R.I.P. Chris Benoit

[Coldstone Killa]

as reported on myfoxla.com

Wrestler Chris Benoit, Wife Argued Over Child Care
Couple's 7-Year-Old Son Was Mentally Retarded

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. -- In the days before pro wrestler Chris Benoit killed his wife and child and hanged himself, the couple argued over whether he should stay home more to take care of their mentally retarded 7-year-old son, an attorney for the wrestling league said Wednesday.

"I think it's fair to say that the subject of caring for that child was part of what made their relationship complicated and difficult, and it's something they were both constantly struggling with," said Jerry McDevitt, an attorney for World Wrestling Entertainment. "We do know it was a source of stress and consternation."

McDevitt said the wrestling organization learned from the couple's friends and relatives that the Benoits were struggling with where to send the boy to school since he had recently finished kindergarten.
He also said Benoit's wife didn't want him to quit wrestling, but she "wanted him to be at home more to care for the kid. She'd say she can't take care of him by himself when he was on the road."

The child suffered from a rare medical condition called Fragile X Syndrome, an inherited form of mental retardation often accompanied by autism, McDevitt said.

Over the past weekend, authorities said, Benoit strangled his wife, suffocated his son and placed a Bible next to their bodies before hanging himself with a weight-machine cable in the couple's suburban home. No motive was offered for the killings, which were discovered Monday.

[Coldstone Killa]

as reported on abc7.com

Friends, Fans Stunned by Chris Benoit Murders

DA: 'I Don't Think We'll Ever Be Able To Wrap Our Minds Around This'

ATLANTA, June 26, 2007 - Pro wrestler Chris Benoit always seemed out of place amid the blustery World Wrestling Entertainment circuit's glitz. He performed under his real name, eschewed scripted character personas and refused to fix a gap in his teeth.

Outside the ring, friends and neighbors said he was much the same as he was in it: What you saw was what you got.

"You always rooted for him, because he was a good guy and he overcame the odds," said Dave Meltzer, editor of the Wrestling Observer, a weekly newsletter.

That's why those who knew him in person and as a character reeled Tuesday after investigators said they found a scene at his home far darker than the farcical storylines of the WWE: Benoit had strangled his wife, suffocated his 7-year-old son and placed a Bible next to their bodies before hanging himself with the pulley of a weight machine.

"It's like if you watched 'Rocky,' and in the end it comes out that Rocky killed his wife and his son," Meltzer said.

Authorities offered no motive for the killings, which were spread out over a weekend, and would not discuss Benoit's state of mind. No suicide note was found.

"I don't think we'll ever be able to wrap our minds around this," District Attorney Scott Ballard said.

The Montreal-born Benoit was one of the stars of the WWE wrestling circuit and was known for his wholesome family-man image. His wife, Nancy, was a wrestling stage manager who worked under the name "Woman." They married in 2000.

When he won the world heavyweight championship in 2004, Benoit hoisted the belt over his head and invited his wife and child into the ring to celebrate. Asked by the Calgary Sun that year to name his worst vice, Benoit replied, "Quality time with my family is a big vice. It's something I'll fight for and crave."

Despite those appearances, Nancy Benoit had filed for a divorce in 2003, saying the couple's three-year marriage was irrevocably broken and alleging "cruel treatment." She later dropped the complaint, as well as a request for a restraining order in which she charged that the 5-foot-10, 220-pound Benoit had threatened her and had broken furniture in their home.

Investigators found prescription anabolic steroids in the house and want to know whether the muscle man nicknamed "The Canadian Crippler" was unhinged by the bodybuilding drugs, which can cause paranoia, depression and explosive outbursts known as "roid rage."

Steroids have been linked to the deaths of several professional wrestlers in recent years. Eddie Guerrero, one of Benoit's best friends, died in 2005 from heart failure linked to long-term steroid use.

The father of Curt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig blamed steroids and painkillers for Hennig's drug overdose death in 2003. the "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith died in 2002 from heart failure that a coroner said was probably caused by steroids.

The WWE, based in Stamford, Conn., issued a statement Tuesday evening saying "steroids were not and could not be related to the cause of death."

"The physical findings announced by authorities indicate deliberation, not rage," the company said, adding that Benoit tested negative April 10, the last time he was tested for drugs.

The bodies were found Monday afternoon in this suburb about 20 miles south of Atlanta.

