Chris Benoit; There isn’t probably another name in the professional wrestling business that evokes so many emotions.
Someone who inspired a plethora of current wrestlers to take up the profession, Benoit’s legacy has almost vanished from the wrestling folklore these days. Of course, the fans remember him and so do all those people who knew him, but for a new fan that tunes into the sport, the name Chris Benoit is unlikely to ring any bells.
This because WWE has managed to erase even the tiniest trace of him from their history books; a proof that the business not only makes stars, it also breaks them. For someone who dedicated his entire life to professional wrestling and inspired millions; the Voldemort treatment that Benoit gets is something worth debating.
As we professional wrestling fans have opinions about each and every aspect of the business, here is a look at some reasons why Benoit should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Now, just before this starts, these are strictly personal opinions and backlash for these are expected; so if you have an opinion against or for the topic, do have a healthy discussion in the comments section.
A worthy Mention: The mysteries surrounding his death
The official reason for Chris Benoit’s death was ruled as a double murder and suicide. The whole hate that is directed towards Benoit comes due to this sole reason. While the ruling was decisive, the fact that there are still unsolved questions surrounding Benoit’s death needs to be taken into consideration.
These unsolved questions range from the call that Chavo Guerrero received, to text messages that Chris sent on Sunday. But then again, people out there have explanations for many of these, irrespective of whether they are true or not. Furthermore, we are probably never going to know what happened inside the house for obvious reasons.
So are we reaching to conclusions without clearing all the questions? Maybe or maybe not; Just food for thought.
#5 His contributions to WWE were one of the reasons for his brain condition
Now, let’s go with the official ruling that Benoit killed his family and committed suicide. This, in no terms, is defended in the article. But studies have shown that Benoit was suffering some brain condition that was a direct result of the long career that he had in the business.
Benoit made his wrestling debut back 1985 at the age of 18. He wrestled all over the world and came to WWE in 2000. The Rabid Wolverine was shot to the top in no time, and while most of his peers relied on goofy storylines and edgy content to put themselves over, Benoit relied on one thing: his in ring work.
In fact, Benoit was the face of WWE’s Ruthless Aggression era, which still outclasses the Attitude Era in terms of wrestling quality. His blood and sweat were key in the foundation of WWE’s transition from Attitude Era to Ruthless Aggression, and these contributions are overshadowed due to the tragedy that happened.
#4 The fans get a chance to see his matches on the Network
By erasing Chris Benoit from the history books, WWE has also removed some memorable matches from the limelight. And these matches are not random content that could be thrown away; they are gems that are worth watching over and over again.
The Triple Threat match between Benoit, Shawn Michaels and Triple H at WrestleMania XX, the showdowns of Kurt Angle and Benoit at WrestleMania 17 and Royal Rumble 2003 and the matches that Benoit had with Chris Jericho, are just some of the matches that belong to this list. Though they are available on the Network, they barely get a plug anywhere else. And in the network as well: WWE comes up with an advisory warning.
Not only is WWE erasing the legacy of Benoit, but they are also unfair to Benoit’s opponents, whose resume will not be complete without matches like these.
Inducting Benoit into the Hall of Fame, or at least acknowledging him opens the door to inviting more eyes to his great matches on the Network and it could be even used to teach new signings in the performance centre because they are that good.
#3 Possibility of making it an advocacy for mental illness
WWE is known for supporting change. The promotion is part of some great initiatives, and they have raised awareness about a wide variety of things. But the way WWE shies away from the Chris Benoit situation exposes their double standards to an extent.
Benoit was a victim of CTE, and he suffered from mental illness due to his hard hitting wrestling career.
By hiding Chris Benoit and the deeds he did, WWE is simply conveying the message that anyone with a similar mental illness, should be locked away and hidden from the outside world.
For a brand that aims to be the good guys in the community, such a stand is only going to hurt them. If WWE goes on to accept Benoit and acknowledge that it was the mental illness that resulted in the tragedy, it will shake up the entire business.
#2 The fans still talk about him no matter how much WWE hides
It’s funny that we talk most about the thing we aren’t supposed to mention. It’s just like getting thrills when you do illegal things even when you realise that it is so. But this comparison is way off the chart when it comes to the situation of Chris Benoit.
A murder-suicide case is not something WWE can keep under the rug forever. No matter how the promotion ignores it, the fans will continue to talk about it.
So knowing that something exists and completely ignoring this very existence like what WWE is doing makes little sense. They might not want their image to get ruined by mentioning Benoit, but their fans, that are the most integral part of the business surviving, decide to travel the opposite road.
#1 The wrestler that he was
This is hands down the most valid and relevant point whenever a Chris Benoit debate comes up. If we take away the last three days of Benoit’s life, and try to remember what he stood for; such a debate makes a lot more sense.
As mentioned earlier, Benoit was a wrestler that inspired many to take up wrestling and the hard-hitting style, where he mixed attributes of Japanese and European wrestling, is second to none. But the problem here is: we remember Benoit as the murderer and not the wrestler.
WWE need not induct Chris Benoit, the person. They need only induct Chris Benoit, the wrestler.
This fine line between Kayfabe and real life is what the entire professional wrestling business was built on from the start, and it’s the ignorance of this that probably stops us from accepting the contributions of Benoit.
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