** '''] | |||
| ** '''] ]''' | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] ] | |||
| ** ] ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| * '''Nicknames''' | |||
| ** The Rabid Wolverine | |||
| ** The Crippler | |||
| ** The Canadian Crippler | |||
| * '''Taunts''' | |||
| ** Throat Slash - Slowly slides his thumb over his throat in a "cutting motion" done as a ] element rather than taunt to get crowd excited, sometimes even preforming the taunt with him. | |||
| ** Repeatingly pounding his cheast with one hand, some times done with title | |||
| ** Point to sky as a tribute to his fallen friends (ex. Eddie Guerrero, Owen Hart) | |||
| ** Cracking his knuckles and bend his neck from side to side in preparation for a match | |||
| ** Shaking hands before or after a match | |||
| ** Giving a toothless grin to the crowd | |||
| * '''Managers and valets''' | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] (during a WWF tryout match in 1995) | |||
| ** ] (at WCW Hog Wild '96) | |||
| * '''Theme music''' | |||
| ** "'']''" by ] (ECW) | |||
| ** "'']''" by ] (ECW) (He used this theme after joining the Triple Threat since it was Shane Douglas' theme. He and Malenko both came out to this theme and ECW even did a video package of Benoit using this theme.) | |||
| ** "''Shooter''" from ] (WWE) | |||
| ** "''Whatever''" by ], from ] (WWE) | |||
| == Championships and accomplishments == | |||
| *'''] | |||
| **CWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) — with ] | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **] (]) — with ] | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **] (]) | |||
| **] (] | |||
| **] | |||
| **] | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **] (]) | |||
| **] (]) — with Ben Bassarab (1), ] (1), Lance Idol (1), and ] (1) | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **] (]){{ref|1|1}} | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **] (]) | |||
| **] (]){{ref|2|2}} | |||
| **] (]) — with ] (1) and ] (1) | |||
| **] (])] reigns (three in WCW; two in WWE) are tied for most in history.]] | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **] (]) — with ] '''(First)''' | |||
| **] (]) | |||
| **] (]) | |||
| **] (]) — with ] (1) and ] (2) | |||
| **] (]) | |||
| **] (]) | |||
| **] | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **PWI ranked him # '''69''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003. | |||
| **] award in 2004 vs. ] | |||
| **] award in 2004 vs. ] and Triple H | |||
| **] award in 2004{{ref|3|3}} | |||
| **PWI ranked him # '''1''' of the 500 best singles restlers in the ] in 2004. | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **] award in 1994 | |||
| **Five Star Match award in 1994 – vs. ] <small>('']'', ] ])</small> | |||
| **Best Technical Wrestler award in 1995 | |||
| **] award in 1998 | |||
| **] award in 2000 | |||
| **Best Technical Wrestler award in 2000 | |||
| **] award in 2002 — with Kurt Angle vs Edge and Rey Mysterio | |||
| **Best Technical Wrestler award in 2003 | |||
| **] (]) | |||
| **] award in 2004 | |||
| **Best Technical Wrestler award in 2004 | |||
| **] award in 2004 — vs Triple H and Shawn Michaels | |||
| **Most Outstanding Wrestler award in 2004 | |||
| <small>1. {{note|1}} </small>{{small|Benoit's reign with the championship isn't officially recognized by World Wrestling Entertainment. No reign prior to December of 1997 is recognized by the promotion.<ref>http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/lightheavyweight/</ref>}} <br> | |||
| <small>2. {{note|2}} </small>{{small|Benoit's reign with the ] isn't officially recognized by World Wrestling Entertainment. The promotion favored ] as Benoit's (sole) World Title reign.<ref>http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/</ref>}} <br> | |||
| <small>3. {{note|3}} </small>{{small|Benoit's PWI Wrestler of the Year award was won with a record 72% of the voters.}}{{Fact|date=June 2007}} | |||
| == Personal life == | |||
| Along with Daniel (born February 23, 2000), Benoit had two children from a previous marriage, David (born 1993) and Megan (born May 26, 1997) {{Fact|date=August 2007}} with his ex-wife Martina.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsn.ca/headlines/news_story/?ID=211878|title=Details of Benoit family deaths revealed|author= Associated Press|publisher=TSN|accessdate=2007-06-28|date=June 26, 2007}}</ref> | |||
| <REF> </ref> | |||
| In 2003, Nancy filed for ] from Benoit, citing the marriage as "irrevocably broken" and alleging "cruel treatment."<ref name=divorce>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/06/25/wrestler.dead.ap/index.html?cnn=yes|title=WWE star killed family, self|author=Associated Press|publisher=SportsIllustrated.cnn.com|accessdate=2007-06-26|date=June 26, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_documents/0626_benoit_dismiss.pdf|publisher=TMZ.com|title=Released divorce papers and restraining order|accessdate=2007-06-27}}</ref> She later dropped the suit, as well as the ] filed against her husband.<ref name=divorce/> | |||
