Remember professional wrestling before Vince McMahon?Characters like Mad Dog Vachon, The Crusher, The Baron, Verne Gagne, Larry "The Axe" Hennig, and Haystacks Calhoun ruled the ring. It wasn't about steroids, beer, and boobs. The wrestlers weren't genetic freaks or pill-popping piles of flesh.
Now, unfortunately, McMahon has turned wrestling into an overhyped corporate production aimed at young people with short attention spans.
I know Baron Von Raschke goose-stepping around the ring was a little cornball—but darn it, wrestling was more innocent before McMahon. Sure, there were still the dwarves and the mud wrestling and villainy...but it was different, purer. Put it this way: I'd much rather watch Mad Dog Vachon and Baron Von Raschke fight their way through a horde of angry Canadians than have to sit through another match between Triple H and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Professional wrestling used to seem less trivial. The rivalry between Jerry "The King" Lawler and Andy Kaufmann was the stuff of legend—unlike any rivalry between whichever two steroid statues happen to be feuding this week in Vince McMahon's WWE.
In McMahon's cold corporate world, every show is exactly the same. I didn't watch wrestling between 1999 and 2005—but when I tuned in again it was like nothing had changed.
Everything about the WWE was still geared towards the lowest common denominator.
Wrestlers themselves have devolved since the days of the AWA. The pressure to look like bodybuilders and still perform acrobatic stunts pushes many competitors to use steroids and painkillers. The sport has come a long way since the days when Verne Gagne would work potential performers in his barn and then force them to do time as general laborers before allowing them into the ring.
I hate to look to the past with rose-colored glasses—but I do so only because I can't recall any one of Verne Gagne's wrestlers ever murdering two people before killing himself in a home gym.
Under Vince McMahon, scandals have become the norm.
Stories of substance abuse and domestic violence are almost clich— in the modern era of the WWE. Chris Benoit seemed like a balanced guy in many behind-the-scenes documentaries—but it's clear that there is no normalcy in McMahon's dark world.
It saddens me that Chris Benoit became what he became. He was popular as a wrestler—and he deserved to be. But the fact of his being a good entertainer doesn't make up for the years he stole from his wife and son.
The efforts to excuse Benoit's action have disgusted me. Chris Benoit murdered his wife and seven-year-old son by strangling them with his bare hands. I don't care who you are—it takes a serious lack of humanity to wrap your hands around a seven-year-old boy and squeeze the life away.
Thousands of people abuse steroids and drugs everyday, but somehow they have enough control to refrain from murdering loved ones. The Chris Benoit we thought we knew didn't exist. There was a violent monster beneath the facade.
I've been moving away from professional wrestling for a long time. Now I know I won't ever go back. Instead, whenever I get the urge—the itch which drives otherwise rational people to watch professional wrestling—I'll purchase myself a DVD starring the extraordinary wrestlers of the past.
Sometimes it's not the rose-colored glasses.
Sometimes the past really is better than the present.
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about 1 year ago
Nice article, Marty. I grew up a big fan of "old time" wrestling. It was classic "good vs. bad." Now, all we have is Vince McMahon's sleazy version.
Thank goodness for YouTube. Gordon Solie, anyone?
about 1 year ago
Drug abuse and domestic violence permeate all aspects of society. Suggesting McMahon is responsible, a man who has been responsible for putting smiles upon millions of faces, is practically libel. Verne Gagne ran local flea markets... and I don't recall his territory getting out of Minnesota in a major way. If anything, the Benoit tragedy will prompt more athletes to reach out for help. When Kurt Cobain or Jim Morrison passed, were there calls to end Rock n' Roll?
No more bandwagon stories about Benoit alluding to "I remember the days when wrestling..." Give us a break already.
about 1 year ago
Pal, things change.... the WWE didn't change, the fans did. In the 1990s Ted Turner's WCW became edgier (in 1996 exactly) and was making millions of dollars, the WWE didn't make that turn until late 1997 and early 1998. In addition don't forget the influcence of one Paul Heyman and his own little bingo hall company Extreme Championship Wrestling (existed from 1992 to early 2001) and all the angles and things that were hyped up thanks to the internet. What happened there first appeared on WCW's programing and then on WWE's programing. And that hype was generated by the fans. So to blame Vince McMahon when there are other factors out there is just ignorant, biased, typical tabloid reporting. Please look at the facts before you bash anyone
about 1 year ago
From the time Vinny Mac started his national expansion efforts and killing off the "old school" regional promotions, I have always said that he was (and eventually has) destroyed professional wrestling.
It's beyond time this dishonest monster is taken down!
Let the little guys (regional indies, etc) prosper again.
about 1 year ago
...interesting. I did a commentary on KPHX Phoenix this morning specifying some of the same points, especially in relation to the AWA. The AWA promoted regularly in Phoenix, San Francisco, Denver and Salt Lake City (so much for allegedly not getting outside of Minnesota). And Gagne, cornball that he indeed was, ran a damned tight ship and would never have let things get this far out of hand...
about 1 year ago
I'm sorry, but you have it totally wrong. You're villainizing Vince McMahon, making it look as if he is responsible for what Chris Benoit did. This is by far the worst thing that a wrestler has done, but that's not Vince McMahon's fault. Chris Benoit was his own person and made his own decisions - the way wrestling is today has NOTHING to do with what Chris Benoit did.
Also, just because wrestling isn't the same as it was to you years ago, doesn't mean that it is some dark sport now. You obviously haven't been watching WWE for quite some time (6 years is a lot, you've missed A LOT), and by you saying that the way Vince McMahon runs his business is what caused this tragedy is totally ludicrous.
Also, get your facts straight - Stone Cold Steve Austin doesn't even wrestle anymore - he and Triple H have not wrestled in forever, so that was an ignorant comment. Before you start bashing WWE and how it is today, you need to educate yourself a little more and actually get facts before you make accusations.
Nothing's wrong with wrestlers being in great shape, and just so you know, there is a Wellness Policy in WWE that probits any use of drugs, including steroids - it is done by an independent drug testing company - a first offense is 30-day suspension without pay, a second offense is 60-day suspenion without pay, and a third is termination.
To wrap everything up, it is not Vince McMahon's fault that Chris Benoit went crazy and killed his family and then himself - Chris Benoit did that on his own, and if it is found that it was because of drugs such as steroids, that was Benoit's decision to take them and maybe other drugs (although not a smart decision), not Vince's. And also, if you think WWE is some overhyped production that Vince McMahon has created, take a look at everything else on TV and in the movies today and then get back to me...
about 1 year ago
Wrestling has changed from how it used to be, because the fans want it that way. If you were in vince's shoes, you'd do the same and if you didnt then your company would go down the pan. BTW Chris Benoit made the decision to kill on his own, like countless others have throughout history. So get a brain and stop picking vince as the easy explanation.
about 1 year ago
How could cris benoit
Do this to his family and the rest of his family
If chris was upset about every thing he should
not have take out on his wife and son.
