In a rare display that he actually has a heart, Vince McMahon opened Raw last night by announcing that the story line of his death was just that -- a story line -- and for this Monday night the show would not go on. Instead, the WWF -- no, I won't do it -- honored Chris "The Crippler" Benoit who perished earlier in the day. Few thoughts:
1) If you are (or ever have been) a wrestling fan and watched last night's show and did not get misty-eyed you very possibly may not be human.2) The final match of the night -- when Benoit won the belt at Wrestlemania XX by making Triple H tap out in the middle of the ring -- and the in ring celebration with (also recently passed) Eddie Guerrero was probably about as compelling as wrestling can get. Amazing that these two awesome performers who clearly gave their hearts and souls to the game have passed so close to one another. And, of course, sad.
3) Horrible, just horrible, to hear the reports surfacing -- that Benoit killed his wife -- former wrestling valet "Woman" who was previously married to Kevin Sullivan -- killed his 7-year old son and then killed himself around a day later.
Shame. Damn shame.
Dame Chris Benoit you were the best there ever was why did you have to die?
Posted by: caleb | June 26, 2007 at 01:58 PM
I sincerely doubt that the late Chris Benoit is responsible for the death of his wife and son.
Did you have any theories as to why his wife and son are dead? Are you working under the assumption that there was a third party involved?
Posted by: Art Vandelay | June 26, 2007 at 02:01 PM
Dame Chris Benoit you were the best there ever was why did you have to die?
OMG! OMG! OMG!
Posted by: Art Vandelay | June 26, 2007 at 02:07 PM
damn u wore the greatest there is and will probably will eva be.u really fucked up.r.i.p. chris it will be alot diff in wrestling now that ur not there anymore.
peace pple.
Posted by: john borgel | June 26, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Nothing has been released on the situation other than the statement that Benoit "strangled his wife... smothered his son... hung himself". It will be at least another two weeks before any forensics backing this up will be available. It's inconclusive. Perhaps this statement was only released to satisfy the appetites of the viewers. Perhaps the real story isn't nearly as juicy and scandalous. While millions of wrestling fans are loyal to whomever it is they support in the ring, millions are also desensitized to reality and expect a good story. Accidents don't make good stories anymore.
Posted by: Shelly | June 26, 2007 at 02:13 PM
This is the most awesome thread ever! A literary train crash! Any questions I've had about the state of our society are being answered right here!
Art Vandalay: I'm very sorry about the hating. I got caught up in the moment.
Thanks to the other posters who obviously had a very close personal relationship with the late Mr. Benoit, I've come to appreciate what a fine, upstanding man he was. His many years of doing great good works to benefit mankind should not be tarnished by his slaughtering of his wife and child (if, in fact, he even committed this act). And if he did kill them, I'm sure there was a perfectly logical and justifiable reason for it.
My apologies to the (surviving) members of the Benoit family as well, as I'm sure they must be avid readers of this blog.
Posted by: lattalayne | June 26, 2007 at 02:15 PM
You know this is BIG NEWS once it's made it on MySpace News -- with a serious number of votes -- which it did.
http://news.myspace.com/sports/sportscommentary/item/6703333
Posted by: Shawn | June 26, 2007 at 02:24 PM
MAN DAT SHIT IS ALL FUKED UP DAT HE KILLED HIS FAMILY....
Posted by: bOwSoNe..AsKiNgZ... | June 26, 2007 at 02:30 PM
MAN DAT SHIT IS ALL FUKED UP DAT HE KILLED HIS FAMILY....
Posted by: bOwSoNe..AsKiNgZ... | June 26, 2007 at 02:30 PM
MAN DAT SHIT IS ALL FUKED UP DAT HE KILLED HIS FAMILY....
Finally, a voice of reason.
Posted by: Art Vandelay | June 26, 2007 at 02:32 PM
Its all over the wire, he strangled his wife, smothered his son, and hung himself... Such a tragedy. Toxicology reports will take at least two weeks to determine if any substances were involved. Its a damn shame for sure. RIP Benoit
Posted by: T-roy | June 26, 2007 at 02:55 PM
"Becca, are you a tone-deaf Italian immigrant?"
Comedy gold
Yeah but to quote Tony Soprano "WHADDYA GONNA DO?"
Posted by: Sammy | June 26, 2007 at 03:11 PM
did anyone else notice how john cena had a weird look on his face while he was talking like he knew something. maybe I'm looking too much into this,but just found that a little weird.
