SLAM! Wrestling Canadian Hall of Fame: Chris Benoit memories
We broke him in here. Beautiful wrestler. He does nice moves and it's hard to find fault with his wrestling. ... He was an Edmonton kid originally. Mike Hammer kind of took a liking to him and he was a boy who came out of St. Louis and worked up here for me. He met him in Edmonton and then kind of got him broken into wrestling. He finished his career, polished himself up and then came down here. Bruce and Owen, Keith and Bret worked out with him a lot. He became one of the better wrestlers in the industry. He learned it right here in my yard. Mike Hammer certainly gave him a good start. Mike came from a wrestling family. He was a great friend of Joe Millington and knew Lou Thesz when he was a young fellow.
Stu Hart from a Nov. 1997 interview with SLAM! Wrestling
I've never met Benoit. But I remember when of my very first reactions
to him: he's amazing. I saw Arn Anderson in his corner as I thought
that. I realized this guy is going to be the successor to AA. He can
both replace and succeed him.
Deborah Engleson
My first memories on Benoit was that he was a great wrestler. But when I
first realized just how good he really is was on one Saturday night I was
watching WCW and he was doing an interview and I could just see this fire and
intensity in his eyes I couldn't belive it at first but after watching him
wrestle a couple of times I believed it he is the best!!!!!!!
EP108@aol.com
I can recall the days when that skinny punk Benoit [I like to pronounce
his name phonetically] would pick feuds with the truly great members of
the Karachi Vice in Calgary Stampede wrestling. One instance is etched in
my brain: a tag match in 1989 which featured Benoit and Biff Wellington
teamed against the Great Gama and the god-like Mahkan Singh (even Flair
could learn interviewing skills from this man). After an excruciating
20-minute bout in which Benoit got the crap beat out of him, the Great
Gama superplexed the pathetic Benoit for the pin, after which Benoit
actually started to cry. And I will never forget Benoit's lame response
in his interview immediately following the match, the gist of which was
"I'm inexperienced and I suck; maybe in the future I can give the
50-year-old Gama a better fight." He never did.
And now Benoit has been elevated to the heights of the wrestling world
while some of the truly entertaining wrestlers in Stampede have been sent
to pasture. If Turner had any brains, he'd resurrect the career of "The
Saginaw Stud" Mahkan Singh, slap a ill-fitting Oilers jersey on him, stick
him in front of the camera and let him preach his gospel to the world.
Then he'd send Benoit packing.
Hans Christian Clausen
Chris Benoit simply is the best wrestler today
Drew Murphy
I'm a Horsemen fan for as long as I've known of the great sport of wrestling. It is so a shame that Curt Hennig will be in the "Enforcer" spot. We all
know that Benoit is really the 'perfect' enforcer and the future of the one,
only, the elite: 4 Horsemen.
Bronson B.
I had a chance to speak to Chris after his final night in ECW. He's a
very quiet, humble guy whom is very serious when it comes wrestling. I
have followed his career since 1991 and feel that the break he recived
in ECW established himself FULLY as a superstar in the sport to
AMericans. It's too bad the American fans didn't get to see much of him
before that, cause he's been dominating in Japan for years. His win of
the "Super J-Cup" Light Heavyweight Tournament in Japan in April of 1994
would have to be my fondest memory of him in the ring.
Michael C. Grimadli
Chris Benoit is absolutely fantastic. The first time I saw him wrestle I
thought wow! This guy is good. He is also very,very handsome!
delilah@mail.itiseasy.com
On the night of Stu Hart's 80th Birthday Stampede wrestling Card at the
Saddledome in Calgary a few years ago, Benoit came into the Bar that I
worked in at the time. I was in shock. I couldn't believe it. This was
before I saw him on WCW, I only recognized him from Stampede Wrestling. I
didn't have the guts to talk to him, so I pulled up a stool at the table
next to him and some of the wrestlers he was with and just listened for
hours. Sitting there by myself in a crowded bar. I
took it all in, his stories about Japan and everything. I will never
forget that day. If I ever have the chance to meet him again, I will
definitly go up to him and bring that day up.
pearsonm@telusplanet.net
First time i saw Benoit was on a Clash of the Champions vs. Bob Armstrong. I told all of my friends that this guy is better than Bret Hart just a lot younger and everyone laughed. Nobody is laughing anymore, this man is amazing. I loved his full-nelson suplex and espceilly the clothesline he did off the ropes outside (the first time ever it was done in WCW)
AGosa316@aol.com
Chris Benoit has something special. I never knew of him until he joind WCW,
but now hes one of my favorite wrestlers. Only ahead of him is Hulk Hogan,
but Benoit is a real talent. He has world title potential and I think he
could beat any of the Horsemen.
SychoSid5@aol.com
Benoit is the definition of a professional wrestler, he doesn't have
alot of charisma but just his ring presence and ability has made him a
soon to be legend in the buisness!
Warnke Family
I've only recently seen Chris wrestle in the Stampede Wrestling organization.
I was able to add other title matches and tournaments from Japan that Chris
had won to the Stampede Wrestling Mid-Heavyweight Title tape where Chris had
won. And to that, I've added an E.C.W. World Tag-team title shared with Dean
Malenko to this Chris Benoit tape. Perhaps, the only thing missing would be a
World Heavyweight Title match between Chris Benoit and Bret Hart. I wouldn't
be satisfied until I'd see one of these two wrestlers submit. May the best
man win. Good luck Chris! Chris, come back to New York City to wrestle.