He should have talked to someone about what was making him mad.
about 1 year ago
Then.....Leave It To Beaver
Now.....That Seventies Show
Then....Tic Tac Dough
Now....Fear Factor
Then....Elvis Presley, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper
Now....Aaliayah, Kurt Cobain, Tupac Shakur
Then....Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds"
Now....John Carpenter's "Dusk Till Dawn"
Then....Babe Ruth
Now....Jose Canseco
Then...Richard Nixon
Now....Bill Clinton
Then...AWA
Now...WWE
Yes, these days things are much more over the top in every facet of our lives.
Yes, what Chris Benoit did was terrible.
But was Chris Benoit a horrible person? No. He was just as much a victim, as his wife and son. He was the victim of a modern society's ever growing need and expectation for extreme, over the top entertainment. He put his body and mind through 250+ days of torture on the road, "no seasons, no reruns."
Obviously there is a market for Vince McMahon's brand of extreme entertainment. Pro Wrestling is what is because that is what the people want in the here and now. Not the AWA.
Stop living in the nostalgia. The innocent days are long gone. And along with that comes a price tag on all of us. Especially on the performers who are expected to quench the insatiable thirst for extreme of the new millenium.
For over 22 years Chris Benoit gave the people what they wanted and he paid the tab quietly and without complaint.
For 3 days, that tab became more than his body and mind could afford.
In those 3 days, Chris Benoit acted desperately, irrationally and terribly. This we can agree on.
But does that take away all that Chris Benoit did for others in his 40 years prior to the last 3 horrible days?
If it does, then I would say, you're the one with the short attention span, sir.
RIP Chris, Nancy and Daniel Benoit. And "Thank you Chris for the 22 years of your life that you gave to put smiles on everyone's faces...no matter what the cost"!
about 1 year ago
I normally like to let the comments section of my columns roll where they may but I wanted to clear up a few points that have been made:
1) I am not blaming Vince McMahon for the Benoit murder-suicide. I blame McMahon for creating a "Culture of Corruption" inside the WWE which has allowed drug abuse and violence to thrive.
2) Benoit was solely responsible for the murder of his family. McMahon had nothing to do with it and I don't exonerate Benoit's actions by calling it "Roid Rage." Benoit should be remembered as a murderer to do justice to the lives he took.
My criticism of McMahon is the fact he employs violent drug abusers (Among them, Stone Cold Steve Austin's ex-wife has made public her plight with domestic violence). I don't think Verne Gagne would allow his wrestlers to get this out of hand.
Flame on.
about 1 year ago
this is the stupidest thing i ever read..who ever wrote this passage should stop.. how can you blame everything on mcmahon. dude get a job you good at
about 1 year ago
OK, I hate to ruin a great discussion, but here are some things the WWE/McMahon apologists might want to consider. (Special note for WWE fans: An apologist is an ignorant loser who foolishly makes lame excuses for the bad deeds of others.)
1) Benoit was an actor and an athlete? None of you have the slightest clue what he was like in private. But we DO now know his wives accused him of threatening violence and sought a restraining order.
2) As for the author's misstatement (only a hypothetical statement he out out there anyway), it doesn't demonstrate an ignorance of wrestling (unless keeping up with the crap week by week and year by year is necessary to understand wrestling.) The fact that the author may not know that Steve Austin isn't rasslin' makes this author MORE credible, not less. If he knew the current WWE roster inside and out, it would be a good indication that he was, in fact, a moron.
3) For those with a new-found affection for the principle of innocent-until-proven-guilty: Does this principle extend to all accused people, or just rich, famous ones you think you know.
4) Benoit's WWE character was a "good" guy. If a "bad" guy committed murder, say Umaga or Carlito or The Edge, would you all be dumb enough to say "Well, he was a bad guy, so he probably did it"? Remember, Benoit's job was to ACT the good guy, just as it's these other guys' job to act the bad guy.
5) As for all you who defend McMahon's "tribute" to Benoit on the grounds that no one knew that a wife and 7-year-old had been murdered: Give me a break. The moment I heard of the deaths, I assumed (rightly, it turned out) that it was a murder-suicide, and I hadn't even seen the weird text messages that WWE had seen. And remember, it was WWE that first notified police for a welfare check at the Benoits'. So this "tribute" not seems a poor decision at best and a callous, twisted attempt to spin a tragic crime into a value-neutral tragedy. The dipshits who do PR for WWE are in a bit over their heads on this one.
6) Continuing with WWE's ham-handed publicity arm, howze about their ridiculous statement that the deliberate, twisted actions by Benoit (including the placement of Bibles) was inconsistent with "'roid rage." In fact, sterois abuse can lead not just to rage but delusion, paranoia, and depression. All of which IS consistent with what Benoit apparently did. Or, maybe he killed his wife in rage and then methodically killed boy and self afterward. Either way, WWE knows the truth about steroids and tried to bamboozle the public.
7) And how classless is the unilateral release of the info that the boy suffered from mental retardation (a fact now disputed by relatives)? Another lame attempt by WWE to deflect ALL scrutiny away from themselves.
8) Final notes: A few years back, a had the good fortune to meet Bruno Sammartino in the course of reporting on some event. (Sammartino, "Wrestling's Living Legend," was the TV announcer, along with the then-young Vince McMahon, back when wrestling was still on only late at night and McMahon's father was the emperor. Partly in jest, I asked Bruno if he thought he could take today's wrestlers (The Rock, Stone Cold, etc.) Bruno launched into a tirade about how awful wrestling became when young Vince took over from his Dad and the operation became full of drugs (i.e. steroids). This was just about the first thing out of Bruno's mouth.
Similarly, when Owen Hart died in a stunt gone bad, Jesse Ventura was asked about it, and he railed on the need for workplace protections for wrestlers. He said they should all join the stuntman's union.
Final thoughts: WWE occupies this weird world somewhere between pornography, pro sports, and Hollywood's stunt industry. It's appeal comes very much from this no-man's land of human behavior. It's scripted, yet very real. The characters really do commit amazing acts of athleticism, just like porno actors have actual sex. And in both industries, the talent have no union, few long-term contracts, and a climate which seeks out more and more extreme behavior, with more losers to take the place of any talent who wants to step back or take a few weeks off.
