Chris Benoit found dead

last SG · 2007-06-26T11:53:44+00:00

Vince is not dead for goodness sake! Thats the wwe storyline!

SGpork SG

Shocked Shocked Shocked

Maddydog SG

from the wwe.com source .

it says Chris Benoit Killed his wife and son before finally killing himself. x.x
what the hell is wrong sia.

this year so many westler died. i think wwe going to collapes le lahhs !

R.I.P the Crippler T_T

sand king SG

yea man, he hung himself on some weight lifting machine

Short Ninja SG

Stay away from Steroids boys and girls Idea

Maddydog SG

weight lifting machine ? wthh x.x

too much steriods x.x

club18 SG

i see alot ppl talk about how sad cos chris benoit die..

why no 1 say his wife and kid poor thing huh?
i mean he commited murder leh..

Dead_Man_Inc SG

WWE Tour to go on as planned

THE SINGAPORE Indoor Stadium (SIS) has confirmed that the WWE Smackdown SummerSlam Tour in Singapore on 28 July will go ahead as planned.

Chris Benoit had been scheduled to appear at the 'I Am WWE' contest-cum-roadshow at Bugis Junction next Friday to promote the show.

'SIS is shocked and saddened by this tragic news', said Ms Denise Marsh, General Manager of SIS.

UPDATES

'We are currently maintaining regular contact with the show promoter in Australia to gain further insight into the incident and will pass on any updates as they become available'.

Ms Fiona Gulin, Marketing Director of Dainty Consolidated Entertainment (show promoter) added, 'As we share in the grief expressed by WWE supporters worldwide for this unfortunate event, we wish to assure local fans that both the roadshow on 6 July and the SummerSlam Tour on 28 July will go ahead as scheduled.'

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/sports/story/0,4136,134337,00.html

the Bear SG

this is eerie...

seems that Benoit's wife's death was posted in wikipedia 14 hours before the cops found out..

clicky here for the report => MSNBC News

Kuali Baba SG

I only just remembered that I saw him at Suntec City 5 years ago... Confused

Dead_Man_Inc SG

Confused

=Optimus= SG

Sorry if I sound blunt, R.I.H, rest in hell, he is a murderer of his wife and kid, he will burn in hell

WiNtEr'SkiLL SG

very sad case.. hais.. he was such a gd wrestler Shocked Shocked

newcomer SG

he’s a monster

limpshaggy SG

Chris Benoit WikiPedia Mystery [/b]

The Fox News Channel is reporting that an investigation has been launched regarding an entry made on Wikipedia that apparently noted the death of Nancy Benoit fourteen hours before the Benoit family was discovered deceased in their Fayetteville, GA home. Investigators want to know who made that entry, and there is speculation that it could have been Chris Benoit himself. Benoit sent strange text messages to friends and John Laurinaitis prior to the wrestler taking his own life.

Fox News is reporting that Chris Benoit's profile entry on the Wikipedia website was changed to note that he missed the WWE Vengeance pay-per-view, "due to personal issues, stemming from the death of his wife Nancy" 14 hours before the Benoit family was found dead.

The edit was made a minute past midnight Eastern Time. It was an anonymous edit from the IP address 69.120.111.23 using the Internet service provider Optimum Online. The IP was traced to a (so far) anonymous user originating in Stamford, CT, which of course is the headquarters of World Wrestling Entertainment. Then just one hour later after the first edit reversion, another anonymous edit by 125.63.148.173 using unwiredAustralia.com.au, a wireless Internet service provider, was made adding about the aforementioned personal issues: "which according to several pro wrestling websites is attributed to the passing of Benoit's wife, Nancy." That edit was reverted just under 20 minutes later, with the comment: "Saying 'several pro wrestling websites' is still not reliable information." Further investigation shows that the IP address used to make the first edit is located in Connecticut, but the IP address is not linked to any computers or servers used by the WWE. The second edit was made by a computer in Australia from a wireless network.

