Wrestling Tragedy

by CA Johnson, Jun 30, 2007

Former WWE Champion Chris Benoit was involved in a shocking double murder and suicide. Here are my thoughts about what happened.

I am a wrestling fan and I was shocked to find out that Chris Benoit murdered his wife and child as well as himself. I found out about this on Monday, June 25, 2007 and I am still in shock.

Mini biography

Chris Benoit was born Christopher Michael Benoit on May 21, 1967. He was born in Edmonton Alberta Canada. He was inspired to wrestle by former wrestling star The Dynamite Kid. He was trained by Stu Hart (Bret “Hitman” Hart's father). He started his wrestling career in Stampede Wrestling. He also wrestled in WCW, WWE, and ECW. During his career, he held many championships including the heavyweight championship. Throughout his career, he was known as a great technical wrestler. His signature move was the crippler crossface.

Personal life

Chris met his wife Nancy (43) during his wrestling career. She managed him at one time. They were involved in a scripted relationship in WCW. They got married in 2000. They had a seven-year-old son named Daniel.

In 2003, Chris and Nancy had marital problems. She filed for a restraining order against him for domestic abuse. She also wanted a divorce. She ended up withdrawing the petition for divorce and the restraining order.

Deaths

According to the coroner's report, Chris murdered his wife on Friday, June 22, 2007. He strangled her. She was found with her wrists and feet bound. Chris murdered their son Daniel on Saturday, June 23, 2007. Daniel was found smothered in his bed. Chris committed suicide on late Saturday or early Sunday June 24 or June 25. He was found hanging in his weight room. The police found steroids in his house. They believe that's what could have caused him to murder his wife and son. I believe that's what could have caused him to do such a heinous thing too because why else would he kill his wife and young son?

I have watched Chris wrestle for years, but I didn't realize that he had psychological problems. To see him wrestle, you would never know that there was anything wrong with him. I didn't know he had marital problems because he was a professional in the ring. He didn't seem like the type who would harm a woman let alone a child.

I wish Nancy had found the courage to leave him. I wonder if he threatened her if she ever left him. He also might have told her the right things in order to get her to stay.

Gone too soon

Chris's death means there's one more wrestler gone too soon. Here's a list of some other wrestling stars who are no longer with us (in no particular order): Miss Elizabeth, Ravishing Rick Rude, Owen Hart, Eddie Guerreero, Yokozuna, Sensational Sherri, Junk Yard Dog, Big Boss Man, Dino Bravo, Hawk (from Legion of Doom), Andre The Giant, Big John Studd, Mr. Perfect, Earthquake, Bad News Brown, Hercules Hernandez, Brian Pullman, Davey Boy Smith (British Bulldog), Texas Tornado, as well as many others. Judging from this list alone, wrestlers don't have a long life span. As far as I know, most of them didn't make it to 50 before they died. It's sad to see how most of the people I grew up watching are gone.

Final thoughts

I believe Chris murdering his wife and child ruins his legacy as a good wrestler. After everything he's accomplished in his career, he'll now be known as a murderer. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and Daniel's family. I can only imagine what they must be going through. I'll extend my thoughts and prayers to Chris's family too because they lost Daniel at the hands of Chris. They also have to deal with the fact that Chris did such a terrible thing.

Benoit's Death: Wrestling's Tragedy and Haters' Travesty | Wrestler Chris Benoit Was Found Dead

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Comments (66)

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#1 by Gail Nobles, Jul 1, 2007

Hey Johnson! I wrote about Chris Benoit too. I have heard different stories about his death and the death of his wife and child. I heard that some other wrestlers were killed too before Chris death. I'm starting to wonder.

#2 by C A Johnson, Jul 1, 2007

Hey Gail! That's great that we had the same idea. I have been hearing different stories about what happened too. It's so sad to see so many wrestlers that I grew up watching dying like this. Thanks for reading my article.

#3 by Lucy Lockett, Jul 2, 2007

My heart goes out to those left behind.What a tradgedy.

#4 by C A Johnson, Jul 2, 2007

I agree. I was so saddened by that. I still can't beleive he would do something so horrible.

