Chris Benoit 403293 226051881 2008-07-16T16:45:24Z LAX 4937482 /* Championships and accomplishments */ test {{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}} {{Infobox Wrestler |name=Chris Benoit |names=Chris Benoit<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/chris-benoit.html|title=Chris Benoit Profile|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling}}</ref><br/>Pegasus Kid<ref name="OWOW"/><br/>Wild Pegasus<ref name="OWOW"/> |image=<!--Do not replace this image with a fair use one. This image is free and free images are favored on Wikipedia. See "Wikipedia:Image use policy" for more information -->BenoitInTheRing.jpg |height={{height|ft=5|in=11}}<ref name="OWOW"/> |weight={{convert|230|lb|kg|lk=on|abbr=on}}<ref name="OWOW"/> |birth_date={{Birth date|1967|5|21}}<ref name="OWOW"/> |birth_place=[[Montreal]], [[Quebec]], [[Canada]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |death_date={{Death date and age|2007|6|24|1967|5|21}} |death_place=[[Fayetteville, Georgia]], [[United States|U.S.]]<ref name="Newsday/Benoit"> {{cite web|title=WWE wrestler Chris Benoit and family found dead|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usbenoit0626,0,4246396.story?coll=ny-top-headlines|date=[[June 25]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-06-25}}</ref> |billed=[[Edmonton]], [[Alberta]], [[Canada]]<br />[[Atlanta, Georgia]], [[United States|U.S.]] |trainer=[[Stu Hart]]<ref name="OWOW"/><br />[[New Japan Pro Wrestling|New Japan Dojo]] |debut=[[November 22]] [[1985]]<ref name="OWOW"/> }} '''Christopher Michael Benoit''' ({{IPA2|bə'nwɑ}}) ([[May 21]] [[1967]] – c. [[June 24]] [[2007]]) was a [[Canada|Canadian]] [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] who wrestled for [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW), [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW), and [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE). Benoit ascended to the top of his profession, becoming the [[World heavyweight championship#Professional wrestling|World Heavyweight Champion]] of both WCW and WWE, in turn becoming one of few men to hold both companies' incarnations of the [[Big Gold Belt]]. Benoit was generally regarded as one of the most popular and respected competitors in professional wrestling.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/benoit.html|title=Chris Benoit profile|publisher=Slam Wrestling|accessdate=2007-06-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nowpublic.com/chris_benoit_killings_icon_insiders|title=Chris Benoit -- Before The Killings, An Icon To Insiders|accessdate=2008-02-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/229302|title=WWE Canadian wrestler Benoit, wife and son found dead|publisher=Toronto Star|accessdate=2007-06-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/heyman/article829505.ece|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref> Chris, his wife [[Nancy Benoit|Nancy]], and their 7-year-old son Daniel were found dead in their [[Fayetteville, Georgia]] home on [[June 25]] [[2007]]. Authorities confirmed<ref>[http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/fayette/stories/2008/02/12/Benoit_0213.html Benoit probe ends: He alone killed wife, son | ajc.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> that Benoit [[Chris Benoit double murder and suicide|killed his wife and son]],<ref>http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003560001-2007300340,00.html</ref> and subsequently hanged<!-- DO NOT CHANGE THIS TO HUNG. "Hanged" is the correct form of the word when referring to death by strangulation. --> himself.<ref name="press conference">{{cite news|title=Authorities Confirm Chris Benoit Murdered Wife and Son|url=http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0607/2701_chris_benoit.html|accessdate=2007-06-28|date=[[June 25]] [[2007]]}}</ref> WWE officials had alerted police after Benoit missed several live appearances, including [[Vengeance: Night of Champions]] on [[June 24]] [[2007]].<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.jabandgrapple.com/2007/06/page/2/}}</ref> Benoit, an [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]] performer, was scheduled to win the [[ECW Championship|ECW World Championship]] at the event.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=39975069-7c8c-40f0-b75d-9942a90c61b6&k=86506</ref><ref>http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2787-Pro_Wrestling-The_WWE_Conundrum_Lose_Money_Lose_Fans_or_Lose_Careers_-111007}}</ref> ==Career== ===Stampede Wrestling (1985-1989)=== During his childhood and early adolescence in Edmonton, Chris Benoit idolized the [[Dynamite Kid]] (Tom Billington, later one-half of WWF tag team champions [[The British Bulldogs]]), and soon decided to join his idol in the wrestling profession.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive2000/jan14_ins.html|title=Benoit inspired by the Dynamite Kid, Crippler adopts idol's high-risk style|author=Doug Lunney|accessdate=2007-05-10|date=[[January 15]] [[2000]]}}</ref> Michael Benoit, Chris's father, though not a wrestling fan, nonetheless encouraged his son by buying him a set of weights for strength training and, later, by allowing him to drive to Calgary, some three hours away, to train in the legendary Hart family "[[Hart House (Alberta)#The Dungeon|Dungeon]]." After years of strenuous training under [[Bruce Hart]], and later under [[Stu Hart]] himself, Chris Benoit began his career in 1985 in Stu Hart's [[Stampede Wrestling]] [[professional wrestling promotion|promotion]]. From the beginning the similarities between Benoit and his idol were uncanny, as Benoit adopted many of Billington's moves such as the Diving Headbutt and the Snap Suplex; the homage was complete with his initial billing as "Dynamite" Chris Benoit. His debut match was a tag team match on [[November 22]], [[1985]] in [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]], where he teamed with "The Remarkable" Rick Patterson against Butch Moffat and Mike Hammer. During his tenure in Stampede, he won several International Tag Team and British Commonwealth titles,<ref name="Titles">{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories| publisher=Archeus Communications|year=4th Edition 2006|id=ISBN 0-9698161-5-4}}</ref> and had a lengthy [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with [[John Hindley|Johnny Smith]] that lasted for over a year. In 1989, Stampede closed its doors later that year, and with a recommendation from [[Allen Coage|Bad News Allen]], Benoit departed for [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]. ===New Japan Pro Wrestling/Independent circuit (1989-1994)=== Upon arriving in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Benoit spent about a year training in their "New Japan Dojo" with the younger wrestlers to improve his abilities. While in the dojo, he spent months doing strenuous activities like push ups and floor sweeping before stepping into the ring. He made his Japanese debut wearing a mask and assuming the [[Ring name|name]] '''The Pegasus Kid'''. Benoit said numerous times that he originally hated the mask, but it eventually became a part of him. While with NJPW, he came into his own as a performer in critically-acclaimed matches with luminaries like [[Jushin Liger]], [[Shinjiro Ohtani]], [[Eddie Guerrero|The Black Tiger]], and [[Osamu Matsuda|El Samurai]] in their junior heavyweight division. In 1990, he won his first major championship, the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]], from Jushin Liger. He eventually lost the title (and his [[professional wrestling match types#Luchas de Apuestas|mask]]) back to Liger,<ref name="Titles"/> forcing him to reinvent himself as '''Wild Pegasus'''. Benoit would spend the next couple years in Japan having more classic matches, winning the [[Best of the Super Juniors|Super Juniors tournament]] twice ([[Best of the Super Juniors#1993|1993]] and [[Best of the Super Juniors#1995|1995]]). He went on to win the [[Super J Cup#1994|Super J Cup Tournament]] in 1994, defeating Black Tiger, [[Keiji Takayama|Gedo]], and [[Masanori Murakawa|Great Sasuke]] in the finals, solidifying his status as one of the foremost [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|junior heavyweights]] in the world. Benoit would wrestle outside of New Japan occasionally to compete in Mexico and Germany, where he won a few regional championships, including the [[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship]]. He would hold that title for over a year, having many forty-plus minute matches with [[Villano III]]. ===World Championship Wrestling (First run, 1992–1993)=== Chris Benoit first came to WCW in June 1992, teaming up with fellow Canadian wrestler [[Shayne Bower (wrestler)|Biff Wellington]] for the NWA World Tag Team title tournament; they were defeated by [[Brian Pillman]] and [[Jushin Liger]] in the first round. He did not return to WCW until January 1993 at the ''Clash of the Champions'', defeating [[Brad Armstrong (wrestler)|Brad Armstrong]]. A