The Benoit Tragedy

[The Dark Vampire]

NOTE FROM STAFF:
Be civil. Don't make what's happened with the Benoit family an excuse to take pops at your fellow posters, and don't post just for the sake of saying, "Benoit should burn in hell!" If you've got nothing constructive to add, then don't. If you do, it will be trimmed. This is to discuss a tragedy, not wish Benoit a fiery eternity in hell.

Toxicology reports are in

GBI: Benoit, family had drugs in bodies


By GREG BLUESTEIN
The Associated Press


DECATUR, Ga. (AP) The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday that steroids and other drugs were found in the body of pro wrestler Chris Benoit, and prescription drugs were also found in the bodies of his wife and son.

Also found in Benoit were the drugs Xanax and hydrocodone, according to a statement from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The GBI said Benoit was negative for blood alcohol.

The statement said Nancy Benoit had Xanax, hydrocodone and hydromporphone in her body.

The son, Daniel Benoit had Xanax in his system, the statement said. The GBI said it could not perform tests for steroids or human growth hormones on the son because of lack of adequate amount of urine.

Xanax is an anti-anxiety drug. Hydrocodone is a painkiller.

The statement was released just before an afternoon news conference.

The test results were expected to shed more light on Benoit's last moments. Authorities said Benoit killed his wife and 7-year-old son in their metro Atlanta home last month, placed Bibles next to their bodies and then hanged himself on the cable of a weight machine.

Anabolic steroids were found in the Benoits' gated home, leading officials to wonder if the drugs played a role in the killings. Some experts believe steroids can cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage."

Toxicology tests were conducted on Benoit's body to determine if steroids or other drugs were present. Blood-alcohol tests also were conducted on his body, and chemical tests were conducted on the bodies of the wife and son.

Federal authorities have charged Benoit's personal physician, Dr. Phil Astin, with improperly prescribing painkillers and other drugs to two patients other than Benoit. He has pleaded not guilty.

Investigators office has also been raided Astin's office several times since the deaths, seizing prescription records and other medical documents.

Before he was charged, Astin told the AP he prescribed testosterone for Benoit, a longtime friend, in the past. He would not say what, if any, medications he prescribed when Benoit visited his office June 22, the day authorities believe Benoit killed his wife.



Nancy Benoit – 3 drugs hydrocodone, hydromorphone, xanax – therapeutic level. Blood .184 (decomposition process)

Daniel Benoit – positive for xanax (elevated, not normally given to kids)..Sedated at the time he died

Chris Benoit – xanax, hydrocodone (therapeutic range, not elevated), only steroid testerone - 207 micrograms per liter..

Xanax – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanax
Hydrocodone - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydromorphone

----

from Alan Chefitz:

The results are in for the Benoit family toxicology reports.

Kriss Sperry - Georgia Chief Medical Examiner gave the details - here they are:

Nancy Benoit had 3 different drugs in her system at the time of death. Hydrocodone (also known as Mortab, Morset) were found at 120 micrograms per liter. Hydromorphone, directly from the brakedown of the hydrocodone, was also found. Finally, the anti-anxiety drug Xanex wss present at 23 micrograms per liter. All 3 drugs were found at the theraputic level - not toxic levels. Her blood alcohol level was 0.184.

Daniel Benoit's blood tested positive for Xanex at 100 micrograms per liter. Elevated. Not a drug that would be given to a child. Based upon this finding, it is their opinion that Daniel was sedated by Xanex at the time of his death.

Chris Benoit was positive for Xanex at 50 micrograms per liter. Hydrocodone 45 micrograms per liter. Theraputic range and not toxic. Chris Benoit's urine tested positive for the steroid testosterone at 207 micrograms per liter. The elevated level in the urine. No other steroids found in his urine. GHB was not found in any 3 of the individuals.

No way to tell whether the drugs in Benoit's system had any affect on his behavior that weekend. The drugs found in all 3 bodies were at theraputic - NOT toxic levels.


Results of the Benoit Toxicology Test Results:

- DA Scott Ballard opened the press conference, believing the case is still a murder/suicide.

- Ballard said the investigation is still on going.

- Dr. Kris Sperry, GA Chief Medical Examiner came to the podium.

- Investigators said the body of Nancy was decomposing. Investigators found Xanex.

- Investigators found Xanax, enough to be sedated before he was murdered.

- Investigators found Xanax in Chris Benoit. Investigators found testosterone in the urine sample of Benoit. No other artificial steroids were found. No evidence of GHB was found in Daniel, Nancy or Chris Benoit.

The WWE has issued the following statement concerning the toxicology results on in the Chris Benoit case:

WWE understands that the toxicology reports for Chris Benoit indicate that he tested positive for testosterone and negative for anabolic steroids. On Mr. Benoit's last drug test in April 2007 administered by Aegis Labs, he tested negative for anabolic steroids and for testosterone. Given the toxicology report of GBI released today, it would appear that Mr. Benoit took testosterone sometime after his April 2007 test and the time he died. WWE understands that his dealings with Dr. Astin are currently being investigated, and WWE has no knowledge of whether Dr. Astin prescribed testosterone for Mr. Benoit at some point after the April 2007 tests.

For over 20 years, the WWE has been demonstrating our concern for the well being of our contracted athletes, instituting drug testing in 1987 leading up to our current Wellness Program which began on February 27, 2006, administered by Dr. David L. Black of Aegis Sciences Corporation - one of the world's foremost drug testing authorities.

We believe our Wellness Program is at the very least comparable to those of professional sports and is a program that will benefit WWE Superstars for generations to come.


Credit>www.gerweck.net

[Just Jeans]

Looks like the WWE are fast to say, "Phew! We dodged that bullet!" Not that I blame them. The media are going to be hunting for a way to spin this story into a slander campaign against the WWE, which might be enough to get them to retool their Wellness Policy (which is a joke).

As it stand, the WWE are looking for any excuse to justify their (shoddy) Wellness Policy and crawl out from under any blame that can fall on them. I'm sure they're terrified the families of the deceased will attempt to file lawsuits otherwise.

I'm eager to read more information as it becomes available.

[James M]

Haha, chew on that, media. I wonder why they hate wrestling so much. Do they resent how popular so-called "phony fake homoerotic wrestling" is?

Instead of using the same old tired jokes, they can just open each program saying, "Now to get this out of the way. Pro wrestling (canned laughter)...fake, phony, spandex, steroids, (sarcastically) grrrrr!"

[Mutant Leprechaun]

Looks like someone's already planning to make money off of this:

ECW Press Announces CHRIS AND NANCY by Irvin Muchnick,
Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide, for 2008 Publication

July 16, 2007 - ECW Press announced today that it has signed author Irvin Muchnick to write a book about the sensational case of wrestler Chris Benoit.

The book, entitled CHRIS AND NANCY: The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling's Cocktail of Death, will be published in 2008.

Muchnick is author of the hot-selling ECW Press book, WRESTLING BABYLON: Piledriving Tales of Drugs, Sex, Death, and Scandal (site: http://wrestlingbabylon.com; blog: http://muchnick.net/babylon, and has appeared extensively in media coverage of the Benoit case. The appendix of WRESTLING BABYLON documents the premature deaths of nearly 100 wrestlers over the last generation from drugs and related aspects of the pro wrestling lifestyle. That information has been cited both by commentators and by a member of Congress urging investigation of the billion-dollar pro wrestling industry.

Michael Holmes, senior editor of ECW Press, said: „We are delighted to be publishing what certainly will be the most authoritative and best-written full-length account of the Benoit tragedy and its implications. Irv Muchnick's WRESTLING BABYLON is both one of the most important and one of the most commercially successful books in our company's history. We expect CHRIS AND NANCY to break more new ground.‰

ECW Press (site: http://ecwpress.com) was recently recognized by Publishers Weekly as one of North America's fastest growing and most diversified independent publishers.

Information about and updates on CHRIS AND NANCY: The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling's Cocktail of Death can be followed at http://benoitbook.com.

http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_20985.shtml

[hack slash]

I think Vince should by some TV time so he can tell FOX news to kiss his ass for the world to see:ballshot:

[The Dark Vampire]

. I'm sure they're terrified the families of the deceased will attempt to file lawsuits otherwise.

They are against the doctor who gave Chris the drugs it has come out he was dishing pills out like sweets (candy)

One report claims he was giving Chris 10 months worth of steroids every 3 weeks and giving other people them to to (Reys name has also been brought up)

It looks like he is going to get sent to prison for it and some reports say if convicted he will get life

Oddly enough it has come out his dad was stripped of his medical license for the exact same thing

[Denzil]

It's true that Chris was getting around a ten month supply of anabolic steroids every three to four weeks from May 4, 2006 through May 9, 2007.