Sooner or later, some wrestler is going to sue the pants of McMahon, right or wrong, and his house of cards could be in a world of hurt.
about 1 year ago
Hey Marty - Don't feel the need to clear anything up. You speak the truth regarding McMahon and I agree with your article 100%. Vince McMahon is only concerned with one thing - money. He has no morals, exemplifies the worst of society's ills in his ridiculous storylines and totally exploits the talent under his control. He made the decision to air the Benoit Tribute Show while KNOWING that the entire family was dead and that Chris was found hanging. It was the WWE and the talent that recieved the cell calls and alerted the authorities. How can anybody honestly believe McMahon when he says that they aired the program without knowing? YOU KNEW VINCE - YOU KNEW! ...all for ratings... The way he's in denial about the existing steroid problems is criminal! It is common knowledge in the wrestling world that Vince likes his boys BIG and if a wrestler really wants to rise to the top of the heap(appropriate word), and stay there, they will conform to the status quo. Anyone who defends steroids and denies the harm they can cause is either ignorant, lying(maybe to themselves?) or making money off of them. Because of all the negative press he's been recieving this week, he has now instituted a gag order on all the talent in the WWE. Nah - he's not hiding anything is he?
I can only hope that as the impending investigation into the WWE that Mr. Vince McMahon will soon be behind real bars in a real prison serving real time. How's that for a storyline?
***for "then and now" Nikki it would be:
Then...Richard Nixon
Now...George Bush (not Clinton)
about 1 year ago
What's that old saying, All good things must come to an end!!!!!
about 1 year ago
Hey, has anyone considered the possibility that it might, just MIGHT be a triple murder, instead of double murder/suicide? The police said they're TREATING it as murder/suicide.
I hope the police question Kevin Sullivan.
about 1 year ago
It seems so out of context for Benoit to do the things they are claiming he did.
Benoit is the only thing that made it bearable to watch wrestling with my son and husband. He was and still is my favorite wrestler! It sickens me that Vince McMahon said in an interview on the Today show, "There was no way of telling this man was a monster." To me, it's like, Chris, we are with you while you are making us money but if you screw up, we will wash our hands of you, but enjoy the money you made for us while you were with us. That makes me livid!!!
I watched the devistated Benoit as he struggled with the death of his close friend, Eddie Guerrero in 2005. I know "pro wrestling" isn't real, I am not one of those people that ACTUALLY believe it!!! (I am a college educated person with a stable family & career). But I must say, seeing the trouble he had coping with the death of Eddie and how he supported Eddie's family during that time, it seemed that he understood the value of family, as many of his friends and collegues have stated.
In the time that I have watched wrestling, I had noticed there seem to be a difference in Chris (his physical appearance). His appearance to me, seemed that he might be struggling with some demons. He looked as if he were a tormented soul and had actually at one point mentioned it to my husband. This was also noted by Bret "The Hitman" Hart on CNN's Nancy Grace on Friday, 06/29/07. (Please don't get me wrong, I do NOT condone anything that has transpired with the situation since it came to light in the last 4 days). I am just curious as to why someone at home watching on the television could notice the visible physical signs and the WWE either did not notice or just turned their heads the other way?
I have personally had experience with someone close to me using steriods. There IS a change in their demeanor. They DO seem to get agitated easier. By all means, YES, I feel that "Roid Rage" DOES exist. In this case, as in many cases of murder/suicide, NOONE ever REALLY knows what was going on behind closed doors, we can only speculate how some things transpired.
At the same time, this is America and everyone is innocent until proven guilty. I feel that bashing a person's name and reputation should wait until the facts are in. This is why there are so many innocent people sitting in prison as we speak!
There have been so many things come out in this case (so far) and some of them don't seem to add up. I am not saying that all of them don't add up, but some of the details that have come to light, do not forensically make sense. Such as how Chris Benoit is claimed to have taken his life and the postion and posture of his body when it was found 06/25/07.
I don't feel that I am biased in this situation. If it truly happened the way the investigators speculate it did and the facts prove it, that is how it happened. I myself, will stick to the "innocent until proven guilty" belief until someone can find the answers to fill some of the gapping holes in this investigation.
This case does certainly bring up issues of drug and alcohol abuse, domestic battery that need to be addressed by Vince McMahon and the WWE Corporation and the unofficial "Code Of Silence" this corporation condones.
I do feel that on some level, the WWE Corporation should be held responsible for these deaths among numerous others. They want and need the wrestlers to be bigger, stronger, tougher, faster and more agressive so their wallets are thicker. It appears to me to be all about the "bottom line".
What cost are these wrestlers, their families and significant others paying so that the WWE can have a billion dollar a year industry?
Either way, if Benoit did or didn't do these awful acts, it is a true tragedy and my thoughts and prayers are with both the Benoit and Toffoloni families.
about 1 year ago
Yes, f*** you Marty, because you have no idea what wrestling is today. You say that wrestling is bad, then you say you don't watch it any more. TIMES CHANGE MATE.
How can you say you know all the facts, because for all we know, Chris could have arrived home, found Daniel dead and in his anger he could have killed Nancy. Then, when he had time to think, he probably regretted this and hung himself.
This is no storyline, this is real life
Mick Fooley, when Raw went to air at 8pm EST, the police hadn't confirmed or denied whether Chris had allegedly performed a murder-suicide, as the press conference was at 3pm EST on Tuesday.
THIS IS NOT A STORYLINE, Chris, Nancy and Daniel are actually dead, and yet you are rambling on about McMahon, steroids, Bruno Sammartino, Haystack Calloun, Lou Thesz. WHY? Also, whoever said we would be dumb enough to think that because Carlito, Umaga and some guy from U2 are supposed "bad guys" that we would automatically think that they were 100% responsible, think again because what you stereotype as a wrestling fan is a thing of the past.
Concerning Fargile X, it was the media who made this allegation, not the WWE, and it could be true. They didn't live with their families, did they? It's like saying that their parents aren't aware if they argued, or what they bought at shopping.
I'm out
about 1 year ago
If McMahon doesn't care about his wrestlers, what made him ban moves like the piledriver, the 450 splash, the Shooting Star Press? Was it his mind saying "If they stop doing thse moves, they could die" and then he stopped them? No, it is because he CARES.
about 1 year ago
Ladies and gentlemen we have all read and read and read and read about this disgusting tragedy. I agree with a lot of the things Marty is trying to convey, but not to place some of the blame on "Mr. McMahon" is really short sighted. We have heard over and over of the wellness program and what the WWE is trying to do. Suspensions for steroid abuse only applies to non-prescription steroids . . . oops Benoit's house was loaded with PRESCRIPTION steroids, he passed a drug test that showed he was BELOW a certain amount, not CLEAN of steroids. I'm sorry Alexandria this is no longer being "investigated", but has been deemed a murder/suicide . . . he did it all by himself. Testing and suspensions . . . REALLY? If any one out ther believes that Cena and Lashley are steroid clean, then you really need to examine your sense of reality about this buisness. What I'm really afraid of is that nothing will truly be done until Vince and the WWE are faced with one of these timebombs going off in the ring in front of millions of witnesses. "Roid rage" . . . no, but a very deliberate and half-assed plan (remember he called off a day ahead of the first murder with excuses of family illness) brought on by not only steroid abuse, but also pain killers, who knows what else. Just wait . . . it will happen in "That very ring!" Then and only then will the WWE and Vince have to take responibilty for what takes place in that company.