month later, at [[SuperBrawl#Superbrawl III|Superbrawl III]], he lost to [[2 Cold Scorpio]], getting pinned with only 3 seconds left in the 20-minute time limit. At the same time he formed a tag team with [[Bobby Eaton]]. After he and Eaton lost to Scorpio and [[Buff Bagwell|Marcus Bagwell]] at [[Slamboree#1993|Slamboree]], Benoit headed back to Japan. ===Extreme Championship Wrestling (1994-1995)=== ====The Crippler (1994)==== In 1994, Benoit began working with [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) in between tours of Japan. He was a dominant wrestler there gaining notoriety as the "Crippler" after he put [[Rocco Rock]] out of action. At [[ECW November to Remember#1994|November 2 Remember '94]], Benoit accidentally broke [[Sabu (wrestler)|Sabu]]'s neck within the opening seconds of the match. The injury came when Benoit threw Sabu with the intention that he take a face-first "pancake" [[Bump (professional wrestling)|bump]], but Sabu attempted to turn mid-air and take a backdrop bump instead. He did not achieve full rotation and landed almost directly on his neck. After this match, Paul Heyman, the head booker of ECW at the time, came up with the idea of continuing the "crippler" moniker for Benoit, which Chris confirms on his DVD ''[[Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story]]''. From that point until his departure from ECW, Chris was known as the "Crippler" Chris Benoit. However, when he returned to WCW in the fall of '95, WCW modified his ring name to the "Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit. ====Teaming with Dean Malenko (1995)==== Benoit and [[Dean Malenko]] won the [[ECW Tag Team Championship]] from Sabu and [[Tazz|The Tazmaniac]] in February 1995, Benoit's first American title.<ref name="Titles"/> After winning, they were initiated into the [[Triple Threat]] [[List of professional wrestling slang#S|stable]], led by [[ECW Championship|ECW World Heavyweight Champion]], [[Shane Douglas]]. The team lost the titles to [[The Public Enemy (professional wrestling)|The Public Enemy]] that April at ''ECW's Three Way Dance''. Benoit would spend some time in ECW feuding with the [[Steiner Brothers]] and rekindling the feud with [[Charlie Skaggs|2 Cold Scorpio]] having more classic matches. He was forced to leave ECW after his work visa expired, and Heyman was supposed to renew it, but he failed to make it on time, so Benoit left as a matter of job security. He toured Japan until WCW called.<ref name="Titles"/> ===World Championship Wrestling (1995–2000)=== ====Cruiserweight division (1995)==== New Japan Pro Wrestling and [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) had a working relationship, and because of their "talent exchange" program, Benoit signed with WCW in late 1995. He started out in WCW as a member of the [[cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|cruiserweight]] division, having lengthy matches against many of his former rivals in Japan. At the end of 1995, Benoit went back to Japan to wrestle in the [[Super J Cup#1995|Super J Cup Second Stage]], to lose in the semi-finals to Gedo. ====Four Horsemen (1995-1997)==== After impressing higher-ups, he became a member of the reformed [[Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|Four Horsemen]] in 1995, alongside [[Ric Flair]], [[Arn Anderson]], and [[Brian Pillman]]. When Pillman abruptly left the company for the WWF, Benoit was placed into his ongoing feud with booker [[Kevin Sullivan (wrestler)|Kevin Sullivan]]. Sullivan booked a feud in which Benoit was having an [[affair]] with Sullivan's real life wife [[Nancy Benoit|Nancy]] (also known as Woman). Benoit and Nancy were forced to spend time together to make the affair look real, (hold hands in public, share hotel rooms, etc). This on-screen relationship developed into a real-life affair off-screen. Because of this, Sullivan and Benoit had a contentious backstage relationship at best and Benoit defeated Sullivan in a [[professional wrestling match types#Retirement match|Retirement match]]. Benoit did, however, admit having a certain amount of respect for Sullivan, saying on the DVD ''[[Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story]]'' that Sullivan never took undue liberties in the ring during their feud, even though he blamed Benoit for breaking up his marriage. ====Mid-card status (1998-1999)==== In 1998, Benoit had a long [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with [[Booker Huffman|Booker T]]. They fought over the [[WCW World Television Championship]] until Booker lost the title to [[Dave Finlay|Fit Finlay]].<ref name="Titles"/> Booker won a "Best-of-Seven" series which was held between the two to determine a Number One Contender. Benoit went up 3 to 1 before Booker caught up, forcing the 7th and final match on [[WCW Monday Nitro|''Monday Nitro'']]. During the match, [[Bret Hart]] interjected himself, interfering on behalf of Benoit in an attempt to get him to join the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|New World Order]]. Benoit refused to win that way and told the referee what happened, getting himself disqualified. Booker refused that victory, instead opting for an eighth match at the [[The Great American Bash#1998|1998 Great American Bash]] to see who would fight Finlay later that night. Booker won the final match and went on to beat Finlay for the title.<ref name="Titles"/> This feud significantly elevated both men's careers as singles competitors, and both remained at the top of the midcard afterwards. In 1999, Benoit teamed with Dean Malenko once again and defeated [[Curt Hennig]] and [[Barry Windham]] to win the [[WCW World Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="Titles"/> This led to another reformation of the Four Horsemen with the tag team champions, Anderson, and [[Steve McMichael|Steve "Mongo" McMichael]]. After a falling out with the latter two, Benoit and Malenko left the Horsemen. Later in 1999, he also won the [[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Heavyweight Championship]]<ref name="Titles"/> before bringing together Malenko, [[Perry Satullo|Perry Saturn]], and [[Shane Douglas]] to form "[[Revolution (professional wrestling)|The Revolution]]." The Revolution were a group of younger wrestlers who felt slighted (both kayfabe and legitimate) by WCW management, believing they never gave them the chance to be stars, [[Push (professional wrestling)|pushing]] older, more established wrestlers instead. Benoit's most notable match of 1999 was with Bret Hart on ''WCW Nitro'' on October 1999, in [[Kansas City, Missouri]], as a tribute to [[Owen Hart]], who had recently died due to an equipment malfunction. ====Main event status (2000)==== By January 2000, they made their last try at keeping him, putting the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] on him at [[Souled Out#2000|Souled Out]].<ref name="Titles"/> However, due to disagreements with management and to protest the promotion of Kevin Sullivan to head booker, Benoit left the company the next day alongside his friends [[Eddie Guerrero]], Dean Malenko, and [[Perry Satullo|Perry Saturn]], forfeiting his title in the process. He spent the next couple weeks in Japan before heading to the WWF. ===World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (2000-2007)=== ====The Radicalz (2000-2001)==== Along with Guerrero, Saturn, and Malenko, Benoit debuted in the WWF as a stable that became known as [[The Radicalz]]. After losing their "tryout matches" upon entry, The Radicalz aligned themselves with WWF Champion [[Triple H]] and became a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[List of professional wrestling slang#F|faction]]. Benoit quickly won his first title in the WWF just over a month later at [[WrestleMania 2000]], pinning [[Chris Jericho]] in a triple threat match to win [[Kurt Angle]]'s [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]]. Benoit then entered into a long-running feud with Jericho, who made fun of Benoit's demeanor by referring to him constantly as Mr. Roboto due to his cold personality. It was also in this time period that Benoit wrestled in his first WWF pay per view main events, challenging [[The Rock (entertainer)|The Rock]] for the title in July 2000 and as part of a fatal four way title match in September. Both times, Benoit appeared to have won the WWF Championship, only to have the decision reversed by then-WWF commissioner [[Mick Foley]] due to cheating on Benoit's part. Benoit and Jericho met on PPV four times in nine months, exchanging the title back and forth and culminating in Jericho defeating Benoit in a ladder match at the [[Royal Rumble (2001)|2001 Royal Rumble]]. Benoit won the Intercontinental Title three times between April 2000 and January 2001. ====Tag team with Chris Jericho (2001)==== In early 2001, Benoit broke away from The Radicalz (who had recently reformed three months earlier) and turned babyface, feuding first with his former stable-mates and then with Kurt Angle, whom he wrestled at [[WrestleMania X-Seven]]. The