Confession From Mystery Poster Claim Concidence [/b]

The following is from Wikipedia.com:

The anonymous individual responsible for suggesting, 14 hours before police discovered the body, that WWE wrestler Chris Benoit's wife was dead is confessing, saying his/her comment was a "terrible coincidence."

The anonymous editor left a lengthy apology to the Wikimedia community, explaining, "I hope this puts an end to this speculation that someone knew about the tragedy before it was discovered."

Below is the full, unedited apology:

"... Hey everyone. I am here to talk about the wikipedia comment that was left by myself. I just want to say that it was an incredible coincidence. Last weekend, I had heard about Chris Benoit no showing Vengeance because of a family emergency, and I had heard rumors about why that was. I was reading rumors and speculation about this matter online, and one of them included that his wife may have passed away, and I did the wrong thing by posting it on wikipedia to spite there being no evidence. I posted my speculation on the situation at the time and I am deeply sorry about this, and I was just as shocked as everyone when I heard that this actually would happen in real life. It is one of those things that just turned into a huge coincidence. That night I found out that what I posted, ended up actually happening, a 1 in 10,000 chance of happening, or so I thought. I was beyond wrong for posting wrongful information, and I am sorry to everyone for this. I just want everyone to know it was stupid of me, and I will never do anything like this again. I just posted something that was at that time a piece of wrong unsourced information that is typical on wikipedia, as it is done all the time.

Nonetheless, I feel incredibly bad for all the attention this got because of the fact that what I said turned out to be the truth. Like I said it was just a major coincidence, and I will never vandalize anything on wikipedia or post wrongful information. I've learned from this experience. I just can't believe what I wrote was actually the case, I've remained stunned and saddened over it.

I wish not to reveal my identity so I can keep me and my family out of this since they have nothing to do with anything. I am not connected to WWE or Benoit at all in anyway. I am from Stamford as the IP address shows, and I am just an everyday individual who posted a wrongful remark at the time that received so much attention because it turned out to actually happen. I will say again I didn't know anything about the Benoit tragedy, it was a terrible coincidence that I never saw coming.

I hope this puts an end to this speculation that someone knew about the tragedy before it was discovered. It was just a rumor that I had heard about from other people online who were speculating what the family emergency Chris was attending to. I made a big mistake by posting this comment on his page, since all we had were what we thought was going on and nothing about what actually was going on yet, and sadly what happened turned out to be my speculation at the time. I assumed wiki would edit out my information, which they did, so thats why I didn't go back to edit it out myself.

I know I keep repeating it but I feel terrible about the mainstream coverage this has received, since it was only a huge coincidence and a terrible event that should of never happened. I am not sure how to react, as hearing about my message becoming a huge part of the Benoit slayings made me feel terrible as everyone believes that it is connected to the tragedy, but it was just an awful coincidence. That is all I have to say, I will never post anything here again unless it is pure fact, no spam nothing like that. Thank you, and let this end this chapter of the Benoit story, and hopefully one day we will find out why this tragedy ever actually happened."

Investigators Not Convinced [/b]

Investigators seized computers believed to belong to the individual who posted a Wikipedia entry late Sunday night stating that Nancy Benoit had died some 13 hours before she was discovered deceased in her home. "It is unbelievable what a hindrance this has put on our investigation. We've got to put a lot of effort and time into working to prove or disprove that someone put up a hoax situation or that somebody was conceiving the death from out of state," Lt. Tommy Pope told ABC News.

limpshaggy SG

Debra (formerly of WCW and WWE), the ex-wife of Steve Austin and Superstar Billy Graham were interviewed on Fox New Channels Hannity and Colmes.

Debra Marshall

Stone Cold Steve Austins ex-wife Debra spoke on the FOX 31 web site about the Benoit family tragedy. Domestic and drug abuse is out of hand in the WWE and something needs to be done about it, commented Williams, who also claimed that she witnessed Austin use steroids. If only I had spoken up sooner, maybe Nancy and her little boy would be alive today ... That's why I'm going public now. Something has to change! A victim of domestic violence in 2002 by Austin, Debra told the web site that she filed for a restraining order from Austin after a third incident between the couple. Debra alleged in the web site that Austin forced her to write a letter to the courts, ending the restraining order. Debra later consented to a gag order regarding the matter

- Debra said Austin took steroids, and she saw him use them.