Benoit's 43-year-old wife was killed Friday in an upstairs family room, her feet and wrists were bound and there was blood under her head, indicating a possible struggle, Ballard said. Daniel was probably killed late Saturday or early Sunday, the body found in his bed, the district attorney said.

Benoit, 40, apparently hanged himself several hours and as long as a day later, Ballard said. His body was found in a downstairs weight room, his body found hanging from the pulley of a piece of exercise equipment.

A closed Bible was placed next to the bodies of the wife and son, authorities said.

The WWE said on its Web site that it asked authorities to check on Benoit and his family after being alerted by friends who received "several curious text messages sent by Benoit early Sunday morning."

Throughout the day Tuesday, a trickle of visitors and neighbors came to pay respects at the home, offering proof of Benoit's blue-collar appeal.

"They were real nice, outgoing people," said Alisa Sanchez, who developed a rapport with the couple when they shopped at the grocery store where she worked. "Real quiet and real respectful."

Jimmy Baswell, who was Benoit's driver for more than five years, choked up as he placed a white wreath at the Benoits' gate along with a note from Baswell's 13-year-old son, Gavin. The wrestler had promised to teach the boy the sport, Baswell said.

"Hey Chris, Hope you like it up there in heaven," read the note from the teen. "Don't worry about me. I'm still going to wrestle. Tell Daniel and Nancy I said hi.

[Coldstone Killa]

as reported on cbs2.com & kcal9.com

BENOIT SENT TEXTS FROM WIFE'S PHONE

Late wrestling star CHRIS BENOIT sent a series of bizarre test messages from his dead wife's phone informing his work colleagues where they could find his family's remains.

Benoit murdered his wife and seven-year-old son before killing himself. Detectives believes the 40-year-old former World Heavyweight Champion asphyxiated his wife Nancy and son Daniel on Friday (06-22-07) and Saturday (06-23-07) respectively, before hanging himself on Sunday (06-24-07).

On Sunday, work colleagues of Benoit received a series of text messages from both his and his dead wife's mobile phones. One noted his address, while another read, "The dogs are in the enclosed pool area. Garage side door is open."

Police discovered the dead family at their Atlanta, Georgia home on Monday (06-25-07) afternoon.

[Coldstone Killa]

as reported on ktla.com

Benoit and Wife Argued Over Retarded 7-Year-Old Son

In the days before pro wrestler Chris Benoit killed his wife and child and hanged himself, the couple argued over whether he should stay home more to take care of their mentally retarded 7-year-old son, an attorney said for the wrestling league, Wednesday.

"I think it's fair to say that the subject of caring for that child was part of what made their relationship complicated and difficult, and it's something they were both constantly struggling with," said Jerry McDevitt, an attorney for World Wrestling Entertainment. "We do know it was a source of stress and consternation."

McDevitt said the wrestling organization learned from the couple's friends and relatives that the Benoits were struggling with where to send the boy to school since he had recently finished kindergarten.

He also said Benoit's wife didn't want him to quit wrestling, but she "wanted him to be at home more to care for the kid. She'd say she can't take care of him by herself when he was on the road."

The child suffered from a rare medical condition called Fragile X Syndrome, an inherited form of mental retardation often accompanied by autism, McDevitt said.

Over the past weekend, authorities said, Benoit strangled his wife, suffocated his son and placed a Bible next to their bodies before hanging himself with a weight-machine cable in the couple's suburban home. No motive was offered for the killings, which were discovered Monday.

Anabolic steroids were found in Benoit's home, leading officials to wonder whether the drugs played a role in the slayings. Some experts believe steroids cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage."

The WWE, based in Stamford, Conn., issued a news release Tuesday saying "steroids were not and could not be related to the cause of death" and "that the findings indicate deliberation, not rage." It also added that Benoit tested negative April 10, the last time he was tested for drugs.

Also Wednesday, Benoit's personal physician said the wrestler did not give any indication he was troubled when he met with the doctor hours before the start of the weekend.

Benoit had been under the care of Dr. Phil Astin, a longtime friend, for treatment of low testosterone levels. Astin said the condition likely originated from previous steroid use.

Astin prescribed testosterone for Benoit in the past but would not say what, if any, medications he prescribed the day of their meeting.

"He was in my office on Friday to stop by just to see my staff," Astin said. "He certainly didn't show any signs of any distress or rage or anything."

"I'm still very surprised and shocked, especially with his son Daniel involved," Astin said. "He worshipped his son."

