UPDATED NOTE: I wrote this before I had knowledge of the murder-suicide… which has shocked me so much more. Maybe it was mental illness. I don’t know. It is a shame that a child was an innocent victim here. Absolutely horrible… and I just don’t know what to think…

In Memory of Chris Benoit
1967 - 2007

Every week, I publish WWE Monday Night Raw ABRIDGED, a column where I try to make fun of the show from a smark/insider/comedian point of view. Not this week.

Chris Benoit, his wife (wrestling legend, Woman) and his son, Daniel were all found dead.

I don’t know what to think. I didn’t even know what happened until RAW came on. I was in such shock. I don’t know what to think. I extend my condolences to the family of Chris Benoit and to the wrestlers in the business who knew him and have to deal with another horrible tragedy.

This was released on WWE.com

STAMFORD, Conn., June 25, 2007 – World Wrestling Entertainment was informed today by authorities in Fayette County, Ga., that WWE Superstar Chris Benoit, his wife, Nancy, and his son were found dead in their home. Authorities are investigating, but no other details are available at this time.

I really wanted to write a good tribute and his career, but I can’t. I’m just in shock. I’ve been seeing this talented and wonderful individual on my TV for 15 years. I first saw him in WCW Superbrawl III in February 1993 when he took on Too Cold Scorpio.

They showed a video package, and I started crying when they showed Wrestlemania 20. The last time wrestling truly made me happy and feel like a mark. The main event was Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit. Triple H and his politics had dominated the main event scene for over 2 years. So there we were. I came in expecting Michaels to take it, but I was going to cheer on Benoit anyway.

When Benoit had Triple H in that crossface, I remember screaming “TAP BITCH! TAP YOU STUPID BITCH! TAAAAPP!” When Triple H tapped, I hugged all of the guys, we started getting in a circle and started jumping (please keep in mind, these were 20 year old men). It had been a long time since I was that giddy as a result of a wrestling match. Benoit celebrated with the also recently deceased, Eddie Guerrero, that has to be one of my favorite wrestling moments ever. I’ve watched that match around 9 times since then, and it was just fantastic.

And now… looking back just three years ago, looking at this picture, I can’t help but cry. I’m sorry…

You will never be forgotten.