Chris Benoit inspired an entire generation of aspiring wrestlers with his brilliant in-ring psychology and technical prowess. However, that can’t be said about Chris Benoit the man, who ruthlessly murdered his family and committed suicide after the horrendous act.
The tragedy took place in June 2007 and forced WWE to introduce drastic measures when for talent safety. Vince McMahon banned chair shots to the head and encouraged performers to play it safe inside the ring.
WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg discussed the Chris Benoit double-murder suicide incident on the latest episode of “Oh…You Didn’t Know” podcast. According to the D-Generation X member, the incident didn’t change the wrestling business.
“I don’t wanna comment too much on this, but I don’t think it changed — what did it have to do with wrestling? That honestly would be my question. This was a totally – like, I guess you’re stretching if you’re connecting that to wrestling.”
Road Dogg went on to add that the Benoit incident prompted bookers and promoters to adopt concussion protocols and other safety measures for the overall safety of performers.
“It made the culture, or the environment safer. Look, I’m not saying that this horrible incident had to happen so that this could be better, but something positive did come out of it, and I’m so sorry to everybody involved and can’t even fathom the feelings of the family members.”
WWE briefly showed Chris Benoit from the first-ever Tribute to the Troops special on the December 12, 2022, episode of Monday Night RAW. For those wondering, the Rabid Wolverine was part of the TV special filmed at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2003.
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