Rey and Mark Jindrak names have came up as patients of Dr Astin.

[sCabbOy]

Why would Vince tell Fox News anything? It's Vince's business that is tainted. Vince is getting everything he deserves.

[Mutant Leprechaun]

Why would Vince tell Fox News anything? It's Vince's business that is tainted. Vince is getting everything he deserves. How? Is Vince a babysitter? Is it Vince's fault that Benoit snapped? Was the doctor in questioning under employment of the WWE?

No. Benoit chose to go to that drug dealer to buy 10 monthes worth of steroids every few weeks. Vince didn't put a fucking gun to the guys head and tell him to take steroids. It was Benoit's choice, and he chose wrong. WWE's Wellness Policy has plenty of loopholes and since Benoit's dealer was a doctor he would be able to write off his results with a prescription.

The fault is with the corrupt doctor far more than it is with Vince.

So why is it that Vince is the one who deserves to have his name, his employees and his (highly successful) business publically dragged through the mud for the criminal acts of a sick doctor and Benoit's moment of weakness?

[The Dark Vampire]

As for the wellness policy while it may not be perfect at least they have one no other wrestling company I know of does.

A bullet proof vest which can only stop 1 or 2 bullets is better than none at all

[The Dream Master]

The thing is, though, if the Wellness Policy weren't so full of holes, Benoit would never have obtained those steroids without getting away with it. The whole thing seems moot anyway, as it doesn't matter who you blame--it doesn't change anything.

The best thing the WWE can do is shut down for sixth months and massively overhaul their schedule and wellness policy. I think each wrestler should get at least a three month break each year. It would go a long way in improving both their physical and mental health.

[The Dark Vampire]

A 6 month shut down would mean death for WWE a lot would just quit and go to TNA or something as legally they have to earn a living.

3 months off holiday for each wrestler would be possible in fact more time off be would be possible they could use 2 holidays per year if they hold a title and it would br bad for them to drop it then they can keep it either do a injury storyline or just have them work the PPV 1 day 15-30 minutes work.

All the Raw-SD-ECW promo stuff could be pre taped in one day before they left.

As for the wellness policy I read WWE has no control over it as it is done by an independent group but it's up to WWE to decie what action to take should someone fail.

The problem with Benoit was he had a legal prescription which WWE could do nothing about.

I'm sure WWE will try and put more safe guards in place now.

[Mutant Leprechaun]

WWE Wellness Policy (http://corporate.wwe.com/documents/TalentWellnessProgramOutline2-27-06CORPweb.pdf)

Anyone who wants to read the actual policy, there's a download link to it.

[sCabbOy]

It's no secret that WWE is overrun with steroids and drugs, right? Or is that propaganda? I believe it to be true- henceforth the business is tainted.

If every wrestler was 100% clean how big would WWE be? The business THRIVES on big steroid amped wrestlers.

Vince is not a babysitter, but he is the CEO of WWE. Whether he likes it or not HE is in control of every WWE wrestler's destiny within the business.

I still don't know why parents let really young children watch that crap. It's glamorizing violence, sex, and now since it's in the spotlight- drug use. Not many wrestlers are good role models to begin with. Well not until they retire and get level-headed again.

[The Dark Vampire]

true but I would bet steroids in TNA is almost as bad we know Angle and Steiner are on them lets face facts Steiner takes enough for them all.
as for the rest like WWE I wouldn't think they are many or any who don't take anything at all

I'm not saying WWE doesn't have a problem Master's is a very obvious pick to be back on them in you want to go main event
Cena-HHH-Orton-Edge-and many more only 1 I know is 100% clean is C.M Punk as we know he's straight edge and I honestly think he would retire before taking anything

[sCabbOy]

I'd really hate to point fingers but there are some wrestlers who's almost screaming steroids. Besides that when an industry is almost synonymous with steroids, pain killers and wife beating you know something's gotta change.

[Kat]

I work as a volunteer medic and have been heavily involved with fire departments and ambulances for most of my teenage and adult life. I think problems with wrestlers are no different that with any other career (fire fighters and EMS staff have some of the highest levels of arsonists and prescription abuse here in Canada. Also I believe they are currently like number 3 on a Suicide by career list) It is a sad fact, but certain professions have problems.

I believe baseball has just as much of a problem, it just hasn't been blown up like the Benoit deal has been. Tell me what do you think would have happened if it had been Barry Bonds that killed his wife and kids, then himself? What do you think the media would be doing?

[Just Jeans]

They'd be doing the same thing they're doing over the Benoit incident -- looking for a scape goat. The media's ability to sensationalize things is doing more damage to WWE than Vince's (hole riddled) Wellness Policy. The media didn't wait for the bodies to cool before they started harping on about why Benoit must have done what he did.

To be honest, while I think steroids did play a part, I don't think we'll ever know for certain why this happened. I do think the WWE's Wellness Policy is a bit of a joke, and this situation should act as the catalyst for some major changes, but it won't. WWE will play the word game long enough that the blame is shifted off their plate, and they'll pretend Chris Benoit never existed.

The only positive thing that could come of this tragedy won't. Shame, really.

[sickboy]

Vince is not a babysitter, but he is the CEO of WWE. Whether he likes it or not HE is in control of every WWE wrestler's destiny within the business.


If I become a heroin addict, will you blame my boss?

I wish people would stop going on about the WWE being responsible for these deaths- noone held a gun to benoit's head and forced him to take steroids, he did it of his own free-will to enhance his performance.

[The Dark Vampire]

True it's just becuase it's Vince if Benoit had been in TNA would they be saying "This is Jeff Jarrett's fault this is Dixie Carter's fault" I don't think they would

[Mutant Leprechaun]

It's no secret that WWE is overrun with steroids and drugs, right? Or is that propaganda? I believe it to be true- henceforth the business is tainted. Oh right because Pro Wrestling is the only business to have trouble with steroids and drugs right? Baseball, football, basketball even fucking golf and tennis have had issues with drugs and steroids - henceforth these businesses are all tainted? At this rate you should be shunning sports of all kinds.
When it's proven that Vince openly supports his employees taking steroids will I say that the business is tainted.

If every wrestler was 100% clean how big would WWE be? The business THRIVES on big steroid amped wrestlers. That's an impossible question. I could say if every wrestler was 100% clean then all promotions would be in the exact same situation they already are albeit on a somewhat smaller scale in terms of heavyweights. If people were never subject to steroid abusing muscleheads in the first place then why would they see the need for them now? It might not make the smallest difference.

However that's just one of thousands of possibilitys.

Vince is not a babysitter, but he is the CEO of WWE. Whether he likes it or not HE is in control of every WWE wrestler's destiny within the business.
Like Sickboy said; if I became a heroin addict would you blame my boss? Vince has about 100 guys on his roster, do you really think it's plausable to have him do routine checkups on all of them and make sure they're not doing anything illegal? That's babysitting and it's pretty sad when people think grown men have to be babysitted like children.

I still don't know why parents let really young children watch that crap. It's glamorizing violence, sex, and now since it's in the spotlight- drug use. Not many wrestlers are good role models to begin with. Well not until they retire and get level-headed again. If that's how you feel about the business then there's no convincing you. However look at television, look at movies and look at music all are the same if not worse than Wrestling in terms of violence, sex and drug use. Do you understand why parents let their kids watch that crap?

[Uncle Hoody]

I have a question. In regards to boxing, a legit sport, isn't 'heavyweight' right around the lower 200 pound mark?

So in a sense, most of these guys would be 'heavyweights' anyway if they got off the juice, just with a standard work out regime on their naturally large frames.

Rey can just suck it up as being a short guy before he kills himself anyway.

[Rich]

It's no secret that WWE is overrun with steroids and drugs, right? Or is that propaganda? I believe it to be true- henceforth the business is tainted.

So you, who have never been in a WWE locker room knows what goes on in there right? I don't think anyone can say WWE is overrun with anything. The steriod access is on a personal basis.

If every wrestler was 100% clean how big would WWE be? The business THRIVES on big steroid amped wrestlers.

We'll never know the answer to that one, because every wrestler is not nor will they ever be 100% clean.

Vince is not a babysitter, but he is the CEO of WWE. Whether he likes it or not HE is in control of every WWE wrestler's destiny within the business.

Key words there is within the business. Vince has no control over anything anyone does at home.

I still don't know why parents let really young children watch that crap. It's glamorizing violence, sex,

Kind of like horror films.

and now since it's in the spotlight- drug use.

That is just the media riding a gravy train. That is what the media does. You know what? Every sport has drug problems.

