J.R.'s Family Bar-B-Q

J.R. Remembers Chris Benoit

Tue, 06/26/2007 - 16:31 — J.R.

Posted in:

Personal

I am in shock, as I'm sure many of you are as well, at the horrific tragedy that occurred involving Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy, and their son Daniel. I knew them all well and this is a terrible and unnecessary loss of 3 lives. Monday in Corpus Christi was surreal and overtly challenging for everyone. Broadcasting the 3 hour tribute show on Raw seemed befitting to recognize Chris’ career, but it wasn’t an easy show to execute. As of this writing, I couldn’t pass a quiz as to what actually aired. The details that are now coming out of the police investigation are beyond my comprehension. I don’t even know how to respond to them. I knew Chris for many, many years and knew his wife Nancy even longer. Daniel was a precious, little gentleman. While the news media reports on this senseless and tragic event, my thoughts turn to the families of Nancy and Chris and especially to Chris’ two other young children, David and Megan, notwithstanding the Benoit’s many friends and business associates who will miss them all so dearly. For those of us that knew this family on a personal basis, this tragedy is especially heartbreaking. I did not sleep Monday night thinking about the last time I saw Chris, Nancy, and David. I remember the smiles on their faces. I will try and retain that memory for as long as I possibly can. This is a surreal, unfathomable occurrence. For all of those that are hurting as are my wife, Jan and me, we wish you our sincere condolences. We are all hurting, but we all must move forward. May God Bless and comfort the Benoit family and their many friends during this time. J.R.

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Comments

Sat, 08/18/2007 - 19:34 — Brad (not verified)

hi i enjoyed the read

Tue, 07/24/2007 - 08:36 — Soonerfan4ever (not verified)

JR I am so sorry for your loss. I know that being a fan of Chris's the lost was hard to take. I cannot imagine being a friend of the family. We will never know what kind of demons that he was dealing with that caused him to do such horrible things. I just hope that in death they have some peace. Part of me is hoping that someone else did this and is setting Chris up. Seeing the reports it's kinda good that Daniel was sedataed prior to his death.

Fri, 07/20/2007 - 16:02 — zeff (not verified)

chrid was the best and thank you jr for membering him. R.I.P. chris benoit he was the gratest the raped wolverine

Wed, 07/11/2007 - 00:38 — Mignon Dehning (not verified)

I was shocked when I read the news here in South Africa - I cried, and my little boy (Chris was his hero) was devastated :( May him and his family rest in peace!

Mon, 07/09/2007 - 22:25 — claudia (not verified)

this is so sad!!! I still can't believe it I can't get this over my head!! it's so damn hard don't know what to say or think I'll try to pull apart chris benoit the wrestler to the chris benoit of his last 3 days! so sad and tragic! I'm feeling this just as much as eddie I want to cry for him as I cried for eddie but I'm more mad right now than sad! how such an amazing career ended with this tragedy!? very heartbreaking but I can't just forget the amazing matches, memories he gave to me I just can't! this is very difficult! I just lost my second all time favorite wrestler, my all time favorite is eddie guerrero! so I just lost my 2 all time favorites! that memory at wrestlemania 20 made them my 2 all time favorites!! such and incredible moment for wrestling! if I have to give all my wrestling memories and stay just with one, that will be the moment I'll pick, by far! so sad that I lost both of them! wrestling will not be the same! those guys were WRESTLERS GREAT WRESTLERS!!! Chris I'll remember your work your incredible breathtaking matches!! you just left amazing memories!! thanks for all those moments! and it really breaks my heart to know that your last days on earth were full of pain, suffering, and misery! I'm so sorry that you lost your head or whatever and did this and overshadow your amazing career it really really kills me inside!! hope the true wrestling fans can forgive sometime later right now I think I can't forgive you but I'll remember chris benoit the wrestler! I'll forgive you someday but not today! thanks for everything! and may you and your family rest in peace!! I'll miss you just as much I miss eddie guerrero! RIP Chris, Daniel and Nancy Benoit

Mon, 07/09/2007 - 02:32 — Jesus (not verified)