#5 by Tr3ach3ruz, Jul 2, 2007

hey. I think the mafia is behind this. heard their death was posted on wiki site hours b4 their bodies where found

#6 by C A Johnson, Jul 3, 2007

Thank you very much for reading my column Tr3ach3ruz. I heard how his wife's death was reported early. I wonder what's really going on with his family. I think there's more going on than we know.

#7 by lawrence hyzy, Jul 4, 2007

i grew up watching all kinds of wrestlers in my era. i'm deeply saddened to hear about this huge tragedy,and hand my deepest condolences to both chris and nancy's family.it's a shame to take another persons life let alone to take your own.may their souls rest in peace,and may the lord jesus christ and god his father forgive chris for what he has done.peace be with you and also to god our father.amen

#8 by vinie, Jul 4, 2007

its a sad tragedy i watchd him wrestle as i grew up he was one of my favourite wrestlers i never knew he would do somethin like dat i think its 1 big cover up he will allways be rememberd in our hearts as one of wwe's biggest superstars

#9 by Dylster, New Zealand, Jul 4, 2007

It sad when you hear things like this, especially when children are brought into it too.
I am only 12 years old but I love wrestling. I hope this sort of thing never happens again

#10 by EJ CHUNG, NEW ZEALAND, Jul 4, 2007

this is a sad tragedy. everyone has their own opinions of what happen but for myself, he was excellent at what he did (WRESTLING) and this is what i will remember him for.

#11 by Chris Benoit, Jul 5, 2007

I don't know what to say, but my death was faked and all the stories including it. I hope you guys don't remember me as a murderer.

Chris Benoit

#12 by DA Jacques July 5,2007, Jul 5, 2007

Who ever is posing as Chris Benoit in #12 is a real jerk. You know that this is not a joke. If it was a fake it would only be released in the WWE news. But because it was on all of the different news stations. It is was it is. He had problems, and it is unfortunate what happened. Cut others lives short and then taking his own life as well. It is very sad for all us Canadian fans. Next you are going to say that Owen Hart is alive as well. Don't be stupid.

#13 by C A Johnson, Jul 5, 2007

I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to read my article. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. I still can't believe what happened. I have been hearing a lot of reports concerning this situation. I heard about the doctor who is now in trouble for what happened too.

#14 by sherry p ok , Jul 5, 2007

in sick about the son god bless them all

#15 by C A Johnson, Jul 5, 2007

I agree. I am sick about it too. I have read conflicting stories about Daniel's health. I've read reports that he had a disorder that was similar to autism and I've also read that the family said that he didn't have a disorder.

#16 by Marilyn, Jul 5, 2007

My heart goes out to both family, it's so hard for anyone to think someone you love can do this to there love one. May god heal the familys hearts, and all who suffers from this loss.

#17 by Jenny South Africa, Jul 6, 2007

It is really sad. My heart goes out to chris and nancy's families.
It is so hard to believe that human beings can actually kill their own. What has this world become ????????????????

#18 by C A Johnson, Jul 6, 2007

Thank you for reading my article Marilyn and Jenny. I really appreciate you taking the time to read it. My heart goes out to the families too. I really feel bad for their families.

#19 by Julie Reddy south africa kzn, Jul 7, 2007

It really is a tragedy however i do not mourn the death of the person that committed the murders and suicide has he had robbed his family of life which he didn't even give them.Its absolutely unacceptable even if you are a pope to take someones life. i feel for nancy and Daniel, may they rest in peace.

#20 by freddy, Jul 7, 2007

i think that steroids are ruining the wwe and the other drugs anyone els think that?

#21 by DA Jacques, Jul 7, 2007

Sorry its me again. I was just reading Julie Reddy's comment. She may feel that way, I don't. I saw Chris wrestle since he was a teenager with Stampede Wrestling out of Calgary. He had problems and probably should have seeked professional help to help resolve them. I heard that a week before this tragedy happened, his good friend and former tag team partner had passed away, his name was Biff Wellington, maybe that had something to do with it as well. May they all Rest In Peace. My heart goes out to both Chris's and Nancy's Family.

#22 by sonia - kwa zulu natal, Jul 7, 2007

steriods and drugs mess with the brain!
May their souls rest in peace, but I believe he was a coward to have taken the life of his wife and child as well.