PRamos4982@aol.com
I first saw Chris Benoit on Clash of the Champions, that night I saw him beat the crap out of some guy. Then I realized you don't see that kind
of intensity and fire in wrestlers nowadays. I hope to see him win a title in WCW soon.
Lohr
The first time I saw Chris Benoit was at the WCW vs NJPW PPV, when he was the
'Wild Pegasus' Chris Benoit. He fought Flash Funk (then , he was 2 Cold
Scorpio). From that match, Benoit was my favorite wrestler, and has destroyed
evryone since then.
4H
When people ask me who I believe to be the overall best wrestler in the
game today, naturally, several of the longtime greats come to mind, such
as my hero, Bret "the Hitman" Hart, or maybe Lex Luger, the Undertaker,
or Sting, but I find myself placing each of these men in the ring with
Bret Hart in my mind and asking "Which of these guys has what it takes
to put the Hitman down...?" The answer, when given carefull thought,
always brings me back to the same man. Not Luger. He's powerful and it
would be an awesome match, but he lacks the mental prowess of the
Hitman. Hart has proven time and again that "brains over brawn" is what
it takes to remain ontop. Not the Undertaker. Again, while the
Undertaker would overpower Hart, the Hitman would eventually find a way
to bring the big man down to his level. Not Sting. Not Flair. Not
Hogan. The natural first choices seem to all fall short. But if there
is one man who has what it takes to pull one over on the best there ever
will be, it is the Canadian Crippler Chris Benoit. Benoit is the stuff
of champions. He has the power. Sure he is not one of the biggest, but
he knows how to use what he's got. He has the technical ability. He is
known for winning many of his matches by submission. He has the speed.=20
He has the the ability to take things to the extreme if needed. But the
one attribute that Chris Benoit has that puts him over the top in my
book is fire. He has passion. Watch him fight. He is not fighting for
the crowd. He is not fighting for a belt. He is not fighting for an
organization. Chris Benoit is fighting to win. Period. Any match. Any
reason. Any opponent, the fire remains the same! And it is that
passion to be on top. That passion to be the victor that would make
Benoit verses Hart the dream match of the century. If it really
happened, who would win? That I cannot say. Although the advantage of
experience would be to the Hitman's favor, Benoit's determination just
might be what it takes to steal a win from Hart. It is a match that I
would love to see, but could never enjoy seeing either man lose. So
maybe it would be better that they don't fight. I have a better idea!
How about they team up!! No one could stop the combination of Chris
Benoit and Bret Hart. Maybe what the NWO and the WCW needs is a new
Hart Foundation:
Bret "the Hitman" Hart, the Crippler Chris Benoit, Davey Boy Smith and
either the Anvil, Chris Jerhico, or oooh, how about Sid Vicious! Now
that would be a force to be reconed with... (listen to me ramble on, the
point is, Chris Benoit is, in my book, one of the top five greatest
wrestlers of all time and it is about time he get his due! It's belt
time for the Crippler, either U.S. or World, maybe even World Tag, but
either way, he is way past due for some gold.) Chris Benoit 4 life!
Jason Gibson
The first time I saw Chris Benoit was on WcW Saturday Night. He beat the
living snot out of Dean Malenko. I heard that they were tag champs in ECW. I
think that bischoff should have Benoit some gold in the near future. He has
beaten everyone and in my book, The Crippler is the greatest wrestler to ever
walk into the squared circle.
~~-^Teebone^-~~
Benoit got me started in WCW, I remember one particular match he had
with Kevin Sullivan, where they brawled all over the arena before the
match officially began, Chris was thrown down concrete stairs but just
kept getting right back up. His resilience and determination that night
made him my all time favorite wrestler. I wish him all the luck in the
world in his WCW career.
DR. PLACID LASRADO
With all the crap about Steve Austin saying he is the toughest s.o.b. in wrestling, its nice to see like Chris Benoit going out there night after night and proving he is without saying a damn word.
Heavymet@aol.com
Well the first time I saw him wrestle, all I saw was one intense wrestler. He
could do any move, from taking it to the ropes to grappling in the ring. He
is capable of just about anything. He is extreme and was a great addition to
the IV Horsemen. He truly is an example of what wrestling really is. He's a
great wrestler no matter how you look at him. He can handle himself in the
ring with the best of them. Chris Benoit is a true champion in WCW and
deserves a belt. Chris Benoit is truly #1.
Curly Corn
Chris Benoit is the best wrestler in the world cause he goes night in
and night out giving his all in the ring and is loved by all wrestling
fans across Canada. I just started watchind WCW and as soon as Chris
Benoit comes on I watch it all the time. Chris Benoit is the best damm
wrestler not cause Stone cold said so cause I said so!!!
Chris Benoit is, without a doubt, the best wrestler in the world today. The
first match I remember watching with him would probably be against Kevin
Sullivan in the first bathroom room brawl. The anouncers thought there was no
way with his size he could beat Sullivan, but since then he's proved them
totally wrong. I think the only thing wrong with him is that he doesn't
realize that he can get beaten up pretty bad when diving into seven wrestlers.
With everything he's acomplished, he deserves a WCW championship.
-Becki K.-
I got out of wrestling a few years ago because I was sick of all the
"gimmicks" and the rapidly diminishing number of real wrestling matches. Last
year, though, a friend convinced me to watch Hog Wild 1996 at Sturgis.
Overall, the card didn't impress me, all flashand gimmicks, no "old school"
brawls. Then I saw a match between two short guys with short hair, no
fireworks and no face paint. Neither of them said much of anything, no
screaming or prancing, they just climbed in the ring. They were Chris Benoit
and Dean Malenko, and they blew my mind. I don't ever recall two guys mixing
it up the way they do. Since then I try and tune in to see the Crippler when I
can. His matches with Meng were outstanding, and it seems he's finally getting
the push he deserves. If Bishcoff has an ounce of promoting instinct, he'll
make Raven do the job at Souled Out and put the TV or US strap around the
crippler's waist, and soon.