I can not believe what i heard about chris benoit. It just can't get out threw my head. Since i knew everything about him he became my favorite wrestler. But chris will be in our hearts. R.I.P

Sun, 07/08/2007 - 09:12 — James, UK (not verified)

Thank goodness that this column has revealed that the feelings of Lisa-Marie Vachon and Jillian Hall and worms like Bruce Hart are those of naive, narrow-minded individuals who only ever see things in black and white and will never understand how ironic life can be at times, and not the general consensus of the WWE locker room. What has transpired is indeed a tragic turn of events, but do not allow 3 days of madness to eradicate the years of hard work and sheer dedication to his craft that Chris Benoit mastered. As I never knew the man personally, I will not ever comment on how his personal life unfolded. I watched him wrestle - and from that, I can continue to claim that he was the best wrestler of his generation and one that anyone looking to make it in the business should do their best to match and emulate. R.I.P Chris Benoit and family.

Fri, 07/06/2007 - 06:42 — Isak Ben !Khabeb (not verified)

I am sorry for the loss of your great friend,JR. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Chris and Nancy's family.God bless Chris, his wife Nancy and Little Daniel.God knows everything and that makes me happy.You know JR,I remembered Chris when he was crying so hard for his best friend, Eddy. I lost one of my favourite wrestlers. My his soul R.I.P. God bless all.

Thu, 07/05/2007 - 20:38 — Cole Joplin (not verified)

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, JR. It's very possible that things went too far, unintentionally, and the path he took was an easy one. At least to me, it's not a huge mystery, and it doesn't involve steroids or wrestling culture. No hype, no demons, no scapegoats. I have an autistic son, and my wife and I had a completely different take on the Benoit tragedy immediately. There is a whole world of stress and pressure that is simply not well understood by the general public. It's the life of the parents of a disabled child. I'm not saying that's what happened. I'm just saying I can see how it happened. Since you knew him, you may be better able to put my feelings onto this man. To rationally explain an irrational act. He's not a caricature or a character to me, he's a human being. I posted the details of what I believe he may have been thinking in the gap of those last hours. It's on my blog (http://coleshuginn.blogspot.com/2007/07/murder-and-suicide-in-disabled-c...). Take care.

Mon, 07/02/2007 - 19:41 — Joe (not verified)

Hi Jr, I am hoping for n entertaining Raw as usual. I been reading that USA wants 3 hours of Raw every night. I would love that and I think it would bring the ratings up, I know it be harder on the wrestlers though. And if what I read is true about that doctor giving Benoit tons of steroids as if they were candy, I hope he goes to jail and loses his medical liscense. There is no excuse for that. Take it easy JR.

Sun, 07/01/2007 - 10:10 — Terry Bell (not verified)

I've just in the past 7years reconnected with wrestling and I'm extremely sadden by the turn of events regarding Chris Beniot and his family. Chris was in my hometown over the beginning of the summer to entertain us. What he did was truly unthinkable and we may never really understand why he committed this unbelievable crime. I also can't believe that the WWE can so quickly wash their hands of someone who dedicated his life and helped bring in millions of people over the years providing the best entertainment for the wrestling fan's everywhere. Not just bring in fan's but the money that Chris would have brought in for the business like all the other wrestlers do.. I would hate to be a member of the McMahon family and have commited this same crime. How quickly I would have been disowned by this family...when unthinkable things happen in a family this is when you should stick together to help everyone get passed it...Not try and look like you never existed.. I thought the wrestling community was a family. I will go on not understanding why he did this unthinkable crime, but I"ll remember Chris Benoit the Wrestler that brought 150% to the ring every night and entertained us all over the world during his wrestling career. May you and your family, Chris are in a happier place... My prayers go out to all his family and friends at WWE.