- She said the wrestling industry is a hush hush business, and people dont talk about this topic openly.

- She attributes Austins domestic abuse on her to steroid abuse.

- Marshall said she thought the last time she was attacked by Austin, she was going to die. It was roid rage in her opinion, and he had been drinking.

- She said she showed up to work with bruises, but nobody said anything because Austin made millions for the company.

- She said if she had spoken up years ago, maybe Nancy and Daniel would be alive today.

- She said WWE told her not say anything about the domestic abuse.

- She said WWE is deflecting the heat about roid rage.

- Marshall said that Graham has never been on the end of someone being abused by somebody on steroids.

Superstar Billy Graham

- Graham said WWE is not responsible for the Benoit tragedy, as the San Francisco Giants would not be responsible if Barry Bonds had a roid rage.

- He said WWE isnt a baby sister, and wrestlers must be responsible for their own actions.

- Graham wondered if there were pain killers, sleeping pills, anti-depressants, etc. in the home, as the media only asked if steroids were found.

- Graham said his wife Valerie has seen some of his past rages.

- Graham said Benoit passed a WWE drug test in April for steroids, but has no doubt that Benoit has used steroids in the past.

Chris Jericho

- Y2J characterized the Benoit case as a tale of two cities. Jericho said Benoit was his mentor, and one of his best friends. Y2J said he had told Benoit he loved him.

- I think it goes a lot deeper than that, said Jericho when asked about steroid being a factor.

- Y2J never discussed his sons condition. Jericho said Benoit was a quiet person. Jericho said he wouldnt be surprised if Benoits parents never knew of Daniels condition.

- Jericho said when he learned of Daniels fragile X syndrome condition, it made sense since the young Benoit had the symptoms such as lack of social skills, flapping of the hands, being hyper, having trouble focusing, ADHD, having a bigger head with smaller ears, etc. Previously, Jericho thought Daniel was naturally withdrawn like Benoit.

- fabrication, said Y2J of reports that Benoit was distraught about being demoted to the ECW brand. Jericho said Benoit was on the verge of winning of the ECW title, and would have been a coach/mentor in WWEs third brand.

- Jericho said Benoit never had a job of outside of the wrestling business.

- Jericho said Benoits son is 14 years old and daughter is 10 or 11, and hanging in there.

- Jericho suggested that Benoit had a deep dark mental problem that had been building inside him for years.

- Jericho said Benoit loved his children, and even would fly home just to be with his kids for a few hours.

- Jericho said the WWE drug testing is random and independently done. He said wrestlers have failed the drug test, and suggested they ask Vince McMahon for the names.

* On a side note, Nancy Grace brought up the Wikipedia entry, and a suggestion was made that perhaps Benoit had told someone of his wifes death.

* A caller asked about a scenario that Benoit himself was murdered, and the panel insisted that the evidence doesnt support that theory. A guest suggested that until the toxicology reports come in, that perhaps Nancy Benoit killed Daniel since she was a womans wrestler.

Bret Hart

- Hart said the Wikipedia tidbit is just another bizarre piece to the puzzle.

- Hart said he doesnt know anyone who received a text message from Benoit.

- Hart doesnt refute that Benoit was taking testosterone. Hart said he wants to get to the bottom of this like everyone.

- Hart said there has been a problem with steroid use in wrestling, but noted that WWE is drug testing.

- Hart said wrestlers took steroids during the Hulk Hogan years to help in recuperating their bodies.

- Hart said WWE has previously drug tested, but had abandoned testing until the Eddy Guerrero death.

- He said his best matches were when he was steroid free.

Bret Hart joined FOX News live tonight speaking about the Benoit tragedy. He says he has known Chris Benoit since he was 11 or 12 years old and that he was a remarkable little kid who was obsessed with wrestling. Just a few years later Benoit learned how to wrestle at around 16 or 17, and his whole life was about wrestling. He says that Benoit was one of the best in the business, and that everyone backstage loved him.