feud continued after Benoit stole Angle's cherished [[Gold medal|Olympic Gold Medal]]. This culminated in a match at [[WWE Judgment Day#2001|Judgment Day 2001]] where Angle won a [[Two out of three falls match]] with the help of [[Edge and Christian]]. In response, Benoit teamed up with his former rival Jericho to defeat Edge and Christian in that night's Tag Team Turmoil match. The next night on ''[[WWE Raw|WWF Raw]]'' in [[San Jose, California]], Jericho and Benoit challenged WWF Tag Team Champions [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] and Triple H for their titles. Jericho and Benoit ended their reign and used the win as a springboard to challenge Austin for his world title (This was the night that Triple H suffered a legit injury by tearing his quadricep muscle while attempting to clothesline Jericho). Benoit got two title matches the following week, first losing via [[Montreal Screwjob]] in Calgary and then just barely losing to Austin in Benoit's hometown of Edmonton. Unfortunately, also in that time period came a four-way TLC match where Benoit suffered a neck injury that required surgery with Dr. [[Lloyd Youngblood]]. Despite this, he worked through until the [[King of the Ring#2001|King of the Ring]], where he was pinned in a triple threat match versus Austin and Jericho. Benoit missed the next year due to his neck injury. ====Early Raw run (2002)==== During the first [[WWE Brand Extension#March 2002 (Brand Extension: Raw and SmackDown!)|WWE Draft]], he was picked by Vince McMahon third to be part of the new ''SmackDown!'' roster,<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 102}}</ref> although still on the injured list. However, when he returned, he did so as a member of the ''Raw'' roster. On his first night back, he turned heel again and aligned himself with Eddie Guerrero, and he feuded with Steve Austin briefly.<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 148}}</ref> He and Eddie Guerrero were then moved to SmackDown during a storyline "open season" on wrestler contracts,<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 200 | language = English}}</ref> with Benoit taking his newly won Intercontinental championship with him.<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 197}}</ref> [[Rob Van Dam]] defeated Benoit at [[SummerSlam (2002)|SummerSlam 2002]] and returned the title to ''Raw''.<ref name=pwi111>{{cite news| title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts | work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards| publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 111}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003}}</ref> ====Program with Kurt Angle (2002)==== After returning to ''SmackDown!'' in October, he was crowned the first winner of the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]], alongside foe and partner [[Kurt Angle]].<ref name=pwi111/><ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 279 & 280}}</ref> They both turned face again by betraying [[Los Guerreros#World Wrestling Entertainment|Los Guerreros]]. The two made an impressive combination, but could not stand each other.<ref>{{cite news | author = Michael McAvennie | title = WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition | publisher = Pocket Books | date = 2003 | pages = 291-296}}</ref> ====Face run (2003)==== Angle won his third WWE Championship from [[Paul Wight|Big Show]] at [[Armageddon (2002)|Armageddon 2002]],<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 112 | language = English}}</ref> and Benoit faced him for the title at the [[Royal Rumble (2003)|2003 Royal Rumble]]. Although Benoit lost the match, he received a standing ovation for his efforts after a very outstanding match.<ref name="PS104">{{cite news | author = Hurley, Oliver | title = Power Slam Magazine, issue 104 | work = "Every Man for himself" (Royal Rumble 2003) | publisher = SW Publishing. | date = 2003-02-21 | pages = 16-19}}</ref> Benoit returned to the tag team ranks, teaming with the returning [[Terry Gerin|Rhyno]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030227.html|title=SmackDown—February 27 2003 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania XIX]], the WWE Tag Team Champions, [[The World's Greatest Tag Team|Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin]], put their belts on the line against Benoit and his partner Rhyno and [[Los Guerreros#World Wrestling Entertainment|Los Guerreros]] in a triple threat tag team match. Team Angle retained when Shelton Benjamin pinned [[Chavo Guerrero, Jr.|Chavo]].<ref>{{cite news| title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts | work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards| publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 112-113}}</ref> Benoit feuded with [[John Cena]] and the [[Full Blooded Italians]],<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030417.html|title=SmackDown — 17 April 2003 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030424.html|title=SmackDown — 24 April 2003 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> teaming with Rhyno occasionally.<ref name=pwi113>{{cite news| title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts | work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards| publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 113}}</ref> In June 2003, the [[WWE United States Championship]] was reactivated, and Benoit participated in the tournament for the belt. He beat Rhyno in the first round<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030619.html |title=SmackDown — 19 June 2003 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> and then [[Matt Hardy]] in the second,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030717.html|title=SmackDown — 17 July 2003 Results|accessdate= 2007-05-14}}</ref> before losing the final match to Eddie Guerrero at [[Vengeance (2003)|Vengeance 2003]].<ref name=pwi113/> The two feuded over the title for the next month,<ref>{{cite news| title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts | work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards| publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 113-114}}</ref> and Benoit's popularity ascended to an all-time high. He defeated the likes of [[Matt Bloom|A-Train]],<ref name=pwi114>{{cite news| title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts | work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards| publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 114}}</ref> The Big Show, and [[Brock Lesnar]] by submission.<ref name=pwi114/> General Manager [[Paul Heyman]] began a vendetta against Benoit along with Lesnar, preventing him from gaining a shot at Lesnar's WWE Title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031204.html|title= SmackDown —December 4 2003 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> ====Main event run (2004-2005)==== [[Image:Chris Benoit.jpg|right|thumb|Chris Benoit, performing for the Coalition troops at Camp Victory in [[Baghdad, Iraq]].]] When Benoit won a qualifying match for the [[Royal Rumble (2004)|2004 Royal Rumble]] against the Full Blooded Italians in a Gauntlet Match, Heyman named him as the number one entry, but Benoit swore victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040101.html|title= SmackDown — 1st January 2004 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> On [[January 25]] [[2004]] Benoit won the [[Royal Rumble (2004)|2004 Royal Rumble]] by last eliminating Big Show, and thus earned a [[WWE Championship]] title shot at [[WrestleMania XX]].<ref name=pwi114/> As a result of the long-standing Royal Rumble tradition that the winner receives a shot at the world champion at [[WrestleMania]], being on the SmackDown! brand at the time, Benoit challenged for the WWE Championship. Benoit, however, exploited a "loophole" in the rules and challenged [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Triple H]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040126.html|title=RAW — 26 January 2004 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> This "loophole" clause has become standard storyline practice, with the Royal Rumble winner being free to choose which title he will challenge for. With this win, Benoit became one of only two men to enter at #1 and win the Royal Rumble (the other being [[Shawn Michaels]] at the [[Royal Rumble (1995)|1995 Royal Rumble]]). Though the match was originally intended to be a one-on-one match, Shawn Michaels, whose [[professional wrestling match types#Last Man Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] against Triple H at the Royal Rumble for the World Heavyweight Championship ended in a draw,<ref name=pwi114/> thought that he deserved to be in the main event. When it was time for Benoit to sign the contract putting himself in the main event, Michaels [[superkick]]ed him and signed his name on the contract,<ref name=pwi114/> which eventually resulted in a Triple Threat Match between Michaels, Benoit, and the champion, Triple H.