Sat, 06/30/2007 - 23:30 — Samantha (not verified)

I only hope that we can learn from this tragic incident whatever the outcome may be. I grew up watching Chris Benoit and I watched him transtion from the now defunct WCW into the WWE, I appreciated the work ethic and showmanship of this individual. Things like this touch my heart because wrestling was a major part of my childhood so I familiarized myself with those in the business. The incident with the Benoits should not be forgotten and we cannot judge as of yet untill we get the full story which we may or may not recieve. So we have to all take a look at oursleves and value life because out of all the things happening in the world today, life is the most valuable thing we are endowed. Keep Chris Benoit in your prayers and I wish his family to heal. So I ask you now forgive even though nothing that involves taking lives is right but we all make mistakes. Only God can be the judge of what happened that day.

Sat, 06/30/2007 - 22:20 — Glenn (not verified)

J.R. The shock of this tragedy is unmatched by anything I have ever seen in professional wrestling. Only, another top tier superstar could even come close to this unforgive and unforgettable event. Thoughts and prayers go out to all the Benoits', even The Rabid Woulverine himself. God Bless Namcy, Daniel, and God forgive Chris.

Sat, 06/30/2007 - 20:11 — milissa (not verified)

I have grown up watching wreastling, my kids will grow up to watch it to. I would just like to say that the news and other people need to make sure of there facts I don't not believe Benoit did it (I of course don't know all the facts) but still don't believe it to anyone who reads this who is in television PLEASE REMEMBER THEY (Chris and Nancy) HAVE FAMILY STILL HERE AND YOU SPREADING GOSSIP WILL NOT LET THEM HEAL!! So please think about what you say

Sat, 06/30/2007 - 17:25 — T Turner (not verified)

A myriad of things come to mind here: JR-May you and the extended family grieve in your own time and space Alex (the kid on the board that wants to be a wrestler) Don't let this shake your dream, man. Take what's happened here-and learn from it. Nancy-You were one of a kind, love. There is plenty of room for you to "Strut" now... Save me a kiss for when I get there... Daniel-You will never know how much you were loved. Rest in Momma Nancy's arms-and let her protect you. Trust me, she will... Chris-I will not speak ill of you, since you were quite troubled. I just hope your pain goes away. As for the rest of us: Now is the time to attempt to counter the mainstream media's fangs and claws. If we don't stem the tide now, wrestling as we know it could disappear!

Sat, 06/30/2007 - 10:59 — Alice (not verified)

The truth is even when the tests come back it still will not help us understand what was going on in his head or what when on that weekend in the benoit home. I really feel for chris's other children they are the ones that will be dealing with a lifetime of questions that will never be answered. RIP NANCY AND DANIEL

Sat, 06/30/2007 - 04:23 — jodie (not verified)

I have read not only this but just about everything else on the net and have come to conclusion that it is a tragic turn of events but we will probably never know the reasons. I sympathise with all involve and reckon that his memory no matter what has happen should be left. Fans are leaving tributes and although opinions have changed slightly they wont forget him for all that he bought to wrestling!! We didnt see the tribute in Aus as it was taken of air but from whats been said and read it was fitting for the legend he was and was done with the same dignity and respect as eddies! So my thoughts are RIP the true fans never forget and as the truth (??) comes out keep this in mind legends remain legends and nothing or noone will let us forget what he did for wrestling. RIP BENOIT & FAMILY and i hope you found the peace you were searching for.

Sat, 06/30/2007 - 02:46 — Tracy (not verified)

I understand the outrage people feel about this. Lets remember two other children are still ALIVE, Parents, sisters,brothers are still ALIVE. They don't need the hate aimed at one they love. They too are shocked and it will be years if ever that they will be able to understand this. It is a shame and I am not saying I agree with anything that Chris may have done, I want to believe the best until the bitter end. It is too soon to say and for the sake of the living family members I believe they should be able to hold on to the good that Chris was... WWE should not sweep him under any rug. As I have stated before he did give his all to this company. Peace to the family that he left behind. May God help them to understand,and heal from this. Peace to everyone, too much hate and not enough peace. Sadly I do think it's going to get worse before people will open there eyes and see we need to help others and not turn away. Don't let these deaths be in vain, let something good come from it.. That's what I will wish and pray for too.. Good day..