Hart says that he Benoit had a lot of respect for everyone, and he was a leader in the locker room who carried the ball for the roster and implemented respect in the young wrestlers. Hart says that Benoit has 2 other children, and he has spoken to the oldest of the two who is very confused by the whole thing but is staying strong.

Bret says that Benoit has likely used steroids throughout his career, but that he thinks when Eddie Guerrero died, WWEs new drug policy was strong enough to prevent drug abuse in the company. He doesnt think that steroids played a role in the murders.

He closes off the interview saying that he never knew anything was wrong with Daniels health at all, and was shocked to hear the reports about whatever disease it was that he apparently had. He says he never heard Chris ever say anything was wrong with his son.

Joanie Chyna Doll Laurer

- Im disgusted and horrified, said Laurer of the Benoit tragedy.

- She said WWE has had major read flags over the years.

- Laurer said she was never drug tested when she was in the WWE.

- She said she never used steroids, but feared using them as a womens wrestler.

- Very quiet and talent, said of Benoit. She said he was trained in Japan. She said she didnt know Nancy Benoit.

limpshaggy SG

John Bradshaw Layfield

The following is JBL's blog

I want to say my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the horrific events that happened this past weekend with the Benoit family. I have never been this close to a tragedy of this scale, and still have no understanding how this incomprehensible thing could have happened. I knew the family well, and I dont want to add my speculation to what happened. I just want to say, I wish it never had, I think it is deplorable and my heart is broken that it did.

Matt Hardy, in his latest blog entry, wrote:
I haven't always agreed with every decision Vince McMahon has made, but I do agree with everything he's done dealing with this situation thus far. Out of respect for the sudden death of Benoit's family and his contributions to the business, I think Vince did the right thing by canceling the scheduled Raw. When the decision was made to make Raw a Chris Benoit tribute show, the WWE was only doing what seemed respectful and right at that time. When more information was discovered, the WWE took a different and appropriate stance towards their programming. The ECW and Smackdown shows this week were dedicated to our great fans. Wrestling fans who were grieving and confused over this tragedy needed us, including me, to entertain them. I feel it is my responsibility, as well as my pleasure, to put smiles on people's faces and give them an escape from reality. I know Vince feels that way as well. Chris Benoit was always kind, considerate, and professional when I interacted with him. Like everyone else, I was shocked when everything came out. I can't believe Chris Benoit and his wife and child are dead as I type this. As of now, all of the strange pieces of this puzzle haven't been put together yet. My thoughts and prayers go out to Benoit's other two children as well as the immediate family and friends of the deceased. More than anything, I feel terrible for little Daniel--he was as innocent as any human being could possibly be. This is a terrible and sad tragedy. I am very disappointed with how many media outlets are lapping the entire population of professional wrestlers into this situation. There are many outstanding, wonderful people that do so many great things for the world that I work and wrestle with. It's not fair or accurate. Tell the people you love that you love them, and never lose sight of what's really important in life. We may not ever understand why this tragedy happened, but we have to learn from it. Stay strong--life is too precious and too short. I have much more I want to say about the activities of the last few days. If it's appropriate, I definitely will. Be well my friends, I'll talk to you soon..

WWE Diva Victoria made the following statement through a MySpace bulletin: Hey All. I had planned ..ing off talking about a recent trip to an arena football game, but I would be remiss not to address the Chris Benoit situation. Everyone who knew anything about wrestling knew of his in-ring contributions. I truly don't know what I can say and not get in trouble with the WWE. Anyone who reads my blogs regularly knows how much I love wrestling, and being part of the WWE. But I think what I have to say is more important. His son, Daniel, came to many shows. We bonded. He a was a cute little boy. What Chris did was selfish and hurtful. I fear that him being a superstar in some way glamorizes the situation. That's not what suicide is. It is selfish and hurtful. As long as you have a breath to breathe, you can make change to improve your life. You can talk to family, or friends, or clergy. And if you're not comfortable with any of them, here are two phone numbers for a Suicide and Crisis Hotline. 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE) or 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). They take calls 24/7. You always have options. Maybe someday I'll be able to forgive Chris, but not today. God Bless Us All, Lisa Marie