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040216.html |title=RAW — 16 February 2004 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> On [[March 14]] [[2004]], at [[WrestleMania XX]], Chris Benoit won the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] by forcing Triple H to tap out to his signature submission move, the Crippler Crossface.<ref name=pwi115>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 115 | language = English}}</ref> It marked the first time the main event of a WrestleMania ended in submission. (It happened again at [[WrestleMania 22]], [[WrestleMania 23]] and [[WrestleMania 24]]).<ref name = "WrestleMania22">{{cite news | author = Hurley, Oliver | title = Power Slam Magazine, issue 142 | work = "WrestleMania In Person" (WrestleMania 22) | publisher = SW Publishing. | date = 2006-04-20 | pages = 16 – 19}}</ref><ref name = "WrestleMania23">{{cite news|author=McElvaney, Kevin|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated, July 2007| work =WrestleMania 23|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|month=June|pages=74-101}}</ref> After the match, an emotional Benoit celebrated his win with the then-reigning [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] and best friend [[Eddie Guerrero]]. Four years after they came to WWE together, they stood in the ring at Madison Square Garden, both of them world champions. It is considered the biggest win of Benoit's 19-year career, as he won his second official World Championship in the main event of the biggest show of the year. The match was voted the 2004 [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated|PWI]] Match of the Year. This was Benoit's first World Heavyweight Title reign. The rematch was held at [[Backlash (2004)|Backlash 2004]] in Benoit's hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This match was a Triple Threat match, which also involved Triple H and Shawn Michaels. It was Michaels who ended up submitting to Benoit's Sharpshooter, allowing Benoit to retain his title,<ref name=pwi115/> once again proving he was worthy of the main event. The next night in Calgary, he and Edge won the World Tag Team titles from [[Dave Batista|Batista]] and [[Ric Flair]], making Benoit a double champion.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040419.html|title=RAW — 19 April 2004 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> On ''Raw'', Benoit defeated Triple H in a one-hour [[Iron Man match]]. Benoit scored the first fall with a pinning predicament out of a Crossface attempt. Triple H then rallied to take a 3-1 fall advantage by a Pedigree pinfall, spinebuster pinfall, and a count out decision. After Benoit evened the falls up 3-3 via Sharpshooter and Crippler Crossface submissions, he got the final pin in the match's closing seconds (due to the outside interference of [[Nick Dinsmore|Eugene]]) to retain the title. On [[August 15]] [[2004]], Chris Benoit was defeated by [[Randy Orton]] for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[SummerSlam (2004)|SummerSlam]].<ref name=pwi116>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=116}}</ref> This title change is notable because it is rare for a top face World Champion to ever [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|drop]] the title [[List of professional wrestling slang#C|cleanly]] to a heel. His reign lasted 5 months, and he gained 7 straight [[pay-per-view]] victories. Benoit then feuded with Edge, leading to [[WWE Cyber Sunday#2004|Taboo Tuesday]] where Chris Benoit, Edge, and Shawn Michaels were all put into a poll to see who would face Triple H for the World Heavyweight title that night.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/041018.html|title=RAW — 18 October 2004 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Michaels received the most votes and as a result, Edge and Benoit were forced to team up to face the then tag team champions, [[La Résistance]], in the same night. However, Edge deserted Benoit during the match and Benoit was forced to take on both members of La Résistance by himself. He still managed to win the World Tag Team titles.<ref name=pwi116/> At [[Survivor Series (2004)|Survivor Series 2004]], Benoit sided with Randy Orton's team while Edge teamed with Triple H's team, and while Edge was able to pin Benoit after a Pedigree, Orton's team won.<ref>{{cite news| title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts | work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards| publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 116-117}}</ref> The Benoit-Edge feud ended at [[WWE New Year's Revolution#2005|New Year's Revolution]].<ref name="PS127">{{cite news | author = Evans, Anthony | title = Power Slam Magazine, issue 127 | work = "Tripper strikes back" (New Years Revolution 2005) | publisher = SW Publishing. | date = 2005-01-21 | pages = 30-31}}</ref> The feud stopped abruptly, as Edge feuded with Shawn Michaels, and Benoit entered the Royal Rumble.<ref name=pwi117>{{cite news| title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts | work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards| publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 117}}</ref> The two then continued to have matches in the following weeks until the two of them, Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, [[Glen Jacobs|Kane]], and Christian were placed in the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania 21]]. Edge won the match by knocking Benoit off of and smashing his arm with the ladder.<ref name=pwi117/> The feud finally culminated in a Last Man Standing Match at [[Backlash (2005)|Backlash 2005]]. Edge won with a brick shot to the back of Benoit's head.<ref name="PS131">{{cite news | author = Power Slam Staff | title = Power Slam Magazine, issue 131 | work = "WrestleMania rerun" (Backlash 2005) | publisher = SW Publishing. | date = 2005-05-21 | pages = 32-33}}</ref> ====Return to SmackDown! (2005-2006)==== On [[June 9]] [[2005]], Benoit returned to ''SmackDown!'' after being the first man selected by the ''SmackDown!'' side in the 2005 Draft Lottery, and participated in an ECW-style revolution against the ''SmackDown!'' heels.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050609.html|title=SmackDown — 9 June 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit appeared at [[One Night Stand (2005)|One Night Stand 2005]], defeating Eddie Guerrero. At the end of the night he delivered a flying headbutt to his former WCW boss and former ''Raw'' General Manager [[Eric Bischoff]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwweppv/ecwonenightstand.html|title=ECW One Night Stand 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> On [[July 24]] at [[WWE The Great American Bash#2005|The Great American Bash 2005]], Benoit failed to win the [[WWE United States Championship]] from [[Orlando Jordan]],<ref name=pwi118>{{cite news| title = 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts | work =Wrestling’s Historical Card | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 118}}</ref> but he faced him in a rematch at [[SummerSlam (2005)|SummerSlam 2005]]. Benoit defeated Jordan in 25 seconds with the Crippler Crossface to win the title.<ref name=pwi118/> On the next two editions of ''SmackDown!'', Benoit defeated Jordan by submission in 23.4 seconds<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050901.html|title=SmackDown — 1st September 2005 Results|accessdate= 2007-05-14}}</ref> and 22.5 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050908.html| title=SmackDown — 8 September 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Two weeks later, Benoit defeated Jordan by submission in 49.8 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050923.html|title=SmackDown — 23rd September 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit then started wrestling [[Booker Huffman|Booker T]] in some friendly competitions,<ref name=pwi118/> but it was all a ploy, as Booker and his wife, [[Sharmell Sullivan|Sharmell]], cheated Benoit out of the US title on an episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051021.html|title=SmackDown — 21st October 2005 Results|accessdate= 2007-05-14}}</ref> Chris Benoit appeared on ''Raw'' on [[November 14]] [[2005]] for Guerrero's tribute show hosted by both ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown!'' superstars. Benoit was devastated at the loss of his best friend and was very emotional during a series of video testimonials, where he said that he loved Eddie and will never forget him, eventually breaking down on camera.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/051114.html|title=RAW — 14 November 2005 Results|accessdate= 2007-05-14}}</ref> The same week on ''SmackDown!'' (taped on the same night as ''Raw''), Benoit defeated Triple H in a tribute match to his fallen friend. Following the contest, Benoit, Helmsley, and [[Dean Malenko]] all assembled in the ring and pointed to the sky in salute of Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051118.html|title=SmackDown — 18 November 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> After controversy surrounding a US title defense against [[Booker Huffman|Booker T]], [[Theodore Long]] set up a "Best of Seven" series between the two. Booker T won three times in a row, due largely to his wife's interference, and Chris Benoit faced elimination in the series.