Sat, 06/30/2007 - 01:42 — HAVOC (not verified)

This event has left me feeling very bad, but the media once again has decided to make things worse by reporting unconfirmed suggestions about what may have happened in doing so they have made the pain of this tragic event even more painful. They did the same thing when Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed by a mentally disturbed ex-soldier, they proceeded to Blame us the fans of Pantera,Damageplan and anyone else who loves Heavy Music and painting us as violent anti-social outcasts, WHICH IS SOMETHING WE ARE NOT AND HAVE NEVER BEEN, so once again the media has decided to hurt those who have been affected by this tragic event by opening their mouths without the facts to back up their claims. My most sincere condolences go out to everyone who has been affected by this tradgey, especially the Benoit family. As for the police and media who have thrown these extreme suggestions out into the public domain before the facts are 100% known SHAME ON YOU and further SHAME IF THESE ACCUSATIONS ARE PROVEN WRONG!.

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 21:26 — Karen (not verified)

I am in total shock over Chris Benoit and I am having a Hard time believing the reports. He was such a great wrestler probaly one of the best. I think WWE did the right thing by the tribute and the wrong thing by sweeping Chris Benoit and his legacy under the rug like he never exsisted in the WWE. No one likes what happened but his personal life and wrestling life is totally separte.My question is Will WWE induct Benoit's in the Hall of Fame?

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 20:29 — ray (not verified)

I have been reading all week, the stories conjured by the media, the allegations of 'roid rage' and unprescribed drugs. This man, while very talented, (and seemingly very well liked) was very, very sick. I refuse to pass judgement on any specualation. I am a Father to two very precious angels.. and without them .. life would be different. What has hapened is a tradgey, and I will focus my prayers and thoughts on Nancy- and her son. I let go of Chris Benoit as a 'worker' and as a "polite, and professional man" and see him for what I will always remember him as .. a very selfish, and sick individule, who's cowardly act has hurt, damaged and saddened the lives of so many. May Nancy and Daniel be amongst all your prayers.

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 20:20 — HAVOC (not verified)

This tragedy is something that I will not find easy to understand or live with. My only hope is that Chris and his family can find Peace on the other side. It was not inapporite to Honor the life and career of Chris because so many people knew and cared about him, I would like to think that Chris did not do this but at the moment the worst appears to be true, Chris was a good man but even good men have their limits. I'am disgusted at Lt. Pope's over eagerness to reveal these details to the media without having proven without a shadow of a doubt that this is what actullay happened. Police know not to give all details of an on-going investgation. They have not proven that this is exactly what happened, and shame on them if it is proven to not be the case. I understand the postion the WWE is in but if Chris is not guilty of this than the WWE must restore Chris's legacy.

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 17:48 — dave x (not verified)

I liked Chris Benoit as a wrestler but i feel he has destroyed everything he worked for. I personally dont think he deserved the 3 hour show celebrating him . Their are many late wrestlers who shall be remembered more fondly that did not get this kind of hero worship we witnessed instead of Raw on Monday Night. We should now have a Night of Raw dedicated to Andre,Kurt Hennig,Hawk,Sherri,Boss Man and all the other cherished memories who deserve more recognition than the footnote they recieved . I am saddened that i feel i need to point out Chris Benoit did something evil and their are alot of viewers that will have lost family members to violence and not see him as he was portrayed on Monday Dave

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 14:36 — Brian (not verified)

I dont really know how to feel, i mean its beyond hurt..Chris was my fav wrestler ever ive been a fan of his sence i started watching WCW when he was a four horseman he was a hero of sorts i mean how do u accept it, even though these facts have been layed out theres just sumthing in me that wants to refuse them i respected this man n truely feel like my world has been turned upside down..all beit what he did was horrible but i will nvr look back in disgrace on Chris Benoit, i will remeber the man he was not what he did in his moment of weakness..i just i unno what to think

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 13:00 — Kay (not verified)

This is a sad and confusing time for everyone who knew the Benoit family. It's terrible how the media at large is orchestrating a witch hunt on the wrestling business. We may never know what really happened in the Benoit home so people should just leave it alone to allow the surviving family and friends to deal with their grief.