Not many wrestlers are good role models to begin with. Well not until they retire and get level-headed again.

Do you have any idea how many wrestlers go to visit children for the make a wish foundation every year? Have you any idea how many wrestlers go to Iraq every December and how much enthusiasm the troops give these guys for their performance?

[The Dark Vampire]

Anyway just say Vince fired all of the ones who failed oe were on legally prescribed steriods and lets just say those fired included

Cena-HHH-Edge-Lashley-Rey-Orton and more I would guarantee TNA would have them signed up by the next week hell some would by hired by end of the hour

[sCabbOy]

My bad, since I am not sure any of them are on steroids it must mean by default they aren't. C'mon don't be naive.

Back to business. What a wrestler does with his or her body is a direct reflection of the business. If a wrestler wants to be a junkie at home, they should BE SENT HOME- FIRED!

Every sport has drug problems, difference is in real sports players are suspended, fined and even banned from the game for drug use. Let's see someone in professional wrestling even get a slap on the hand for it.

Media gravy train or not- when wrestlers speak up and say "yes it's true" I believe THAT over forum propaganda. That's right from the horses mouth.

Of course they aren't all on steroids, but a huge majority of them are. Denying that is like denying that Mark Mcgwire and Bonds hit 70 homeruns on pure skill.

As for wrestling vs horror. Horror's demographic is what at worst 13, and usually Restricted. There's no secret that professional wrestling's demographic is very young boys. The difference between THAT and horror is that if a parent let's a young kid watch an R rated they need to discuss it with them and be a parent. Parents let kids watch wrestling at their leisure (for the most part) and once again wrestling's demographic are those young kids- horror's isn't.

Kids also seem to idolize a wrestler more than would say idolize.... Jason Voorhees since wrestlers are painted to be GOOD ROLE MODELS- horror villains aren't. That's the problem I have with wrestlers. They need to be shown as what they are-- villains.


One of WWE's key demographic is kids age 5-15, but that audience couldn't even see the movie unless accompanied by an adult due to the R rating. There goes the audience that snaps up merchandise and drags their parents to the local arena when WWE comes town. (Or, if this were 15 years ago, asked for their parent's permission to call the hotline.)

-http://www.pwtorch.com/

PS.
I would also rather my kid idolize Kane Hodder, Robert Englund or Andrew Bryniarski (shudders) than say HHH, Benoit, Steiner, Edge and what-not.

[The Dark Vampire]

Friday, July 27, 2007
McMahon asked by congressional committee to hand over records
By Shaun Assael
ESPN The Magazine

In a move that significantly widens the impact of wrestler Chris Benoit's murder-suicide case, two congressmen who opened steroid hearings into Major League Baseball have requested that World Wrestling Entertainment provide records pertaining to the WWE's testing policies and practices.

In a three-page letter dated Friday, Rep. Henry Waxman, the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Tom Davis, its ranking minority member, asked WWE to provide a series of documents intended to give the committee and its investigation a detailed look at WWE's drug-testing policy, including information about the results of performance-enhancing drug tests on pro wrestlers.

"The tragic deaths of World Wrestling Entertainment star Chris Benoit and his family have raised questions about reports of widespread use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs by professional wrestlers," the congressmen wrote.

"These allegations -- which include first-hand reports of steroid use by prominent former wrestlers -- have swirled around the WWE for over a decade. Investigations by journalists have described a culture of performance-enhancing drug use in professional wrestling, high fatality rates among young professional wrestlers, and an inability or unwillingness of WWE to address these problems."

The letter from Waxman and Davis described WWE wrestlers as "multimedia stars that have an influence on the behavior and attitudes of the nation's youth."

"WWE has a responsibility to do everything possible to eliminate the use of performance-enhancing drugs -- or the perception of such use -- by its wrestlers."

The records request is wide ranging, and parallels what was asked of Major League Baseball. It seeks a list of drugs covered by its policies; the entity that conducts its drug testing; the number of tests it conducts annually; the protocols followed after a positive test; and the procedures for awarding exemptions.

It also wants hard figures about the number of tests that the WWE conducts each year; the numbers of wrestlers tested; positive results for each specific drug; and the number of positive tests for which wrestlers were penalized.

In an attempt to investigate the WWE's reaction to past scandals, the committee is also seeking "the results of any investigations prepared [by the company] regarding the deaths, injuries, or illnesses of current or former professional wrestlers that may have been related to the use of steroids."

It adds to the list "all communications between [the company] and outside entities including communications with health care professionals or law enforcement authorities, regarding allegations of drug use by wrestlers."

WWE chairman Vince McMahon was given until Aug. 24 to comply. A spokesman for the company had not seen the letter when called for comment Friday afternoon.

The WWE instituted its current drug testing policy after the November 2005 death of Benoit's best friend, Eddie Guerrero, 38, who was found dead in a hotel room in Minneapolis. A subsequent autopsy showed heart disease. Because steroids cause the heart to work harder to pump blood to an enlarged physique, they have been associated with arterial wear and tear.

The WWE has insisted that it randomly tests its 180 athletes at least four times a year. But its program has been criticized for being too employee-friendly. In a recent interview with the New York Times, David Black, the company's hired drug testing administrator, said: "The intention is not to punish, but to get them [the wrestlers] to engage in a different lifestyle.''

In a June 28 interview on the Today show, McMahon defended his employees, saying: "Everyone that's in this organization, to my knowledge, is well-adjusted, family people. They go to work like everybody else, except their definition of what their job is, is to put a smile on somebody's face. They're performers and they do their jobs very, very well."

The congressional request is the most direct approach on the WWE since 1994, when federal prosecutors charged McMahon with steroid distribution. A jury found him not guilty. In the years since, McMahon has regained widespread respectability, selling shares in the WWE to the public and luring celebrities like Donald Trump to his shows. But the double murder-suicide in late-June involving Benoit, one of his company¹s biggest stars, has refocused attention on the issue of wrestler deaths and steroid use.

Authorities have said Benoit's body was found to have 10 times the normal level of testosterone, as well as amounts of the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and the painkiller hydrocodone, but there has been no evidence that steroids played a role in the deaths of Benoit's wife, Nancy, and 7-year-old son, Daniel. Georgia's top medical examiner said the testosterone, a synthetic version, appeared to have been injected shortly before Benoit died. He hanged himself in the basement gym of his suburban Atlanta home.

Shaun Assael is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine. He is also the co-author of "Sex, Lies, and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment," which is available here.



Credit>ESPN.com

[sCabbOy]

"WWE has a responsibility to do everything possible to eliminate the use of performance-enhancing drugs -- or the perception of such use -- by its wrestlers."


EXACTLY.

Responsibility.

[The Dark Vampire]

EXACTLY.

Responsibility.

But that's it everything possible to make it work 100% they would have to be tested everyday
they would have to know exactly what they were uip to 24/7.

I know the wellness policy needs work needs hell of a lot of work but they are trying

[sCabbOy]

But that's it everything possible to make it work 100% they would have to be tested everyday
they would have to know exactly what they were uip to 24/7.

I know the wellness policy needs work needs hell of a lot of work but they are trying

In most sports what they do are surprise tests... it can be anytime of the year, mid-season, off-season, World Series, etc. That makes it hard to do them because they don't know when they will be tested.

But, HGH can't be found in urine from what I understand. You need a blood test for it and MLB I know only does urine tests.

In WWE's case, surprise testing, minimal 4 tests a year (quarterly) and do blood tests. One strike suspended w/0 pay 60 days, second 6 months, third banned.

In the past a lot of wrestlers have died un noticed. Now that Nancy Grace has went crazy with the Benoit case each and every one that dies will make news. WWE can't afford that.

[The Dark Vampire]

But like I said anyone fired would just go to TNA they would have any of the main eventers and mid carders

To it to work they are have to overall Wrestling as a whole not just WWE but TNA ROH CZW ect ect

If you got fired from one company due to failing a drugs test then other company's couldn't hire you for say 2 years and even then you have to pass X number of random drugs tests over a say 6 month course.

When a wrester quites is fired for other reasons any drug test information history has to be passed on to the new employer if it is a 3 strike rule they the new company carrys on from whatever number the previous company was on.

Of course they could work any non US company but that is beyond the control of any law.

[Just Jeans]

If I become a heroin addict, will you blame my boss?

If my step father does drugs and tests postive when they randomly screen him, his job is terminated. On the spot. There's no negations, there's no trying to work things out, they simply send him packing. The job he does is too dangerous for them to allow drug addicts on-site.