<ref name=pwi119>{{cite news| title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts | work = Wrestling’s Historical Cards | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 119}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051129.html|title=SmackDown Special — November 29 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051209.html|title=SmackDown — 9 December 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit won the fourth match to stay alive,<ref name=pwi119/> but after the match, Booker suffered a legitimate groin injury, and Randy Orton was chosen as a stand-in. Benoit defeated Orton twice by disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051230.html|title=SmackDown — 30 December 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060106.html|title=SmackDown — 6 January 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> However, in the 7th and final match, Orton defeated Benoit with the help of Booker T, Sharmell, and Orlando Jordan, and Booker captured the US title.<ref>{{cite news| title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2006 | work = Arena Reports | publisher = Kappa Publishing | year = 2006 | month= May | | page = 130}}</ref> Benoit feuded with Orton for a short time,<ref>{{cite news| title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2006 | work = Arena Reports | publisher = Kappa Publishing | year = 2006 | month= May | | page = 132}}</ref> only to compete against Booker for the US title. Benoit was given one last chance at the US title at [[No Way Out (2006)|No Way Out 2006]] and won it by making Booker submit to the Crippler Crossface, ending the feud.<ref name=pwi119/> Soon after, Benoit defeated Randy Orton in a [[professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match|No Holds Barred match]] on ''SmackDown!'' via Crippler Crossface. The next week on ''SmackDown!'', Benoit kayfabe broke [[John Layfield|John Bradshaw Layfield's]] (JBL) hand (JBL actually needed surgery to remove a cyst).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060224.html|title=SmackDown — 24 February 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> A match was set up for the two at [[WrestleMania 22]] for Benoit's title, and for the next several weeks, they attacked each other. When it came time for their match, JBL won the match with an illegal cradle to win the title.<ref name = "WrestleMania22" /> Benoit used his rematch clause two weeks later in a steel cage match on ''SmackDown!'', but JBL again won with illegal tactics.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060414.html|title=SmackDown — 14 April 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit entered the [[King of the Ring#2006|2006 King of the Ring]] tournament, only to be defeated by [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]] in the opening round, after Finlay struck Benoit's neck with a chair and delivered a Celtic Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060505.html|title=SmackDown — 5 May 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> At [[Judgment Day (2006)|Judgment Day 2006]] Benoit gained some revenge by defeating Finlay with the Crippler Crossface in a grudge match.<ref>{{cite book| title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts | work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 121}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2006/matches/2384844211/results/|title=A Good Old-Fashioned Fight|date=[[May 21]], [[2006]]|author=Brett Hoffman|accessdate=2008-01-05|publisher=WWE}}</ref> On the following edition of ''SmackDown!'', [[Mark Henry]] attacked Benoit during a match, giving him back and rib injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060526.html|title=SmackDown — 26 May 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit then announced a sabbatical to heal nagging shoulder injuries. ====Successful United States champion (2006-2007)==== On [[October 8]], Benoit made his return at [[No Mercy (2006)|No Mercy]], defeating [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]] by submission in a surprise match.<ref name=pwi122>{{cite book| title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts | work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 122}}</ref> Later that week, he won his fifth United States Championship from [[Mr. Kennedy]] also by submission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/061013.html|title=SmackDown-October 13 2006 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit then engaged in a feud with [[Chavo Guerrero, Jr.|Chavo]] and [[Vickie Guerrero]]. He wanted answers from the Guerreros for their rash behavior towards Rey Mysterio, but was avoided by the two and was eventually assaulted.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/061117.html|title=SmackDown -November 17 2006 Results| accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> Benoit retained his United States Championship at [[Survivor Series (2006)|Survivor Series 2006]]<ref name=pwi122/> and [[WWE Armageddon#2006|Armageddon 2006]],<ref name=pwi122/> both times defeating Chavo Guerrero. Benoit and Chavo's feud finally ended after a match with no-disqualification rules in play, which Benoit won to retain his United States title.<ref>{{cite news| title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2007 | work = Arena Reports | publisher = Kappa Publishing | year = 2007 | month= May | page = 130}}</ref> After defeating Guerrero, [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] (MVP) claimed that he was the best man to hold the US title, so he challenged Benoit for the title at [[WrestleMania 23]], where Benoit retained.<ref name = "WrestleMania23" /> Their rivalry continued with similar results again at [[Backlash (2007)|Backlash]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash07.html|title= Backlash 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-05-14}}</ref> At [[Judgment Day (2007)|Judgment Day]], however, MVP gained the upper hand and the title in a two-out-of-three falls match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday07.html|title=Judgment Day 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref> ====ECW stint (2007)==== On the [[June 11]] edition of ''Raw'', Benoit was drafted from ''SmackDown!'' to ''ECW'' as part of the [[2007 WWE Draft]], after losing a match to [[Bobby Lashley]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070611.html|title=Raw — 11 June 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref> Benoit won his [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]] debut match teaming up with [[CM Punk]] and defeating [[Elijah Burke]] and [[Monty Brown|Marcus Cor Von]] by disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ecw-wwe/070612.html|title=ECW — 12 June 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref> On [[June 19]] [[2007]], Benoit wrestled his last match, defeating Elijah Burke in a match to determine who would face CM Punk for the vacated [[ECW Championship|ECW World Championship]] at [[Vengeance: Night of Champions|Vengeance]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ecw-wwe/070619.html|title=ECW — 19 June 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref> Benoit missed the weekend [[house show]]s, telling WWE officials that his wife and son were vomiting blood due to food poisoning (see [[#Death|below]]). When he failed to show up for the pay-per-view, viewers were informed that he was unable to compete due to a [[Chris Benoit double murder and suicide|"family emergency,"]] and he was replaced in the title match by [[John Hennigan|Johnny Nitro]]. Nitro won the match and became ECW Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/vengeance07.html|title=Vengeance 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref> ==In wrestling == {{Image stack |align=right |image_size=200 |image1=Cripplercrossface.JPG |image1_cap=Benoit with the '''''Crippler Crossface''''' ([[Professional wrestling holds#Crossface|Arm trap crossface]]) on [[Montel Vontavious Porter|MVP]]. |image2=BenoitHbWm23.jpg |image2_cap=Chris Benoit performing a '''''[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving headbutt|Diving headbutt]]''''' to MVP at [[WrestleMania 23]]. }} *'''Finishing moves''' <!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style--> *'''As Chris Benoit''' **'''''Crippler Crossface''''' ([[Professional wrestling holds#Crossface|Arm trap crossface]]) **'''[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving headbutt|Diving headbutt]]''' **'''[[Sharpshooter (professional wrestling)|Sharpshooter]]''' *'''Signature moves''' <!