| Benoit's lost tooth was usually credited to training or an accident early on in his wrestling career. It actually resulted from an accident involving his pet ]: one day while playing with the dog, the animal's skull struck Benoit's chin and his tooth "popped out."<ref name="father interview">Interview with his father, "Hard Knocks" DVD</ref> | |||
| Benoit became good friends with wrestler ] following a match in ], when Benoit utilised an ] kick and knocked him out cold. This started a friendship that lasted until Guerrero's death in late 2005. He was also close friends with ] as the trio traveled from promotion to promotion together putting on matches, eventullaly being dubbed the "Three Amigos" by commentators, a reference to the rolling verticle suplexes done in threes that the trio all innovated.<ref name="Hard Knocks" /> | |||
| According to Benoit, the ] was borrowed from friend ] and eventually caught on as Benoit's signature hold.<ref name="Hard Knocks">Benoit interview, "Chris Benoit: Hard Knocks" DVD, WWE Home Video.</ref><ref>Malenko comments on Benoit, ''WWE Raw'', June 25, 2007.</ref> | |||
| == Double murder-suicide == | |||
| {{main|Chris Benoit murder-suicide}} | |||
| {{Wikinewspar3|Professional wrestler Chris Benoit and family found dead|Death of Nancy Benoit rumour posted on Misplaced Pages hours prior to body being found|Chris Benoit mystery editor confesses: claims "terrible coincidence"}} | |||
| On ] ], Benoit, his wife ], and their 7-year-old son Daniel were found dead in their Fayetteville, Georgia, home at around 2:30 p.m. ].<ref name="CBC article">{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2007/06/25/wwe-benoit-obit.html|title=Canadian wrestler Chris Benoit, family found dead|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=]|publisher=CBC.ca}}</ref> Lieutenant Tommy Pope of the ] Sheriff's Department reported to ] that police entered Benoit's home on a "welfare check" after several missed appointments, leading to concerns.<ref name="Benoit Found Dead">{{cite web|url= http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/fayette/stories/2007/06/25/0625benoit.html|title=Pro wrestler, family found dead in Fayetteville home|author=Saeed Ahmed and Kathy Jefcoats|publisher=The Atlanta Journal Constitution|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=June 25, 2007}}</ref> Pope also stated the police were not searching for any suspects outside of the house, as the instruments of death were located at the scene of the crime.<ref name="Double Murder Suicide">{{cite web|url= http://www.abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=3315501&page=1|title=Wrestling Champ Chris Benoit Found Dead with Family| publisher=ABC News|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=], ]}}</ref> | |||
| Detective Bo Turner of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department told television station ] that the case was being treated as a ]. The station reported that investigators believe that Benoit ]ed his wife and son over the weekend and hanged himself sometime on Monday.<ref name="murder suicide">{{cite news |title=WWE Wrestler Chris Benoit, Wife and Child Found Dead|url=http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=3594146&version=9&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.1.1|author=foxatlanta|publisher=FOX News|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=], ]}}</ref> | |||
| It was first reported to fans of WWE on their WWE Mobile Alerts Service and posted to their official website soon after. On their website, ] released the following statement: | |||
| {{cquote|World Wrestling Entertainment is deeply saddened to report that today Chris Benoit and his family were found dead in their home. There are no further details at this time, other than the Benoit family residence is currently being investigated by local authorities. Tonight’s '']'' on ] will serve as a tribute to Chris Benoit and his family. WWE extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family’s relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy.}} | |||
| WWE cancelled the scheduled three hour long live ''RAW'' show on ], and replaced the broadcast version with a tribute to his life and career, featuring his past matches, segments from the '']'' DVD, and comments from wrestlers and announcers.<ref name="Raw cancelled">{{cite web|url=http://www.caller.com/news/2007/jun/25/wwe-cancels-show-american-bank-center/|title=WWE postpones show at American Bank Center|publisher=Caller-Times|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=], ]}}</ref> However, once the details of the events became apparent, the WWE quickly and quietly began distancing itself from the wrestler by removing merchandise and no longer mentioning him in any way, shape or form. | |||
| Toxicology reports released on ], ] revealed that at their time of death, Nancy Benoit had three different drugs in her system; ], ], and ], all of which were found at the therapeutic, rather than toxic, levels. | |||
