It’s been 26 long years since Chris Benoit died by suicide. However, even 26 years were not enough to heal the wounds that his actions left on the WWE Universe. What pains more is the disappearance of the former WWE star from all the promotions of the Stamford-based wrestling company. Chris’ death put the responsibility of his legacy on the shoulders of his son – David Benoit.
Chris Benoit had been in the news for the murder of his wife Nancy and his 7-year-old son Daniel. After killing them, the WWE star hanged himself to death. While there arose multiple reasons for Benoit to take this extreme step, the concluding reports said, “Benoit’s brain was so severely damaged it resembled the brain of an 85-year-old Alzheimer’s patient.” The act was terribly heinous and WWE could not support it.
Benoit's brain was so severely damaged it resembled the brain of an 85-year-old Alzheimer's patient. pic.twitter.com/VYOa2QHC
— ChrisBenoitTribute (@ChrisBenoitTrib) October 26, 2012
WWE removed all Chris Benoit mentions from all forms of media and there is no talk about the WWE legend today inside the WWE arena. Chris’ elder son David Benoit sat with Chris Van Vliet and revealed how he felt about the move taken by the company. “It’s terrible, man. It’s just terrible. I would like the WWE to remember him, at least for the good times. I want him in the Hall of Fame,” said David.
What is WWE’s stance about Chris Benoit joining the WWE Hall of Fame?
There has been a lot of debate over Chris Benoit’s WWE Hall Of Fame induction. One sect of the fans believes that the act that Chris committed, even unknowingly, was terrible and for this, he shouldn’t be a part of the WWE honor. However, the other sect feels that whatever happened with him, took place outside of the WWE arena. One also cannot neglect the perfection that Chris Benoit put out in the ring in each of his matches.
June 26th 2007. ECW opened with Vince McMahon giving a statement on the Chris Benoit double murder/suicide. #WWE pic.twitter.com/TAKOfmGgCf
— WWE Today In History 🌐 (@WWE__History) June 26, 2016
However, fans’ opinions do not change what the WWE Hall Of Famers plan to do. Almost 26 hours after Chris Benoit’s passing, Vince McMahon appeared on the broadcast and said, “Other than my comments there will be no mention of Mr. Benoit’s name tonight.” This “tonight” went on to become WWE’s forever. With this being said, it is very unlikely for Benoit to make his way to the WWE HOF.
However, there is one person who believes that WWE could induct Chris Benoit into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Vliet asked the elder Benoit if his father will be inducted into the Hall Of Fame and he believes it to happen soon. However, he doesn’t know when the plan will be put into action.