The WWE Wellness Policy slaps these wrestlers on the wrist when they test positive. They're allowed to continue working on suspended pay. The WWE won't punish them more severely because they need these guys on the road, performing.

In my opinion, the WWE is at least partly responsible for not running a tighter ship.

Just to be clear -- I feel the same way about every profession. Whether you're a computer programmer, a fire fighter, a baseball player or a wrestler, the people who employ you have a responsibility to ensure safety in the work place. Performance enhancing drugs are just as unsafe as heroin or cocaine, and they shouldn't be tolerated in the workplace.

But that's it everything possible to make it work 100% they would have to be tested everyday they would have to know exactly what they were uip to 24/7.

The kinds of test my stepfather's workplace has implemented can trace drug use back as far as a year. Hair tests, or some such. Surely the WWE can do the same?

In any case, I'd say it's a safe bet that the WWE realizes which wrestlers are using performance enhancing drugs, they simply turn a blind eye. The fact that they let the wrestlers who test positive continue to perform is very telling.

[The Dark Vampire]

I agree of course there is the what about the steroids they use while getting over a serious injury

IMO if they need them to get over the injury fine but as soon as they are back in action stop taking them if you still need them to recover then you are not fit enough to get back into the ring.

[sCabbOy]

When you have an injury and you are given steroids it's completely different. It's usually Corticosteroids. Baseball players get those injections when they have aches and problems.

Estrogen and Testosterone are also steroids.

The steroids they look for are Anobolic Steroids and I am sure that they can decipher between the two if they don't have a separate test in which to find them.

The problem is also HGH, which isn't a steroid and like I said can only be found in blood tests. Children are given these things to grow taller and such. Baseball players took it to get bigger and I am sure wrestlers have dabbled in it as well.

[The Dark Vampire]

Children are given these things to grow taller

I was and to gain weight they never did work on me I was still a foot or more shorter than my age group

[Rich]

My bad, since I am not sure any of them are on steroids it must mean by default they aren't. C'mon don't be naive

Sure many of them are on steriods, but they were not given to them by the company. They were illegally sought after.

Media gravy train or not- when wrestlers speak up and say "yes it's true" I believe THAT over forum propaganda. That's right from the horses mouth

Yeah, but the "wrestlers" you are listening to like The Ultimate Warrior and Lanny Paffo have not been in the business in 20 years. They know as much about what goes on in that business today as a fetus.

Every sport has drug problems, difference is in real sports players are suspended, fined and even banned from the game for drug use. Let's see someone in professional wrestling even get a slap on the hand for it.

That is the same thing I critisize wrestling for. Once a person gets to be a big star like John Cena or the partial owner of the company like HHH, they are free to do whatever they want, because taking them off television would be too damaging. That is not something the company can really help because you can not excpect them to loose ratings and buy rates. That would be bad for business. Wrestlers know this and take full advantage of it. If you knew how Shawn Michaels was in the 90s you would know excactly what I am talking about.

Of course they aren't all on steroids, but a huge majority of them are

If not steriods then definitely pain killers and/or some other kind of enhancment substance. Nobody is denying that.

As for wrestling vs horror. Horror's demographic is what at worst 13, and usually Restricted. There's no secret that professional wrestling's demographic is very young boys. The difference between THAT and horror is that if a parent let's a young kid watch an R rated they need to discuss it with them and be a parent. Parents let kids watch wrestling at their leisure (for the most part) and once again wrestling's demographic are those young kids- horror's isn't

See that's where you are wrong. You are listening to "wrestlers" like Bruno Samarteno who are on the news who are talking about wrestling as if it hasn't changed since they were there and it has. I should try to find a link to what Ken Kennedy said about that. Those old timers know nothing about the business today.

Today's professional wrestling demo, at least for WWE, is 14 and older. It comes on at 9 pm and is rated 14 and the content it has with the women prove that. Sure young kids may like it and sure WWE (in the old WWF in the 80s and early 90s) did target younger ages, when society changed in the late 90s so did wrestling and it's target audience. Listening to a Lanny Paffo interview on Fox News about how wrestling was in the 80s says nothing about the business today.

They need to be shown as what they are-- villains

And how are they villains?

[Just Jeans]

If you knew how Shawn Michaels was in the 90s you would know excactly what I am talking about.

It's really no secret -- Shawn Michaels was a fucking prick in the 1990s.

[Special Killa B]

IMO Shawn Michaels is still a prick now.

[sCabbOy]

All anobolic steroids are illegal (unless prescribed), and still then it still can be illegal- doesn't make it right for the owners to turn their head. I'm sorry the "if we don't see it- it's not there" adage doesn't clear them from wrong.

That's why baseball is so tainted. Owners were turning their heads because these steroid infested players were racking in the runs and bringing in ticket sales. That era's baseball players are now getting to the retirement age and I would be really interested to see which ones (to put it simple) die from their abuse. Steroids has already taken one life in baseball and I am sure others will follow.

There needs to be better testing ans STIFFER penalties. Players who abuse steroids need to be banned and forced to pay back the contract they are in.

[BlakeTyner]

I think you made a valid point, that it's in the WWE's best interest to look the other way because it's good for business. If you're Vince, you want your wrestlers to do all those shows, all year, with moves that have a high potential for injury because that's exciting and it puts asses in the seats. If someone gets hurt, it's best for them to heal as quickly as possible and get back on the road. So I'm not even sure it's the WWE looking the other way as much as it is that they unofficially condone the activity, because it's the best thing for their bottom line.

They're probably careful, so that there's not a paper trail from a doctor back to the WWE, but they're bound to encourage the practice, verbally or not.

I don't watch it so I don't have a dog in the hunt, but it does seem like it'll come down to some sort of governmental mandate, which is rather sad.

~Blake

[sCabbOy]

In Vince's defense they are his moneymakers. But he has to look to the future. If he works these people to death his moneymakers won't be able to wrestle. Obviously for every one who retires 100 are waiting in line but the fans care.

Each wrestler should ge a few months off a year, and alternate so the show can go on.

[Rich]

If my step father does drugs and tests postive when they randomly screen him, his job is terminated. On the spot. There's no negations

Yeah, but your stepfather is not a television star making the company millions of dollars on ppv buy rates and merchandise sales and ticket sales. Do you honestly believe that if they found illegal drugs in John Cena, they would fire him? Not a chance in hell. He is too big of a name. WWE would loose a lot of money off of him not being there. All the little girls with their "I [heart] John Cena" t-shirts would stop watching and loose interest and it would be nothing but bad for business. The low card guys would be out in a second, but the top guys are almost untouchable, and they know it too. On the business side of things I can't blame Vince for not firing these guys for using drugs. He would loose money and they would wind up going to TNA and make WWE's competition stronger.

[sCabbOy]

That's the problems- owners simply do not care what their "money makers" are on if they are pulling in a lot of revenue. That's why owners (especially in sports) need to be held liable if they are ever proven to know of substance abuse.

ON a side note, in Jose Canseco's book he claimed that George W. Bush knew of steroid use within the Texas Rangers team. Bush owned the team when Canseco played there. Canseco has admitted to use, Palmeiro (an ex Ranger in the Canseco era) tested positive for them and Juan Gonzalez (another Ranger from that era) also has been named for steroid use.

I wouldn't put it past ANY owner in any sport and I am sire McMahon is fulla ware that his "employees" are on them.

[Kat]

I wonder what the reaction would have been within the WWE offices if it had been HHH that had killed Stephanie McMahon and their daughter (roid rage or not)? I know that is sick and morbid to invision, but I was thinking of what would have happened.

[Denzil]

from www.wrestleview.com :

The Edmonton Sun has an article up featuring comments from Chris Benoit's father Michael. He confirmed that Chris' body was quietly cremated. Michael stated that the family intended on talking about the tragedy down the line once they have more time to come to terms with it. He had the following to say about the situation as of now: "We're trying to cope. It's a difficult time and we are trying to do our best."

Source: PWInsider.com

[sCabbOy]

I wonder what the reaction would have been within the WWE offices if it had been HHH that had killed Stephanie McMahon and their daughter (roid rage or not)? I know that is sick and morbid to invision, but I was thinking of what would have happened.


Sadly, it would have been HUGE news dwarfing what really happened. Vince would have seen to that. I'm not trying to dwarf the Benoit tragedy, but Vince's name is bigger.

[Kat]

Sadly, it would have been HUGE news dwarfing what really happened. Vince would have seen to that. I'm not trying to dwarf the Benoit tragedy, but Vince's name is bigger.

I honestly think you would have seen the end of the WWE, my honest guess would have been that either Vince or Linda would have committed suicide or at the very least gotten a divorce. I think that would have been the complete end of wrestling as we know it forever.

