RAW 06.25.07 In Memory of Chris Benoit
A recap of the special 3 hour Raw from Corpus Christi Texas :
The show opened with a picture of Chris Benoit saying In Memory of 1967- 2007. Vince McMahon was shown in an empty arena standing in the ring with a mic. Vince said tonight's show was supposed to be about the "alleged demise of his character,Mr. McMahon." Vince announced that Chris Benoit and his wife Nancy and son Daniel were found dead in their home this afternoon in their home in Atlanta. Vince said WWE can only offer its condolences to the extended family and the best thing to do would be to dedicate tonight's show to the memory and highlights of Chris Benoit.
A highlight reel was shown of Chris Benoit's early career moments from WCW and WWE, and Chris winning the WWE title after putting HHH in a crossface crippler. Chris celebrated in ring with his family at Wrestlemania 20.
Interviews were shown from various family members who knew Chris. The show then had the format of showing classic Benoit matches from WCW, ECW, Japanese wrestling and WWE. It also included commentary and retrospectives from various WWE superstars past and present.
Royal Rumble 2004 Match
Chris Benoit shown in the Royal Rumble in 2004, where Benoit had started as the 1st contestant, and lasted til #30 came in. Goldberg eliminated several men who remained in the ring including Nunzio. Goldberg went to suplex Goldberg, until Brock Lesnar snuck into the ring F-5'ed Goldberg. As Goldberg looked out at Lesnar, Kurt Angle ran up behind him and eliminated him over the ropes. John Cena, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, RVD and Chris Benoit remained. 5 men tried to lift Big Show out together. Big Show shoved all 5 men off him and then started attacking each 1 by 1. All 5 men were able to knock Big Show down and started doing their various moves on him. Big Show got back up and proceeded to toss Cena and RVD out. Big Show went to throw Jericho out, but Jericho held onto the ropes.
The match came down to Angle, Big Show and Benoit. Angle able to slap an ankle lock on Big Show and Big Show tried to tap out and grab the ropes but couldn't break the hold. Big Show able to grab the rope and then pulled Angle over the ropes with his leg. Big show rolled back under the rope making it just he and Benoit. Big Show put Benoit in a chokehold, but Benoit escaped and put Big Show down to the mat for a Crossface Crippler. Benoit eventually got Big Show in a suplex near the ropes. Benoit went over onto the apron but held onto Big Show and eventually suplexed him outside the ring.
Stone Cold Steve Austin shown speaking and said Benoit gave 120% every single night of the week. Austin said wrestling Benoit in Edmonton Canada was one of his all time favorite matches. Austin said Benoit was one of the most honest and hardworking guys, and was polite and generous with his time and knowledge.
Footage of Benoit shown talking about how he got into wrestling shows as a youngster, in Canada. Benoit said he started meeting wrestlers and then he got interested in becoming one. Benoit wanted to meet "Dynamite Kid" and eventually did and told him he would get big and strong like him to become a wrestler some day.
JBL and Michael Cole talked about how personable Benoit's boys were and JBL said he really didn't want to be doing this tonight and would rather be seeing Benoit in the ring tonight.
John Cena spoke about Benoit and said this is the most difficult thing he's ever had to do. Cena said he didn't know how to react to this. Cena said Benoit took care alot of the people in the WWE and had close bonds with them. Cena said Benoit was a good man who truly lived for the business and did everything for it. Cena said it was tough for him to open up to Chris but he was never the type of guy you'd say I love you too, but Cena said he loves him.
Benoit shown discussing how he joined ECW. Various matches were shown such as Benoit vs 2 Cold Scorpio. Tazz and Joey Styles discussed Benoit in the ECW back in the earlier days.
Chris Benoit's last match was shown, against Elijah Burke to qualify for the ECW title match at Vengeance. Burke tried to outmuscle Benoit early on. The 2 traded maneuvers with Benoit attempting a Crossface Crippler, but Burke got his feet under the ropes. Benoit did 3 German Suplexes on him, then went for Air Benoit. Burke put his knees up and caught Benoit in the forehead.