#23 by elizabeth, Jul 7, 2007

hi i just wanted to add that this is a very sad tragedy and my heart goes out to all of them i cant help but notice how many people have mentioned that he was a fantastic wrestler and they dont know how he could do this i dont understand how the two things can be compaired everyone has things that they are great at everyone is special in their own way i personally dont like these violent sports but that is only my opinion does any one relate the fact that his wife had put a restraining order on him earlier in their marriage does any one think that the sport could have caused his violent behaviour maybe he found it difficult to seperate the sport and real life this is why i dont like these sports everyone is complaining about video and computer games that they are making children violent what do you think these sports are doing to them watching real live people trying to hurt one another the same as boxing any way it is a tragedy and i feel for all of them could have been a deep depression for all we know may they all rest in peace ( this is not an attack on any one who likes these sports either it is just something to think about

#24 by Leigh, Jul 7, 2007

I'm angry at the nerve of people on here trying to justify this evil man's actions and even conspiring to blame others. This pathetic creature took the life of his wife and his child. Maybe his wife was a bad person, we don't know that but nothing justifies taking the life of someone especially a child. Hopefully there is a place known as hell and if so I really do think he deserves to rot there. To murder your family and not even be prepared to take the consequences is just weak and cowardly. What angers me is that this man still has fans to this day. And those people are just as warped and psychotic as him.

#25 by C A Johnson, Jul 7, 2007

Thank you all for reading my article. Thanks for taking the time out to read it.

I agree with you Freddy. I think that steroids is ruining the WWE too. There are so many wrestlers who are dying young and that may be the cause of it.

#26 by s.bergeron, Jul 7, 2007

I have been a avid wrestling fan for years and was shocked as well to learn of chris death there aught to be more to the story that we are not being told about.Chris was a great wrestler and drugs can do that to you. But the question I have is someone must have gotten him to use drugs in the first place it must have caught up to him .If he didnt use drugs this tragic event could and probably would have been adverted. I thing that the person who ever he is should come forward and be equally accounted for in this incident.

#27 by C A Johnson, Jul 7, 2007

I have been watching wrestling for years too. I think that there is more to the story too. There are a lot of conflicting stories being told about what happened to the Benoits. I think that someone else is involved too. I hope that the police do find out who supplied Chris with the drugs that he used. I don't think that person should get away with that. I wonder if the doctor Chris was seeing was the one who gave him the drugs.

#28 by VVATL, Jul 7, 2007

Me and my best friend loved watching Chris Benoit wrestle, he was always bringing the action lol, and him doing something like that was like a slap in the face to me, my best friend, and other fans out there. And I think its true that theres more to the story than meets the eye. Hope some1 finds out more about the tragedy

#29 by ricky b, Jul 7, 2007

i really think someone else was there her ex

#30 by #by noa jul 7 2007 , Jul 7, 2007

im very heart broken to here of this tradgety i knew chris when we were both in are early teens and im going to miss chris i remember chris when he was younger and had fluffy red hair and to me was a big teddy bear not of this tradgety that has unfolded chris im going to miss you friend ill see ya on the other side

#31 by jamie, Jul 8, 2007

i'm so shocked when i heard the news i can't believe it cause i'm a fan of chris

#32 by liam, Jul 8, 2007

i think tht the murder of his ex tag team partner nd him nd his families r linked in sum way, but i think tht needs further investigations

#33 by #35 by judy,july 8,2007, Jul 8, 2007

has anyone think that it may be someone else doing the killing it dont make sense that if you was on drug you would take a break for a day and start all over again and take anough one and kill yourself maybe im wrong but i think some did it

#34 by C A Johnson, Jul 8, 2007

I agree with you vvalt. I think that it's a slap in the face to his fans too. I also agree that there is more to the story than we know. I think someone else is involved too.

#35 by C A Johnson, Jul 8, 2007

That is an interesting theory Ricky. Her ex could be involved in what happened.

#36 by lindalarcher, Jul 8, 2007

its very sad for the ones that are living[family]from that kind of success to the deaths of the ones you love the most.if you want to do that to yourself so be it but leave the inocent alone, my thoughts&prayers go out to the families.

