Murder that Entertained

The crowds cheer, the lights are dim, the Canadian Crippler, Chris Benoit, made an entrance to the Dark Side of the Ring. For many Benoit was a wrestling icon that left a legacy on the ring with an impressive 22 championships won and a two time World Champion Wrestling (WCW) World Heavyweight Champion. However, the world’s perspective of Benoit forever changed on June 26, 2007 when Fayettville Ga., officials discovered three bodies in the Benoit residence.

Chris Benoit was found dead alongside his wife , Nancy Benoit and 7- year-old son Daniel Benoit. The crime had the world baffled, and reporters were quick to react. There was a huge sense of immediacy on the case and people were quick to develop conspiracy theories, many blaming Benoit of committing the atrocious crime.

At the time Benoit was contracted by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and events and performances were cancelled in order to honor the wrestler. CEO, Vice McMahon made a call to stop all the shows and instead used the platform to inform WWE audiences about the sudden death of the Benoit family.

Although McMahon had the right intentions, he did not have all the details. The tribute to Benoit aired three days after his death and it highlighted his dedication to WWE and the impact he had on his colleagues. After the tribute aired on TV, it was discovered that Benoit was the one who had murder his wife and son and an investigation for a double homicide suicide case was opened.

WWE was later accused of glorifying Benoit’s action through the media giving the company a bad reputation. Several of Benoit’s colleagues were in shock of his actions and wished they hadn’t honored him like they had done in the tribute show.

WWE and the media were now trying to solve the Million Dollar Question was “Why?”

Truth is, Bonoit suffered from depression, had a drug addiction, and suffered from severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

CTE is caused by injuries to the head, which was one of Benoit’s power moves in the industry.

Although Nancy’s family never received the support from WWE, Nancy’s family continues to share her story as a testimony about the effects of abusive relations and substance abuse.