The Following is from Rob Van Dam(RVD) Official Website

Well, theres no need to wait until we have our heads wrapped around this, because I doubt thatll happen, so here it is. I know that a monster committed those terrible, unforgivable acts of horror. Just like everyone who knew Chris Benoit, I cant think of him as a monster. Not Chris.

Chris was truly a role models role model. You simply had to respect him and admire his focus and unmatched discipline. If I ever got asked a question about who I looked up to the most in the business, you guessed it. Thats me sharing a real feeling with you. Not talking about bull shit that I have little interest in, like who would I like most to wrestle with, or whats my favorite color, but who I actually looked up to in the dressing room. Its Chris Benoit- in the ring and in the dressing room and with his family.

The last time I talked to Chris, a few weeks ago, he told me how much he respected me for stepping away from the business. His message now comes to me from beyond. He said Some of us dont know when to get out. I told him that I always held a little contempt for him telling me back in 1992 that I was a dumb-ass for wanting to quit WCW, and mentioned the irony.

Over the last several years, on overseas tours Id always see Chris in the gym when the other guys were recovering from the night before. Hed train hard and sometimes Id see him allowing young wrestlers to follow his lead and get a guaranteed killer workout. He took pride in what he did and set a great example for others, myself included, to follow.

How many murderersbaby murderers at that are praised so highly by EVERYONE who knew them? This is all so bizarre and new information seems to come out every few hours but I cant imagine well ever understand what happened here. It appears that Chris took the answers with him. To tell you the honest truth, the easiest thing for me to believe at this moment is that if no frame work was involved, he was taken over by demonic energies with no compassion. I have to believe this is often the case with such inhumane acts.

Nancy, Daniel and Chris tragic deaths obviously have affected a lot of people. Just remember, theres enough hate in this world. Hateful thoughts do not move us in the right direction, so make a conscious effort to remember that. Its important now and always.

Michael Benoit (Chris' father)

"We have no understanding why it happened. It's going to take us a long time to come to terms with this, and we may never come to terms with it."

limpshaggy SG

Former professional wrestler Lex Luger who lives in the Metro Atlanta area told 11Alive News Wednesday that he is shocked and saddened by the death of Chris Benoit. Police said Benoit killed himself after strangling his wife and smothering his 7-year-old son inside their Fayetteville home this past weekend. Benoit and Luger were aquainted through wrestling but Luger told 11Alive's Valerie Hoff that the two had not seen each other in some time. Luger said alcohol and drugs, including steroids, wreaked havoc on his own life for years before a jail chaplain converted him to Christianity. He said he believes it is possible steroid use played a part in the Benoit family tragedy. "Obviously, they were in his home. Let's face it. There's a pretty good chance he was on them and to discount that they didn't play a role, as far as with his temperament, I'd be lying if I said there wasn't that possibility," Luger told 11Alive's Valerie Hoff. Luger is now a fitness and nutrition coach in Cobb County.

Jillian Hall is the first WWE star to really speak out against Chris Benoit. She posted a likely controversial blog entry on her MySpace page earlier today regarding the Benoit situation. She said what he did "is completely disgusting and unforgiveable!" However, she pulled it a few hours later. Here is the blog entry that was deleted: Time to Speak. Well, by now the whole world knows of the horrible news that took place this week. With all of the comments and messages from people saying how sorry they are for our loss, I figured I would speak in general. I am 100% in agreeance with WWE and Mr. McMahon on completely erasing all tributes to Chris Benoit. While he had always been nice and polite to me and most of the WWE talent, what he did is completely disgusting and unforgiveable! This man who could have been a legend has demolished his reputation. My heart goes out to Nancy and the adorable Daniel and the family and friends they left behind!