#37 by lindalarcher, Jul 8, 2007

#38 by Rich, Jul 9, 2007

These people live in a world of violence, abuse, drugs, and hip. It is not suprising that something like this does not happen more often than it does. This is sport is not wrestling, it is not much about bar room bralling.

#39 by LIZELLE, Jul 9, 2007

ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END, BUT WHY DID HE HAD TO KILL HIS WIFE AND SON. I DONT THINK IT IS THE STEROIDS IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE THAT DROVE HIM TO KILL THEM, BUT WE WILL NEVER NOW. HE DIED WITH THAT ANSWER.

#40 by brittany, Jul 9, 2007

how could chris benoit do such a badd thing 2 his family

#41 by C A Johnson, Jul 9, 2007

Thanks to all of you for reading my article. I can't believe that Chris would do this to his family either. I think there is still more to the story than we all know about.

#42 by Gail Nobles, Jul 9, 2007

Good grief Johnson! 91 people liked your article. Well, I am in that number. Great job!

#43 by Darlene McFarlane, Jul 9, 2007

I know I am getting to your article late. I found a lot here I never knew. We only get to see the person they portray and we sometimes forget they are the same as us with real life problems. It was a real tragedy and a shame. I think you are right though, most people will remember him for what he did in the end instead of his true legacy.

#44 by Mr. A.M.P., Jul 10, 2007

Yes, I'd read your article and I liked it, C A. I see that you and the others didn't read what I wrote, Mostly with what I came across here of;

Did Kevin Sullivan Murder Chris Benoit and His Family?
By Johnny Angel (Former Pro Wrestling Champion)
Now known as Rev. Johnny Lee Clary (World-Wide Evangelist)
Kevin Sullivan (Is he the real killer of Benoit and his family?)

And I agree with what Rev. Johnny Lee Clary wrote, seeing that Chris Benoit loved his family, he had the love and passion for wrestling with the respect for Vince McMahon and the other superstars of the WWE.

#45 by C A Johnson, Jul 10, 2007

Thanks Gail! I liked your article too.

#46 by C A Johnson, Jul 10, 2007

I agree with you Darlene. It really didn't see what type of person Chris may have been. He seemed like he didn't have any problems. I guess you never know how they really are behind the scenes. I have watched a couple of documentaries on Bret Hart and I saw one about the Ultimate Warrior. I didn't realize what was going on behind the scenes. When you watch, it seems like everyone is happy and enjoys what they do.

#47 by C A Johnson, Jul 10, 2007

Thanks for the compliment Mr. AMP. I read your post. Thank you so much for taking the time to write the recaps. I didn't get a chance to see all of it. I watched the beginning of it, but I didn't see the rest.

I thought your theories made a lot of sense. I read that Nancy and Kevin also had problems while they were married. I read that she had pulled a knife out on him in 1997. There were charges against her, but they were dropped. I can definitely see that as a possibility. Kevin has a motive to harm the Benoit family as well as destroy Chris's legacy. I really liked your point about Chris not having a reason to harm his family because he would have had the belt again. If he did it for finaancial reasons, then it would make no sense because he would have had more money.

I noticed how you mentioned that you were a former pro wrestler. Did you ever wrestle in the WWF/E?

#48 by Freddy, Jul 10, 2007

wow!!!! i had no clue this is so sad but a great report

#49 by freddy, Jul 10, 2007

100 no more i just put in 101

#50 by C A Johnson, Jul 10, 2007

Thank you so much for the compliment Freddy. Thanks for taking the time to read my article. :)

#51 by Ron, Jul 10, 2007

Hi C A, I am Darlene's husband and I still enjpy wrestling as much as I ever did. This was a good write up. Lots of detail and insight into the man's life off camera. He was one of my favourite.

#52 by Ugan Reddy South Africa kzn , Jul 11, 2007

Hi i think that Chris was a good wrestler however why didn't he talk to somebody about his problems.Why couldn't
he have left Nancy & Daniel to go on with their lives.They were innocent. May they rest in peace. lets just pray that steroids don't bring a tragic end to another wrestler's life.