KDoggy3611
Just a short note to say I think Chris Benoit is the best wrestler of all
organizations. Unfortunately, I feel he is the most underrated wrestler of
all time. While such mediocre wrestlers such as Eddie Guerro (sp?) and Disco
Inferno hold title belts, Chris stands back away from the limelight of belts
and tournaments. When I first started watching WCW about a year ago, it was
on the advice of a girlfriend who told me to check out Lex Luger. While Lex
Luger is a great athlete and very handsome, he cannot come close to the
excitement and intensity of Chris Benoit. He is the greatest and the only
reason I continue to watch WCW.
DonnaCF01@aol.com
A few years ago, I was watching television, and some WCW show came on.
I had no idea who this "Canadian Crippeler" was. But for some reason I
watched, his intensity and tanacity amazing me. I started to watch pro
wrestling again and am now a huge Benoit fan. Chris, thank you for the
memorable matches so far, and the many more to come.
Tim Knott
Chris Benoit is one of the best wrestlers today because he can go toe
to toe with anybody. If Benoit gets rid of his personal feuds such as
Raven, and get a Championship belt he would be one of the best champions
to ever wrestler.
Cornelius Watson
The best there is the best there was the best there ever will be. Chris
Benoit... That's right not Bret Hart but Benoit..... Singles or tag, he is the
greatest wrestler ever to step into the ring.
Cecil Jones
I remember the first time that I saw Chris Benoit wrestle in WCW. I
looked at his size, but couldn't really too much attention to it because
of his ability to outwrestle his opponent. For the guy only being 5'10"
220 lbs, he has defeated a long list of some of the baddest in the
squared circle. He single handedly destroyed the Dungeon of Doom and
retired Kevin Sullivan. He has the high risk maneuvers and the
technical mat wrestling skills to prove that he is the best wrestler in
the sport today. Quote the Crippler, nevermore.
Adrian Corsey
In my mind Chris Benoit is the greatest scientific wrstler in the sport
today. Without a doubt my fondest memory of him would have to be his San
Francisco "death match" against Kevin Sullivan at
WCW Super Brawl 7. His feud with Sullivan is one of my favorite. Benoit
can adapt to any kind of match quickly. If its scientific or a brawl. I
think WCW is underusing him. Why doesn't he have a title?
They gave the Disco Inferno two TV title reigns. So here is a message to
WCW..."Shape up and give Chris Benoit a title and let it last for a while."
Also, don't have him stuck in anymore meaningless feuds.
A Benoit fan 4-Life, Michael Peters
Chris Benoit in my mind is the best all around wrestler in the world today.
He is not getting te shots at titles he deserves. His feud with Raven was
great, but Benoit should be going for a US, TV, or Cruiserweigtht belt.
Snake518@aol.com
I've been a Benoit fan since I saw him wrestle Jushin "Thunder" Liger
several years ago. this guy is the true "Total Package"--looks, brains,
passion, ability, and sex appeal!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed watching him during his ECW tenure also, esp. his
classic matches with Dean Malenko (another hunk!) and Sabu.
Sandy
Benoit is the best.No matter what anybody says.He doesn't need a belt to
prove
that! He has made The Barbarian & Meng tap out (how many peple can say that?!)
& retired "The Taskmaster"Keven Sullivan.I'd love to see him get a belt but
if he doesn't,oh well,he'll always be the best.
PWalker784@aol.com
If there is one man who deserves that United States title more than Chris
Beniot is Diamond Dallas Page, one reason, he will onyl be in this sport I
wanna say like 5 more years, and benoit has the whole future, expect Benoit to
get it by Bash at LEAST
ShowStopa7@aol.com
Chris Benoit is perhaps one of the best, if not the best wrestler, in
the sport today. His intensity can not be matched by any other single
wrestler in professional wrestling. He deseves every chance at a belt.
He has worked very hard to overcome every obstacle he has faced. Whether
it was with Kevin Sullivan, Raven, Curt Hennig, within the Four Horsmen, or
with Diamond Dallas Page, Chris has been a truly wonderful and inspiring
wrester. I know that when Mondays
Thursdays, and Saturdays come I am glued to the front of the T.V.
He is the sole reason that I watch WCW each and every time it comes on.
Katy Bernard
Chris Benoit is one of the best wrestlers in the history of WCW.Sting is
the only wrestler I like ahead of the CRIPPLER.I think he deserves to be
WCW U.S. Heavyweight Champ.He has proved it many times that he has the
skills and drive to be the champ.
J.A. S'land B.C.
Last night my friend and I watched you and DDP crush Saturn and Hammer.
I hope you win all your matches.
Your fan, Mike Kuczynski
I wish I could say that I've watched Chris's whole career unfold since
the early days in Stampede. But I can't because the first time I ever
saw Chris in the ring was a match he had with Brad Armstrong on WCW's
(now defunct...I hope) Power Hour. I've since seen many of his matches
in Japan and he is the ONLY reason I continue to watch WCW. But it's a
damn shame that Eric "Just Give Me Hogan" Bischoff won't give Benoit a
title. Come on, the TV title? The hell he can't beat Booker T (even
though Booker's good). He SHOULD'VE beat Page. He's the best damn
wrestler around and deserves the main event status that is accorded the
"superstars" WCW promotes. Piper? Yeah, right. Hogan? Hardly.