District Attorney Scott Ballard said the autopsy indicated that there were no bruise marks on the child's neck, so authorities are now assuming he could have been killed using a choke hold. "It's a process of elimination," he said.

The Benoits' argument over their son was not the only friction in their marriage. Nancy Benoit had filed for a divorce in 2003, saying the couple's three-year marriage was irrevocably broken and alleging "cruel treatment." She later dropped the complaint.

Meanwhile, authorities in Georgia were investigating a link between Benoit and a Florida business that may have supplied him with steroids.

Prosecutors in upstate New York who have been investigating the company's drug sales said Benoit received deliveries from Signature Pharmacy and MedXLife.com, which sold steroids, human growth hormone and testosterone on the Internet.

Six people, including two of the pharmacy's owners, have pleaded guilty in the investigation, and 20 more have been arrested, including doctors and pharmacists.

"That's something that sounds like we ought to be investigating," Ballard told the AP on Wednesday.

A lawyer for MedXLife co-owner Dr. Gary Brandwein scoffed at allegations that his client's company sold steroids to Benoit.

"I've only read that in the paper. I have no direct information about that whatsoever," Terence Kindlon said Wednesday, adding that prosecutors in Albany County, N.Y., were trying to "distract everyone's attention from the fact that their case is disintegrating."

Brandwein, a 44-year-old osteopath from Boca Raton, Fla., has pleaded not guilty to six counts in New York state court related to the criminal sale of a controlled substance. He was accused of signing and sending prescriptions without ever seeing patients.

Telephone messages left for attorneys for Brian Schafler and Greg Trotta - two other co-owners of MedXLife - were not immediately returned Wednesday. The two men have pleaded guilty to felony third-degree diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions, admitting they helped get drugs in 2006 for customers in upstate New York who had no medical need for them.

McDevitt said the drugs found in Benoit's house were legitimately prescribed. "There's no question, none of these drugs are out there, none of these drugs came from Internet pharmacies," he said.

In addition to causing paranoia and explosive outbursts, steroids can also contribute to deep depression, according to experts.

"Just as you have the extreme high of when you're on steroids, you can get the opposite," said Dr. Todd Schlifstein, a clinical assistant professor at the New York University School of Medicine. "You can have a dramatic difference in mood swings. You can feel there's no hope, there's no future."

[Coldstone Killa]

as reported on nbc4.com

WWE: Steroids Not Behind Wrestler Killings
Police Confirm Deaths As Murder-Suicide

UPDATED: 8:58 pm EDT June 26, 2007

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. -- World Wrestling Entertainment is disputing the idea that steroids played a role in the deaths of pro wrestler Chris Benoit and his family.

Authorities in Georgia say Benoit strangled his wife and suffocated his 7-year-old son before hanging himself with a weight-machine pulley.

Investigators found anabolic steroids in the house. The bodybuilding drugs can cause paranoia, depression and explosive outbursts known as "roid rage."

In a statement, the WWE says steroids "were not and could not be related to the cause of death." It says the evidence indicates "deliberation, not rage," adding that Benoit tested negative April 10, the last time he was tested for drugs.

Authorities have offered no motive for the killings, which were spread out over a weekend, and would not discuss Benoit's state of mind. No suicide note was found.

Deaths Ruled Murder-Suicide

Police are treating the deaths as a double murder-suicide.

Sheriff Tommy Pope said that Nancy Benoit was killed Friday, as was Daniel, the 7-year-old son of her and Chris Benoit. Benoit then hanged himself Saturday night or early Sunday morning, Pope said.

Pope would not elaborate on the method of death of Nancy Benoit and her son. The Associated Press reported earlier Tuesday that she was strangled and her son was smothered.

Chris Benoit was found hanged in his weight room by the cable of a weightlifting machine, according to District Attorney Scott Ballard.

Authorities also said they are investigating whether steroids may have been a factor in the deaths, prompting WWE's response.

"Lots of prescription medications were found from doctors, with what we believe to be legal prescriptions," Pope said.

He confirmed that anabolic steroids were among the medications found.

Ballard said test results may not be back for weeks or months.

Ballard said Nancy Benoit's feet were bound and that Bibles were placed next to the bodies of both her and Daniel.

"I'm baffled about why anybody would kill a 7-year-old," Ballard said. "I don't think we'll ever be able wrap our head around that."

World Wrestling Entertainment said on its Web site that it asked authorities to check on Benoit and his family after being alerted by friends who received "several curious text messages sent by Benoit early Sunday morning."