Posted by: Karen | June 26, 2007 at 03:16 PM
EXCUSE ME?!?!?!?!WHEN DID THIS BEGIN TO BE A WITCH HUNT FOR WHO HATES WHO AND ATTACKING THEM PERSONALLY?WHATEVER YOU THINK OR FEEL ABOUT HIM HE IS DEAD SO IS HIS SON AND WIFE WEATHER HE DID IT OR NOT IS NOT THE POINT THERE ARE 3 PPL DEAD AND IT SEEMS THAT EVERYONE JUST THINKS THIS IS A STORY THAT IT DOESN'T AFFECT THEM WHAT IF IT WAS ONE OF YOUR FAMILY??????I WOULD JUST LIKE TO REMIND EVERYONE THREE LIVES WERE TORN FROM US AND WE WILL NEVER GET THEM BACK.....RESPECT THE DEAD AND TRY NOT TO MAKE YOURSELF LOOK LIKE A JACKASS IN THE PROCESS.......
Posted by: Becca | June 26, 2007 at 03:19 PM
one more thing..........I really on't care what you call me but ppl PLEASE don't use this story to have a laugh or make fun of wrestling fans....everyone should be saddened by this regardless of your feeling for him...with so man ppl around him all the time...if he did do this why did anyone relize it before it was to late??he had tons of ppl looking after him and noone new...i think this should be about looking for signs before another tragity like this happens again and it will happen agian its just a sad truth of life.....like i said before...PLEASE respect the dead even if you don't like them...would you like to have ppl call you a deranged shit head after you died no I really don't think so.... please think of his other 2 sons and immediate faminly they have to be going trought a personal hell right now...My thoughts are with them and i would like to tell them don't listen to ppl who didn't know him, just remeber the good times and the love..
Posted by: Becca | June 26, 2007 at 03:27 PM
I would like to address the guest posters in their native tongue:
OMG, WTF PPL??!!!! U NED 2 STFU U STUPIT A$$HOLS!!!!!!!ME & CRIS WER LIK BFFS & U KEP SAYIN DUM SH1T ABOUT HEM!!11 WELL, LOL, TEH JOK IS ON U IF U THIN U R SO FUKIN SMART U NO NOTHING SO FU A HOLES.
I hope that clears everything up.
Posted by: lattalayne | June 26, 2007 at 03:27 PM
One of the great ones in the WWE world
Posted by: | June 26, 2007 at 03:28 PM
Okay, let me clarify this...The true story: the wife DIDN'T kill their son, Benoit did...He also killed his wife because of depression(caused by the use of steroids)...Now, I'm not sure what way this story goes..However, to kill your wife(or son, or both)...This guy was heartless, especially to kill his 7YR. OLD SON! I mean, c'mon....
Posted by: t0m | June 26, 2007 at 03:29 PM
was i the only one who noticed the strange look on john cena's face when he was talking,like maybe he was one of the ones who might have received the strange text. i dont know maybe i'm reading too much into it.
Posted by: karen b. from the bronx | June 26, 2007 at 03:31 PM
Seeing everyone comment back and forth over this is really heart breaking. I understand that everyone has a right to their opinion but to be so harsh... Being that I was not in the Benoit residence over this past weekend it is impossible for me to say just what happened and it is also impossible for all of you. You do not know for a fact that Chris Benoit killed his family, just as I do not know for sure that he didn't. It is unfair to judge him on something that is not yet known as fact. I know so many people who looked up to Chris Benoit not only because of his wrestling career but because you knew when he cared and when he didn't. I feel like vomiting over the whole thing. It isn't fair to talk like this about someone who cannot defend themselves. Whether he killed his family of not; whenter it was a horrible accident, a planned occurence, of a mental break; this is still a person that you are talking about and that person and his family are dead. Whatever the reason for this horrible tragedy just remember that, even if you do not agree, Chris Benoit was a great man, a great wrestler, and was loved by many, as was his family. Also remeber that he still has living children out there who miss thier dad and mom and little brother. I don't really care if you liked the man or not, leave the assumtions to the police. Within a month, hopefully we will all know what happened. To the remaining members of the Benoit family and to Chris Benoit's friends: My heart is with you at very difficult time. Ignore what people say and just hold your memories close with you. I always knew Chris to be a great man, but unfortunatly knew nothing of his wife and child. I only prey that they are with God now and suffer no more pain. God bless and keep them all.
