Chris Benoit

Finding myself at a loss for words is a rare feat, but upon learning of the death and the tragic incidents surrounding WWE superstar Chris Benoit, I find it hard to find the appropriate words. Last night, when Vince McMahon appeared to kick off Monday Night Raw and explained that Benoit, his wife, and his son were found dead in Atlanta, I, like much of the world, was stunned. What has transpired over the past 24 hours has turned stunned into confused, angered, and hurt.
Aside from Ric Flair (WOOOOOOOOOO!), Benoit has always been one of my favorite in-ring performers. Like legions of other wrestling fans, I was always impressed with the Crippler’s intensity between the ropes. His mic skills left something to be desired, but you could fee his passion for the business when he knife-edge chopped the hell out of some poor schmo’s chest. No matter his status in the storyline, or his place on a PPV card, you knew that Benoit was going to give it his all, and leave it all in the ring.
Now, we find that the former world champion ended his career and his life by snuffing the breath from his wife and seven year old son, and hanging himself in the aftermath. How can we continue to idiolize and respect such a monster? For so many events in my life, things have been black and white, but when confronted with a hero of mine ending his existence in such a horrific and disgusting way, I find it hard to simply condemn him and his actions. As years go by, perhaps respect for his abilities in the ring can overshadow his tormented life out of it – the reality is pro wrestling will take a large hit from this episode (Benoit appears to have been using anabolic steroids), and the Crippler’s legacy will be forever tarnished. For now, I pray for the extended family of Chris Benoit, his wife and son, and all those like me searching for answers.