#53 by C A Johnson, Jul 11, 2007

Hi Ron! Thanks for taking the time to read my article. That was really nice of you! I have read your wife's articles and I really enjoy them. I think she seems like a really nice person. Anyway, thanks so much for the compliment. I enjoyed the way he wrestled too. He really seemed like he enjoyed doing it. I didn't realize that he had the kinds of problems that he had.

#54 by C A Johnson, Jul 11, 2007

Hi Ugan Reddy! I agree I think that he should have talked to someone about his problems too. I wish that he had just left them instead of killing them as well as himself. He and Nancy could have got a divorce if things were really as bad as they must have been for them. I agree! I hope that steroids don't take another wrestler too. It's a shame that they are all dying so young.

#55 by Michael Almstrom, Jul 11, 2007

Good article.... I still can't believe how far the WWE has gone to remove everything that Chris Benoit has accomplished in his career. On the WWE site in the ShopZone section, if you search Chris Benoit, it comes up discontinued.... well i just checked the site, and they are now showing the articles with Chris Benoit inside them. From the day after the news of the double homicide suicide, up to sometime around now i believe, these results have just linked the searchers back to the main WWE site. Ive also heard that on the episode of ECW the day after the 3 hour memorial of Chris Benoit, Vince McMahon said that the memorial was a mistake and that everything about Chris would be removed from WWE and their programs, this was showed that night, in a recap/replay of a previous PayPerView match on ECW, and all of the comments about or with Chris' name in them, were edited out. I believe people shouldn't hate him for something he had done out of mind problems, and they should remember him for his famous talent that he showed in the WWF and WWE throughout his career. He was a great wrestler, and his name shouldn't be completely tarnished with this horrible tradgedy... My prayers and respect go out to the families of Chris Benoit and his wife.

#56 by C A Johnson, Jul 12, 2007

Thanks Michael. I can't beleive that the WWE has done that either. It's as if they want to forget what he's accomplished while he was in the WWE. I know they don't want people to think that they support what he did to his family, but they shouldn't just ignore his career. I wonder if it's guilt that made Vince regret trying to honor Chris Benoit's legacy.

#57 by Mr. A.M.P., Jul 13, 2007

DUH me, I forgot to put my name for #61...haha

#58 by C A Johnson, Jul 13, 2007

LOL! Oh I see Mr. A.M.P. I read it wrong. I went back and read it again and I realized that I misunderstood. I'm sorry about that. :) I like the theory too though. I think that he has a huge motive to want to harm them. I'm sure he was bitter over losing Nancy to Chris. What a way to get back at them while ruining Chris's name in the process.

#59 by Mr. A.M.P., Jul 16, 2007

Not a prob. C A. it's happens.
Sometimes I miss read stuff here and there, just to reread to re-re-reread whatever it is that I'm reading to understand it.

#60 by C A Johnson, Jul 17, 2007

I know what you mean. Thanks for understanding, Mr. A.M.P.

#61 by C A Johnson, Jul 17, 2007

Hey Mr. A.M.P. I am writing to your other post, for some reason, I couldn't see it on this page. Thanks for taking the time to post that information. It seems like Chris Benoit really cared about his family because he took the time off to be with them. It definitely raises questions as to whether he really would hurt his family. It's also suspicious how that person was able to report how Nancy was killed hours before she was even found. Could that have been Kevin's way of confessing? Maybe the doctor is in on it too. Chris Benoit is probably responsible, but there is a suspicion in my mind now.

#62 by Mr. A.M.P., Jul 18, 2007

Sure, no prob. C A.
After all I'm still a mega huge fan of wrestling, plus a huge fan of Chris Benoit and I for 1 will always remember him as 1 of thee best wrestlers in the business.

Is Kevin confessing to the murder(s)? I think so.
Is the Doctor in on it? I doubt it.
Is Chris Benoit responsible for the killings? hard to say, but I serious doubt it.

#63 by Mr. A.M.P., Jul 18, 2007

Here's what I found on the Wikipedia website.