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style--> **[[Professional wrestling attacks#Backhand chop|Backhand chop]] **[[Backbreaker#Pendulum backbreaker|Backbreaker]] **[[Professional wrestling throws#Shoulderbreaker|Belly to belly shoulderbreaker]] - 2003 **[[Professional wrestling attacks#Enzuigiri|Enzuigiri]] **[[Powerbomb|High speed powerbomb]], sometimes from the [[Powerbomb#Superbomb|top rope]]-; [[World Championship Wrestling|WCW]] / [[Extreme Championship Wrestling|ECW]] **[[Professional wrestling attacks#Lariat|Lariat]] **Multiple [[suplex]] variations ***[[Suplex#German suplex|Bridging / Release German]], sometimes done on the floor and apron ***[[Suplex#Full nelson suplex|Dragon]] ***[[Suplex#Gutwrench suplex|Gutwrench]] ***''[[Hat-trick|Hat Trick]]'' ([[Suplex#German suplex|Triple rolling Germans]]) ***[[Suplex#Belly to back suplex|High lift belly to back]] ***[[Suplex#Northern Lights suplex|Northern lights]] ***[[Suplex#Slingshot suplex|Slingshot]] ***[[Suplex#Snap suplex|Snap]] ***[[Suplex#Superplex|Super]] ***''Three Amigos'' ([[Suplex#Vertical suplex|Triple rolling verticals]]) &ndash; Used as a tribute to [[Eddie Guerrero]] **[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Suicide|Suicide dive]] *'''As Pegasus Kid''' / '''Wild Pegasus''' **'''[[Powerbomb#Superbomb|Superbomb]]''' **'''[[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Tombstone Piledriver|Tombstone piledriver]], sometimes from the [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Super|second rope]]''' **[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving leg drop|Diving leg drop]] **[[Boston crab#Single leg Boston crab with knee|Elevated boston crab with knee to the back]] **[[Professional wrestling holds#Muta Lock|Inverted STF]] **Multiple [[suplex]] variations ***[[Suplex#Belly to back suplex|Belly to back]], sometimes from the [[Suplex#Superplex|top rope]] ***[[Suplex#Gutwrench suplex|Gutwrench]], sometimes from the [[Suplex#Superplex|top rope]] ***[[Suplex#Inverted vertical suplex|Inverted]] **[[Backbreaker#Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker|Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker]] *'''[[Nickname]]s''' **The Rabid Wolverine **The Crippler **The Canadian Crippler *'''Taunts''' **Throat Slash &ndash; Slowly slides his thumb over his throat in a "cutting motion" **Repeatingly pounding his chest with one hand, some times done with a [[Championship (professional wrestling)|title]] **Cracking his knuckles and bend his neck from side to side in preparation for a match **Giving a toothless grin to the crowd *'''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers and valets]]''' **[[Arn Anderson]] **[[Shane Douglas]] **[[Shane McMahon]] **[[Nancy Benoit|Woman]] **[[Ted DiBiase]] (during WWF tryout matches in 1995) **[[Miss Elizabeth]] (at WCW Hog Wild '96) *'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Theme music]]''' **"''[[Jump (song)|Jump]]''" by [[Van Halen]] (Japan) **"''[[Woman from Tokyo]]''" by [[Deep Purple]] (Japan) **"''[[Back in the Saddle]]''" by [[Aerosmith]] (ECW) **"''[[Perfect Strangers]]''" by [[Deep Purple]] (ECW) (He used this theme after joining the Triple Threat since it was Shane Douglas' theme. He and Malenko both came out to this theme and ECW even did a video package of Benoit using this theme.) **"''Scattered''" (WCW Production Theme) **"''Replica B''" (WCW Production Theme) **"''Too Much Information''" (WCW Production Theme) **"''Shooter''" from [[WWF The Music, Vol. 5]] (WWE) **"''Whatever''" by [[Our Lady Peace]] from [[WWF Forceable Entry]] (WWE) == Championships and accomplishments == *'''[[Catch Wrestling Association]] **[[CWA World Tag Team Championship (Germany)|CWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[CWA World Tag Team Championship (Germany)#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/Catch_Wrestling_Association.htm | title=Catch Wrestling Association Title Histories | accessdate=2008-07-11|publisher=titlehistories.com}}</ref> - with [[Dave Taylor (wrestler)|Dave Taylor]] *'''[[Extreme Championship Wrestling]]''' **[[ECW Tag Team Championship|ECW World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of ECW Tag Team Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ecw/ecw-t.html|title=ECW World Tag Team Title history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> - with [[Dean Malenko]] *'''[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]''' **[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp-j.html|title=IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title history|puhlisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> **[[Super J Cup|Super J Cup Winner]] ([[Super J Cup#1994|1994)]] **[[Best of the Super Juniors|Top of the Super Juniors]] ([[Best of the Super Juniors#1993|1993]]) **[[Best of the Super Juniors]] ([[Best of the Super Juniors#1995|1995]]) *'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''' **[[PWI Feud of the Year]] (2004)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwifoty.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Feud of the Year|accessdate=2008-05-04|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> <small>vs. [[Triple H]]</small> **[[PWI Match of the Year]] (2004)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimoty.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Match of the Year|accessdate=2008-05-04|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> <small>vs. [[Shawn Michaels]] and Triple H</small> **[[PWI Wrestler of the Year]] (2004)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiwoty.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Wrestler of the Year|accessdate=2008-05-04|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> **PWI ranked him # '''1''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated|PWI 500]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50004.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2004|accessdate=2008-05-04|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> *'''[[Stampede Wrestling]]''' **[[Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship#Title history|4 times]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/canada/ab/calg-mh.html|title=British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Title (Calgary Stampede) history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> **[[Stampede International Tag Team Championship]] ([[Stampede International Tag Team Championship#Title history|4 times]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/canada/ab/calg-t.html|title=Stampede International Tag Team Title history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> - with [[Ben Bassarab]] (1), [[Keith Hart (wrestler)|Keith Hart]] (1), Lance Idol (1), and [[Shayne Bower (wrestler)|Biff Wellington]] (1) **[[Stampede Wrestling|Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame]]<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/canada/ab/hof.htm|title=Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductees history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> *'''[[Universal Wrestling Association]]''' **[[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WWF Light Heavyweight Champions|1 time]]){{ref|1|1}}<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/uwa/wwf-lh.html|title=WWF World Light Heavyweight Title history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> *'''[[World Championship Wrestling]]''' **[[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wcw/wcw-us-h.html|title=NWA/WCW United States Heavyweight Title history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> **[[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wcw/wcw-h.html|title=WCW World Heavyweight Title history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> **[[WCW World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Tag Team Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wcw/wcw-t.html title=WCW World Tag Team Title history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> - with Dean Malenko (1) and [[Perry Saturn]] (1) **[[WCW World Television Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Television Champions|3 times]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wcw/wcw-tv.html|title=NWA/WCW World Television Title history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>[[Image:Benoitustitle.jpg|thumb|right|Benoit's five [[WWE United States Championship|United States Heavyweight Championship]] reigns (two in WCW; three in WWE) are tied for the most in history.]] *'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment]]''' **[[WWE Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WWE Tag Team Champions|1 time]]<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwe/sd/wwe-sd-t.html|title=WWE Tag Team Title (Smackdown) history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>; first-ever champions) - with [[Kurt Angle]] **[[WWE United States Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|3 times]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwe/wwf-us-h.html|title=WWWF/WWE United States