about 1 year ago
i simply think that ther mcmahon family should be removed and i would like to see something done to ease the time shedule for the wrestlers...............TNA is way better in doing that
about 1 year ago
FRIST OFF F@CK WHO WROTE THE ARTICAL.... R.I.P CHRIS AND HIS FAMILY.... YALL GOT TO THINK ABOUT WHO ELSE WAS THERE IN SIDE OF HIS HOME.. THE DAMN POLICE SHOULD DO A FULL INVESTION AGAIN AT CHRIS'S HOME AND FIND OUT THE TRUTH IN WHAT FUCK WENT DOWN IN THE HOME THEM THREE DAYS.. INSTEAD OF TRYIN TO BLAME IT ON THE GOD DAM DRUGS.. IF HE WAS ON STERIODS THAN FUCK IT....95% OF YA'LL DO DRUGS ANY WAYS. HE DID TO LOOK GOOD FOR HIS FANS..(THAT'S THAT) TO CHRIS'S FAMILY DON'T WORRY CHRIS IS IN A BETTER PLACE...OH YEAH TO THE WRITER GET A LIFE IT'S 07 BITCH OUR GENRATION HAS TAKIN OVER!!!!!!
about 1 year ago
i couldnt even finish this because from the start of it i think your way wrong you cant blame a owner because his wrestler act out no one can make you do something you dont want to. Everyone has there own mind and picks what is wrong or right. mr mcmahon didnt make chris go out and kill his family so its wrong to say he ruined wrestling because we all know he doesnt like what happen with chris as much as the next person and was as shocked as everyone.
about 1 year ago
You're out all right...OUT TO LUNCH
Let see...according to you Benoit discovered Daniel was dead, then killed his wife, followed by himself. hmmm...interesting. Maybe you should contact the forensic experts that have gathered all the evidence, determined timelines based on science and the deterioration of the bodies and tell them that they have it all wrong! And as for Benoit passing the WWE's drug and wellness program - don't make me laugh. It a a "private" clinic conducting the tests and from what I understand, Barry Bonds would pass with flying colors. Again, Vince McMahon is a slug and for those of you who choose to believe what he says, I've got some land in Florida that you might be interested in buying...
about 1 year ago
This whole sad thing is quickly bringing out the
worst in all of us. Being a judge is a hard job.
We need to focus on being more humane........not
just HUMAN....but humane. Maybe we should have a
little more tolerance for the failings of others
and take a good look at our own. After all the
"belts" honors of men, and time wasted in bad entertainment and backward thinking...the money is
gone, the people are dead, those who are left behind are not consoled in any way, when all is
said and done, the only thing that will be remembered is how we treated others. This is a
good time to re-evaluate what time on earth is all
about, some of us have wasted alot of it on things
and personalities who have no eternal value. Let's all try to make our ownselves more valuable
so when we leave we will be smiling and others will be crying. God will judge all of us by the
Mercy and Love we showed to others.
about 1 year ago
You really hit the nail on the head here Marty.
Vince McMahon is a sleazy, greedy man who ruined professional wrestling to line his own pockets.
He broke with all tradition and completely screwed over every existing professional league by undermining the territory system in the early 80s. He has clearly encouraged wrestlers to take steroids and painkillers and push the limits to make things more "entertaining" for viewers, not caring about the lives he destroys in the process (RIP Owen Hart).
And of course, who could forget the Montreal screwjob? How could somebody actually pull that kind of BS on one of their top guys, just because he was moving leagues? What a slimy rat.
Marty's right: wrestling used to be a pure sport. The promoters followed the system and it worked. Everyone involved went home with food on the table, and fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the NWA's top heels to match up against their local heroes.
All it took to destroy wrestling was corporate greed and a backstabbing SOB at the helm. Enter Vince McMahon.
Thank you Mr. Mcmahon for ruining a great sport. The blood of Benoit's wife and kids lies on your hands burn in hell, you bastard!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf2pWqK523Y
about 1 year ago
I'm mexican,wrestlers in my country are far way smaller than americans are, I've got to say I like both, totally different styles, ok it is know by everybody wwe wrestlers use steroids but blaming vince is just stupid, I could say that wrestling matches in 90 s were more aggressive that nowdays, ECW had really hardcore matches not like the new ECW,vince wasn't in charge of old ECW, culture has become more plaintiff in all ways i agree wrestlers should have more free time but it is a whole different story than telling is all blame of vince, vince sells what most of people like and that's not vince fault is society's fault, I love wrestling, chris made mistakes (if he is actully the mirderer) it was a mistake make him a tribute, and it is a mistake how WWE is trying to cover what happend, everybody could make a mistake, and the border between sanity and insane is just too blur in a society that makes us living fast, blaminf vince for having almos naked woman on their brands when you see paris hilton on tv on lots of brands, speaking shit, you think that's right? society is bullshit vince is a guy who sells thinks, and that thinks makes lot of people happy (including me), your government must take action not jailing vince making sure he gives more time to their wrestlers, and better steroids test, but don't go talking shit like that pointing your finger doesn't solve the problem of an entire society, is far more deeper than just trowing shit to wrestling by the way, you should see jeff hardy wrestlings he's awesome!!! ecw rules,and TNA SUCKSSS!!!!!! wwe dissposals!!! except for AJ styles he is really good!
about 1 year ago
To ghost and the other fans (make no mistake I am a big fan) who can't come to grips with this . . . Chris Benoit did this. Do you actually believe anyone could make someone of Benoit's physical stature and knowledge of how to handle himself could be MADE to hang himself? No Vince McMahon did nothing to cause this to happen . . . (and he really isn't any different than the promoters of old that paid the wrestlers crap but made money hand over fist.), but he can do a hell of a lot more to try and make sure this doesn't happen again, but that's all he can do is try. The performers themselves also have to resposibility for there own actions. Get off the juice, and talk to friends you have in the buisness or even professionally before YOU go off the deep end and destroy yourselves, your future, and God forbid your family. Time lines, fornsics, rate of morbidity all point to one man . . . Chris Benoit.
about 1 year ago
I agree that Vince McMahon is a very immoral person who will stop at nothing to make money. But to say that he ruined wrestling is in my mind an incorrect characterization of his influence on the sport.
Maybe it's just me, but I kind of like McMahon's style of wrestling. It's more gritty and extreme more violent and exciting. Something needs to be done about the roids and the stunts getting out of hand but at the same time, watching these monsters do the things they do can be quite invigorating.