The following is from Kurt Angle's official website, KurtAngleTNA.com: "Kurt hopes that you will join him in extending condolences and prayers for the survivors of the Chris Benoit Family. This news is very sad for all of us that knew and loved Chris. It is a sad tragedy and we wish the best for the family members that have to deal with this situation and go forward from this."

RAW color commentator Jim Ross released the following comments concerning the Chris Benoit Tragedy, the media, and this past Monday's RAW on his web site:

The senseless and tragic death of the 3 people in the double murder-suicide that occurred over the weekend in the Benoits home in an Atlanta suburb is a nightmare that one still wants to awake from. For those of us that knew Chris, Nancy, and Daniel on a personal level it is still hard to believe that this horrific event could even occur much less why.

The last time I saw the three of them together was at Wrestlemania 23 and my wife and I had a long visit with the Benoits and at no time could one detect that there were any issues whatsoever. I even had the occasion to speak at length privately to Nancy and she said things were fine at home. As well as Nancy and I knew each other, if that had not been the case, she would have inferred otherwise I assure you. Like so many others who attended the event on that night, the Benoit family was happy and enjoying the moment.

So what happened? I do not know. No one knows. We will hopefully know more when the toxicology reports are completed. Until then all anyone has, including the media, is supposition based on speculation. To garner ratings, the media will continue to make this as huge a story as possible, even without all the facts. Thats the business in which they are involved. Remember when the media, without all the facts, essentially convicted the Duke Lacrosse team several months ago only to find out that there was no case but in the spirit of ratings and to scoop the competition, the three young men from the Duke Lacrosse team were in essence ruled guilty by the media?

I know this damn sure isnt a Duke Lacrosse matter or even remotely close, because two innocent people are dead. But again we hear the media rush to judgment about why and how this horrific chain of events came to pass, but still without the evidence or a valid motive. So then why are three people dead? What caused this irrational and totally uncharacteristic behavior from an individual who hereto for had never demonstrated such tendencies in his workplace, not even once? I dont know and neither does anyone else until the medical examiner can provide more information and then there will be most likely questions in this matter than may never be answered. I know this, God knows and he will deal with this matter accordingly.

Plus, some of those who have or are loosely associated with wrestling and who are making statements with little or no background of the facts of this matter or who simply want another 15 minutes are in a large sense pathetic.

The bottom line is that a woman and a small child are dead of murder and that is an utter shame. That act is inexcusable. The victims families need to be held close to our hearts and in our prayers. Lets consider putting forth as much passion and effort in prayer and reflection as some are in playing amateur detective and wannabe investigative reporters. Lets spend a little more time with our own families while we are at it, because there are no guarantees about tomorrow and we should covet every day we are blessed to have with our loved ones. I know this, I am going to do all I can to spend more time with family and friends than ever before as this sad situation has slapped me in the face in more ways than one.

I have had friends who questioned the Benoit-themed Monday Night Raw, especially in light of the events that occurred in the Benoit home. For all those who seem to know all the answers and seemingly like to give the appearance of having 20/20 vision after the fact let me add this; when we went on the air at 7 p.m. central time, all we knew was that the police, at the WWEs urging, had gone to the home and had found three dead bodies in the Benoit home Monday afternoon. This information was confirmed to us late in the day Monday in Corpus Christi and that was all we knew. There was no talk from the authorities themselves of a double murder suicide that was relayed to us in Texas. The facts came out as the night progressed and more facts are still being released several days after this unspeakable nightmare.

Obviously, and in my opinion, if the WWE had known the information of what had actually happened in suburban Atlanta over the weekend, a different decision regarding Mondays three hour retrospective to Benoits career would have obviously been different.

I know that Benoits behavior was totally uncharacteristic of him, as I knew him over so many years as he was one of the most professional and polite men with which I have ever been associated. I dont know why this sickening chain of events happened, but murder, especially taking ones own childs life, is unpardonable. I am anxious to read the results of the toxicology reports as the next curious individual but the bottom line is that 3 people are dead including a mother and her son.