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 12:00 — Ira (not verified)

When I first tuned in to Raw on Monday nite and saw the picture of Chris, I was in total shock and wondering what had happened. As details were disclosed on Tuesday from the police as to the circumstances I GOT A VERY BITTER TASTE IN MY MOUTH.. How cud someone whose supposely adored his family do such a terrible thing. Something in Chris made in snap and kill his wife Nancy and his son Daniel. Only time will tell when the toxiclogical test come back if Chris was on Steriods or some other kind of drug at the time of the murders. May NANCY & DANIEL REST IN PEACE IN HEAVEN.. As for CHRIS - MAY HE FRY IN YOU KNOW WHERE

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 11:08 — Donald Kimble (not verified)

First I would like to say God bless Chris, Nancy and Daniel, I know you are in good hands now and let us all pray for both of their families to pull them through this. I was deeply shocked at the developments of this situation.I know everyone wants to dismissed Chris because of the anger they feel and that is understandable. Let us remember that in life we all are dealt cards that may not be favorable for us to handle. This appears to be a case of a man who was crying out for help in putting all of his energy in his work and masking his helplessness in being unable to help his son condition and his marriage to Nancy. Everyone should remember that when you are under alot of stress you may not know your breaking point. The most important thing everyone should look at is what can be done to try to keep this from happening again within the Sports Entertainment Business. Focus in on the people that perform the work, mentor the old and young people in the business. Ghris, Nancy and Daniel should be inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame for their contributions because without his family it would not have been possible.

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 06:33 — Sean O'Scare (not verified)

I just want to take my hat off to you guys at World Wrestling Entertainment for putting on a heartfelt tribute to the Rabid Wolverine. I believe that regardless of the circumstances surrounding Chris Benoit's death, the wrestling community should still respect and appreciate his marvellous wrestling career. I would also like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of both Chris and Nancy. I may not have known Chris Benoit personally in the slightest, but I'm sure for all of you there who knew him well, we can all agree that the Chris Benoit who was speculated to have killed his wife and son is not the one that any of us know. I myself want to remain impartial as I know many fans in light of this new evidence have brought a great deal of immaturity to the situation. Until there is 100% hard evidence to suggest Benoit had a hand in this, I believe all of us should remain impartial. Past evidence and testimonials from friends and colleagues have done nothing but suggest that Chris was a gentle, loving man who adored his family and I too in light of this find the evidence too outrageous to believe. Well, whatever the truth beholds, rest in peace Chris, Nancy and Daniel. The world has lost 3 outstanding individuals.

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 02:42 — Donald Poole (not verified)

I'm completely in a state of sadness over this entire situation. I loved the raw tribute this past Monday evening. You, and the WWE have my complete respect over the way this was handled on the companies end of affairs. It's a deeply devistating thing to really look back at when it comes to questioning why something like this happened with such a great person, and where did it all really go wrong. My heart will forever be in disbelief.

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 02:38 — Courtney (not verified)

It's just so unbelieveable that Chris Benoit,Nancy, and Daniel are gone! And there is so many unanswered questions as to why and could have something been done to prevent the tragic events that happened? I guess we might never know what was happening. It is such a shame to cause Chris was one of the best wrestlers ever. And his wife and son were just beautiful and bright. My thoughts and prayers go to the Benoit family,friends/co-workers, and the fans. RIP Chris,Nancy,and Daniel. God Bless!!

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 02:33 — Michel Newcomb (not verified)

For over a decade Chris was my favorite wrestler second only to Undertaker. I turned on Raw to watch the stupid McMahon storyline and saw the picture of Benoit and I felt like I swallowed my stomach. I was in utter shock. In the fifteen years I've followed wrestling, no death (even Eddie's) has hit me this hard. If I had been a pro wrestler I would have emulated Benoit but after this I feel so angry and betrayed as someone who had suppoted him for so long. I can't forgive Benoit for this no matter how hard I try. Perhaps in the future I may, but right now.....

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 01:45 — geraldine green (not verified)

it really hurts me about benoit he was agreat superstar i just can't believe what they are saying that he did.it doesn't sound like him he loved his family.he will be sadly missed my this fan.