| Daniel Benoit was found to have Xanax in his system, which led the chief medical examiner, Kris Sperry to believe that he was sedated before he was murdered. | |||
| Chris Benoit was found to have Xanax as well as hydrocodone in his system. It was also revealed that in his body was an elevated level of ], which is caused by synthetic testosterone and was the only steroid in his system. The chief medical examiner has considered this a mystery, but attributed it to Benoit possibly being treated for a testosterone deficiency caused by previous steroid abuse. | |||
| The examiner also ruled that the drug ] was not present in any of the three bodies, and that there was no indication that anything in Chris' body contributed to his violent behavior that led to his death as well as his wife and son's, concluding that there was no "]" involved. <ref>http://rajah.com/base/node/8566 Breaking News: Benoit Family Toxicology Results Revealed</ref> | |||
| Many of Benoit's close friends, including former WWE wrestler ] defended the accusations of "roid rage", saying Benoit was a quiet person, and said that he believed his friend was fighting a private battle with ]. | |||
| In 2003, Chris Benoit was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON) Hall of Fame. As a result of Benoit's double murder-suicide, his induction will undergo a recall election in 2008. Benoit will be removed from the Hall of Fame if 60 percent or more of the WON Hall of Fame voters elect to remove him. This is similar to the policies of the Baseball and Pro Football Halls of Fame. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestlingclassics.com/.ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=079340|title=WON HOF Recall Election on Benoit Next Year|publisher=Wrestling Classics|accessdate=2007-09-01}}</ref> | |||
| On ], ], Benoit was discovered to have been given illegal steroids not in compliance with WWE's Talent Wellness program in ]. Benoit received ] and ]. ] and ], were discovered to have been given steroids prior to their deaths during this investigation, as well as former ] superstar ] and eleven current WWE superstars, which have been suspended in accordance with the WWE Talent Wellness program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/08/30/wrestlers/|title=Fourteen wrestlers tied to pipeline|publisher=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=2007-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/31/AR2007083101961.html?hpid=moreheadlines|title=Pro Wrestling Suspends 10 Linked to Steroid Ring|publisher=The Washington Post|accessdate=2007-09-01}}</ref> | |||
| After the double-murder suicide, Chris Benoit's father, Michael Benoit, was contacted by former wrestler ]. Chris Nowinski suggested that years of trauma to Chris Benoit's brain may have led to his actions. Tests were conducted on Benoit's brain by Julian Bailes, the head of neurosurgery at ], and results showed that "Benoit's brain was so severely damaged it resembled the brain of an 85-year-old Alzheimer's patient." Benoit's brain was shown to have an advanced form of dementia and was similar to the brains of four retired NFL players who have suffered multiple concussions, sank into depression and harmed themselves or others. Bailes and his colleagues concluded that repeated concussions can lead to ], which can contribute to severe behavioral problems<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3560015&page=1|title=Benoit's Brain Showed Severe Damage From Multiple Concussions, Doctor and Dad Say|publisher=ABCNEWS|accessdate=2007-09-05}}</ref>. Benoit's father suggests that brain damage may have been the leading cause of his crime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14047066/detail.html/|title=Brain Study: Concussions Caused Benoit's Rage|publisher=WSB Atlanta|accessdate=2007-09-05}}</ref> | |||
| == Notes == | |||
| {{reflist|2}} | |||
| == References == | |||
| * {{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|edition=4th edition|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=2006|isbn= 978-0-9698161-5-7 }} | |||
| * {{cite video|people=Kevin Dunn (Director)|title=Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story|medium=DVD|publisher=WWE Home Video|date=2004}} | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * by Andrew Williams | |||
| * | |||
| == External links == | |||
| {{wikiquote}} | |||
| {{Commonscat}} | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| {{Persondata | |||
| |NAME= Benoit, Christopher Michael | |||
| |ALTERNATIVE NAMES= | |||
| |SHORT DESCRIPTION=Professional wrestler | |||
| |DATE OF BIRTH= ], ] | |||
| |PLACE OF BIRTH=], ], ] | |||
| |DATE OF DEATH= ], ] | |||
| |PLACE OF DEATH= ], ] | |||
| }} | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Benoit, Chris}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
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Revision as of 16:47, 11 September 2007
He wondered why Daniel didn't tap out becuase if he did they would still be together