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EditorialWWE VS. CHRIS BENOIT: A LEGEND ERASED FROM HISTORY

WWE VS. CHRIS BENOIT: A LEGEND ERASED FROM HISTORY

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As I sit here at write this on the 10th anniversary of Chris’s death, I realize that this is one of the more important articles I’ve ever written. On June 24th, 2007, Chris Benoit committed a horrific crime. He murded his wife and son, before hanging himself. On June 25th, WWE dedicated its episode of Raw to Benoit. The next day on an episode of WWE’s version of ECW, Vince McMahon opened the show by uttering these words:

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“Ladies and Gentleman,

Last night on Raw, the WWE presented a special tribute show recognizing the career of Chris Benoit. However, now some 26 hours later, the facts of this horrific tragedy are now apparent. Therefore, other than my comments, there will be no mention of Mr. Benoit’s name tonight. 

On the contrary, tonight’s show will be dedicated to everyone who has been affected by this terrible incident. This evening marks the first step of the healing process. Tonight, WWE performers will do what they do better than anyone else in the world: Entertain you.”

Vince kept his word. In the following 24 hours, Chris Benoit’s name was removed from WWE’s official websites. His merchandise was stripped from the shop. All pictures and videos of Benoit were taken off WWE.com. Announcers were instructed to stop saying his name, and honoring his accomplishments.

Today, it has been almost 10 years since the Benoit double-murder suicide. In the last decade, Chris Benoit has been mentioned on WWE programming a whopping ZERO times. His name has not been reinstated on the website. He is not listed as a former WWE employee. WWE leaves Benoit out of the history books. For example, an article showcasing every winner of the Royal Rumble listed Brock Lesnar as the winner of the 2003 match, followed by Batista as the 2005 Royal Rumble winner. The 2004 Royal Rumble, was conveniently skipped over, as Chris Benoit won.

Though it is understandable why WWE would no longer promote Chris Benoit, completely erasing him from history is the wrong answer.

WWE made a correct decision regarding Benoit when the WWE Network debuted in 2014. They did include Benoit’s matches. However, Benoit’s documentary is not included on the network. The episode of Raw dedicated to him is not included. Bookmarks appear for each match, except ones featuring Chris. And lastly, a disclaimer appears on screen before all shows including Benoit.

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The point of this article is not to dwell on the wrong decision on WWE’s part to erase Benoit, but to examine what WWE could learn from Chris Benoit, as well as why he shouldn’t be erased.

Rather WWE would like to admit it or not, Chris Benoit was one of the greatest in-ring performers in Pro Wresting history. He connected with the fans, knew how to control an audience, and had admirable work ethic. Benoit always arrived extra early to shows, left late, and greeted all employees warmly. Chris Benoit revolutionized professional wrestling. His kindness influenced what backstage politics are like today. He put a huge emphasis on in-ring technicality, and is credited as being Daniel Bryan, before Daniel Bryan. It’s extremely sad to see all of Chris’s contributions and accomplishments erased along with his name.

As a former World Champion, US Champion, Royal Rumble winner, Wrestlemania Main-Eventer and more, Benoit shouldn’t be erased solely because of his victorious history!

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I believe that WWE shouldn’t erase Chris Benoit. Pretending bad things didn’t happen, doesn’t make them go away. WWE needs to acknowledge Chris and the outcome of his career.

When Chris did what he did, there was some sort of X factor. Wrestlers such as Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, Chavo Guerrero, CM Punk, Edge, and many, many more say that Chris Benoit was one of the greatest people on the planet.

Benoit is commonly credited by other wrestlers as one of the only guys on the roster that you could go to and just talk with about anything with. And he would listen. Benoit was known as a hard-working, caring, passionate and trustworthy person, which is why his tragedy makes little to no sense to me. Chris Jericho even said on an episode of Larry King Live, “When I was out of town, my kids would stay at Chris’s house sometimes. That’s how much I trusted him.”

The only thing that can explain Chris’s actions was the brain damage he suffered in the WWE. Chris Benoit was not a monster. He was not a psychopath. He was a man with a brain comparable to an 80-year old women with Alzheimer’s disease. After examining Chris’s brain post-death, doctors found an extremely shocking amount of brain damage, advanced CTE, and steroids in his system.

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When you think about it, there are no positive sides to WWE’s pretending that Benoit never existed. It makes fans want to chant his name. It creates Internet “memes”.

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It creates a higher demand for his merch. (A Chris Benoit T-shirt on Ebay is normally around $100.) It angers fans, and even calls more attention to him. It sparks the curious side of the fans. According to independent websites, Chris Benoit’s work is one of the most searched topics on the WWE Network, meaning that fans aren’t buying the “Men in Black: There was never a wrestler named Chris Benoit” gimmick. We all know he exists. We remember him. Someone so influential and amazing will never be forgotten. The WWE universe isn’t stupid. I will credit the WWE, however, with effectively covering Benoit from younger fans, a big reason why they do it. Either way, there is a reason authors like me are still talking about Benoit. He is one of my all-time favorites.

So instead of erasing Benoit, WWE should promote what he did in the ring, and use the incidents at the end of his life to educate people on the dangers of steroids and concussions. 

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I think there are so many positive aspects that would benefit WWE by mentioning Chris Benoit again.

First, they can stop pretending that the accomplishments he dedicated his whole life to achieving never happened.

Second, and most importantly, WWE can educate people on the effects of steroids and concussions.

Benoit was found with such a high level of steroids in his system that his testosterone levels were 7-10 times the normal level and he was at risk of heart failure. Benoit was also suffering from other steroid effects such as paranoia, irritable behavior, testicular problems, and more.

As for the concussions, Chris had advanced CTE which can cause dementia, suicidal thoughts or actions, loss of reality, poor judgement, depression, and more. This would explain a lot of the reasons why Benoit did what he did. A mix of the steroids and concussions proved to be the demise of Chris Benoit and unfortunately, most of his family. “Roid Rage” isn’t a three day occurrence.

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WWE is already trying to improve and implement a new concussion protocol. I know being mindful of Chris Benoit’s case would serve as incredible persuasive material for future, and current pro wrestlers to be careful, and abide by the concussion protocols in their sport. WWE is becoming proactive, I understood why they forced the retirement of Daniel Bryan. Bryan was on the same exact path as Benoit.

What really makes me angry is when WWE denies that they are erasing him. That’s the worst thing they can possibly do because there’s an overwhelming amount of evidence against the WWE, in favor that they are erasing Benoit.

In the end, I feel strongly about the WWE and Chris Benoit relationship. I feel strongly that WWE should stop pretending he never existed. I believe that they can educate people on the effects of CTE, concussions, and steroids by remembering Benoit. Chris did so much for the business, the least WWE can do is remember him for his in-ring accomplishments, which I hope will spread awareness of the dangers of the sport, and educate people about steroids and concussions.

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