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 00:14 — Janice (not verified)

Benoit was one of my favorite wrestlers. He was apparently more TROUBLED than anyone knew. I think Vince did the right thing considering he didn't know the whole story. My heart goes out to all Benoit's family and friends. It was a horrific tragedy. I have heard that he was always there for some of his fellow wrestlers, but were any of them ever there for him. Maybe he was to proud of a man to let them in or to admit he had a problem. I do hope you all attend his funeral and don't remember him by only this tragedy, but all the good years you spent with him.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 22:08 — Juan Villarreal (not verified)

This whole thing just sucks. Benoit was a very talented wrestler. Us fans only know that much but man you guys who really knew him and his family, I can't even imagine the emotional effect it has on you guys as a company. The show must go on. Who knows how.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 21:25 — Tina (not verified)

Thank You for mentioning David & Megan. I was hoping that these two children would not be forgoten. Hats off to the media for NOT dragging them into this. But you JR are the perfect person to make everyone remeber that these two need our prayers, love and support. My heart goes out to these two because they have lost someone bigger than life. We have all lost a truely great person. WWE has lost family members. David and Megan lost there Father. Jr- you truely could not have possibly said what I have been feely any better. Thank You and God Bless to all of you.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 21:14 — joe (not verified)

remembering the benoit family. (trust God with All your heart) we will be praying for you all.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 20:23 — Laura h (not verified)

JR, Thank you for putting into words so eloquently what you are feeling. I agree with your feelings on this issue and await the toxicology reports, along with most of the wrestling fan world.My prayers and thoughts are all of Benoit's family and friends, for the horrible pain they are all in. It is a horrible senseless tragedy. I hope the WWE is "allowed" at the funerals. I don't think it will show the world any condoning of Chris's actions, just a goodbye to the Man you knew and his family.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 19:23 — jay/columbus (not verified)

the old saying your only as good as the last thing you do is applyed here, Benoit is an absolute scumbag for doing this unfortunately, in one fell swoop he ruined everything he worked for his entire life, it's unfortunate that anyone gives him any respect after such a henous act, as far as I'm concerned, this is going to bury wrestling forever

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 19:17 — Vincent K Soprano (not verified)

Hi JR, I thought my last post about Benoit was going to be my final say in all of this. After I wrote my last post (which didn't make it past the moderator), I wrote a long blog about the Benoit situation (see my link), thinking that was my final word. Unfortunately, none of this seems to be enough. I've reconciled my own opinion of Benoit now, which is that the man & the wrestler ARE the same person, meaning I can never forgive a husband & father for taking the lives of those he was supposed to give his life to protect. That being said, I have read post after post saying that Benoit was obviously not the same person who committed these terrible crimes. I don't know how people are capable of giving this man a pass for his horrible end, just because he was entertaining. The problem is that EVERYTHING he worked so hard for 20 years was based on respect, love of the sport, & the love of his family. Sure, I can give him his credit for being a great wrestler, but how anyone can give the man the respect he so desperately craved is beyond me. Also, this great family man took the lives of the 2 people closest to him, so that is gone forever as well. In the end, yes he was a great wrestler, but for the "legacy" people claim he left, I'm not sure that is possible any longer. 1 out of 3 isn't enough to consider the man a true great. Also, for anyone saying they'll wait for the toxicology reports before passing judgment, no matter what, he still took the lives of his wife & son. He can have steroids or any number of other drugs in his system. Nothing will change what happened.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 18:58 — James Howell (not verified)

Jr this is a trying time for the fans, the WWE, and people in the business of Pro wrestling.Sometimes it hard to understand the magnitude of what has happen but in due time we will all heal.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 16:53 — Sharon (not verified)

I'm still in shocked over the news. Chris and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. No one should be quick to judge and don't believe everything the media says. I have my doubts that the authorities are investigating other posibilities. But the fact remains that three people are dead. We shouldn't forget about them. I don't know how to feel about WWE airing or not airing a tribute about Benoit. But in order for the other wrestlers, and his friends and family to heal is they need to talk about it. I hope Vince offers everyone who knew Chris and his family some sort of counceling for their loss. He should slide Chris under the rug like he never existed. We can't change what happen but maybe it would open up everyone eyes more. I hope everyone prays for Chris' soul to reach heaven. I talked with a friend, it seems strange that when a cop kills his pregnant girlfriend. We want to send him to the gas chamber. But with Chris, we don't know what to do.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 15:51 — Michelle (not verified)