CM Punk talked about how upsetting this was for him because Chris was such a good mentor to him. Punk said he's gonna miss Benoit and hopes he never lets him down. Punk said he loves him and how he was always looking over his back to mentor and train him.
1996 WCW Hog Wild Pay-Per View: Chris Benoit vs Dean Malenko - The two wrestlers traded moves, pinfalls and bridges, but all were near pinfalls. At ringside were Miss Elizabeth and Woman, who was also Benoit's wife, Nancy. Regulation time ended for the match. The match had to have a winner, so there was an overtime announced. The match continued and the announcer eventually said only 2 minutes remained in Overtime. With1 minute remainingBenoit picked up the pace and started to slam down on Malenko's leg off the ropes. Benoit dragged Malenko into the center of the ring and put a submission hold on his leg with 30 seconds to go. Benoit stood up and Malenko tried to roll up Benoit for a pin, but only got a 2 count as time ran out. The ref called for another 5 minute overtime in the match. Benoit continued to work on Malenko and went for a pin with no luck. Malenko slapped on several submission holds but Woman interfered in the match. The distraction allowed Benoit to roll up Malenko for a final pinfall victory.
Dean Malenko gave his thoughts that Benoit has lightened his life and added so much. Malenko spoke of the 15 year friendship with Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero, and how they supported each other in and out of the ring. Malenko said they nicknamed Chris "Houdini" because he would disappear in a conversation. Malenko said it was a privilege and honor to spend 15 years with him in and out of the ring. Malenko said as an opponent Chris pushed him to that next level and was always so unselfish when working with young talent. Malenko sent his condolences to fans of Chris Benoit and said Benoit has had so many great matches over the years. Malenko said on a personal level he will miss Benoit's friendship and quietness and he will hold onto the notion that Chris is now with Eddie arguing. Malenko said he'll never forget them.
Benoit vs JBL Steel Cage Match (US Championship Match) from Smackdown. Jillian Hall looked on and rooted on JBL as he put Benoit in a sleeper/chokehold. The match was a rematch which Benoit asked for against then US Champion, JBL. With Benoit down on the mat, JBL started to climb up the cage wall. Benoit climbed up on the turnbuckle behind JBL and punched JBL several times then was able to German Suplex JBL down off the ropes. Both men were down on the mat after the fall. Benoit started to crawl to the door, which the ref outside the cage opened. Jillian ran over to try to close the door on Benoit but the ref stopped her. JBL came over and pulled Benoit away from the door then tried to crawl out. Jillian slammed the door, thinking it was Benoit, but it was JBL who's head got hit. Eventually after a missed tap out by JBL (in a Crossface Crippler), JBL gave a low blow to Benoit in the ring and then crawled out the door to retain his US title.
Stephanie McMahon spoke about how warm and emotional a guy Chris Benoit was. Stephanie said Chris was all about family and thought it was great when she married Triple H and great when she became pregnant with her child too. She said he was an incredible man and performer and she'll always remember him as her friend.
Chavo Guerrero spoke about how Chris Benoit was always so together and strong, but when he informed him of Eddie's death, Benoit bawled and let out alot of emotion. Chavo said last week he spent the night at Chris Benoit's house. Chavo said Chris made him feel at home even though he didn't open up much to people. Chavo said he spoke to Chris the day before he passed and Chris said "I love you Chavo". Chavo, in tears, thanked Benoit and his family for all the time they spent together.
Joey Styles and Tazz spoke about Benoit as "Pegasus Kid" who he started in Japan. A highlight match was shown from 1990.
1990 Match from Japan: Chris Benoit vs. Liger
Tazz and Michael Cole commentated the match which was originally recorded in Japanese. Liger with a Powerbomb on Pegasus Kid (Benoit), and then a flip off the ropes onto Benoit. Liger went for several pins to no avail. Benoit eventually able to use a Tombstone piledriver on Liger and then a legdrop off the ropes onto Liger to win the match.
