WWE has responded to the findings revealed yesterday on Chris Benoit's brain examination, which was announced at a press conference hosted by Dr. Julian Bailes of the Department of Neurosurgery at West Virginia University and Dr. Robert Cantu, the Chief of Neurosurgery Service and Director of Sports Medicine at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA. The WWE reply, issued the following response. "Today's attempt to explain that Chris Benoit's murder of his family was possibly caused by some form of dementia as a result of alleged concussions is speculative. WWE can certainly understand the anguish of a father having to deal with the fact that his son allegedly murdered his wife and young son, as Chris Benoit is alleged to have done. We respect the desire of that father to do whatever he can to find some explanation as to why his son might commit such horrible acts."
WWE STOOPS TO DESPICABLE LOWS ABOUT BENOIT; TIME TO BOYCOTT?
As far as I know, with the exception of the alleged murders by Chris Benoit, in the history of pro wrestling, there has never been a murder of any innocent non-wrestlers by a pro wrestler, with the only other exception of an alleged murder back in 1983/84 by a WWF wrestler that I heard Vince McMahon used high-powered ties to Cover-Up.
Now, it will be easy for some to write off the above paragraph and the Subject Heading of this Bulletin as a shot taken at the WWE by a disgruntled former employee (Me). And that's fine. But the fact is, I am happy with my career and I am glad that I am no longer dealing with the politics, bureaucracy and B.S. that goes with working in the WWE.
But, after the response that the WWE released regarding the recent findings on the condition of Chris Benoit's brain, I would be embarrassed to work for a company that could be that evil or insensitive. Their statements follow:
"Today's attempt to explain that Chris Benoit's murder of his family was possibly caused by some form of dementia as a result of alleged concussions is speculative. WWE can certainly understand the anguish of a father having to deal with the fact that his son allegedly murdered his wife and young son, as Chris Benoit is alleged to have done. We respect the desire of that father to do whatever he can to find some explanation as to why his son might commit such horrible acts."
Jennifer McIntosh, a spokesperson for WWE was quoted as saying that WWE found, "no medical records of [Benoit] suffering a concussion. We don't have any answers as to why Chris did what he did. We're still awaiting the law enforcement investigation to be concluded."
Finally, some reasonable explanation as to what may have caused Chris to do what most believe he did. For those of us who knew Chris, the murder allegations were so out of character, that simple Roid Rage did not make sense as to the reason. Chris would have been among the last people that I would think could do what he is being accused of. The findings of the Brain biopsy finally gives some reliable possible explanation. Finally the legacy of a 40 year life and an incredible multi-year career may not be totally defined by his last 3 days on this rotten planet.
That is unless the WWE has their way. Suddenly they are trying to make sure everyone remembers Chris as the monster that committed those horrible crimes, and is trying to discount these recent findings that would show Chris as not a monster, but a victim of brain damage that contributed to the tragedy that befell Chris and his family.
The WWE with their statement is obviously, in my opinion, trying to discredit the findings by writing them all off as speculative (which all attempts to explain why Chris may have done what he was accused of will be). I believe they are trying to paint poor Chris' father as a desperate man reaching for straws. And, in my mind, most criminally, they are trying to insinuate that Chris has had no concussions in his career.
Well, the main reason for writing this bulletin, is to totally shoot down that last, and most criminal accusation. I personally know for a fact that Chris had at least 2 concussions in matches against me. Both times in the late 90's in WCW. Both concussions were caused by the diving headbutt. Both times they resulted in bloody noses from the move and when we got to the back to congratulate each other for the match, he told me that the headbutt had caused the bloody nose as well as a concussion.
I am one opponent. Chris probably did that move well over 1000 times in his career. He has also done it off the top of a steel cage a few times. He has taken tons of chair shots. Believe me, he has had a bunch of concussions, and for the WWE to try and insinuate that because no medical records exist to back that up that Chris has had no concussions, in my mind is criminal, disrespectful of their current slaves (I mean wrestlers), and worthy of a boycott of their product.
Regardless of the fact that the finishes to our matches are pre-determined, most wrestlers are very tough and physical, with Chris being no exception. We do not tell the office every time we get a concussion (nothing can really be done anyway...you go to the hospital and they "observe you.") It's a waste of time. I believe in my career, I had 12 concussions, and Chris was much more physical and intense than I was. I can only imagine how many he had.
Many wrestlers are afraid to report any injury. Many times, if you suffer an injury and must take time off, you are punished when you get back to action by being beaten consistently, or worse yet, fired while you are hurt (Brad Armstrong) or shortly after you return, with Eugene being the most recent example.
But, with all the press, and the government getting involved, will things change?
No. Wrestlers will continue to hide injuries, especially concussions. Wrestlers will continue to die at an unbelievable rate, and Vince will continue to have, in my opinion, the most EVIL lawyer on the planet, Jerry McDevitt, and this heartless broad, Jennifer McIntosh, put their spin on what's going on to protect his billions of dollars, insuring that more and more people will die prematurely. If that is not reason enough to boycott, I don't know what is.
Pleasant dreams Vince.