[The Dark Vampire]

Right before William Regal filmed his segment for the Chris Benoit tribute show, JBL said to him, "you don't think he had anything to do with killing that boy, do you?"


At the funeral for Nancy and Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko (who helped to train Marc Mero) said training him would go down as the worst thing he ever did.
Credit>Wrestlezone.com

[Brett H.]

I dunno why Malenko would say that. Benoit being a wrestler didn't kill the family. It's not like there's not a lot of other stressful jobs and fucked up situations out there.

[The Dark Vampire]

I think he was referring to Mero as Dean never trained Chris Stu Hart did

[Brett H.]

Right, it totally slipped my mind that Stu trained him for some reason.

What did Mero do?

[Denzil]

At the funeral for Nancy and Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko (who helped to train Marc Mero) said training him would go down as the worst thing he ever did.

Credit>Wrestlezone.com

It was a service for Nancy and Daniel. Chris was cremated in secret.

Mero has been appearing on news shows talking about Benoit. He has admitted to using steroids and has a list of 25 wrestlers that he wrestled that died (Owen is on the list and his death had nothing to do with steroids). Current WWE wrestlers think that he shouldn't be talking as he has had nothing to do with the business since he has been out of it for so long (he has been out of the WWE since 1999, retired fully in 2004). Also Mero attended the funeral for Nancy and Daniel.

[Autobotsdie]

I really hate Mero now that he is out of wrestling. He has this cocky attitude and looks down his nose at wrestling and is a real prick.

[sCabbOy]

IMO, Mero has every right to do and say what he is doing and saying.

[Mutant Leprechaun]

Mero's a media whore, he acts like nothing in the locker room has changed since his last visit eight fucking years ago, and that everyone on his morbid little list died of obvious steroid abuse alone (a list that includes the names Owen Hart and Mike Awesome).

The guy claims to want what's best for the business but never seems to have any contributions to the debate when it comes to the solution, his entire verbal arsenal consists of him bashing the business and saying that steroids and drugs are basically forced into your pockets backstage, and that it's not the wrestler's fault because the wrestler has no choice. The picture he paints is one of domestic abuse, drugs and steroids 24/7.

The weasel then insists that he will continue what he's doing because it will save lives, however I fail to see where he mentioned how! By slamming the living shit out of the business and painting your former co-workers up as drug abusing dumbasses who are easily manipulated into taking steroids? Yeah that's gonna inspire sympathy!

In fact when he was questioned as to what the WWE Wellness policy was he responded, "I wish I knew." despite WWE having their wellness policy publically abvailable on their website since it was established. Maybe he should have looked that up while he was researching his list.

[The Dark Vampire]

Actually I'm 100% against Mero and Debra (whoever she's married to this week)

They were both happy enough to look the other way when they were making a good living out of pro wrestling but now they are out of it they are only to happy to slag it off.

I don't care if they want to slag off pro wrestling Vince WWE or whoever what i don't like is they are using this awful tragedy as a way to make some easy money I don't believe they give a shit about the drugs-Benoit (Chris Nancy or Danial) or Vince and WWE but do care a great deal about making some money of it and getting their face on TV.

If Vince offered any of them a job they would take it quicker than it takes a 13 year old to put a porn film on when his parents go out.

And they would be just as quick to start saying how great Vince is and giving him a blow job every chance they got.

Ok I also agree they ones defending him are doing so in part to suck up to him and keep or hopefully get a job so it works both ways (hell even Kurt Angle defended Vince and WWE last week)

[Darth Sinister]

Mero badmouthed WWE recently, in light of the tragedy. And he caused problems while he was working for the company.

[Shoesalesman]

Just looked through some old photos and I finally found the one taken of me with Chris (when I was 15 years old or around there) taken in Legal, Alberta, after a wrestling festival that featured Jason The Terrible and others. Seeing that photo after all these years is kind of creepy, given recent news.

There are still a few news crews around Archbishop O'Leary High School interviewing former teachers.

Also found the other picture of me and Owen Hart, my other wrestling idol.

Damn, I'm depressed now. :(

[Uncle Hoody]

Just looked through some old photos and I finally found the one taken of me with Chris (when I was 15 years old or around there) taken in Legal, Alberta, after a wrestling festival that featured Jason The Terrible and others. Seeing that photo after all these years is kind of creepy, given recent news.

There are still a few news crews around Archbishop O'Leary High School interviewing former teachers.

Also found the other picture of me and Owen Hart, my other wrestling idol.

Damn, I'm depressed now. :(

Dude I know what you mean. I was always (and still am) a fan of the smaller build guys like Owen, Bret, Benoit, Eddie, Rey, Koko B. Ware, Malenko,The Rockers, etc. And not to insinuate one life more valuable than another, but guys like Owen dying and then you have someone like other unnamed wrestlers who've abused every substance known to man, still walking around.

I don't know if Benoit's alleged abuse counts, but it still disturbs me that someone that fits a prototypical wrestler that I would root for is gone.

[Denzil]

Just looked through some old photos and I finally found the one taken of me with Chris (when I was 15 years old or around there) taken in Legal, Alberta, after a wrestling festival that featured Jason The Terrible and others. Seeing that photo after all these years is kind of creepy, given recent news.

There are still a few news crews around Archbishop O'Leary High School interviewing former teachers.

Also found the other picture of me and Owen Hart, my other wrestling idol.

Damn, I'm depressed now. :(

I know how you feel.

I met Chris Benoit at a signing in 2005 and got some stuff signed. I stumbled upon them recently and just felt numb.

[The Dark Vampire]

Update on who gets Benoit's estate
Order of deaths key to wrestler's estate

By HARRY R. WEBER, Associated Press WriterWed Aug 15, 5:22 PM ET

The future of pro wrestler Chris Benoit's millions could come down to the timing of a horrible crime: Did Benoit — having taken high doses of steroids — strangle his wife and then their young son before killing himself, or did the boy die first?

Lawyers for Benoit's mother-in-law, Maureen Toffoloni, filed a petition last week asking a court to determine the order of the deaths, which could affect whether she gets any of the estate.

Neither Benoit nor his wife left a will, so the death order could mean the difference in whether Toffoloni or Benoit's children from a previous marriage inherit the two homes, several bank and investment accounts and other assets estimated to be worth millions. Lawyers in the case declined Wednesday to provide an exact value.

Investigators have repeatedly said that Benoit killed his wife, then their son and himself during the weekend of June 22.

District Attorney Scott Ballard has said the wrestler used a cord to strangle his wife, then killed his son with a choke hold, then placed Bibles next to the bodies and hanged himself on a piece of exercise equipment.

Under that scenario, the estate would pass to Benoit's surviving two children, who live in Canada with their mother, said Cary Ichter, an attorney for Benoit's father, Michael.

But if the boy was killed first and then the wife, under Georgia law at least some of the estate would pass to Toffoloni, lawyers in the case said.

That's because of a forfeiture statute that takes into account the fact that Benoit was the killer. As such, the law for purposes of estate distribution would consider Benoit to have died before his wife and son.

Ichter said that if the boy was killed first, the estate would pass to the wife and, since she was killed, it would then pass to her family. But he noted that police don't believe that is how it happened.

Richard Decker, an attorney for Toffoloni, of Daytona Beach, Fla., said he doesn't believe the order of deaths is clear. He said he is asking the Fayette County court to make a determination based on the law "and not what we hear on TV."

Investigators have not given a motive for the killings, but the question of whether steroids played a role has lingered. Anabolic steroids were found in Benoit's home, and tests showed Benoit had roughly 10 times the normal level of testosterone in his system when he died.

Besides the Fayetteville home, estimated to be worth $1.5 million to $3.5 million, the Benoits had a home in nearby Peachtree City, which was for sale for $400,000 at the time of the killings, according to Decker. The house was not sold and has since been taken off the market, he said.

A probate court hearing over the appointment of estate administrators is scheduled for Aug. 28, Ichter said.

Ballard did not return a call Wednesday seeking comment. A spokesman for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation declined to comment.