Posted by: Lily Rose | June 26, 2007 at 03:31 PM
Just so everyone knows, Chris Benoit's ghost will be popping in later to check the comments so feel free to keep leaving messages directed toward him.
And you're not at all insane for doing that. Not at all.
Posted by: Assman | June 26, 2007 at 03:32 PM
"I would like to address the guest posters in their native tongue..."
Smart money says I'm gonna burst an internal organ or two by the end of the day.
Outstanding.
Posted by: jackie | June 26, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Whatever the reason for this horrible tragedy just remember that, even if you do not agree, Chris Benoit was a great man.
You guys are entertaining to say the least but sentiments like the one above are completely reprehensible and shameful.
Signed
-Respecter of the dead; disrespecter of psychopath murderers
Posted by: Art Vandelay | June 26, 2007 at 03:42 PM
stealing peoples email address is not cool
Posted by: the real karen b | June 26, 2007 at 03:42 PM
"RESPECT THE DEAD AND TRY NOT TO MAKE YOURSELF LOOK LIKE A JACKASS IN THE PROCESS......."
Glad to see you're leading by example, Becca. I'll bet they're proud of you back in the Old Country. HIT THE CAPS-A LOCK SO EVERYONE CAN-A HEAR YOU!
Posted by: Jack Klompus | June 26, 2007 at 03:47 PM
Jackie
Based on sources inside Atlanta law enforcement:
1)Benoit strangled his wife, Nancy, on Saturday.
2)Benoit smothered his son, Daniel, in his bed on Sunday.
3)Benoit hung himself on Monday in a weight-room.
---
Your wrong I just watched the press confrence.
1) Benoit murdered his wife on Friday
2) Saturday morning he murdered his son
3)Saturday afternoon he hung himself
Posted by: Sean | June 26, 2007 at 03:57 PM
You guys are entertaining to say the least but sentiments like the one above are completely reprehensible and shameful.
I disagree, Vandelay. Much like many of the luminary minds present here, I concur that your prefabricated stance is that of a hater and that your adamant pro-accountability stance places you in the plurality of the competent American populace, but ostracizes you from those who celebrate wolverine advocacy. I respectfully request that you go copulate with yourself.
Posted by: Assman | June 26, 2007 at 03:59 PM
WHY THE HELL WOULD A GREAT WRESLTER DO SUCH A DUMB ASS MOVE TO KILL THE ONES HE LOVED SO MUCH ITS TRULY A DAMN SHAME TRULY,BUT ON A SIDE NOTE HE WAS A GREAT WRESLTLER BY THE ONE THAT I KNO WILL ,OR WOULD HAVE MAD A WORLD OF AN IMPACTO, R.I.P CHRIS BENIOT I HOPE YOU ARE REMEMBERED THROUGHT OUT HISTORY,
MY LOVE TO THE FAMILY
Posted by: JAMES WALTERS | June 26, 2007 at 04:05 PM
People who kill thier families and commit suicide deserve to go to hell. Cya there Benoit.
Posted by: gil | June 26, 2007 at 04:14 PM
WHAT THE HELL HAS HAPPENED TO THIS BLOG IN THE LAST TWO DAYS???
caps represent my surprise at what happens when I don't check AofG for 48 hours.
Posted by: Babu | June 26, 2007 at 04:16 PM
May Chris, Nancy and Daniel R.I.P
regadless of who killed who Chris Benoit was a great wrestler, u could juss see the passion in his eyes
also regardless of who killed who only God is the judge, jury and executioner and they will be judged at their judgement day
Posted by: Ms. Bank$ | June 26, 2007 at 04:20 PM
but ostracizes you from those who celebrate wolverine advocacy.
Dude, you need to stop. It's too much. I got a wife and kids at home.
Posted by: Art Vandelay | June 26, 2007 at 04:26 PM
Benoit, murderer or not, was a hero to me...I cried like hell, he was an amazing in ring performer...plus nobody will really ever know who killed who....just because Benoit was well-known, doesn't mean he did it...nobody knows, nobody will know
Rest In Peace, Chris, Daniel, and Nancy Benoit.
Posted by: Brittanee | June 26, 2007 at 04:30 PM
I AGREE WITH THS POST. IF OWNE HEART HAD DIED SOONER THE WWE WOULD BE MORE BETTER.
Posted by: thereverendslick | June 26, 2007 at 04:32 PM
Re: Becca said- "I really on't care what you call me but ppl PLEASE don't use this story to have a laugh or make fun of wrestling fans"
Oh, don't worry Becca, this event has little to do with me making fun of wrestling fans. Y'all take care of that pretty well by yourselves.