Savage? No way. Benoit needs the BIG PUSH, Bischoff. Give it to him
because it's pretty obvious the fans want to see it. The "Crippler"
should crossface Bischoff.
T. Casey Smyth
I've been a wrestling fan for about 25 years now and I've
watched alot of great wrestlers come and go. Being canadian I got to
watch alot of Stampede wrestling back when it was on all across the
country. Without a doubt Bret Hart and Chris Benoit prove that Canada
had produced the two greatest wrestlers of all time. If WCW could
somehow find a way to combine Hart foundation members with Horsemen
members they would be untouchable. Ric Flair is the original technician
whose not afriad to mix it up and use whatever tactics needed to win.
The next guy to come along with the attributes is the excellence of
execution Bret Hart and now you have The crippler to carry on the great
legacy. Without a doubt Benoit is the greatest uncrowned champion in
wrestling today, but it appears he is willing to bide his time,
hopefully it won;t be long before all of his fans get to see him walk to
the ring with gold around his waist. Long live the cripper.
JOHN AMARAL
I have known Chris Benoit scince he first started wrestling in
Stampede Wrestling back in 1986 he was a damn good wrestler back then and
he's even better now. I will always remember when I first met him because
it was on Valentines Day and I gave him a Valentines Day card. He then
opened it and smiled at me a little bit later that night he called me over to
where he was standing. I thought he wanted to say something to me so I
turned my head and he gave me a kiss. One other thing about Chris he
has such beautiful eyes. I haven't seen Chris since I left Calgary in
1990. I hope I get to see him again.
Rhonda Kominek
He is the most impressive wrestler since the Hitman. Sullivan feud was
great. Benoit is probably the only reason I watch wrestling anymore
since its gone 3 hours. Give him a title.
BartW@concentric.net
I was reading the Chris Benoit interview from SLAM! (For the 18th time) and I
had to write in.
reading that interview truly inspired. Straining away from the usual comments of
Benoits superb mat skills (which he has!) I would like to thank The Crippler.
I wrestle for my town of Wethersfield, Connecticut. I compete in the 103-pound
weight division for my school. I have many people who doubt me. For instance:
"you wrestle? You actually wrestle?! You are way too small."
"I wouldn't like your chances. This really isn't for guys like you."
I know that Chris Benoit, being smaller than most wrestlers, has faced this
same stuff (even if he wasn't an amateur) that I have. Saying how :
"When I first wanted to get into it, a lot of people told me 'you're too
small', 'you can't do it'. A lot of people put me down. I dreamed my dream. It
came true. No matter what you do in life, there's always people that'll put
you down. If you really want it bad enough, I believe that you can have
anything and accomplish anything you want to."
Well, Chris, you made me feel I can do anything I put my mind to. Next time I
step out on the mat, I will rememeber what a true "Crippler" felt.
Thanks and good luck in your career and with your family.
Ryan Briggs
I remember the name Chris Benot when he was wrestling in Japan, right before
he entered ECW. When he came to ECW, I managed to see him from afar, in my
very own home state. He was full of intensity and full of so much potential.
The man I remember 3 years ago is the same man we see today. Only with a bit
more knowledge and a bit more intimidation.
Go Crippler!
Benoit98@aol.com
My memory with Chris Benoit was last Thursday when he gave up his television title shot after Bret Hart
cheated for him. Benoit will always be one of my hero's
Brice Williams
I think that WCW and Eric Bischoff need to get a clue. Chris Benoit is
the future. Yeah, Goldberg may sell the t-shirts and the Wolfpac may
say funny stuff and Hogan may be a reliable draw but Benoit is the best
wrestler in the organization!!!! I can't believe that Eric (from here
on "The Troll") has not listened to the fans. Benoit should get a belt
for God's sake. Why the hell did he do the job to Booker T at the Bash?
Hopefully because there's better things in place for him. The US title?
No, not our Goldberg, no one beats our Goldberg! World title? No,
Hogan's too busy engaging in tag matches with NBA guys to lose his world
title. Benoit is one of the top five performers alive today. What
should he do? Wait out his contract and go the WWF. He'd get a HUGE
push. Viva Benoit!!!
Muff Sachemy
When i first heard about Benoit It was at WW3 when he went up against some guy
for the U.S. title, well he didn't get the title but that probabley made him
"reach more". He along with Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, Dean Malenko, and Eddie
Guerrero would be a great team. no force in WCW. Benoit has the intensity
everytime u c him. When he goes to the ring he looks pissed (as usual) and
goes pound the living crap out of people. When he jobs he jobs well but the
match against Scott Norton he should of won. I hope WCW tell everybody he is a
2 time T,V, Champion and i hope he gets another title soon. Also I would like
to see him in some more Brawls that goes out the ring, crowd, and into the
lobby or outside.
MDK4sub@aol.com
I've followed Benoit's carrer since ECW,and now in WCW. I think he is the most
talented wrestler in the buisness.The only reason i watch Nitro nowadays is to
see Benoit wrestle....or should i say destroy his opponents. He is the future
of the sport.
