Benoit’s achievements in the ring are overshadowed by domestic tragedy.
WWE has produced a series of wrestling masterminds. Among them are Kane, John Cena, and Hulk Hogan. But those wrestlers made names in the ring. Chris Benoit made his name that way, too. But there was much more to Chris Benoit’s story.
Chris Benoit was born on May 21, 1967, in Montreal, Canada, and grew up in Edmonton. At age 12, Benoit attended a wrestling event. It would change his life.
He began training to become a professional wrestler and, made his debut in 1985 as part of the Hart Family. He wrestled in North America and Japan before winning his first major championship in 1990. He would go on to win plenty more championships, too, and he’s also well known in WCW circles for the ongoing feud he had with fellow wrestler, Booker T.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL0FVqR1GLo
In 1999, Chris wrestled as a tribute to fellow wrestler, Owen Hart, who died due to an equipment malfunction. By that time, Chris went by the nickname ‘Dynamite’ and ‘White Pegasus.’
But then his life came crashing down. In 2007 police were sent to Chris’s home and found three people dead. His wife had been stabbed. His son had been drugged and strangled. Chris was found hanging by his pullout lat machine. He was only 40 years old.
WWE wants to induct Chris into the Wrestling Hall of Fame. Not surprisingly, it’s a controversial move. Yes, he was a stand out wrestler, but he also committed two murders before taking his own life.
At the very least, Benoit’s tragic ending can be a lifeline to others. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