Let's not forget: professional wrestling is by virtue entertainment. There's no game in it the way their is in baseball, with a clear winner or loser. The winers and losers are decided ahead of time the whole thing is rigged. Therefore, doesn't it make sense to have guys in the ring that are physically enormous and capable of performing stunts that would likely kill a normal person?
Lets not forget about all the super entertaining characters the WWF brought us since Vince McMahon Jr. entered the fray. Hulk Hogan. Andre the Giant. Roddy Piper, Ric Flair and Macho Man Savage. The Undertaker, Bret Hart and the Ultimate Warrior.
I have very fond memories of watching these uber-talented fighters duking it out as a ten year old kid. With all do respect to the pioneers Marty mentioned, they just aren't quite as exciting to watch.
Here's an experiment: go to youtube and watch some footage of Bruno Sammartino. Then watch some footage of Bret Hart.
Can you really say the latter isn't more entertaining?
about 1 year ago
mark it down folks this will mark the beginning of the end of the wwe empire.
Benoit trajedy has opened many who loved wrestling from youth and look at the monstrosity of what has become of this form of entertainment. So this will go on in history as the start of the fall and decline of the wwe as a wrestling empire.
about 1 year ago
We all live in a cold corporate world... Any job can cause you to stress out... I don't really think that steroids played part in this tragedy... Better yet, if you really think hard, history of violence, plans for a divorce years ago... How can anyone say "he seemed like a good husband and father", you can't... You only saw what was on TV... These men and women in the wrestling world are actors... They must be fit and athletic in order to do this job... How fun is it to watch a 300 pound 5'5" fat guy run around a ring and sit on them??? I don't think he would have to much to entertain with... So, you have to be in shape, beefed up, ect... Here's my only problem with the prescription steroids... There still "STEROIDS"... They are made to drop below a certain level, still producing the same results... Pain killers??? let me see, you jump off top ropes get hit by chairs, thrown through tables, yeah, your gonna have some pain... But, if someone's body becomes addicted to them, your gonna have long-term problems... Do I blame Steroids and Pain Killers on Chris Benoit's murder spree? No! I am not going to justify any reasoning for it, no one knew what went in that house, and your an idiot if you say you did... When I heard interviews of close friends and family who didn't even know of his son's disability... His wife didn't know??? don't you think a mother would have talked to someone about it, or was she so scared of Chris to speak out??? Do I blame Vince McMahon? No! I do think however they need to clean up some of the crap that goes on... 2 women in bra and panties matches is not entertainment my kid should see... It's softcore porn! Wrestling is great entertainment, but you don't have to have these rediculous storylines to make it great... I don't think they need Prescritions steroids and painkiller everyday of their life either... Not saying that all wrestlers are on them, but I have notice a few physiques larger and more defined that in the past as well... but enough rambling on, just wanted to comment... God bless...
about 1 year ago
I agree that wrestling has become edgier and edgier over the years. I've watched off and on and then lost interest because the storylines became dumber and dumber. A lot of the cleverer guys in the business have quit wrestling for greener pastures while still ahead (a great example is "The Rock" who became a movie star while at the prime of his wrestling career)
Let me tell you one thing from my own observation. Old time wrestlers from the 70s and early 80s used to be large and fat and fleshy, but not muscular freaks. They also used to do a lot less "over the top rope" moves and featured more technical wrestling moves. There was a lot less sexual content back then also.
Take a look at Ric Flair's physique (one of the last old time wrestlers still active in the current era). He's got lot of flesh, but not a lot of muscular mass. Yet, by his antics and gimmicks he entertains us.
We don't need muscular freaks to make wrestling entertaining. the need for unbridled violence, I'm afraid stems out of all of us who enjoy watching people get their heads bashed up with a steel chair. Rather than inventing clever storylines to keep people entertained, WWE would rather have its cavemen-like attitude, beating up each other with primitive weapons like clubs and steel chairs and even hammers.
Vince McMahon himself is a steroid abuser. You can see it from his muscles. So the example comes from the top. Wrestling and body-building do not go together. If you look at the real olympic-style wrestling the wrestlers are just like normal people, without excessive flesh or muscle content.
So you have to blame Vince for the prevalent drug-abuse in the WWE although it might or might not be connected with the Benoit family horror tragedy.
about 1 year ago
I totally agree with the article that Marty wrote, I am from the 80s era and that I know quite a few ppl will agree with me when I say that this was during the times that WWE (WWF at the time) was at its best. The last few years of this millenium I have lost complete interest in WWE, because it just isn't the same and the wrestlers aren't the same. I get so tired of seeing the same old wrestlers every week doing the same thing over and over again. It is like the WWE has become one big bad soap opera, that isn't willing to try anything new. If I want to watch a good match I would pop in one of my video tapes and watch the matches they had back in the early 80's and 90's. It seems that Vince has really pushed these guys to the edge, they don't have time to spend with their families, they are constantly on the road so what can one expect these men and women to do in situations like these. I know that the money may be good, but there is no way that I would sacrifice that over spending time with my family. I am not condoning what Benoit did, because that was just sadistic and wrong and we don't what state of mind this man was in and we may never know, but you know. Over the last few years a lot of wrestlers have died before they reached the age of 50 and this is sad. If this isn't an eye opener for Vince and the rest of the WWE Corporation then I don;t know what else it would take for these ppl to wake and really open there eyes. I grew up loving to watch Superstars like Miss Elizabeth, Macho Man, Sherri Martel, Ted Dibiase, Razor Ramon, Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Mr. Perfect, Bret Hart, you know the real Superstars of wrestling just to name a few. But Don;t get me wrong there are many great wrestlers in the WWE today and they sacrificed and put their bodies on the line for our entertainment, but sometimes they have to know when enough is enough your body can only take so much. As someone said in a recent post that WWE is a lot more sexual than it was in the earlier years, but during those early federation years women knew how to be women in a sexy but classy way it was not all about showing a lot of skin, it was about entertaining the wrestling fans.
about 1 year ago
OMG chris benoit what!!?? I just came back from a trip and I found news about chris benoit killing his family is that true!!?? oh my god this is horrible!!! there's nothing on wwe.com! what happened!!??
about 1 year ago
its been years since i watched wrestling,i stopped watching just after invasion. but chris benoit has always been my fave wrestler. i never did grasp his personailty, but still i cant imagine him doing this, i wonder what drove him to do it, even though its awful and sick i dont think the WWE should forget about him, im probs one of few who thinks he should be remeberd. RIP Benoit Family
about 1 year ago
I used to be a big wrestling fan around 1997-2000, my kids liked to watch it and I used to take them to the events, now as time went on it really was not for the kids anymore, more violence and more sex, that is what sells, as a mother of 3 I find no good in this (entertainment) show, the stories really make no sense. And then there is the cost of the pay per view, It's just not worth it anymore
about 1 year ago
Mick Fooley...I know who is President now. You quite obviously didn't understand my post. I was equating Nixon and Clinton in the context of thier public scandals. But I expect that type of response and it underlines my point about narrow minded people such as yourself and how they are reacting to this whole incident.