William Regal spoke about how Chris Benoit was undoubtedly the hardest-working and most dedicated man in all of professional wrestling and that's all he could say at the moment.
JBL and Jerry Lawler spoke about Chris being such a big fan of "Dynamite Kid" growing up. Alot of Benoit's current moves were ones that the Dynamite Kid also used, and Benoit admits he tried to pattern himself after Dynamite Kid.
2001 Royal Rumble (Intercontinental Title match) -
Benoit vs. Chris Jericho in a ladder match shown. Benoit positioned the ladder to have it laying on the turnbuckle and tried to whip Jericho into it, but Jericho reversed and tossed Benoit into the ladder face first. Jericho used the ladder to catapult it into Benoit's face. Jericho injured his left knee trying to dropkick the ladder against Benoit. With Benoit down, Jericho set the ladder up and started to climb up for the Intercontinental title. Benoit got up and took Jericho off the ladder then dropped him over the top rope out to the floor. With Jericho out, Benoit started climbing the ladder. Jericho got back into the ring and climbed up to the ladder with Benoit, then put him into an "Octopus" submission hold on the top of the ladder. Jericho then shoved Benoit down to the mat and started to go for the title. From the mat, Benoit kicked the ladder over causing Jericho and the ladder to crash to the ropes.
Jericho smacked the ladder into Benoit knocking him down, then started to climb it again, but Benoit grabbed him down to the mat off the ladder and put him in the Crossface. Jericho kept tapping out, but the ref could not stop the match. When Jericho finally got back up with the ladder, he shoved it into Benoit in the corner. Jericho set the ladder up in the corner and both climbed to the top punching each other. Benoit shoved Jericho off the ladder down to the center of the ring. Benoit then jumped off the top of the ladder for "Air Benoit" headbutt. Jericho moved causing Benoit to hit head first on the mat. Jericho put the ladder over Benoit, pinning him, and then started to climb up for the title. Benoit shoved the ladder off him, causing Jericho to crash down against the ropes. Eventually Jericho was able to knock Benoit out of the ring onto the floor. Jericho set the ladder up and Benoit struggled to get back into the ring, as Jericho climbed to the top and grabbed the Intercontinental Title to win the match.
JR and Jerry Lawler spoke about how dedicated to wrestling Benoit was and how he loved to entertain the crowds.
Edge spoke about Benoit's passing and said there were 3 people who he could go to talk to in the wrestling industry, and 2 of them are gone now. Edge reminisced about seeing Stampede Wrestling in Calgary, and saw an 18 year old, Chris Benoit wrestling. Edge said Benoit became one of the greatest to ever lace up wrestling boots, and he had the privilege to get in the ring with him. Edge said Benoit took so much pride in his work and cared so much about the profession. Edge said he had the privilege several weeks ago to wrestle Benoit in Orlando and Benoit was smiling after the match because he got a standing ovation.
JBL and Michael Cole said Benoit always gave 110% to give the fans a great show every time he got into a ring. A highlight video shown of moments from Chris' wrestling matches and career, including moments with his family.
Triple H gave his comments and said its tough to sum up a friend's life in just a few moments. HHH said he thought about what Chris stood for more than anything else and that was respect. HHH said Chris demanded respect and received it, in terms of the business. HHH said one of his fondest moments was seeing Chris win the WWE title at Wrestlemania. Triple H said there was nobody in this world he respected more than Chris Benoit. Triple H said he loved Benoit and would see him down the road.