JIVEONE@aol.com
I think the matches with him and Booker T are propably the best I've ever
seen. It showed great deals of both talent and sportsmanship.
sbwilliams
Chris is the best dang wrestler in the world..he might not be as popular
but he could beat up anyone! wcw just makes him look bad i have been
following him soon as i saw him in ecw he was my favorite! wcw needs to
get there heads on straight and let chris be his self! chris your da
man..later
Garry D. Lewis
I have seen Beniot in good times and bad. First the last singles match he
has had was against Bret Hart and he had him beat. Second, Benoit is the best
wrestler overall
LIBERTYBELL@InfoAve.Net
Chris Benoit possibly the best pound-for-pound wrestler the world has ever
seen is absolutely overdue for a title. Chris Benoit has it in him to beat
anyone. I see Chris Benoit as the man who will give Goldberg his first defeat
given the oppurtunity. Chris Benoit is 110% intensity and focus whenever he
steps in the ring. The match that I have always wanted to get a chance to see
is Bret "Hitman" Hart vs "Crippler" Chris Benoit. I got a chance to see this
match and it was nothing less than spectacular. Benoit dominated the match
for the most part even putting on the Crippler Crossface at one point but Bret
Hart sinking to the level of scum that he is, used a chair and applied the
Sharpshooter to an unconcious Benoit. Can Chris Benoit beat anyone in WCW?
Yes. Why? Just look in this man's eyes when he's on the way to a match,
you'll find out exactly why.
Eveflow50@aol.com
I been following Benoit's career ever since I saw him defeat Johnny
Smith for the British Commonwealth belt in the Stampede.
My favorite memory of him, has to be when he powered bombed
Sabu off the top rope on Rocco Rock, who was on a table..It even forceed
Rocco into a wheel chair for a couple of weeks....Benoit has been an
will always be my favorite wrestler....
The-Crippler
I've been an avid wrestling fan since birth. I've seen men come and go in
this sport. Some more talented than others. I feel I can spot a future star
when I see him now. Chris Benoit will be the world heavyweight champion on
day. Will it be soon? Only time will tell, but you have my word the
"Crippler" will be the world champion one day.
Tom Christianson
I remember Benoit from his days in Stampede (anybody remember Ben Basarab).
Stampede was always on TV Saturdays after WWF, and I remember liking
Stampede more because the matches were better and you didn't always know who
the winner was going to be before the match started. There was JR Foley,
Steve DeSalvo, Hiro Hase (formerly of the Viet Cong Express), Karachi Vice,
Jason the Terrible, Ed Whalen, and the Harts of course.
Then Stampede went off the air.
I saw Benoit's name in the wrestling magazines here and there, but we don't
get ECW in Canada, and for the longest time we didn't get WCW. I was
initially surprised by Benoit's intensity (he was always such a nice guy in
Stampede) but then I really began to look forward to his matches. I don't
catch much TV wrestling since the university session started but, hey,
Benoit is the future!
Phillip Arthur Jones
The very first time I watched a WCW event was over a year ago, in April 1997.
I remebeer seeing Chris Benoit, and after he won the match he fought that
night (unfortunately I don't remeber who it was against) I was completely
speechless. He is without a doubt, one of the most talented wrestlers of all
time. Now that the Four Horsemen are back, I hope to see him with a title very
soon!! Keep going, Chris, we all love ya!!
Lissa
I remember when Chris Benoit beat Kevin Sulliven in a retirement match. It
was a good match but I was glad that Benoit won the match.
Petersheim@aol.com
I remember when Chris Benoit should have been the TV champ because he
is my favotite
Kevin Muehleisen
There is no doubt Chris Benoit is my favorite wrestler ever (Just ahead of
Snuka and Jericho). His intensity and wrestling skills are unmatched. This
is a guy who doesn't say he will do things (like "all blow, no go" Hogan) and
not just say them. My fondest memory besides his matches with Kevin Sullivan
has to be his feud with Sabu in ECW. Sabu is a very talented wrestler as well.
Who else would have the guts to call Sabu a Pu$$y and then back it up? He not
only backed it up bu t he carved his niche as the crippler. WCW better
realize soon that Benoit is the best talent going today and take care of him.
I am sure Vinnie Mac would love to take another WCW talent and make them a
superstar (like Austin, Nash, Hall, and countless others that Bischoff holds
back).
TOPBBYGUN@aol.com
My favorite time to watch Chris Benoit was the ECW days when he was
treated fairly and used to his fullest potential. There are so many
highlights from those days. Benoit breaking Sabu's neck would be one of
them. Another would be the double tables match where Benoit powerbombed
Sabu off the top rope onto Rocco Rock of the Public Enemy who was lying
on a table. Simply awesome! Benoit always has been the man. It is too
bad he is stuck working for a scumbag who wants to sabotage his career.
The time Chris Benoit has spent working for Ebinizer Bischoff is nothing
more then a painful memory of how Benoit could have become a great one
but was held back by an idiot who couldn't run a wrestling company to
save his life. So I hope Benoit leaves this sorry excuse for a promotion
and moves on to a company that will treat him with the utmost RESPECT!
Dave Goldberg, Clark, NJ
I have never really appreciated the skills and talents of Chris
Benoit until he and Booker T had the best of seven matches and I was
just amazed at his ability and another thing was that no time limit
match where he kept coming and coming at Booker until he made a mistake
by going over to the ref and not keeping his eye on the opponent but I
will always remember him by that.
Robert Maynard
My best memory of Chris Beniot was when he faced Kevin Suilivan in the falls
count anywhere match and kicked Suilivan's @!! all night long. But I loved his
fling Head Butt which hit Jacuqline more.
Lympkrn311@aol.com
This moment I don't think I will forget for a long long time. Benoit and
Malenko vs. Horace Hogan and Brian Adams tag-team tournament, surrounded by
a cage. Benoit delivers a flying headbutt from the top of the cage to Brian
Adams to secure the win.