WWE said that people from the Fayette County Sheriff's Department, in Fayetteville, Ga., initially had a difficult time entering Benoit's new Fayetteville home Monday afternoon, because it was guarded by two large German shepherds roaming freely around the property.

Pope said the three were found about 2:30 p.m. Monday in three different rooms of their home south of Atlanta.

WWE also said on its Web site that it has further information on the deaths but has been asked by authorities not to release it.

The 40-year-old Benoit is a native of Canada. His wife, Nancy, was 43.

Benoit was a former world heavyweight champion, Intercontinental champion and held several tag-team titles during his career. His names in the ring included "The Canadian Crippler."

WWE issued an earlier statement extending "its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family's relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy."

"Chris was beloved among his fellow Superstars, and was a favorite among WWE fans for his unbelievable athleticism and wrestling ability. He always took great pride in his performance, and always showed respect for the business he loved, for his peers and towards his fans. This is a terrible tragedy and an unbearable loss," WWE said on its Web site.

Benoit had been scheduled to perform at the "Vengeance" pay-per-view event Sunday night in Houston but was replaced at the last minute because of what announcer Jim Ross called "personal reasons."

The WWE canceled its live "Monday Night RAW" card in Corpus Christi, Texas, and USA Network aired a three-hour tribute to Benoit in place of the scheduled wrestling telecast.

Benoit's wife managed several wrestlers and went by the stage name "Woman."

Benoit has two other children from a prior relationship.

Divorce Filings

Records show Nancy Benoit filed for divorce from Chris Benoit more than four years ago, alleging "cruel treatment."

But she later dropped the complaint, as well as a request for a restraining order in which she charged that Chris Benoit had threatened her and had broken furniture in their home.

In the 2003 divorce filing, she said Chris Benoit made more than $500,000 a year as a professional wrestler, and she asked for permanent custody of their son and child support.

[Coldstone Killa]

as reported on nbc4.com

Messages Sent Before Wrestler Death Released

Police Say Man Killed Family, Self

POSTED: 9:25 am EDT June 27, 2007
UPDATED: 11:17 am EDT June 27, 2007

Authorities in Georgia are still piecing together what caused the murder-suicide of pro wrestler Chris Benoit's family.

They believe Benoit strangled his wife, suffocated his 7-year-old son and placed a Bible next to their bodies before hanging himself with a weight-machine pulley.

Authorities said Benoit had sent two text messages to acquaintances, one saying his wife and son were sick. The other, to a neighbor, said the door to the house was open and that the pets were outside. There's speculation the messages were an attempt to get someone to the home to find the bodies after his suicide.

On Saturday, Benoit was supposed to appear at a WWE live event in Beaumont, Texas. The WWE said that Benoit contacted WWE that afternoon, saying that his wife and child were ill, and that he would not be able to attend the show.

WWE employees said they attempted to confirm rescheduled travel plans with Benoit, but were unable to get in touch with him.

The WWE said that early Sunday morning, between 3:51 and 3:58 a.m., Benoit sent the following five text messages to co-workers:

Text Message 1 to two co-workers (sent 6/24 at 3:53 a.m.) - Chris Benoit's cell phone
"My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane, Fayetteville Georgia. 30215"


Text Message 2 to two co-workers (sent 6/24 at 3:53 a.m.) - Chris Benoit's cell phone
"The dogs are in the enclosed pool area. Garage side door is open"

Text Message 3 to two co-workers (sent 6/24 at 3:54 a.m.) - Nancy Benoit's cell phone
"My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215"

Text Message 4 to two co-workers (sent 6/24 at 3:55 a.m.) - Nancy Benoit's cell phone
"My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215"

Text Message 5 to one co-worker (sent 6/24 at 3:58 a.m.) - Nancy Benoit's cell phone
"My address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215"


Meanwhile, authorities said Benoit's son, Daniel, had old needle marks in his arms. His parents reportedly considered him undersized and had given him growth hormones.

Toxicology test results may not be available for weeks or even months.

The 40-year-old Benoit is a native of Canada. His wife, Nancy, was 43.

Benoit was a former world heavyweight champion, Intercontinental champion and held several tag-team titles during his career. His names in the ring included "The Canadian Crippler."

Steroids' Role In Deaths?

After determining what happened at the home, authorities in Fayette County are trying to find out why.

Investigators want to know whether Benoit was on steroids before the murder-suicides.