Same thing but explained a bit better (IMO)

The battle is on to see who will get the estate of Chris Benoit. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that it's a matter of who died in what order and the family of Nancy Benoit and Chris' father Michael filed a joint motion in the Fayette County Superior Court last week to find out the exact order of deaths so that the estate issues can be finalized. Nancy did not have a will, and if she died first, her estate would then go to Daniel.
Since Daniel was murdered as well, his two half siblings living in Canada from Chris' previous marriage would inherit the fortunes an attorney for Benoit's father said. But if the son was killed first, the estate would go
to Nancy, which in this case would go to her family. An initial Probate Court hearing has been scheduled for August 28th but the issue of order of death is expected to be addressed later. According to Georgia law, Chris
Benoit is legally considered to have died first in the house. The intent of the 'Slayer's Statute' is to make sure neither the killer nor his heirs profit from their crimes, says the Atlanta newspaper. Fayette County
District Attorney Scott Ballard said that the department stands by the original findings, that Nancy was killed first followed by Daniel but the attorney for Nancy's family is arguing the fact now that the estate all rest
on these findings. The winning party will inherit millions of dollars in two homes, several bank accounts and lucrative investments. The final written version of the autopsies has still not been delivered. (thanks to Colin Vassallo)

[The 5th Golden Girl]

How can Chris Benoit legally be the first to die in the house? That's just plain stupid. I understand not wanting Chris to inherit Daniel's estate (which Daniel got after the death of his mother hours prior to his own death) and passing said estate to whomever would get it from Chris Benoit, but there has to be a better way to go about that than to say that Chris Benoit died first. If he had died first, Nancy and Daniel wouldn't be dead.

The legal system really gets on my nerves sometimes. Instead of saying something that makes sense we get stupid shit spoonfed to us.

[The Dark Vampire]

If Chris died last it would revert to his parents but this way his other 2 children get it as they are not classed as his kids but as Daniel 's siblings and closest living blood relative.

(IMO if anyone should get it way not the kids)

I understand the law which says why should a killers family benefit from his crime.

[sCabbOy]

What a fucking mess this will become.

The people who are in line to inherit are probably caring more about who died FIRST, than who died period. Leaches.

[The Dark Vampire]

What a fucking mess this will become.

The people who are in line to inherit are probably caring more about who died FIRST, than who died period. Leaches.

It's only Chris's mother in law who cares and it seems she is scared that Chris's other 2 children are going to get any money.

I agree though her daughter and grandson died and it appears she is more bothered about who gets the houses and money.

[Rich]

Marc Mero was in TNA two years ago under his old Johnny B. Badd gimick. That guy lost it a long time ago.

[sCabbOy]

I'm a baaaaad man. WOOOHOOO!

Marc kicked ass as Johnny B Badd. A steroided Little Richard.

[Ron]

I heard the most terrible thing said by Jimmy Kimmell during the Flava Flav roast. He was making fun of the fact that Flav has 7 children from 4 different women and proceeded to say "Chris Benoit was a better father than you"..What an asshole.

[Rich]

As an entertainer Marc Mero was great. As a person, he is a complete scum.

[Deathscythe]

I heard the most terrible thing said by Jimmy Kimmell during the Flava Flav roast. He was making fun of the fact that Flav has 7 children from 4 different women and proceeded to say "Chris Benoit was a better father than you"..What an asshole.

And the whole entire crowed shut up during that scene, I think Jimmy was thinking I fucked up there.

[The Dream Master]

It's beyond revolting that anyone would say that.

[Ron]

I think he's been taking comedic-advice from his girlfriend:side:

[sCabbOy]

I think Marc is doing more good now than he ever did. He donates a lot of his time and money to helping teens with steroid abuse problems. Just because he has a strong opinion on people who abuse steroids and drugs doesn't make him scum.

Screw the whole "what happens in the WWE stays in the WWE" stuff. That's what screwed up the game of baseball. Thankfully we have people with integrity lke Jason Giambi who came out, admitted it and is now using his own time and money to educate people about steroids.

Unless you are referring to something else, and then I stand corrected. I can just understand why wrestlers who use steroids would dislike Marc, but as humans we have to respect that he's actually helping people now.

[Kat]

I think Marc is doing more good now than he ever did. He donates a lot of his time and money to helping teens with steroid abuse problems. Just because he has a strong opinion on people who abuse steroids and drugs doesn't make him scum.

Screw the whole "what happens in the WWE stays in the WWE" stuff. That's what screwed up the game of baseball. Thankfully we have people with integrity lke Jason Giambi who came out, admitted it and is now using his own time and money to educate people about steroids.

Unless you are referring to something else, and then I stand corrected. I can just understand why wrestlers who use steroids would dislike Marc, but as humans we have to respect that he's actually helping people now.

I haven no problem with Mero talking about how bad steroids are, but what I have an issue with is him waving around a list of guys he has wrestled with that have died and some of them didn't even pass on from roid abuse. He is making it seem that way. He is just being a media whore about this entire mess. The thing that pissed me off about Benoit is he sure left one fuck of a mess for everyone to deal with both in wrestling and his personal life.

[sCabbOy]

I haven no problem with Mero talking about how bad steroids are, but what I have an issue with is him waving around a list of guys he has wrestled with that have died and some of them didn't even pass on from roid abuse. He is making it seem that way. He is just being a media whore about this entire mess. The thing that pissed me off about Benoit is he sure left one fuck of a mess for everyone to deal with both in wrestling and his personal life.

I agree with that. Nancy Grace did the same. She made a list of all the wrestlers who have died and she named some that died otherwise- like Owen Hart, of course. I can see how that would piss people off.

I think someone said that Rick Rude shouldn't have been on that list (on the OLD forum) but didn't he die of a heart attack at age 40?

[Mutant Leprechaun]

I think Marc is doing more good now than he ever did. He donates a lot of his time and money to helping teens with steroid abuse problems. Just because he has a strong opinion on people who abuse steroids and drugs doesn't make him scum. Charity work doesn't excuse him of using a list of the dead to get on TV.

And does his 'strong opinion' not make him even the slightest bit hypocritical considering he was on the steroids himself and as far as I can tell, only stopped because of his release when steroids couldn't benefit him anymore?

Screw the whole "what happens in the WWE stays in the WWE" stuff. I agree, but I think a proper investigation into the current situation with steroids in wrestling today would be more appropriate then listening to ramblings of a man who hasn't been in a WWE ring for eight years.

Mero knows nothing about WWE.

I can just understand why wrestlers who use steroids would dislike Marc, but as humans we have to respect that he's actually helping people now. A lot of people do what they can to help others, but they don't whore out to the media, I won't respect Mero until he publically admits that it isn't his place to run his mouth about this shit and then shuts the fuck up and gets out of the spotlight.

[sCabbOy]

But, he claims he quit steroids well before "retiring" from wrestling.

But at any rate, I'm sure he's using the "death list" as a rude awakening for young kids who are wanting to use steroids. Regardless if there are 1,2,3,4,5 or more people on that list who DIDN'T die from steroids. If there is at least ONE then he has a valid point.

Problem is there isn't just one, there's probably 50+ who died DIRECTLY from steroids and then many more who died from other complications triggered by steroid use. Therefore, IMO, he has every right to use that as an example. Like I said I can see why people would be bent out of shape by it.

I think someone needs to step up and show everyone what is going on in professional wrestling. It seems like he's the only one who has that integrity.

He's even stated many times, and I don't know how true this is, but he is financially set for life and this is in no way a gimmick to make money. I believe him when he says that.

[The Dark Vampire]

He's even stated many times, and I don't know how true this is, but he is financially set for life and this is in no way a gimmick to make money. I believe him when he says that.

To be honest I'd more believe him if he said his ex wifes tits were real than I would believe when he says what he's doing is in no shape way or form just to benifit him.

The truth is this is nothing more than a money making scheme and a chance to get his face on TV again.

[Mutant Leprechaun]

But, he claims he quit steroids well before "retiring" from wrestling.I personally don't believe him, with the way he handles arguments I wouldn't rule out him twisting the truth.

But at any rate, I'm sure he's using the "death list" as a rude awakening for young kids who are wanting to use steroids. I seriously doubt it, how many young kids watch shit like Nancy Grace? Besides how are you 'sure'? He never mentions his list being a warning to young kids looking to be the next Scott Steiner on any of his interviews.

Regardless if there are 1,2,3,4,5 or more people on that list who DIDN'T die from steroids. If there is at least ONE then he has a valid point. Not really, his point seems to be in the numbers. Saying that two people you have wrestled have died of steroid abuse since, doesn't sound nearly as good as saying that twenty five people you have wrestled have died since.

Problem is there isn't just one, there's probably 50+ who died DIRECTLY from steroids and then many more who died from other complications triggered by steroid use. Keyword: Probably. Guys have heart attacks all the time for different reasons, guys have liver failure all the time for different reasons, but of course since it's pro wrestling everyone decides to jump the gun and cry steroids with no proof.

I'm not saying that there is no problem with steroids, I'm just saying that people can die young for different reasons.

Therefore, IMO, he has every right to use that as an example. In my opinion he has no right to use anything as an example because he knows next to nothing about steroids, absolutely nothing about WWE's backstage views on steroids and the fact that his little list, is his entire argument.