It is not too late for all of us to change how we deal with our own families and our friends and to honor every day we have the privilege of being on this earth. Remember, we are all only passing through, so take every day as a gift and continue to count all ones blessings.

Today can truly be the first day in the rest of our lives. God Bless all of you that are suffering. Lean on GodHe can handle it.
J.R.

limpshaggy SG

The following is from The Toronto Sun:

Chris Benoit was a "delusional juice freak" who chased the dark side and had trouble distinguishing between his fictional character and reality, says the man who started him out in professional wrestling.

"The last time I saw him he was in pretty rough shape mentally," said Bruce Hart, son of the legendary Stu Hart. "I didn't know all the details but I knew it wasn't good. I was not at all shocked (by what happened).

"If I could see and determine that in a few visits, how the hell could they (World Wrestling Entertainment) not have known something was wrong? (In my opinion) I think the WWE needs to re-evaluate what it is doing here."

Hart will not simplify the shocking murder of Benoit's wife and 7-year-old son or the eventual suicide of the wrestler by attributing it only to steroid usage. But he truly believes that steroid abuse, in combination with delusional behaviour, painkillers and failing health -- "almost all the people we started out with (who did steroids) began breaking down around 40," Hart said -- is a deadly cocktail that needs to be further examined.

"I've known too many wrestlers who couldn't separate the character they play on television from their real life," said Hart, who has wrestled professionally, promoted wrestling and trained wrestlers all his life.

"Wrestlers start believing their press clippings and what is said on television. It's like an actor leaving the set but still playing the part. There's a delusional element to this. I've seen it over and over again. Some people can't separate the character from real life, and Chris was one of those people.

"From my experience, that has been quite prevalent with wrestlers and that becomes exacerbated by steroids, drugs, painkillers and failing health."

They hadn't seen each other much over the past few years, with Hart still in Calgary and Benoit working the circuit. "We saw each other mostly at funerals," Hart said. "At my brother's (Owen), my dad's, my brother-in-law's (Davey Boy Smith). Not that long ago I was talking to Hillbilly Jim and we were reminiscing a little. I told him I was worried about Chris."

While the WWE has a drug-testing policy, Hart believes they should bring in psychologists and physicians to evaluate not only their drug-testing procedures but how they treat their athletes, deal with them, and the toll their gimmicks take on the lives of their performers.

"Imagine if Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Mark Messier were all dead in their 40s. Imagine what the reaction would be?" Hart asked. "There would be investigations and more investigations. Wouldn't people want to know what happened and why?"

Hart was also deeply angered that the WWE aired a three-hour tribute to Benoit on Monday night.

"I kept hearing 'He was a nice guy, a great guy' and I knew him when he was a kid. But all I know now is he's a murderer," Hart said. In my opinion, "for them to do a tribute show was disgraceful."

Officials at WWE Canada refused to comment yesterday.

WWE owner Vince McMahon told NBC Today Show viewers yesterday that "steroids may or may not have had anything to do with this. It's all speculation until the toxicology reports come back."

Hart did wonder if Benoit had been given an unfavourable medical report, which may been another factor in his violent behaviour. "A lot of the steroid users start getting liver and kidney problems around the age of 40," Hart said. "There are a lot of wrestlers out there who are dead that you never heard about whose bodies broke down. I've known others who had looming health issues and went a little crazy. Maybe this caused him to go off."

WWE superstar King Booker sat down with KHOU out of Houston, Texas today to talk about the Benoit tragedy. Below are some of the highlights.

Booker said that he knew Benoit personally and as most people in the business that knew Benoit have said, commented that he had never seen a bad side of Benoit. He noted that he knew Benoits wife Nancy and all of his children. He characterized what has happened as completely "out of the norm and unexplainable."

Booker noted that he wrestled Benoit in 75-100 matches and just recently talked to him for about thirty minutes about the wrestling business. "We're all tired at certain points, we work a lot of hours, but I never saw this side of Chris. I've never seen Chris mad. I've never seen Chris angry. He was always the guy with a lot of positive energy, always pushing the guys."

