Posted on 06/25/2007 3:53:58 PM PDT by HitmanLV
We are still awaiting further details, but PWInsider.com is extremely saddened to report that former WWE and WCW World champion Chris Benoit and his wife, former WCW and ECW personality Nancy "Woman" Benoit were both found dead today in Atlanta, Georgia. Obviously this will be a huge developing story in the days to come but at this point, we'd like to express our deepest condolences to the Benoits' family, friends, and fans at this time.
A meeting is currently ongoing at WWE TV and it is expected that tonight's three hour Raw will now be dedicated to Benoit's memory.
6:09 Update: WWE.com issued the following statement this afternoon:
"WWE is sad to report that Chris Benoit and his family have been found dead in their home. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Tonight's Raw will be a tribute to Chris and his family."
My prayers go up for Chris Benoit and family.
This is a terrible tragedy and he truly was one of the best
professional wrestlers of our time.
This seems to be true.
On the wwe site it already has mentioned tonigt will be a memorial show for Chris.
My brother just called and said Vince came out.
The news is at the top of the news wires on radio, too.
I’m in shock.
AJC just now reporting the story, saying that authorities have confirmed it (they got his age wrong, though):
Pro wrestler, family found dead in Fayetteville home
By Saeed Ahmed, Kathy Jefcoats
The Atlanta-Journal Constitution
Published on: 06/25/07
A professional wrestler and his family were found dead inside their house in Fayette County Monday afternoon.
Authorities confirmed that Chris Benoit, his wife, Nancy and their 7-year-old son were found dead at the home on Quarters and Redwine roads in Fayetteville about 4 p.m.
Officials would not say how the family died, other than to say they weren’t shot to death.
Benoit, 30, was a Canadian wrestler who most recently fought as part of the World Wrestling Entertainment.
The organization said on its Web site said that Monday night’s broadcast of “Raw” on the USA Network will “serve as a tribute to Chris Benoit and his family.”
He did. Vince finally showed some class. The arena is empty. The entire show is dedicated to Chris.
Thanks. We will learn more on this story in the coming days and weeks, I am sure.
I’m impressed that he showed the class to break kayfbee.
Empty arena show? That’s eerie.
The backlash if he didn’t would probably be unbelievable.
I haven’t watched much wrestling in recent years, but I saw a lot of Benoit about ten years ago. He was one of the best, most technically talented wrestlers I’ve seen in the last 35 years.
I’m going to have a hell of a time getting through watching this without crying. RIP Chris Benoit, his wife and son. Prayers to the family, friends, and fellow wrestlers in this difficult time.
He was a gifted wrestler, no question. He will be missed.
I get the pacific coast feed here in LV. My bro just called me and said Vince walked out, which was good to hear.
Thanks for posting. I haven’t been a huge wrestling fan for the last few years, but a friend of mine is active talent for the WWE, so I tune in every now and then. This is the first time I’ve sat down to watch Raw in a while and let me tell you, this is really depressing. :-(
As always, if you'd like ON or OFF my wrasslin' ping list, let me know...
Vince must feel like a heel for the whole "Vince is dead" thing..
That whole storyline was never a good idea. I remember speaking with friends at the time that given how many wrestlers suddenly die, that a real death would make that whole storyline look that much worse.
Then Sherri passed away - he dodged a bullet there because she wasn't on an active roster. Benoit, on the other hand, is huge and will be missed.
The regular Fayette Co. PIO is on vacation, and the sub won’t be available until tomorrow morning. The officer on duty is deferring all comments to the PIO tomorrow. But off the record, yes, it is true.
And we believe this report because?
Because the police found Chris Benoit and his family dead in their homes.
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