I think someone needs to step up and show everyone what is going on in professional wrestling. It seems like he's the only one who has that integrity. You seem to be forgetting that he hasn't wrestled for WWE in eight years! How does he know what goes on backstage today?!

He's even stated many times, and I don't know how true this is, but he is financially set for life and this is in no way a gimmick to make money. I believe him when he says that. That's bullshit if I've ever seen it.

Tell me, if this guy is so damn righteous, why is he only stepping up now? Why does he only make a stand after the business spat him out and he realised that he couldn't make money off it anymore?

[The Dream Master]

While there are indeed many ways that people can die young, there are a disproportionate amount of pro wrestlers dying in their 40s. There's obviously a common thread among all of these guys--it may be steroids, the nature of the business, or something else. Whatever the cause, it needs to be found quickly.

[Mutant Leprechaun]

While there are indeed many ways that people can die young, there are a disproportionate amount of pro wrestlers dying in their 40s. There's obviously a common thread among all of these guys--it may be steroids, the nature of the business, or something else. Whatever the cause, it needs to be found quickly.I agree completely. But again I think this needs to be investigated properly rather than letting guys like Mero benefit by running their mouths.

Steroids is a big problem in wrestling, no doubt about that, but it's idiotic to assume that every young death in wrestling is to be attributed to the same problem, I may be mistaken but a fair few wrestlers who would be in their 40's or past it seem to have also had problems with alcohol and drugs.

[The Dark Vampire]

I may be mistaken but a fair few wrestlers who would be in their 40's or past it seem to have also had problems with alcohol and drugs.

Which of course must also be looked into and help offred where needed even let them go if necessary Eddie said the best thing WWE did for him was releasing him it made him look at his life and in part realizes he need to quit (the other part was his wife and kids not wanting anything to do with him)

[Ron]

Sometimes freak things happen in the body and young people just die of natural causes.

[Uncle Hoody]

Sometimes freak things happen in the body and young people just die of natural causes.

And how does this apply to the high number of wrestlers dying at young ages of mostly steroid and drug related issues, not including the Benoit tragedy?

[The Dream Master]

Yeah, freak things don't happen 20+ times to the same group of people. It's not just some spooky coincidence. Something is mad wrong with the wrestling community, be it steroids, alcohol/drug abuse, or just the lifestyle in general.

[sCabbOy]

It's impossible to really say what directly caused certain deaths because pain killers can lead to enlarged hearts which can lead to arrest. Pain killers even used as prescribed can do just that (i.e. my father- he had arthritis in over 85% of his body and used 4 -5 kinds of painkillers and developed an enlarged heart).

Steroids can also cause heart/stroke problems, the two combine can be lethal over the course of years.

Back to "the list" they also listed wrestlers who were (apologize for this term) morbidly obese. I am sure their deaths were sort of linked to that health problem however narcotics could have contributed.

[The Dark Vampire]

I'll put this here but I'm unsure if it would be best included in the TNA thread.

I wanted to take a quick look at where things are in the Benoit case and bring everyone up to speed on the last two weeks.

As most are aware, WWE got THE LETTER, a request from Congress for information relating to its drug testing policies. About a week later they got a second letter, this time from a completely different group of Congressman, asking for similar information. The irony, which is only an irony if you don't follow politics, is that even though both committees are working towards the same ends, they are not working together, and in fact are considered by some to be rivals.

That absurdity aside, we move to a different sort of absurdity, that of TNA. I incorrectly stated a few weeks back that I was the only person on a mainstream news show to mention the words "TNA". In fact, Konnan did as well, far more than me, in fact. This mistake has no bearing on the larger fact that despite these references, TNA, which has no drug policy, flew quietly under the radar during the biggest mainstream month in the history of professional wrestling in the United States.

TNA was not to be ignored, however.

They struck upon this great idea of bringing in PAC MAN JONES. We covered the situation last week. Since that column, there was a great deal of drama that involved more courts, this time revolving around the Tennessee Titans' fear that wrestlers in Orlando were going to jump and beat the hell out of Pacman if given the opportunity (seriously). So they didn't even want him involved with TNA at all. Eventually, after a six hour meeting, a compromise was reached; no touching at all, either by Pacman or towards Pacman, with anything at all, from hands to fists to feet to beverages. Also, the NFL was going to send their own crack security crew to Hard Justice, just in case the dudes TNA put in charge just happened to be a part of the Let's Kill Pacman street crew. They did their job all right -- when Ron Killings went after Pacman in a scripted segment, the NFL police tackled him like he was heading for a game winning touchdown at the SuperBowl.

Regarding my column last week about Pacman and how his appearance might affect the ratings, despite the fact that all of the mainstream Pacman coverage claimed he was making his in-ring debut last Thursday night, the show ended up doing an 0.99 rating and 1.3 million viewers, the lowest number in months. Whoops.

So anyway, with feedback for Hard Justice remaining at the level of most past shows, and the Impact rating not only not increasing but actually going down, they sure didn't get much business out of this whole deal. But business did pick up in another way -- THEY GOT THE LETTER.

Yes, Congressional Crew B, headed by Clifford Stearns of Florida, sent a letter requesting drug testing information from both TNA and, inexplicably, the National Wrestling Alliance. Where the NWA part came from I have no idea, though I presume as they were investigating TNA online they heard about the recent NWA/TNA split and decided both organizations needed to answer some questions.

So the government wants drug testing policy information from Dixie Carter. That should be easy. There is none. Dixie has claimed in interviews that TNA has a drug policy. Numerous wrestlers off the record, and Matt Bentley (Michael Shane/Martyr) on the record, have stated that they know of no policy and have never been tested. I suspect Dixie is using semantics to get around this issue, as I have no doubt Panda Energy, which owns TNA, has a drug policy. But the actual TNA policy appears to be the policy that Vince McMahon had in place from the mid-90s through 2005 -- if he sees a syringe sticking out of your ass, he'll test you.

So far, TNA has not publicly made any statement about the congressional request. WWE, however, produced a statement the day this article was written, August 16th. It was exactly what I expected it to be. They were very conciliatory, explained that they had created a policy, made sure to note that an outside independent organization (Dr. David Black's Aegis Sciences Corp.) was in charge of administering the tests and doling out punishments, that they were producing all of the materials that Congress requested, and that they expected to discover more material within the next few weeks and would forward it as soon as possible.

While they did not try to flat-out pass the buck, they did make very clear that Aegis was the group that actually possessed a lot of the testing information and that Congress should speak to them as well. This is no surprise. As I and others have expected, the whole deal is for WWE to claim that they created this policy, to their understanding it's a fairly strong policy (though admitting that it could be better), and that any issues with the policy are the result of decisions made by the guy administering it, Dr. Black. Basically, he's their scapegoat, and the reality is he's a very strong scapegoat. Just with the basic question of Chris Benoit, if Dr. Phil Astin was providing him with ten months' worth of steroids every 3-4 weeks, and Benoit had failed three previous tests but gotten off due to the medical exemption loophole, and his final T/E ratio presumably with that medical exemption was an absurdly high 59:1, why didn't Black step in? Why was this allowed?

Of course, Black as a scapegoat only helps with part of the problem. Another big issue is why WWE, if we accept that Dr. Black was responsible for all of this, did not replace Black when it was clear that he was allowing loopholes in this supposed strict drug policy. Not to mention the issue of why there was testing until 1996 and then no testing until 2005. The real answer is that WCW was beating WWE in 1996, WWE was in the midst of losing more money than they ever had before and was legitimately in danger of having to file for bankruptcy, and Vince felt with WCW not testing it was an uneven playing field. Explain that one to Cliff Stearns.

But hey, at least they instituted a policy. TNA has to explain why there is a request for drug testing details and after five years and God knows how many deaths in that period (including some in TNA), they have absolutely nothing to produce. But let's look on the bright side. At least they're no longer under the radar.

Credit>Bryan Alvarez on the fight network website

TNA doesn't have a drug policy, at least one that anyone wrestling for the company has ever heard of. There's likely a corporate Panda (the parent company of TNA) policy, but it has never been enforced. There's said to be a lot of recreational drug use among the wrestlers, not to the level of the original ECW, but far more than in WWE. Furthermore, there have been internal discussions dating back to June within TNA to begin a real drug policy.