Heavyweight Title history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> **[[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWF/E Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|4 times]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwe/ic.html|title WWF/WWE Intercontinental Heavyweight Title history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> **[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWF/E World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|3 times]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwe/wwf-t.html|title=WWWF/WWF/WWE World Tag Team Title history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> - with [[Chris Jericho]] (1) and [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] (2) **[[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)|1 time]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwe/wwe-world-h.html|title=World Heavyweight Title (WWE Smackdown) history|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> **[[Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble (2004)|2004]]) **[[Triple Crown Championship|Twelfth Triple Crown Champion]] *'''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]]''' **[[Dave Meltzer#Rating system|5 Star Match]] (1994) <small>vs. [[Masanori Murakawa|The Great Sasuke]] at [[Super J Cup#1994|Super J Cup]]</small> **[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Technical Wrestler|Best Technical Wrestler]] (1994, 1995, 2000, 2003, 2004) **[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Underrated|Most Underrated]] (1998) **[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Outstanding Wrestler|Most Outstanding Wrestler]] (2000, 2004) **[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2002) <small>with Kurt Angle vs. Edge and [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]]</small> **[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame#2003 inductees|Class of 2003]]) **[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler)|Best Brawler]] (2004) **[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (2004) <small>vs. Triple H and Shawn Michaels</small> <div class="references-small">1. {{note|1}} Benoit's reign with the championship isn't officially recognized by World Wrestling Entertainment. No reign prior to December 1997 is recognized by the promotion.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/lightheavyweight/|title=WWE light Heavyweight Championship official history|publisher=WWE}}</ref></div> == Personal life == Benoit was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada to Michael and Margaret Benoit, but grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, from which he was billed in ring introductions throughout the bulk of his career. Benoit spoke both English and French fluently.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Benoit/2008/06/23/5966026.html|accessdate=2008-07-09|title=Benoit tragedy, one year later|publisher=SLAM! sports}}</ref> In an interview with Larry King on CNN, Michael Benoit mentioned in passing that Chris had a sister living near Edmonton. Benoit married twice, having two children by his first wife, Martina: David (born 1993) and Megan (born 1997).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsn.ca/headlines/news_story/?ID=211878|title=Details of Benoit family deaths revealed|author= Associated Press|publisher=TSN|accessdate=2007-06-28|date=[[June 26]], [[2007]]}}</ref> <ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article240463.ece|title=First wife: I still love killer Chris|publisher=The Sun}}</ref> By 1997, that marriage had broken down and Benoit was living with Nancy Sullivan, the soon-to-be-ex-wife of WCW booker and frequent opponent [[Kevin Sullivan (wrestler)|Kevin Sullivan]]. On February 25, 2000, Chris and Nancy's son Daniel was born; on November 23, 2000, Chris married Nancy. It was Nancy's third marriage. In 2003, Nancy filed for [[divorce]] from Benoit, citing the marriage as "irrevocably broken" and alleging "cruel treatment," she claimed that he would break and throw furniture around.<ref name=divorce>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/06/25/wrestler.dead.ap/index.html?cnn=yes|title=WWE star killed family, self|author=Associated Press|publisher=SportsIllustrated.cnn.com|accessdate=2007-06-26|date=[[June 26]], [[2007]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_documents/0626_benoit_dismiss.pdf|publisher=TMZ.com|title=Released divorce papers and restraining order|accessdate=2007-06-27|format=PDF}}</ref> She later dropped the suit, as well as the [[restraining order]] filed against her husband.<ref name=divorce/> == Miscellaneous == {{Trivia|date=February 2008}} Benoit's lost tooth, his top-right lateral incisor, was usually thought to have been attributed to training or an accident early on in his wrestling career. It actually resulted from an accident involving his pet [[Rottweiler]]: one day while playing with the dog, the animal's skull struck Benoit's chin and his tooth "popped out."<ref name="father interview">Interview with his father, "Hard Knocks" DVD</ref> Benoit became good friends with wrestler [[Eddie Guerrero]] following a match in [[Japan]], when Benoit utilized an [[Professional wrestling attacks#Enzuigiri|Enzuigiri]] kick and knocked him out cold. This started a friendship that lasted until Guerrero's death in late 2005. He was also close friends with [[Dean Malenko]] as the trio traveled from promotion to promotion together putting on matches, eventually being dubbed the "Three Amigos" by commentators.<ref name="Hard Knocks"/> According to Benoit, the [[Professional wrestling holds#Crossface|Crippler Crossface]] was borrowed from friend [[Dean Malenko]] and eventually caught on as Benoit's signature hold.<ref name="Hard Knocks">Benoit interview, "Chris Benoit: Hard Knocks" DVD, WWE Home Video.</ref><ref>Malenko comments on Benoit, ''WWE Raw'', June 25, 2007.</ref> ==Death== {{main|Chris Benoit double murder and suicide}} {{Wikinewspar3|Professional wrestler Chris Benoit and family found dead|Death of Nancy Benoit rumour posted on Wikipedia hours prior to body being found|Chris Benoit mystery editor confesses: claims "terrible coincidence"}} On [[June 25]] [[2007]], Benoit, his wife [[Nancy Benoit|Nancy]], and their 7-year-old son Daniel were found dead in their Fayetteville, Georgia, home at around 2:30 p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone (North America)|EDT]].<ref name="CBC article">{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2007/06/25/wwe-benoit-obit.html|title=Canadian wrestler Chris Benoit, family found dead|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=[[2007-06-25]]|publisher=CBC.ca}}</ref> Lieutenant Tommy Pope of the [[Fayette County, Georgia]] Sheriff's Department reported to [[ABC News]] that police entered Benoit's home on a "welfare check" after several missed appointments, leading to concerns.<ref name="Benoit Found Dead">{{cite web|url= http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/fayette/stories/2007/06/25/0625benoit.html|title=Pro wrestler, family found dead in Fayetteville home|author=Saeed Ahmed and Kathy Jefcoats|publisher=The Atlanta Journal Constitution|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=[[June 25]], [[2007]]}}</ref> Pope also stated the police were not searching for any suspects outside of the house, as the instruments of death were located at the scene of the crime.<ref name="Double Murder Suicide">{{cite web|url= http://www.abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=3315501&page=1|title=Wrestling Champ Chris Benoit Found Dead with Family| publisher=ABC News|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=[[June 25]] [[2007]]}}</ref> Detective Bo Turner of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department told television station [[WAGA (TV)|WAGA-TV]] that the case was being treated as a [[murder-suicide]]. The station reported that investigators had discovered, and would eventually cite as an official ruling,<ref>[http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/fayette/stories/2008/02/12/Benoit_0213.html Benoit probe ends: He alone killed wife, son | ajc.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> that Benoit [[murder]]ed his wife and son over the weekend and hung himself sometime on Monday.<ref name="murder suicide">{{cite news |title=WWE Wrestler Chris Benoit, Wife and Child Found Dead|url=http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=3594146&version=9&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.1.1|author=foxatlanta|publisher=FOX News|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=[[June 25]] [[2007]]}}</ref> It was first reported to fans of WWE on their WWE Mobile Alerts Service and posted to their official website soon after. On their website, [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] released the following statement: {{cquote|World Wrestling Entertainment is deeply saddened to report that today Chris Benoit and his family were found dead in their home. There are no further details at this time, other than the Benoit family residence is currently being investigated by local authorities. Tonight’s ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' on [[USA Network]] will serve as a tribute to Chris Benoit and his family. WWE extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family’s relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy.}} WWE cancelled the scheduled three hour long live ''Raw'' show on [[June 25]], and replaced the broadcast version with a tribute to his life and career, featuring his past matches, segments from the ''[[Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story]]'' DVD, and comments from wrestlers and announcers.<ref name="Raw cancelled">{{cite web|url=http://www.caller.com/news/2007/jun/25/wwe-cancels-show-american-bank-center/|title=WWE postpones show at American Bank Center|publisher=Caller-Times|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=[[June 25]] [[2007]]}}</ref> However, once the details of the events became apparent, WWE quickly and quietly began distancing itself from the wrestler by removing merchandise and no longer mentioning him. Media accusations of steroid use and "[[roid-rage]]" quickly surfaced after the killings, prompting negative publicity against WWE and professional wrestling overall. Toxicology reports released on [[July 17]] [[2007]] revealed that at their time of death, Nancy Benoit had three different drugs in her system: [[alprazolam|Xanax]], [[hydrocodone]], and [[hydromorphone]], all of which were found at the therapeutic rather than toxic levels. Daniel Benoit was found to have Xanax in his system, which led the chief medical examiner, Kris Sperry to believe that he was sedated before he was murdered. Chris Benoit was found to have Xanax, hydrocodone, and an elevated level of [[testosterone]], caused by a synthetic form of testosterone, in his system. The chief medical examiner attributed the testosterone level to Benoit possibly being treated for a deficiency caused by previous steroid abuse. There was no indication that anything in Chris' body contributed to his violent behavior that led to the murder-suicide, concluding that there was no "roid-rage" involved.<ref name=FOX>{{citeweb|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,289649,00.html|accessdate=2008-07-15|date=2007-07-17|title=Wrestler Chris Benoit Used Steroid Testosterone; Son Sedated Before Murders|publisher=FOXnews}}</ref> On [[August 30]] [[2007]], Benoit was discovered to have been given illegal steroids not in compliance with [[World Wrestling Entertainment#Wellness Program|WWE's Talent Wellness Program]] in [[February 2006]]. Benoit received [[nandrolone]] and [[anastrozole]]. [[Eddie Guerrero]] and [[Brian Adams (wrestler)|Brian Adams]] were discovered to have been given steroids prior to their deaths during this investigation, as well as former [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]] superstar [[Sylvain Grenier‎]] and eleven other WWE superstars, who were suspended in accordance with the WWE Talent Wellness program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/08/30/wrestlers/|title=Fourteen wrestlers tied to pipeline|publisher=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=2007-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/31/AR2007083101961.html?hpid=moreheadlines|title=Pro Wrestling Suspends 10 Linked to Steroid Ring|publisher=The Washington Post|accessdate=2007-09-01}}</ref> After the double-murder suicide, former wrestler [[Chris Nowinski]] contacted Michael Benoit, father of Chris Benoit, suggesting that years of trauma to his son's brain may have led to his actions. Tests were conducted on Benoit's brain by Julian Bailes, the head of neurosurgery at [[West Virginia University]], and results showed that "Benoit's brain was so severely damaged it resembled the brain of an 85-year-old Alzheimer's patient." It was also shown to have an advanced form of dementia and was similar to the brains of four retired NFL players who have suffered multiple concussions, sank into depression and harmed themselves or others. Bailes and his colleagues concluded that repeated concussions can lead to [[dementia]], which can contribute to severe behavioral problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3560015&page=1|title=Benoit's Brain Showed Severe Damage From Multiple Concussions, Doctor and Dad Say|publisher=ABCNEWS|accessdate=2007-09-05}}</ref> Benoit's father suggests that brain damage may have been the leading cause of his crime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14047066/detail.html/|title=Brain Study: Concussions Caused Benoit's Rage|publisher=WSB Atlanta|accessdate=2007-09-05}}</ref> He also confirmed that his son was quietly [[Cremation|cremated]], but what was done with the ashes is not public knowledge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwresource.com/495.php/2007/08/06/chris-benoit-s-body-cremated-details.html|publisher=PWIresoruce|title=Chris Benoit's Body Cremated - Details|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> [[WSB-TV]] in Atlanta, Georgia obtained the last known photograph of Chris Benoit. The photo was taken in the office of Dr. Phil Astin, on Friday June 22, 2007, just mere hours before the murders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wsbtv.com/news/13589422/detail.html#|title=Channel 2 Obtains Picture Of Benoit At Doctor's Office|accessdate=2008-01-25|publisher=WSBTV.com}}</ref> == Notes == {{reflist|2}} == References == * {{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|edition=4th edition|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=2006|isbn= 978-0-9698161-5-7 }} * {{cite video|people=Kevin Dunn (Director)|title=Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story|medium=DVD|publisher=WWE Home Video|date=2004}} * [http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/benoit.html SLAM! Wrestling — Chris Benoit] * [http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2006300002-2007130062,00.html The Sun — Over the Top Rope: Why TNA appalls Chris Benoit] * [http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/interviews/article.html?in_article_id=43417&in_page_id=11 Metro — 60 Seconds: Chris Benoit] by Andrew Williams * [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_4_2/ai_67872121 Wrestling Digest: Technically Speaking, wrestler and sports entertainer Chris Benoit] == External links == {{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}} {{wikiquote}} {{Commonscat}} * [http://prowrestlingpress.com/nm/publish/news_4128.html ProWrestlingPress.com Benoit Family Tragedy Timeline] * [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/chris-benoit.html Chris Benoit on OWW] * [http://www.wrestleview.com/info/faq/benoit.shtml WrestleView.com — Chris Benoit FAQ] * [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11601721 NPR: Wikipedia Entry Presaged Wrestler's Wife's Death] * [http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3562665&page=1 Full story of Benoit's severe brain injury] * [http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/fighttothedeath/index.html The Fifth Estate: Fight To The Death] * [http://www.wrestlingherald.com/headlines.php?subaction=showfull&id=1209600646&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1& Chris Benoit audio phone messages released] {{Persondata |NAME= Benoit, Christopher Michael |ALTERNATIVE NAMES= |SHORT DESCRIPTION=Professional wrestler |DATE OF BIRTH= [[May 21]] [[1967]] |PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Montreal]], [[Quebec]], [[Canada]] |DATE OF DEATH= [[June 24]] [[2007]] |PLACE OF DEATH= [[Fayetteville, Georgia]], [[United States]] }} {{lifetime|1967|2007|Benoit, Chris}} [[Category:Alberta sportspeople]] [[Category:Canadian expatriate sportspeople in the United States]] [[Category:Canadian immigrants to the United States]] [[Category:Canadian murderers]] [[Category:Canadian professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Canadian Roman Catholics]] [[Category:Canadian sport wrestlers]] [[Category:Dungeon graduates]] [[Category:Franco-Albertans]] [[Category:French Quebecers]] [[Category:Murder-suicide]] [[Category:Parents who killed their children]] [[Category:People from Atlanta, Georgia]] [[Category:People from Edmonton]] [[Category:People from Montreal]] [[Category:Quebec sportspeople]] [[Category:Sportspeople who committed suicide]] [[Category:Suicides by hanging in the United States]] [[ar:كريس بنوا]] [[ast:Chris Benoit]] [[bar:Chris Benoit]] [[da:Chris Benoit]] [[de:Christopher Michael Benoit]] [[es:Chris Benoit]] [[eo:Chris Benoit]] [[fa:کریس بنوا]] [[fr:Chris Benoit]] [[it:Chris Benoit]] [[he:כריס בנואה]] [[ms:Chris Benoit]] [[nl:Chris Benoit]] [[ja:クリス・ベノワ]] [[no:Chris Benoit]] [[pl:Chris Benoit]] [[pt:Chris Benoit]] [[ro:Chris Benoit]] [[ru:Крис Бенуа]] [[simple:Chris Benoit]] [[fi:Chris Benoit]] [[sv:Chris Benoit]] [[th:คริสโตเฟอร์ ไมเคิล เบนวา]] [[vi:Chris Benoit]] [[tr:Chris Benoit]] [[zh-yue:Chris Benoit]] [[zh:克里斯·贝努瓦]]