Ryan Robson
My first memory of Chris Benoit was about 3 or 4 years ago on Saturday Night
when he faced one of the Armstrongs. I didn't know much about Benoit at the
time, but after that match, I was stunned! I've never seen a wrestler with
such intensity and raw wrestling ability before! I followed his carrer ever
since then. I remember all the classic "No-Holds Barred" (The title of one of
Hollywood "Older than Dinosaur Crap" Hogan's movies) matches that the Crippler
had with Kevin Sulivan and Raven. Those matches prove how tough and fearless
Benoit really is. A lot of people say that Benoit is too small to be in
wrestling, but he proves time-in and time-out that he has what it takes to
take down anyone in wrestling!
I think that Chris should get a title belt around his waste REAL soon! He
should be the tag champion, the U.S. champ, hell make him the World Champion!
Benoit and Malenko were screwed out of the Tag Belts from Hening and Windim
and should get a rematch (that is if Hening and Windim have the testicular
fortitude).
In my opinon The Canadian Crippler Chris Benoit is the best pure wrestler in
the game today. He could do it all, whether it comes to high-flying manuvers,
mat wrestling, or just plain out brawling! I'll keep on enjoying Benoit
crippling the competition!
Crpller21@aol.com
Hmmm, can you say Crippler? Well Bischoff won't either.
The man is scared of what he might unleash upon his little group of butt
kissers that he gives belts to. If Benoit got a real chance to prove that he
has what it takes to be the Crippler there'd be a lineup of ambulances at
every exit to any event and he would fill 'em up every night . Living in
Seattle, I got to see him as a young wrestler and due to many friends in
Japan, I got to see footage of him from there, this guy is a pitbull in the
ring once he gets a taste of blood he just kills his opponent with out mercy
and goes for the throat every time !!!!! Being only 31 now he has years to
be god in the sport and is patient enough to bide his time sharpening and
honing his skills till the day when the Crippler reigns supreme over all of
wrestling !!!!!!!!!!!! And I for one will be happy to await that day the only
thing I regret is that we never got to see Chris Benoit and Brian Pillman be
the team that there were gonna be, Pillman may have been a flake but he and
Benoit would have ruled tag team wrestling . R.I.P. Brian and let the
Crippler show the world what attitude and desire can do for ya. If ya read
this Chris, remember that you weren't even supposed to be able to do this sport
and that you overcame all the bs they put in your way and we will always
back ya up!!!!!!!!
humanDoom
I am tired of seeing the best wrestler in the sport of wrestling keep getting the short end of the stick.To be honest the only reason I keep watching
is because
of the CRIPPLER! I have been a wrestling fan since the late 70's. Wrestling
today is still fun to watch at times, thanks to Benoit and a few others they
keep it exciting. The sad part about it is they always end up having to take
the back seat to stupid plots that need to be aired on with the weekday soap
operas. Hogan is old and boring, as well as most of the NWO stable who seem
to be paid to act rather than wrestle. I beleive most of this is because of the
work of Bischoff. He makes wrestling a joke! Nobody seems to care about
the titles any more, or the wrestling. All anybody seems to care about is who
can get the best looking women to run around half naked to screw things up.
Wrestling needs to be wrestling, You can see nude women on the playboy
channel.I still don't think that WCW is as bad as WWF but they are going
in that direction. If you like pornography, satan worship, cursing and flipping
birds at people, then WWF is your cup of tea. I hope that the WCW doesnt
sink that low. Thanks to Benoit and afew others you can still see WRESTLING
at it's best! All the rest is a load of garbage! Long live the CRIPPLER!
jeffrey tas odell
I have been wrestling since 1985 and I believe that Chris is one of the true
measuring sticks among all workers today. In a perfect world, Chris would be
on top, deservedly so. I saw him and Arn live in a match vs. The American
Males(Bagwell and Riggs) here in Richmond, VA a few years ago. Richmond is a
true Horseman town. The biggest pop of the whole night occurred when Chris
had one of the Males in the corner and was putting the boots to him. The
crowd's roar built to a deafening crescendo! Everyone, white and black, young
and old, male and female, was going
nuts! Chris and Arn both acknowledged the pop from the fans. I think they
both got stoked by it. I've seen Chris do the stomp many times since then and
look to the fans for the same reaction, but it never is as good as it was that
night here in Richmond. Therefore I hereby declare that forever will that
particular move be called is "The Richmond Stomp!"
PUNISHER TOMMY ROSE
I remember when Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko were vs. Horace Hogan and Brian
Adams in a steel cage match together and Benoit got pulled out of the ring by
Vincent. Benoit got away from him climbed onto te top of the cage and swan
dive headbutted onto Brian Adams and won the match.
Hyroller06@aol.com
Chris Benoit's intensity and fire is unmatched in today's sport. He is
the definition of unbridaled fury. He and the horsemen are a perfect
match. Benoit is a feared competor that nobody in the right mind would
want to wrestle. Benoit is derserving of a true champhip belt. I'll always remember Benoit and his grueling matches wth Booker T, that
was truely one of the greatest grudges ever.
Carolyn Daniels
I think that he is definitely showing that dynamite comes in small packages.
He is a dynamo. Diminutive and talented. Like a gymnast he flips through the
air with little or no regard for himself. I have met him often and he is a
truly great athlete and guy.
NightimeND@aol.com
I remember when Benoit first got his nickname ''the Canadian crippler''. When he cracked several vertabre in Sabu's neck wayyyyy back in
ECW. That was great. Benoit is the best, not Stone Cold, NWO, Sting, none of them can touch the Crippler.