He went on to tell a story of a student that came to his wrestling school in Houston, Texas to be trained. Booker said that the student arrived from Illinois, with no way to go back and had $800 in his pocket. He revealed that the student carried around a photo of Benoit and Eddie Guerrero with him, as he was inspired by them to pursue a career in professional wrestling. "That was just the type of person he was, always encouraging people. He didn't even know this guy, but that's the type of person he was." Booker commented.

When roid rage was brought up in the interview, Booker commented, "The media is going to put a spin on it, you know. We know that. WWE knows that. Did the guy last week who murders his wife and kid last week have any form of roid rage? He was a cop. This happens in any form of life. I feel like the human life is a delicate piece of equipment and everyone has their breaking point. We don't know what his breaking point was. You don't know what my point is, I don't know what your point is. We're all human. I just think it was a huge malfunction and whatever it was, we may never know. It's not for us to know. It's out of our hands and with God now."

Booker said that the wrestling industry is a huge family and hes cried and wanted to pull his hair out over the tragedy. He revealed that he loved Chris and said that he is mad to see him "go out like this. I'm pissed at him in certain ways. I wish I could just hold him for a second, but it's out of our hands. I'll be there at the funeral and tell him goodbye and hopefully see him on the other side. Hopefully, I'll find out what happened one day."

darkfuryex SG

wth this thing is getting weirder amd scarier days by days

limpshaggy SG

All these messages were made before the sordid details regarding the Benoit family tragedy came out.

-- Former WWE Diva Trish Stratus had the following message posted on her official website:

Trish Remembers Chris Benoit

We are deeply saddened over the loss of Chris Benoit. Trish had this to say:

"Chris was an incredible person, wrestler and friend. To the wrestling business he is the epitome of excellence, an example of dedication and passion, someone who lived their dreams. I shared many moments with Chris, I had the privilage of being his tag partner, we shared a Canadian heritage, we even shared a gap tooth, something that we laughed about years ago. Nancy was a beautiful person inside and out, it was always a pleasure to share a conversation with her, her smile lighting up a room. Their son Daniel rounded out a beautiful family. My thoughts are with the family, friends, as well as others whose lives Chris and his family touched. What an amazing life. I am deeply saddened by Chris' passing, and humbled by all that he was able to accomplish."

-- Shortly after the news broke out, WWE Diva Queen Sharmell sent out the following message on MySpace

Feel free to leave your thoughts on our forum. Thanks for the well wishes, and voices of support, as we have lost a dear family....

There are no easy words at a time like this. We have already endured a difficult week, with the death of our beloved "Sensational Sherri", and now with the unfortunate news of the untimely passing of Chris Benoit and his family. My husband and I would first like to extend our thoughts and prayers to entire Benoit family, during this difficult period.

Chris Benoit was a tenacious rival, a gracious gentleman, and most of all, a wonderful friend. Booker and I had the honor of knowing Chris and his family for more than a decade, and our lives have been enriched ever since. While our hearts are saddened, we choose to celebrate Chris' life, his achievements, and his undying dedication to both this business, and to you the fans.

The "Rabid Wolverine" may be gone, but his legacy will not be forgetten. Chris' tenacity will live on, as he will be emulated for years to come (just as he sought to emulate his idol, The Dynamite Kid). In conclusion, we hope that this tragedy serves to help people focus on what is truly important, as we certainly will. Please be grateful for everything that you have, and always keep your family ties as strong as possible.

Queen Sharmell

-- Gregory Helms posted the following blog entry just after the news of the Benoit family death broke out. However, when the sad details regarding the deaths came out, he pulled the blog:

To my friend Chris Benoit R.I.P.

I was sitting here at my computer when I got a call informing me of the death of Chris Benoit and his family. Other than saying that my thoughts go out to to his remaining family, I don't know what to say. Chris had just called me on Thursday to check on me as he has every week since my surgery and now days later I find out that he's gone. He was my friend. This hurts! This f**ing sucks!!!! Rest in peace my friend! Love you!

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