Investigators found prescription anabolic steroids in the house and are conducting tests to determine if they might have played a role. The drugs can cause paranoia, depression and explosive outbursts known as "roid rage."

Authorities said the killings were spread out over a weekend. The bodies were found Monday afternoon in three rooms of the house.

Benoit, a star on the WWE wrestling circuit, was known for his wholesome family man image.

The WWE issued a news release saying steroids "were not and could not be related to the cause of death."

It said the evidence indicates "deliberation, not rage," adding that Benoit tested negative April 10, the last time he was tested for drugs.

Authorities have offered no motive for the killings. No suicide note was found.

Divorce Filings

Records show Nancy Benoit filed for divorce from Chris Benoit more than four years ago, alleging "cruel treatment."

But she later dropped the complaint, as well as a request for a restraining order in which she charged that Chris Benoit had threatened her and had broken furniture in their home.

In the 2003 divorce filing, she said Chris Benoit made more than $500,000 a year as a professional wrestler, and she asked for permanent custody of their son and child support.

[Coldstone Killa]

as reported on wwe.com

Benoit’s son suffered from Fragile X Syndrome; speculation over whether pressure was too much

Written: June 27, 2007

WWE.com learned from an interview conducted Tuesday by Vancouver’s News1130 that Chris Benoit’s son Daniel possibly suffered from Fragile X Syndrome, a genetically passed-on condition that results in impairments ranging from physical and learning disabilities, to more severe cognitive or intellectual disabilities.

In the interview with News1130, Pam Winthrope, whose own 12-year-old son suffers from Fragile X Syndrome, recounted how she and her husband talked to Benoit about the condition five years ago.

“We talked to him because I was trying to set up a support group in B.C. and in Canada; we only have a couple of them,” she said. “My husband was struggling when we got diagnosed with our son, and Chris was struggling with his. They talked for a few minutes, and then he said he didn’t want to be a public face for Fragile X. He just wanted to keep it really, really quiet.”

A source close to Benoit recalls similar conversations with him, where he described his son’s condition as “a learning disability much like autism.” This source quotes Benoit as saying “Daniel wasn’t capable of interacting with other children and was afraid of other children. Daniel also had a hard time making eye contact with everyone, which was another symptom of his disability.” Benoit also claimed that his son was on medication for this condition.

Winthrope discussed the pressures facing parents of children diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome. During her interview with News1130, she stated that families can be torn apart by the disease because it's very difficult to find help and support. Winthrope added, "You as a parent have to go out there and find what's available and it's not easy -- they don't tell you."

A co-worker and long-time friend of the Benoits speculates that perhaps the pressures of home and Daniel’s illness had gotten to him, causing him to snap and take the lives of his wife and son before taking his own.

“Is it possible that after Chris killed Nancy (for whatever reason), he felt Daniel wouldn't be able to get the care and attention he required as a special needs child (if that is indeed true) with no mother and a father either in jail or dead? Did he then decide that the only way he could protect and take care of his son was to take him to the next world and go with him? In his warped and twisted state, did he think this was the only way to shield his son from a difficult life of pain and hardship? It doesn't condone or justify a damn thing, but it's the best reason I can think of. I'm trying to put together some semblance of logic for his actions, but it's an impossible task trying to explain this.”

[Coldstone Killa]

Here's what happened on Raw (06-25-07) as the show opens with a picture of Benoit and in memory of Chris Benoit 1967-2007, then to a wide angle shot of an empty American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Vince McMahon, abandoning his storylined death, stood alone in the ring and delivered the following message:

"Good evening. Tonight this arena here in Corpus Christi, Texas would have been filled to capacity with enthousiatic WWE fans. Tonight's storyline was to have been the alleged demise of my character, Mr. McMahon. However, in reality, WWE superstar Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and their son Daniel are dead. Their bodies were discovered this afternoon in their new, suburban, Atlanta home. The athourities are undergoing an investigation. We here in the WWE can only offer our condolences to the extended family of Chris Bennoit. And the only other thing we can do at this moment is, tonight, pay tribute to Chris Benoit. We will offer you some of the most memorable moments in Chris' professional life and you will hear, tonight, comments from his peers - those here, his fellow performers - those here, who loved Chris and admired him so much. So tonight will be a three hour tribute to one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time. Tonight, we pay tribute to Chris Benoit."

A short encapsulation of Benoit's career aired to the song "One Thing" by Finger Eleven.

- Commercial break -

RAW returned to footage from Chris Benoit's WWE produced autobiographical DVD.