David Barry
I first met Chris Benoit in Grimshaw Alberta Canada when Satmpeed Wrestling came there when I was 16 years old. This is when Gillis Defosia
was in wrestling. My mom grew up Gillis so he introduced me to Chris. We chatted for a few minutes then he took me into the dressing room to
me the Dinamite Kid, The Bull Dog, and Cowboy Lang. I have always remembered this night. He was a great gut and to this day is a Great
Wrestler.
bradshan@incentre.net
I remember in 1998 when I finally got to see a Nitro house match in East
Moline, ILL. I got to see Benoit versus Meng and the match was spectacular!
At the end of the match, Benoit put Meng out so bad, he was carried out on a
stretcher.
Lloydlrh25@aol.com
I remember when Chris and Raven threw DDP through the blocks at
the Uncensored PPV '98
Binkyman86@aol.com
I will always remember his top rope back suplex. Probably the best ever maybe behind Dynamite Kid's only.
TSIGBIHAL@aol.com
I had stopped watching wrestling sometime in 1988 or so when I was about
15. It had turned into a freakshow in the WWF and I just lost any
interest in it. I loved to see two guys get in the ring and WRESTLE
each other. I loved the brawls too - the blood matches. Some people
think it is unusual for a young woman like myself to enjoy such a
violent "fake" sport, but that never bothered me one bit.
Well, after a break of about seven years or so, I was lured into the
sport again by one Chris Benoit. I was taping wrestling for my mother
one night and decided I would actually watch it this time. I don't even
remember who he wrestled, I just remember being so impressed with
Benoit's intensity, his fire, his ability. I was impressed with the
total package. We rented the following pay-per-view so that I could see
him wrestle Kevin Sullivan. When I saw Chris get his head slammed in
the bathroom stall door, I was sold. Chris Benoit is the reason I watch
wrestling today. Forget the "pound for pound" stuff. Chris is one of
the best wrestlers today. I tune in every week, despite the lame plots
and storylines, the showboats like Hogan and Flair, even in spite of the
Nitro Girls - just so I can see him perform.
I even got to see Benoit perform in a house show in Auburn Hills,
Michigan in March of this year. He was tagging with Malenko, and while
he was a little sloppy in my opinion, he was still worth watching.
Grace
Well I first saw Chris Benoit at the Clash of the Champions in 1992 when
Chris Benoit and Beef Wellington faced The Late Great Brian Pillman and
Jushian "Thunder Liger" in a match the NWA Tag Title Tournament it Benoit
lost because of Wellington but he did great. I am so glad he beat David "I
suck but since my dad was the greatest wrestling champ ever I get a push"
Flair for the U.S Title and DDP at Road Wild the best match of that crappy of
that weak ppv.
Benoit has been a 2 time T.V champ, 3 Tag Team Champ, and the best damn
United States champ since Steve Austin I mean in wrestling ability Steve
Austin was once a great wrestler in WCW and from 1996 to about October 97.
Mac252618@aol.com
It may not be my favorite but it sure is funny.
I remember once on Nitro the Crippler was
coming down the aisle and a fan yelled..YOU SUCK
BENOIT..but instead of doing the same old
WRESTLER CHALLENGES THE FAN routine,Benoit
turned his head and looked the fan right in the
eyes and if looks could kill there would be one
less idiot on the Earth.
CHRIS
Chris Benoit is the best wrestler in the world, because he goes to the ring to fight anyone on any given night. I would like
to see a match with him against Goldberg. That would draw big ratings for Nitro
Michael Dulevskis
The first memory I have of Benoit is when I was a wee mark. I had
watched wrestling as a young un and I worshipped the ground the Dynamite
Kid walked on. I stopped watching for a while and then had my interest
reignited when I saw Chris Benoit wrestle Hiroshi Hase on World War 3 I
yelled holy poop uncle chuck the Dynamite Kid's back. He explained to me
my mistake and I've been a Benoit mark ever since
Phil Smith
When I first saw Chris Benoit I compared him to another great wrestler,BRET
HART.
Then I saw him take to the skies,one wrestler came to mind and he still does
know,8 years since I first saw Benoit,I still compare him to the dynamite
kid!!!
Chris Benoit is one of the greatest,and a future wcw heavy-weight champion,
Chris Benoit you're the best.
BTHECROC@aol.com
There is so much I can say about Chris Benoit. I have been watching him for
nearly three years and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every moment. I
cried when he won (and lost) the WCW World Title in a span of 24 hours, and I
was shocked to hear that he requested his release from WCW. Yet, after two
weeks of seeing him in the WWF, I know that he has made the right choice for
his career and for himself. Good luck, Chris, I hope to see you wearing WWF
gold very, very soon.
Melissa Karcz, Chicopee, Massachusetts, USA
Chris Benoit has the attitude all wrestlers should have! He gets out in the
ring every night and puts on a great show. No whining, no complaining, just
pure blood and guts. Wrestling would be what it once was again if there were
more Chris Benoits in the game.
Todd Red Springs NC
I remember in 1994 when ECW came to town Chris Benoit faced a tough
opponent in Cactus Jack and for about 30 minutes the two battled it out
for the glory of winning, not for titles not for contention spots but
for the glory of being named the winner. When the dust had settled and
the smoke had cleared Chris Benoit who had been reduced to a bloody mess
came out the victor. I saw a few matches live when chris benoit had
been in and now that he is in the WWF he will soon, without a shadow of
a doubt he will become a champion in the WWF.
Melissa Rohde
Part in my time as a wrestling fan I was a dumb
mark (like the ones that think wrestling is real, the
fans that think talented wrestlers like Benoit sucks)
and I was watching WWF for most of my life. Then my
friend was able to get me out of the mark state and
make me a true wrestling fan. I watched a bit of WCW
but I was mostly watching WWF. Then I wasn't able to
see RAW IS WAR anymore. Just Shotgun. So I was
watching WCW Thunder and WCW Saturday Night mostly. I
seen Benoit wrestle. At that time I was still kind of
a mark cause me and my friend referred to him as "the
jobber of the stars" because he kept jobbing.
