I write a wrestling column every Monday and Friday for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. It can be found online at TribLIVE.com.
The latest column talks about how Chris Benoit's son, David, is making his wrestling debut this summer and how he can't ever expect to make it to WWE. The following is an excerpt:
When I say the name Chris Benoit, everyone immediately has a feeling and thought about him.
His son David Benoit is getting into wrestling and will be making his debut this summer. Do you immediately have a feeling and thought about that?
The name Benoit is forever tarnished in wrestling after the horrific events in June 2007 when Chris Benoit killed his seven-year-old son Daniel, his wife Nancy and then killed himself.
He was a great wrestler. He had millions of fans. Most of the wrestlers seemed to like him and have great memories with him. It's great for those attributes to try and be remembered, but it doesn't erase the actions of his final hours.
I feel sorry for his son David getting into wrestling. There is no way he can expect a fair shake. He carries the same last name as his father. He looks just like his father. He's getting into the business that is still being linked/blamed for his father's mental health, actions and death.
David is making his debut in Calgary at an independent wrestling show, tagging with Chavo Guerrero. The location makes sense given the family history and wrestling history with Calgary. The tag match make sense because he's new, so the match will allow him to be disguised and coached. The partner makes sense, as Guerrero was very close with his family up to the day of Chris Benoit's death.
That's all great for David, and I wish him the best in his debut.
However, wrestling isn't something you get into as a side hobby. The wrestling bug is in his blood. You should always follow your passion, but it seems like a tall task to think David Benoit can get to the level of making his living off wrestling without the big paydays of a top name company. Most notably, WWE
For the rest of the column on why WWE won't take David and where he COULD wrestle—CLICK HERE.