Back in the empty American Bank Center are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler speaking about some of Chris' greatest professional moments. They lead us into footage of Benoit's win at the Royal Rumble in 2004.

Stone Cold Steve Austin pays his respects to Chris Benoit in a studio-shot segment.

- Commercial break -

More footage from the Chris Benoit DVD. Chris and friends talk about how, as young men, they hung around the local wrestling scene and eventually got to meet Chris' idol, Dynamite Kid, Tom Billington.

Michael Cole and John "Bradshaw" Layfield speak about Chris' dedication to his family, his proper upbringing of his children and his overall respect for those around him.

John speaks about Chris Benoit.

- Commercial break -

Back from commercial, we see more footage from Chris' DVD. This time, he speaks about his time in ECW.

Joey Styles and Tazz share their thoughts on Benoit's arrival to ECW in 1994.

Styles and Tazz lead us into Benoit's final televised match ever - last week on ECW on SciFi against Elijah Burke.

CM Punk gives his thoughts on Chris Benoit.

- Commercial Break -

9:00 hour mark. Recap of Vince's intro to tonight's show.

JR and Jerry Lawler speak again about Chris' competitiveness. They introduce us to a match between Dean Malenko and Chris Benoit from WCW Hogwild in 1996.

- Commercial break -

JR and Lawler bring us back from commercial and return us to the completion of Malenko cs. Benoit at Hog Wild 96.

Dean Malenko shares his thoughts on his best friend in the wrestling business.

- Commercial break -

JBL and Cole speak to Benoit's strengths as a wrestler. While he may not have been the "best talker" according to JBL, he was phenominal in the ring. Cole mentions how fans gave Benoit standing ovations whether he won or lost. We then see the last half a cage match between Benoit and WWE US Champion JBL on SmackDown in April 2006.

Stephanie McMahon gives her thoughts on Chris Benoit. She talks about Chris' genuine excitement for her and Triple H, Paul Levesque, on their marriage and new child.

- Commerical break -

Chavo Guerrero gives his thoughts on Chris Benoit.

- Commercial break -

Joey Styles and Tazz remember Chris Benoit's history in Japan as the Pegasus Kid. They take us to a match between Pegasus Kid, Chris Benoit, versus Jushin "Thunder" Liger in Japan from the early 1990's

William Regal shares his thoughts on Chris Benoit.

- Commercial break -

Replay of Vince's speech at the 10:00pm mark.

JR and Lawler greet the audience and set up some more footage from Benoit's DVD where he talks about how he patterned his moveset of The Dynamite Kid, Tom Billington.

Lawler and JR set up a recap of Benoit and Jericho's amazing ladder match at the Royal Rumble 2001 for the Intercontinental Title.

Lawler and JR speak again about Benoit's dedication to the wrestling business.

- Commercial break -

Edge gives his thoughts on Chris Benoit.

- Commercial break -

JBL and Cole welcome us back with more words on Benoit's leadership and professionalism backstage.

A somber tribute promo airs with more photos from Benoit's life.

- Commercial break -

Triple H gives his thoughts on Chris Benoit.

JR and Jerry Lawler set up the footage of Benoit's title win at Wrestlemania 20 with a few last words about the key theme of tonight's broadcast and a key theme in Benoit's life. One word. Respect.

Two commercial breaks later and just before the end of the match, JR and King say a few last words about Benoit.

We close the show with the conclusion of Benoit's colossal win over Shawn Michaels and Triple H at Wrestlemania 20 for the World Heavyweight Championship and the emotional post-match celebration with the late Eddie Guerrero.

[Coldstone Killa]

A message from the Chairman
Written: June 26, 2007
The following message from Vince McMahon aired at the beginning of Tuesday's ECW on Sci Fi:

Last night on Monday Night Raw, the WWE presented a special tribute show, recognizing the career of Chris Benoit. However, now some 26 hours later, the facts of this horrific tragedy are now apparent. Therefore, other than my comments, there will be no mention of Mr. Benoit tonight. On the contrary, tonight's show will be dedicated to everyone who has been affected by this terrible incident. This evening marks the first step of the healing process. Tonight, the WWE performers will do what they do better than anyone else in the world – entertain you.

[Coldstone Killa]

After I (along with many others) have heard the message from Vince McMahon before ECW started...

It sounds like to me that Vince and the WWE is making it so that EVERYBODY around the world has NEVER heard/seen Chris Benoit preformed at all.