Credit>Wrestlezone.com

Marc Mero who has been on a media spree lately contacted TNA's president Dixie carter regarding their so called Drugs testing policy. TNA lawyers stated that the subject was a private matter.
Credit>Wrestlezone.com

I think it'sa good point while WWE testing policy may not be perfect at least they have one in place where as if TNA had to be honest all they could say to congress is "sorry we don't drug test here"

I have been rather annoyed about this that WWE is getting all of the shit about drugs in pro wrestling thrown at them while they are the only company I know of who have any testing policy in place at all.

I'm not saying WWE shouldn't be looked into of course it should but so should every other wrestling company

[Uncle Hoody]

i had a dream last night about the whole Benoit thing, only it was Steve Austin and Debra.

In my dream I *knew* it was going to happen, and tried everything in my power to stop it from happening, but was powerless.

Kind of scary really.

[The Dark Vampire]

- In the 9/10 National Enquirer, there is a claim that Chris Benoit had a six month relationship with a female wrestler in Edmonton in 1986, which resulted in the birth of a daughter. According to the story, Benoit never denied he was the father, and now the mother and daughter want to claim part of Benoit's estate.
Credit>Gerweck.net

[The Dark Vampire]

9/4/2007 6:24:00 PM

Medical experts will be releasing test results on Benoit's brain tomorrow

by Dave Meltzer

Dave@wrestlingobserver.com

A press conference is being held tomorrow at 10:45 a.m. at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York to release findings from the examination of the brain of Chris Benoit.

Michael Benoit had given Julian Bailes, MD, the Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at West Virginia University, the rights to examine his son's brain. Benoit will be speaking at the press conference along with Dr. Robert Cantu, the Director of sports Medicine at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA, and Benoit's lawyer, Cary Itchter.

It is believed the findings will confirm damage that would enable a "diminished capacity" defense in Chris Benoit's slaying of his son and his wife, before killing himself.
Credit>http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/h...t.asp?aID=20630

[BlakeTyner]

Just wanted to update the thread...

At the press conference, it was revealed that Benoit's brain looked like that of an elderly person with Alzheimer's - there was extensive, significant damage. The doctors are postulating that it's a combination of years of drug abuse combined with head injuries.

It doesn't exactly relieve Benoit of responsibility, but at the very least we can say that his brain wasn't working in a way that any of us would be familiar with.

~Blake

[Denzil]

Here is a news note about the Benoit's brain:

from www.f4wonline.com:

Dr. Robert Cantu of the Sports Legacy Institute announced today that Chris Benoit's brain showed massive damage consistent with that seen in 85-year-old Alzheimer's patients and likely resulting from numerous concussive blows to the head. He noted that of all the brains he had examined, including that of Andre Waters, Benoit's brain showed the most damage.

Former WWE star Chris Nowinski heads the Institute. WWE was not told in advance what the findings were going to be.

Chris' father Michael Benoit also noted that he'd read Chris' diary. "After reading the diary, I would have thought it was written by someone who was extremely disturbed at the time," he said.

Neither Michael nor attorney Cary Ichter would comment on the possibility of litigation, but said they would consider later what further steps to take.

As noted in last night's Figure Four Weekly, the brain damage Benoit is believed to have suffered would have resulted in abnormal, aggressive behavior and dementia, which might help to explain better than almost any other theory why he killed his family and then took his own life.

Michael Benoit said he wanted his grandchildren to know that their father was a good man and that this wasn't his fault.

"Once the findings came out and I had the opportunity to talk to the doctors, we certainly had an understanding of what could have contributed to the tragedy that took place that day," he said.

He will be on Nightline tonight to discuss this story.

[The Dark Vampire]

Dr. Phil Astin, who was the personal doctor to professional wrestler Chris Benoit, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for illegally prescribing drugs to his patients. Benoit killed himself, his wife and the couple's 7-year-old son in 2007.


Prosecutors said Astin prescribed painkillers and other drugs to known addicts for years. They said at least two of Astin's patients died because of his lax oversight of what medicines they were taking. However, the indictment was unclear about whether Chris Benoit, a wrestler for Stamford, Conn.-based World Wrestling Entertainment, was one of the two.
Credit>Gerweck.Net who credits the Chicago Sun-Times

[Uncle Hoody]

At least they prosecuted him. Would have preferred a stiffer penalty but at the end of the day, the wrestlers were the ones that were taking the pills.

[The Dark Vampire]

The tragedy of Chris Benoit’s final days are to be re-told in a new big screen ‘biographical thriller’, entitled Crossface.

SRG Films have bought the rights to Matthew Randazzo’s book “Ring of Hell: The Story of Chris Benoit and the Fall of the Pro Wrestling Industry”, one of the countless number of books about the pressures the wrestling superstar faced throughout his career and how it was that a quiet family man, who was 100% dedicated to their safety and his ability to be the absolute best in the squared circle, one weekend murdered his wife and young son before hanging himself.

Randazoo’s book which I haven’t read (though I have read others) suggests severe depression caused by head trauma and steroid/drug-use that damaged his brain and had turned him psychotic.

SRG chief Dale Alexander Carnegie is producing, WME are packaging the project. I believe but I’m not certain that this might be SRG Films’ first production.

Former Weinstein staffer Sarah Coulter has already written the first draft of the script which will begin filming late 2012. They are in talks with directors and actors for the project right now and the film already has an IMDB page.

The title ‘Crossface’ was the name of his finishing move in the ring.

“All of us grow up believing that wrestling is fake, but looking at the shocking number of deaths in the industry, it quickly becomes evident that there is nothing fake about the dangers of this sport,” Carnegie said. “Chris Benoit has become a poster child for everything that’s wrong with professional wrestling and Sarah’s terrific script captures his struggles and the many factors that led to the deaths of three people.”

Coulter added: “People immediately point to steroids, never thinking about the brain trauma these wrestlers can, and do, incur in their profession, nor do they consider the rigorous schedule that keeps them working even when they shouldn t be. The Benoit story is one that needs to be brought into the light.:

The tragedy of the Benoit family is the biggest story in the history of wrestling and in the summer of 2007 made headlines globally for weeks on end. For many a wrestling fan at the time, he was the last person and I really do mean the absolute last person you would EVER think would bring harm to himself or his children and he seemed like he was one of the good guys…. but in the end he turned out to be the worst of them all.

No matter how good Benoit was in the ring and how much of an accomplished performer he was (probably the best of his generation) it doesn’t disguise the fact he committed the most heinous of crimes.

From the sounds of the title with the words ‘Ring of Hell’ and “the Fall of the Pro Wrestling Industry” I don’t think WWE owner Vince McMahon will come off too well in this movie and I’m certain this will be a production many in the industry won’t want to see.

Sensationalist ‘biographical thriller’. This sure sounds controversial…
Credit>http://whatculture.com/film/wwe-wrestler-chris-benoit-film-biopic-crossface-to-re-tell-tragedy.php

Should they really do this?

If it goes ahead I hope it gives a true insight to what really happened (To the best of what they can find) and not just another excuse to put down wrestling

[Freddy Krueger]

Credit>http://whatculture.com/film/wwe-wrestler-chris-benoit-film-biopic-crossface-to-re-tell-tragedy.php

Should they really do this?

If it goes ahead I hope it gives a true insight to what really happened (To the best of what they can find) and not just another excuse to put down wrestling

It's based off a book that was centered around putting down the professional wrestling industry. Not looking forward to this at all. If they are to make a film about it (and really, this is way too soon to be making one), I'd rather a truthful, unbiased account and not base the film off of a book with an agenda.

[Darth Sinister]

Should they do this? Why not? Look at the stuff about OJ, Michael Jackson and all the other public tragedies. Hollywood only cares about money and ratings. Not facts and good taste. Look at what they're describing it. A "biographical thriller". They're making it out like Benoit had violent tendencies and was ready to snap at any minute.

[Uncle Hoody]

They're making it out like Benoit had violent tendencies and was ready to snap at any minute.

He DID snap and kill his wife, kid, and self....and had previous domestic violence reports against him.

[WesReviews]

Liam Neeson shoots down rumors (http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=23823&count=0) that he'll be playing Vince McMahon in "Crossface".


During the press junket for "The Grey," Liam Neeson was asked about the rumor that he's in talks to play WWE head Vince McMahon in the upcoming Chris Benoit biopic "Crossface."

"The Grey" director Joe Carnahan jumped in, telling Neeson: "I can't see you doing that dude." Neeson added: "No, I never heard of [the movie]." The actor went on to say that he has no interest in the role, mostly because he knows very little about McMahon, almost nothing about Benoit, and is not a fan of wrestling.

"Crossface" was announced early December. Casting is currently underway with plans of going into production during the fall of this year.
ADDED:
No director attached yet... I say bring in Aronofsky. I think something that would have to be a blend of Requiem For a Dream and The Wrestler would surely appeal to him.