Thank you for illustrating my point.....
about 1 year ago
What Chris Benoit did was a horrible thing I cant deny that but you have to realize that he was probally under alot of pressure.Everyone usually is once in awile.But you cant judge him because of what he did to his wife and child.Chris Benoit gave us something special every week.And we should remember him that way and not some horrible monster because he wasnt.
about 1 year ago
"What Chris Benoit did was a horrible thing I cant deny that but you have to realize that he was probally under alot of pressure.Everyone usually is once in awile.But you cant judge him because of what he did to his wife and child.Chris Benoit gave us something special every week.And we should remember him that way and not some horrible monster because he wasnt."
You can't judge a man who smothered his 7-year old child with a pillow? Why not?
Back to reality: wrestling is a form of entertainment, but childhood is a part of real life. This man denied his son a life. And that is morally wrong.
How could we honestly sit here and say "well...he did murder two people. But come on, he was a great wrestler! Lets remember him for his wrestling skills."
Seems messed up to me. We can acknowledge his wrestling skills and we all agree he was a fantastic professional wrestler. But he's also a cold blooded murderer (at least the evidence suggests such), and that's the bottom line.
Look, we all face a lot of pressure, and granted some more than others. Life is hard sometimes and everyone has their moments where they feel they can no longer go on. But Chris could have very easily taken his own life and left it at that. If that were the case, I'd surely remember him as a great wrestler who had some major problems and tragically committed suicide. I'd embrace a tribute to Chris and all the great things he did for wrestling and all the fans around the country for whom he delivered the highest quality entertainment year in and year out.
But Chris chose instead to take his entire family with him in his downward spiral. Life (and death) are all about choices, and the choices he made here make him a bad person in my eyes. Because unlike his own life, Chris had no fundamental right to determine the fate of those two other people.
I'm sure he was a troubled man, but it's hard to feel sympathy for him after what he did. I'm not trying to be cold and heartless here, but it's quite difficult to find compassion for someone who in the end lacked such compassion himself.
about 1 year ago
June 29, 2007
CHRIS BENOIT
Wow I have been reading article after article over the last five days, and people really need to get their shit together over this whole thing. People are blaming everything but what they should be over this. This horrendous act wasn t committed because of one single factor or another, it was a probably a chain of events recently in Chris s life, obviously.
People are coming down on the WWE and rightfully so, but it shouldn t just be over steroids. Vince McMahon has dodged any kind of personal responsibility over all kinds of problems or tragedies for years and years. They make their fans thinks its such a close knit family, and yeah maybe that s true with the wrestlers, but Vince doesn t give a damn about the talent and whether or not they have lives and families outside his world, to him they are just employees and that s becoming more and more apparent with every tragedy that strikes the WWE world. I have been a huge fan for many years as have my kids, but that doesn t mean I don t see clearly what s gone on over the years. So you know what Vince grab some balls and for once just maybe it might be just a fraction of yours or your companies fault.
On the flip side of the WWE, everyone is bashing them and saying how disgusted they are that they did a three hour tribute show honoring Chris (rightfully so) and what a great and nice guy he was before they knew the details of what had happened. Ahhh news flash he was all those things they said, to his family and his friends and everyone that knew and loved him. He helped my boys through one of the worst times of their lives, just with a bit of compassion and for that I will always be grateful. I am not trying to justify this horrendous thing that happened, but Chris Benoit the man wasn t a monster in disguise, serial killers and child molesters are monsters.
People should not be defined by one act good or bad in their lives, they should be defined by their whole life in general, the kind of person they were 99 % of the time not 1% of the time, and if more people in this life realized that the world would probably be a much happier place, and if people took the time out to care more about the people around them and I mean really care not superficially and what s going on their lives, a lot less senseless tragedies like this one would happen.
So all you fans that now say they cant stand him or what a horrible person he is, that s fine to have your opinion, but grow up you have know idea what was going on in his head at that time.
Thoughts and Prayers are with the Benoit Family and Friends
Sabina Romaniuk
Edmonton AB Canada
about 1 year ago
Yes Marty!
You couldn't be more accurate.
I believe that there is a life taking vehicle in America that is second only to Abortion. That vehicle is Professional wrestling being billed as "Sports Entertainment."
Todays megaplex arenas have welcomed this atrocious venue in the disguise of sports entertainment. I ask them to consider banning WWE and putting the Dollar squeeze on McMahon will force him to return wrestling to what it once was. McMahon is a money hungry maniac and gives no concern for anyone as long as his bottom line is getting bigger.
These Sports Arenas being such an honest American business Icon, I can't imaging your embracing WWE and the vial lies, abuse of its employees, the perpetration of unwholesome values it projects to the families (yes, it's billed as "family entertainment") Yet it has women dressed in near-nothing having catfights, the men are always in viloent opposition toward each other; where the McMahons themselves have had son against father, father against daughter, and on one occasion Stephanie McMahon slapped her mother in the face in the middle of the ring.
I ask you, what? WHAT is this garbage projecting to the youth who watch this thing. Oh, it's been argued that "but it's fake", "It's only a scripted sports soap opera". Well these kids think it's real and it's what they are taking home with them. Even to the point of young boys trying some of these wrestling moves on little girls and killing them.
Lets look at the facts concerning the lifestyle of today's professional wrestler.
He and she's placed in a vocation of extreme pressure.
Physical pressure pushing one beyond their limits. The need for their bodies to require more than the normal dosage of pain medication so they can continue night after night plying their trade. The constant perceived need for their bodies to be bigger and stronger. Thus, turning to steroids as so many have.
Pressure of bodies broken, again and again and again.
Pressure from constant traveling and being away from their homes and families.
Pressure of living an abnormal family life.
Pressure of the celebrity status robing them of their privacy.
Pressure from being forced into the bizarre script written for them to become a part of by the employer whose only concern is selling more tickets. Pressure of their value system being compromised by many of these scripts dragging them into an unwholesome relationship with their managers or valets.
Pressure of not being there for so many important life events like their kids first birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc. Why, because their employer expects them to perform.
The mental abuse of constantly pursing, night after night, violence and more violence. The gladiator syndrome of kill or be killed is as sick as anyone can have forced upon their minds. "As you think, so shall you become."
The pressure of the world having a love hate relationship with them.
The percentage of lives lost this industry has on record by men so young is greater than that of serving in the military. There's something drastically wrong here.
Someone's got to stop this sewer created by Vince McMahon and the only ones that can do it is those who invite them into their houses, by closing the doors.