Later on when he was getting a push he caught
my eye. He was doing all these crazy awesome moves
and shit. I eventually became a Chris Benoit fan. I
read up on his days in NJPW as the masked Peagusus
Kid, his matches against Japan stars like Jyushin
"Thunder" Liger, his ECW days, to his WCW days.
On one episode of Thunder, I was lucky enough
to see one of his best WCW matches against Jyushin
Lyger. That is still one of my favourite WCW matches
of all time. Too bad Juvi, Psicosis, and La Parka
interfered and screwed up the match but that's what
you should expect from Vince Russo booking.
When I heard about Chris Benoit and the
radicals going to WWF I became happy as hell because I
would of love to see Benoit in the WWF.
Finally I never met Chris Benoit before but I
would love to since I'm a great fan of his. Thanks
for the memories Benoit!
--Darin
I have never had the privilege to meet Benoit, but I saw him once at a house show battling Booker T. It was part of the Best of Seven series between the two. I admired his wrestling skills and how he could apply that Crippler Crossface out of nowhere. Since then, I believed he would be their next champion. he did.
Brice Williams
My favorite Benoit memory was seeing him and the Hitman fight a special match in the honour of the late great Owen Hart at the Kempar arena. Even though he lost both men showed great skill and great sportsmanship
Felipe
Good grief, what can I say that hasn't already been said about the man?
He's a consumate professional, both in and out of the ring. Hearing
about this guy 5-10 years ago from Stampede to Japan to ECW, it's hard
to follow a guy that wasn't on WWF until recently. But any knowledge on
this Benoit guy from Edmonton I could find, I lapped up. Then the guy
gets a break in WCW and I am thrilled that now I can see more of him.
Watching Chris fight was like a savage ballet, to put it best. So what
if he couldn't cut a promo, like that mattered. When a guy like Benoit
can slap another guy so hard that it sounds resonates throughout the
arena and makes a 17 year old watching on TV wince, you don't need a
freakin' catchphrase.
Last November, I ventured to Toronto to meet both Chris Jericho and
Chris Benoit. Having already met Y2J before, I knew he was super-cool.
But I actually had butterflies waiting in line to meet the Canadian
Crippler. You can keep meeting Stone Cold and the Rock (although it
would be pretty cool), I was about to meet Chris Benoit!! Then to
finally meet the man, the legend, it was like nothing I ever imagined.
Chris was incredibly nice and polite, with his warm smile and handshake
that could easily crush apples. As I told him about his classic bout
against Kevin Sullivan at the 1996 Great Amercian Bash being one of my
all-time favourite Benoit matches, he seemed pleasantly surprised that a
match like that could still have such a lingering memory on someone
almost 3 years after it took place. But as I now look at the 8X10 glossy
picture that he personally signed for me, my only regret is that maybe I
should've chose to remember a match that didn't involve someone he had
more heat than hell with. But I will never forget meeting Chris Benoit,
a true class act.
Mr. Benoit, if you ever read this, know that you are loved not only in
Edmonton and Montreal (both you and I were born there), but worldwide.
You are a man's man and the world of wrestling will lose a true artist
when you decide to hang 'em up. And thank you for not just adding to my
collection of wrestling autographs, but re-affirming my belief that
professional wrestlers are truly the nicest people in the world to the
fans that support them.
Sincerely,
Clifford D. Pine, Born and Raised in Montreal....QUEBEC CANADA (c)Lance Storm 1999
Chris Benoit is a man that I think about everyday.He is without a dout the greatest wrestler that has ever lived.I totally worship him and to me he is GOD.He has been held back for ever and I think that he will reach his destiny in the W.W.F,one day.I think that the bookers will see that if they market him propably then he will become the biggest name in the biz.He has inspired me into training to become a wrestler,just like the Dynamite Kid inspired him.I think it is time for Benoit to reach his peak and soon.
Alan Connolly, Dublin Ireland, alanmconnolly@eircom.net
Get Benoit doing the Crippler Crossface to Meng for like 4 minutes.
Hitman4h@aol.com
This is just one of my many favorite moments, it happened about two weeks
ago on RAW when he was defending his ICW title against Jeff Hardy, when Jeff
was about to put Benoit in the Twist Of Fate, and out of no where he
reverses it into the Crippler Crossface. It demonstrated his great skill
once again. One more thing, Chris Benoit should have won the King Of The
Ring.
Diego Kettle
Hey Chris, remember when Sabu broke your nose in ECW? What a match. Keep up
the good work.
Crimsonknight85@aol.com
I saw benoit wreslte for the first time in WCW about 4 years ago,
before the Horsemen broke up. I remember when WCW was on the decline
last year, I felt like a loser cause I watched it for Benoit. Now that
he's a contender in the WWF I can say im a fan of him in public. I also
liked how WCW had him leave as the champ.
Matt Esposito
My favorite memory of Chris Benoit was when he won the Intercontinential title from Kurt Angle. That really proved that
the company had a lot of confidence in him. I met him at a convience store in Sherwood Park and he was a really great
guy.
ga.singer@home.com
I remember living in Regina Sask. in the early '80s and going to the Exhibition to see Stampede Wrestling. I remember
seeing a very young Chris Benoit in action. He was just starting out at the time. He was a really exciting wrestler. Being
able to do those sort of things at the age of 18 was a joy to behold.
aomelia@hotmail.com
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