The reports are beginning to come in. Alleged details.
It appears Benoit strangled his wife, smothered his son, then hung himself.
This horrible act–from a man regarded by fans and workers in the industry as a Good Man–is stunning. I can’t defend any of these actions. “Saddened” isn’t even close to what I’m feeling right now.
As a fan, I’ve respected and admired Chris Benoit for 14 years. By every single report, he was kind, generous and respectful. The Last Honest Man in wrestling.
But in the last three years, he has changed. Threats of physical violence against his wife and children have surfaced.
This is like finding out your favorite uncle…
I’ve had experience with steroids in the past. When I was suffering from chronic back pain, the doctor gave me huge pills. They changed my behavior, made me lose my temper at friends, say things I did not mean. I lost a friend because he was on the juice. Turned him into an awful, ugly person.
Chris Benoit is responsible for the crimes he comitted. But if these crimes–I will not call the incident a “tragedy”–are not answered by authorities, if law enforcement officials and the WWE don’t finally address this ongoing problem…
I stopped watching wrestling years ago. I started watching again only because I had the ability to do so at my new place.
I don’t think I’ll ever watch it again.