It looks like a murder suicide, but could it have been outright homicide? Only the results of a thorough investigation will tell. In the meantime should we not be directing our focus and prayers toward the bereaved families of Benoit and Daus. Here are children, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts And uncles who are so hurting and perhaps embarrassed by the perceived truth. All of us bloggers must call upon the grace of God to comfort these broken hearts.
Continue on with the truth Marty!
about 1 year ago
For those that are curious: http://prowrestling.about.com/od/whatsrealwhatsfake/a/wrestlersdeaths.htm
The number of stars who play this sport and have died prematurely is downright appalling. Measures need to be taken (something much more significant than the wellness program, which is pretty much a joke) to take some of the pressure off of these guys and the pounding that their bodies take on a daily basis.
about 1 year ago
http://prowrestling.about.com/od/whatsrealwhatsfake/a/wrestlersdeaths.htm
The amount of stars that die prematurely in this sport is appaling. Something needs to be done to reduce the pressure on these guys and the pounding that their bodies take on a daily basis measures much more extensive than the "wellness" program, which is pretty much a joke.
about 1 year ago
Nikki - Good thing that Bush (the "now" president, not to be confused with the "then" president)doesn't have any current (as in now) public scandal to worry about. If I was truly as narrow minded as you have determined I am, I would also probabaly question your equating the "then" Babe Ruth to the "now" Jose Canseco when perhaps Barry Bonds would have made just a little more sense...Actually when one examines your insightful list of equations - most of your "nows" are 5-10 years old. Oh well, I thank you for your tremendous insight into how the world has changed. I (we)would be lost(now-not then)if it weren't for your 18 years of life experience. Thanks again, if there is anything else I can help you illustrate, don't hesitate to let me know.
about 1 year ago
Only person to blame is Chris Benoit. Whether drugs had something to do with or it not, he wasnt forced to take them.
And the fact that there are drugs in wrestling, whats new. Everyone already knew this.
It was Vince McMahon who made wrestling what it is today, and I dont believe this is the start of the WWE's decline at all.
about 1 year ago
And to say Vince McMahon ruined pro wrestling is a joke.
It is he who made wrestling what it is today. Sure its not as popular as it was a few years ago but its certainly alot bigger than it was 20-30 years ago.
about 1 year ago
I view pro wrestling as that abusive relationship in which a person just doesn't want to leave. It sucks you in, and abuses you both physically and mentally. But you don't want to leave, because you are desparate to try to prove that you won't give up, and that leaving would mean a severe loss which would hurt the ego even more. Or, you won't leave because you couldn't imagine what else you would do. This desparation ends up basically blinding you and eventually hurting you more and more, in different ways. I don't envy anyone who is involved in that kind of relationship, whether the relationship is with their job or with another person.
Folks this is exactly why Chris Benoit recently had told Rob Van Dam that he was glad Rob stepped away from the business.
about 1 year ago
And once again, Mick Fooley, you live up to your name, while proving my point even more. You look at my post and make a decision based on your limited mental capacity and decide that it is fact that I am an 18 year old.
This underscores what I am trying to get across. People are coming to quick decisions about Chris Benoit based on what the media is saying versus what those closest to Benoit are saying. How does that even make sense? Maybe....just maybe....the media is wrong. Gee folks is that really so hard to believe? And yes, sometimes the police can even be wrong. Not to say that they are or aren't here. But it would be wise to look at all of the facets here if the true intent is to get to the bottom of what happened and solve anything that may have caused this tragedy.
But, unfortunately, it seems that most of you out there just want to believe that Benoit was a monster because it feeds your hunger for blood and someone to point your finger at to distract yourselves from your own miserable shortcomings.
That being said....it looks like the WWE isn't the only thing that's lost it's innocence.
And by the way Fooley...I'm 36. Seems that your evaluations are a little less than perfect. Imagine that?!?!?!
about 1 year ago
I have deep regret for the loss of the Benoit family and have questioned my interest in the world of wrestling that may have contributed to the situation Chris Benoit found himself in. I was an avid wrestling fan and chose to bury my head in the sand on the issue of steroid use. I now feel that I have encouraged the industry to prosper with such body image pressures by enjoying the performances that were quite obviously were chemically enhanced. I would like to ask other wrestling fans..... are you comfortable condoning the use of steroids? Because I am not anymore.
I also believe that forming opinions without the full facts is unhelpful and it is only Chris, Nancy and Daniel that will ever know what really went on behind closed doors. Whether the steroids contributed to his actions or not, the fact remains that he was on them. The police will conduct their investigation and Im sure there will be much more gossip to circulate but noone on this earth plane will ever know the "truth". The demons were in Chris' head and sadly the rest is history.
I find it terrible that Benoit has been labelled a monster as he was obviously mentally unwell. As a society we need to support others with health issues, whether Chris was ill before or after taking the steroids is of little concern. The fact he took steroids in the first place illustrates that all was not well in his mind. I look forward to a time where as society we can support and love each other and rather than point the finger at Chris Benoit (or anyone else)with mental health problems. We should look at ourselves and find a way to help those who experience health issues and make poor decisions in their life.
I am extremely sad by the loss of all 3 Benoits, but instead of blaming Chris Benoit, who gave me hours of entertainment, I will look for opportunities to advocate for stricter steroid policies and better support for mental health issues as I myself am not perfect. The blame game doesnt help anyone, it wont bring Nancy or little Daniel back but we may learn from this tragedy and be able to prevent this happening in the future. Sane people do not murder their loved ones and unfortunately not all of us are blessed with good mental well-being.
Love to all :)
about 1 year ago
The following lines from your article are infuriating:
"Thousands of people abuse steroids and drugs everyday, but somehow they have enough control to refrain from murdering loved ones. The Chris Benoit we thought we knew didn t exist. There was a violent monster beneath the fa ade."
They somehow have enough control to refrain from murdering loved ones? Benoit was a monster?
1. Drugs affect different people in different ways. How the hell would you know what kind of effect they had on Benoit? How the hell would you know what kind of effect it has on other people? Making statements like this just proves you're an idiot with no knowledge of Biology or Psychology.
2. It is too simple a theory to state that drugs caused Benoit to do what he did. Nobody knows whether drugs even played a role. It is even possible that he was clean at the time. Does anyone consider this possibility? What then? Benoit was certainly a monster, wasn't he? WRONG. I did not know Benoit personally and neither did you. Of the few people who have spoken to the media that really did know Benoit, no one had a negative word to say about him. Some people say that "well then, they must've not known who he really was." Really? So you're saying that his ex-wife didn't know who Benoit really was? I'm sure you must have known him much better than the people he was closest to.
