5 things you probably forgot about Chris Benoit

#4 His work for New Japan Pro Wrestling

When did Chris Benoit work with NJPW?

After Stampede Wrestling closed its doors, Benoit started working for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he spent about a year or so working at the company's developmental territory before making his official debut. Under the name The Pegasus Kid, Benoit won several titles and tournaments, and established himself as one of the best Superstars in the company at the time.

While working for NJPW, Benoit had memorable rivalries with the likes of Shinjiro Otani, Black Tiger (aka Eddie Gurerrero), El Samurai, and many others, but Jushin Thunder Liger was one of his toughest opponents. During their year-long feud for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, Liger took Benoit to his limits and challenged his skills at every step - so much so that Benoit had to reinvent himself as Wild Pegasus.

After his feud with Liger came to an end, Chris Benoit won the Best of Super Juniors and Super J-Cup tournament. A few months later, he parted his ways from NJPW and went on to work for WCW until WWE offered him a contract in 2000.