I was as shocked as anyone when Monday Night Raw began with "In Memory of Chris Benoit 1967-2007" I sat in my living room with my jaw on the floor. The three hour tribute was the right thing to do. However, now that the allegations have come to light, it seems everyone can't wait to get Chris Benoit off of their website and out of our minds in relation to wrestling. Why? Are the tributes that were given on Monday night false? Was he not what everyone said he was? First of all..."allegations" are not concrete. I may be just wishful thinking, but does it not seem less than plausible to anyone else? I've been reading all the internet fodder and the coverage on FOX, CNN and through the Atlanta Journal Constitution. I find many inconsistencies in what I've read. First...the police said no forced entry...no intruder...must be double murder-suicide...but what about the text message Benoit sent that said dogs are contained in enclosed pool area and garage side door is open. When the sheriff arrived did they not say they had a hard time getting in because the dogs were freely roaming the property. It would seem to me that "someone" would not have had to have forced entry in a case like that...and what a great way to conceal a crime...letting the dogs loose to keep people from discovering the horrific. Like I said, I may just be wishful thinking, but what if I'm not?! Won't people who have jumped off the Benoit bandwagon feel bad then!!! God keep you and your family in this time of sorrow! God Bless Chris, Nancy, Daniel and those they left behind.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 14:18 — Tracy (not verified)

I have been just shocked at this whole thing. When someone asks me who I think would do such things in the wwe, I would NOT put Chris in the list. It was not like him. He wasn't ashamed of his son, he was PROUD of him. I am ashamed of how the wwe is now turning there backs on Chris. This man gave this company the best years of his life. Sweat,blood,tears,body to us the fans and to you the business men and women. Why treat him like he did nothing for you? Too many unanswered questions, too many loose ends, too many things do not add up here. I pray for his surviving children that it turns out differently because they only knew him as DADDY. I pray that wwe will stand up for his memory and all he has done for this company. God forgives ALL, wwe is NOT above God and if he can forgive...why can't wwe? JR I am thankful that you came out with this and I am proud of you for doing so. To the Benoit family... My condolences to ALL of you and will keep you in my prayers to help you through this nightmare. Chris,Nancy and liitle daniel rest in peace. You will not be forgotten by the fans who you gave your all to. Thank you for YEARS on entertainment, you made it worthwhile even when Vince gave crappy story lines. I pray your all in a better place. My prayers go to the family in the wwe, may they get through this and be able to remember the GOOD Chris. God bless you ALL....

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 14:02 — Hollywood Matt Prewitt (not verified)

I have been a fan of Pro wrestling for over 20 years and I have seen many wrestlers come and go. Chris Benoit was one of the best technical wrestlers of all-time. It is pretty sad about what occured. I feel that it is human nature to ask God why this happened but he knows the answers. Chris provided many great moments in the history of wrestling. I watched Wrestlemania 20 when he won the Raw World Title. After the match, is a moment that will never be forgotten. He and Eddie Guerero embracing in the ring as one. It is a shame that this happened. I will remember Benoit as a performer, not as a man who killed himself,his wife, and son. To his family, may God be with them.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 13:48 — silver_rings74 (not verified)

I don’t understand how everyone is just plain out not acknowledging this man’s significant contribution over the last two decades to the wrestling world. I understand that it is a horrible tragedy that a wife and child has been taken before there right full time but so has a heroic figure as well. I know that in my heart this does not qualify as a mistake (if indeed they can with out a doubt prove that he did it and no one else was in the house)and can not be forgiven, but should all that he has accomplished be simply forgotten? I mean my children has grew up playing his character on video games since they were old enough to hold controllers and yet on WWE .com there is almost nothing left of him there, any thing that you try to look up it says “Not Found”. You try it and are simply shocked! I don’t ask for murderers to be glorified( if that is the case) but they are everyday and why would it be so macabre to have a shirt out or something to hold on to that remembers him and what he stood for all these years for so many people? When people die doesn’t everyone always say that you should remember them for who they were not how they died?? I understand all the stages of grief but for the life of me I did not realize that erasing all past history was one of them. I am a wife of 13 years and a mother as well, but I know I can't be the only one with this opinion.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 13:43 — bob (not verified)