3. Benoit clearly loved his family. That much is a fact. For him to go ahead and do what he did illustrates that when he did this, he was not of sound mind. He was psychotic. Drugs are not necessary, nor sufficient to cause a psychotic episode. But he was psychotic. No one with a rational mind would this to those one loved the most. There was no motive for these crimes. It wasn't premeditated; the very bizarre nature of these killings show that it wasn't premeditated. A person who intended to kill his family would do it all at once, and would try to get away with it. This was not the case. This evidence is strong support for the theory that he was experiencing a psychotic episode. Would you condemn a patient with mental illness for committing a crime? You might, but the state would find him not criminally responsible for reason of a mental disorder. A schizophrenic patient that goes off his medication and kills someone is not and should not be sent to prison.
The very ignorance of people who condemn Benoit for his actions without knowing anything about him is an insult to his memory. And no, I am not saying all this because I am a fan of Benoit. I would be making these same points if this happened to a middle-class unknown person who was being crucified by his fellow man that did not know him.
about 1 year ago
Well said Shaun. It's good to see that there are still some folks out here whose blood doesn't run cold. We're all human. The only difference between any of us lies in the eyes of the beholder. I still choose to see Benoit as a phenomenal wrestler who snapped under the pressure of a demanding career who faced problems that were too much for him to handle and who was suffering from the grief of losing too many close friends in too short a period of time. Whether drugs played a role in this really isn't important. Drugs did not make him do this. What made him do this was his thought that this was a better option for him and his family than living in this world. That's the problem that people need to look at. What makes someone feel that death is better. That is a problem that is far more dangerous than the use of drugs, religion, sex, gambling, alcohol or any other addiction, since 9 times out of 10 those feelings are what led a person to their addictions in the first place. Society just continues their witch hunt after a person's form of escape rather than find out what they are trying to escape from.
That is the real monster....a society who doesn't care for their fellow brother or sister.....
about 1 year ago
I've been watching wrestling since , most of my 22 yrs,and i've seen alot of changes and noticed Vince Mcmahon is turning into a devil from all his money.Vince does not care about his employers,all he cares about is the green.You people can not judge Chris Benoit for the last 3 days of he's life,instead remember all the sacrifice he's done to entertain millions of people around the world.
about 1 year ago
OMFG!!! I cannot believe the rubbish I have read NB I only read about the first 3rd of all of the articles and they all had their similarities. You have all devoted so much time and effort to this but I am curious as to how much time and effort you have made to comment on the other few "familicides" that have occurred in the US of recent? None? Wow I am really surprised by that...really...NOT!!! Personally I don't know the details on the other cases because I haven't investigated them, nor have I read too much into Benoit's case. Drugs or not, the guy did what he did. He's a murderer...hey there is plenty of them out there, some of them in jail, some not. Why is he any different to them? Seriously?
Obviously the WWE have their drug testing in place because they don't condone the use of steroids. The probably don't condemn it enough, however, while all of you are really giving it to McMahon and the WWE because of the environment he/they have created...what about the Dr who prescribed the steroids?? I did not read one single #$@&ing comment about him? From the small bit of info I have stumbled across, he was prescribing 12 months of steroids to Benoit every 3 months!!! Wow...GOD DAMN YOU VINCE MCMAHON!!! You are all a joke. Get over it and move on back to your perfect lives!
On the point of TNA doing things so much better...are they?? I didn't realise TNA was as popular with the fans as WWE?? Sure they may look after their stars a little bit better but tell me Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Sting etc. get paid the wages of Cena, Batista, Lashley and co.? These guys all know very well the pro's and con's that go with being stars in their respective brands. It's no different to me being in the job I am in. I work ridiculously long hours under huge amounts of stress but I do it knowing I am in it for the money. That's the choice I make, noone forces me to do it. I have a responsibility to do this job, it exerts the pressures etc on me, is it my employers fault? No, because the job needs to be done. If I can't do it properly, who tells me to use any means neccessary to keep up? My employer? No, me, because I am the one who wants to take home the pay cheque, so I am the one who uses whatever means I deem neccessary. If I can't handle it, I'm not being chained to my desk, I can leave and take a less stressful job with less hours...but I take the smaller pay cheque too...that's my choice.
The only person to blame for Benoit's murder/suicide is Benoit. You can't even blame the Dr...blame Benoit, I am sure the Dr didn't approach him and say "Hey Chris, I can hook you up with 12 months supply of steroid every 3 months...you down?". I have a feeling it would have been Benoit saying "Hey doc, I need you to hook me up man...big time!"
Now everyone shut up and get back to work before you fall so far behind you need something to enhance your performance....(makes you think doesn't it)
about 1 year ago
Really, I don't have to blame anyone else. The people that tune in to the lowest possible common denominator programing are to blame for any de-evolution of a "sport" that was, frankly, already the worst possible thing one could subject themselves to. It's idiotic and appeals to nothing but the baser animal instincts regardless of which decade one chooses to sample from. It's always been garbage and always will be, and the only people to blame are the ones who keep lining up for more garbage.
about 1 year ago
It was Vince McMahon who made wrestling what it is today. Sure its not as popular as it was in the 90's... but if people wanted wrestling to be how it was in the 70s/80s, it would be on TV today.
about 1 year ago
anyone who has seem chris benoit wrestle or knows him would know that he could np kill his family and as for the people who say that their r his friends and r saying he did it f**k you all
about 1 year ago
A lot of the Comments am reading (that he didn t kill his family) seem to stem from denial. It Can't be!, He could not do that! .
Most of us liked his screen character, but remember his TV life was scripted, so did we really know him?. On the surface he looked a "good" guy but the scripts also helped. Maybe he didn t do it but from the info we have, MOST LIKELY he did.
I think there can be a lot of hidden anger in SOME of these wrestlers and the ring may be just an outlet for them.Not just anyone has the personality to get into te ring and do what they do.They may be doing it as the "good" guys but don't be fooled. The intensity by which they fight just leaves you wondering. Maybe they need counseling? (Just a thought)
Personally I don't think he was a "monster", at least not in the beggining, but like a drug addict who was caught up in this lifestyle. The contests are scripted and you have little control. At least if it was boxing you'd practice so you hardly get touched by your opponent in the ring. On the other hand there is the fame and money that goes with it, and so you re stuck and you can't quit. The anger builds inside and the outlet is to fight intensely and take it out on your opponent (as we see them do).
Of course the wrestling organizations are also to blame they supervise all this and reap from it (I won t repeat what has been said above)
But where does it all start? As they often say, it starts with you and me (society).
We create the environment for WWE and the rest to cash in on our twisted perception of entertainment and when something like this happens, we blame everyone else.
about 1 year ago
nobody wants to play the blame game here but evidence shows that Benoit unfortunitely did do this horrific crime. But we should focus on the victims the real ones and that's his wife and child. Due to his stupidity they all died and may they rest in peace. It is really too bad that he went out this way. He was a great wrestler and dispite what he did he was a great man he just snapped and I suppose anyone can. R.I.P. all
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