Posted by: Bobby P | June 26, 2007 at 04:32 PM
Benoit, murderer or not, was a hero to me...I cried like hell, he was an amazing in ring performer...plus nobody will really ever know who killed who....just because Benoit was well-known, doesn't mean he did it...nobody knows, nobody will know
Rest In Peace, Chris, Daniel, and Nancy Benoit.
Posted by: Brittanee | June 26, 2007 at 04:33 PM
"plus nobody will really ever know who killed who....just because Benoit was well-known, doesn't mean he did it...nobody knows, nobody will know"
Really? Nobody? Ever? I mean, I know the Atlanta PD is shaky sometimes, but give them a little credit. They use forensics, too.
Posted by: Jack Klompus | June 26, 2007 at 04:40 PM
plus nobody will really ever know who killed who
Right because it's not like we don't spend millions of dollars every year on forensics that are capable of telling us exactly who killed who.
Posted by: Art Vandelay | June 26, 2007 at 04:42 PM
"I'm looking at the quality of the comments, thinking of the topic and chuckling."
Same thought.
If he killed his wife and kid (I haven't heard the final say on that) then he deserves no mourning.
Posted by: puddy | June 26, 2007 at 04:42 PM
Anybody wanna go get a drink? Maybe get in a pyramid scheme? Maybe go back to my place?
Posted by: Vandelay's Left Nut | June 26, 2007 at 04:43 PM
I know the Atlanta PD is shaky sometimes
My bad. This is in Atlanta? All bets are off.
Posted by: Art Vandelay | June 26, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Hey Jackie,
Did you ever, in your wildest dreams, expect all this when you came up with this
post?
Posted by: lattalayne | June 26, 2007 at 04:55 PM
Wow. Just wow. I haven't had the time to stop in here in a long time. Is it just this topic, or has the AofG been infested with religious freaks, morons, and hearing impaired wops?
To the idiot who said Benoit did not deserve this..., I'd like to point out that Benoit DID this. I'm sure his family didn't deserve it.
This type of situation could only occur if Benoit was purely evil, or suffered from some sort of mental illness. It is extremely sad, and maybe I am callous, cold-hearted, or just a horrible person, but some of these comments are gold, Jerry!
Posted by: the sybian | June 26, 2007 at 05:08 PM
My wife and I had that sinking feeling that it was a DMS (Double-Murder/Suicide) last night before the press conference. In wrestling, Benoit was respected by everyone. You wonder if that was really part of the act. But then again, he's not the only wrestler that has been involved in domestic rage nor will he be the last.
Does it seem like wrestlers have a hard time reaching the age of 50? It's either, drugs, accidents, or something domestic. The life of a wrestler has to be somewhat tragic when you look deep down inside the individual.
I'll make a statement on the Benoit tragedy in my next podcast--hopefully this coming week.
Posted by: Tom Wilkins | June 26, 2007 at 05:09 PM
Wow McMhaon has a heart. And i give my sencerist thoughts to the benoit family. But think of it why would he kill his family he has all the money in the world. Was it steroids that posessed his body or was it force of another killer that made it seem like benoit killed his wife nancy and his 7 year old kid Daniel then himself?
RIP CHRIS, NANCY, AND DANIEL RIP
Posted by: Heather | June 26, 2007 at 05:10 PM
Yeah why should we hold Benoit accountable when we can just pretend that steroids are some supernatural force that sneak their way into people's bodies and make them commit double murders.
Posted by: Art Vandelay | June 26, 2007 at 05:18 PM
Chris was a great wrestler and entertainer. I was one of his biggest fans. I meet him once after a WWE live event. He stayed after to sign autographs and he was very nice to everybody, even the people who "booed" him.
All of his friends in the WWE told the public last night that Chris was a great person and I believe its true.
Well now he is in peace and with God and his family and his Best friend Eddie who died in 05'.
R.I.P Chris. U lived a good life. Your greatness will live on forever.
Posted by: Jourdan | June 26, 2007 at 05:23 PM
Benoit, murderer or not, was a hero to me...
I'm going to bed.
Posted by: | June 26, 2007 at 05:38 PM
Shit - that last one was me.
Posted by: Assman | June 26, 2007 at 05:38 PM
"My bad. This is in Atlanta?"
Well, Fayetteville to be precise. But it's the same Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Posted by: Jack Klompus | June 26, 2007 at 05:40 PM