Benoit’s Title History
Stampede International Tag Team titles w/Ben Bassarab defeating Wayne Farris & Ron Starr (03/01/1986 in Regina);
Stampede International Tag Team titles w/Keith Hart defeating Wayne Farris & Cuban Assassin (05/09/1986 in Calgary);
Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight title defeating Gama Singh (03/19/1988 in Calgary);
Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight title defeating Johnny Smith (06/17/1988 in Calgary);
Stampede International Tag Team titles w/Lance Idol defeating The Cuban Commandos (10/07/1988 in Calgary);
Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight title defeating Johnny Smith (01/13/1989 in Calgary);
Stampede International Tag Team titles w/Biff Wellington defeating Makhan Singh & Vokkan Singh (April 8, 1989 in Calgary);
Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight title defeating Johnny Smith (July 8, 1989 in Grande Prarie);
(WWF/UWA) World Light Heavyweight title defeating Villano III (March 3, 1991 in Mexico);
Super J Cup Tournament 1994 defeating The Great Sasuke in the finals in Japan (1994);
(ECW) World Tag Team titles w/Dean Malenko defeating Sabu & Tazmaniac (February 25, 1995 in Philadelphia);
(WCW) Television title defeating Booker T. (April 30, 1998); (WCW) Television title defeating Booker T. (May 2, 1998);
(WCW) World Tag Team titles w/Dean Malenko defeating Barry Windham & Curt Hennig (March 14, 1999);
(WCW) World Tag Team titles w/Perry Saturn defeating Bam Bam Bigelow & Diamond Dallas Page (June 7, 1999);
(WCW) World Tag Team titles w/Perry Saturn defeating Chris Kanyon & Diamond Dallas Page (June 10, 1999);
(WCW) United States title defeating David Flair
(Ric Flair's son) (August 9, 1999);
(WCW) Television title defeating Rick Steiner (September 13, 1999);
(WCW) United States title awarded by forfeit (December 19, 1999);
(WCW) World Heavyweight title defeating Sid Vicious for the vacant title (January 16, 2000);
(WWF) Intercontinental title defeating Chris Jericho & Kurt Angle (February 4, 2000);
(WWF) Intercontinental title defeating Chris Jericho (August 5, 2000);
(WWF) Intercontinental title defeating Billy Gunn (October 12, 2000);
(WWE) Tag Team titles w/Chris Jericho defeating Triple H & Steve Austin (May 21, 2001);
(WWE) Intercontinental title defeating Rob Van Dam (July 29, 2002);
(WWE) Tag Team titles w/Kurt Angle defeating Edge & Rey Mysterio (October 20, 2002);
(WWE) 2004 Royal Rumble Winner;
(WWE) World Heavyweight title defeating Triple H & Shawn Michaels in a Triple Threat Match (March 14, 2004 - WrestleMania XX);
(WWE) World Tag Team titles w/Edge defeated Ric Flair & Batista (April 19, 2004);
(WWE) World Tag Team titles w/Edge defeated La Resistance (October 19, 2004 - Taboo Tuesday);
(WWE) United States title defeating Orlando Jordan (in a record 25 seconds) (August 21, 2005);
(WWE) United States title defeating Booker T (February 19, 2006);
(WWE) United States title defeating Mr. Kennedy (October 13, 2006);

#64 by Mr. A.M.P., Jul 18, 2007

When WCW was on the air, I really didn't watch it.
Because both WWE Raw and WCW Nitro was on at the time, Monday Nights. I didn't hear much of ECW, until the WWE was doing a war with ECW and WCW for TV ratings, then a war with Vince McMahon owning the WWE, his son Shane buying out WCW and his daughter Stephanie buying out ECW. Around that time, I saw Chris Benoit and many others debuting on or b4 or after Jan. 31, 2000.

When I did see WCW, it was when some other show had to be aired on the same channel and time slot as WWE Raw.
I saw the name Nitro and thought Not Interested Turn Raw On.
In other words: I'd rather watch WWE Raw instead.

#65 by C A Johnson, Jul 19, 2007

Chris Benoit won a lot of titles during his career. He might have had a chance to win the Heavyweight title if only the tragedy hadn't happened.

#66 by C A Johnson, Jul 19, 2007

I didn't really watch WCW wrestling either. I loved watching WWF. I didn't start watching WCW until Hulk Hogan joined. My uncle watched ECW more than I did. I started to watch it a little. I am familiar with a few wrestlers from there because of my uncle.

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