No made what is determained through the toxicology results, please J R do not let Vince turn this into any kind of shoot or storyline like that was done when Eddie died. Compelling shoots are important, but this one would fall under extreme poor taste.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 13:27 — Robert Jones (not verified)

To say that this is perhaps one of the most trying times in wrestling history, wouldn't do justice.I have been a fan and not just someone who looked every now and then, but a true FAN of wrestling since I can remember. I have seen death after death, and still this tops them all. It wasn't that long that we lost eddie, and I say we because those real true fans follow a wrestler no matter what.The highs and even the lows we stick by them.But this one just leaves me feeling hurt.I won't try to act like I know what the Benoit family is feeling. I have had family members taken away because of the actions of someone else.But I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't say that it feels like I lost someone personal. I've watched Benoit ever since he entered Japan, ECW, WCW. I remember him leaving WCW and hoping that he would embark upon the WWE. He was one of the best hands down, and now he will forever be known as the wrestler who became a killer.I was sad when Rude,Pillman,Bam Bam, Mr. Perfect, Bossman, Bad News, Davey Boy and others passed.I was heartbroken when Eddie passed, and now with this tragedy I'm crushed.Thanks to J.R. and The King, Michael Cole and JBL, and Joey Styles and Tazz for monday night. You six men showed something great about the business just by going on.The WWE is the greatest and the men and women behind it the fans thank you. God Bless you all and Lord Bless the Benoit Family and Friends.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 13:27 — CHOCHO (not verified)

This whole situation is confusing. I still don't understand why someone who everyone described as being such a respectful man and always demanded respect would do such a horrible thing. I think that it takes someone who is not sane to commit a crime of this matter. It is sad that two of the best technical wrestlers have been lost in such a short time. That being Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit, but we overlook that this guy killed his wife and then killed his son. We as people are quick to judge, but we don't know what could have been running through this guy's head. Stuff like this happens all over the world, but when it happens to someone you see on TV for years you kinda get attached to it a bit more. I don't disagree with WWE running a 3 hour memorial for Benoit on Monday. What I do find ironic is that what was suppose to be McMahons memorial service. Was a memorial service for someone that did actually die. I do think he went to far with the whole faking his death story line. But that what wrestling has come to, stupid storylines. That is why personally have drifted away from watching WWE and becoming a fan of MMA. I want to remember the old days when wrestling was fun to watch. But that is old news and a different subject. Que descanse en paz Chris y su familia.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 12:17 — jim (not verified)

I like most, am just in a daze and shocked beyond belief. I was watching Raw and kept waiting for Flair Or Arn to come on there and talk about Benoit, after all he was with them as a Horsemen as was woman. Maybe Flair and Arn knew something or thought something that we all didn't. Chris was a great wrestler and a great performer, sounds like he was a great guy. I for one will remember Benoit the wrestler. I'm not going to sit here and try to judge anyone, we all will have our day to be judged. It's tragic what happened, god bless Nancy and Daniel, god have mercy on chris soul. God bless all he's touched.

Thu, 06/28/2007 - 10:44 — josh keith (not verified)

JR, My first thought when i started watching Raw monday night was there must have been a gas leak or something in the house, then as the night progressed, i was worried that someone had killed all 3 of them. As a wrestling fan I kept picturing in my head a match in God's arena with Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero and Mr Perfect Curt Hennig. I now know, from what the media says, that Benoit killed his family and then himself, but I keep hoping that something else will turn up to make this untrue. Even though I didn't know Chris personally, I felt like I did just because of the way he portrayed his character and the respect everyone had for him, and I just can't believe that he could have done this. My condolences go out to the wrestling industry, the fans, and most importantly to all of his friends and family during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.