Wrestlemania 20 World Heavyweight match at Madison Square Garden
Triple H defended the WWE title versus Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit in a Triple Threat main event. Early on Benoit used several chest chops on Shawn Michaels and then threw him off the ropes into a stunned HHH. HHH went over the ropes out of the ring. Eventually Triple H got back into the match and was able to toss Benoit out. HHH and HBK faced off in the ring with HHH taking control. Benoit tried to climb back in the ring, but Triple H knocked him down then went out to ram Benoit into the ring. HBK did a sliding dropkick into both HHH and Benoit. HBK then did a moonsault off the turnbuckle, landing into a pile on Benoit and HHH. All 3 men eventually got back into the ring to battle, with usually 2 men fighting in the ring with 1 down or out of the ring. With Triple H knocked out of the ring at one point, Benoit eventually got HBK down in a Crossface. Before HBK could tap his hand to the mat, Triple H grabbed his arm/hand from the side of the ring to prevent it. Triple H and Benoit began to fight outside the ring with Triple H tossing Benoit into the steel steps then falling down himself.
Back from commercial, Jerry Lawler spoke about Chris' wife Nancy and son Daniel who won't get to enjoy their life. Lawler said it makes him want to get home to see his girlfriend and child. JR said he will miss seeing Benoit compete, and will miss him as a wrestler. JR said one of the best moments of Chris' career occurs at the end of the main event from Wrestlemania 20.
The match concluded with all 3 men on the mat bleeding, and struggling to get to their feet. Benoit and Triple H got up with Michael's rolling out of the ring. Benoit started to chop away at Triple H in the corner. Triple H and Benoit battled in the middle of the ring and HHH tried to put the pedigree on Benoit. Benoit reversed and flipped HHH down to the mat for a sharpshooter. Triple H struggled to get to the ropes and not tap. HHH barely touched the bottom rope, but Benoit pulled himback to the middle of the ring. HBK got back in the ring and then used Sweet Chin Music to kick Benoit in the face, breaking the hold. Benoit and HBK started to battle with HHH down. HBK ran at Benoit but Benoit able to toss HBK over the ropes. HHH finally got to his feet and as Benoit turned, Triple H went to do the Pedigree. Benoit reversed it and dropped HHH to the mat for the Crossface Crippler. Triple H struggled to break the hold or grab the nearby bottom rope for a while. HHH began to fade, but used his last bit of strength to try to roll over on Benoit. Benoit continued to roll kept the Crossface slapped on in the middle of the ring.
Benoit with the Crossface slapped on Triple H and Triple H was forced to tap out, giving Benoit the major victory and the World Heavyweight Championship. As confetti poured down from the rafters and Benoit celebrated, Eddie Guerrero came to the ring to celebrate with him. Guerrero was the WWE Champ and Benoit the World Heavyweight Champ. A surreal moment as both men have now been taken from the wrestling world far too early.
A well done tribute on such a short notice in the face of this tragedy, and the right thing for WWE to do. Condolences to all family, friends and fans of Chris Benoit, a true WWE and pro wrestling star who will be sorely missed by all.
(In Memory of Chris Benoit 1967-2007)
The show opened with a picture of Chris Benoit saying In Memory of 1967- 2007. Vince McMahon was shown in an empty arena standing in the ring with a mic. Vince said tonight's show was supposed to be about the "alleged demise of his character,Mr. McMahon." Vince announced that Chris Benoit and his wife Nancy and son Daniel were found dead in their home this afternoon in their home in Atlanta. Vince said WWE can only offer its condolences to the extended family and the best thing to do would be to dedicate tonight's show to the memory and highlights of Chris Benoit.
A highlight reel was shown of Chris Benoit's early career moments from WCW and WWE, and Chris winning the WWE title after putting HHH in a crossface crippler. Chris celebrated in ring with his family at Wrestlemania 20.
Interviews were shown from various family members who knew Chris. The show then had the format of showing classic Benoit matches from WCW, ECW, Japanese wrestling and WWE. It also included commentary and retrospectives from various WWE superstars past and present.
Royal Rumble 2004 Match
Chris Benoit shown in the Royal Rumble in 2004, where Benoit had started as the 1st contestant, and lasted til #30 came in. Goldberg eliminated several men who remained in the ring including Nunzio. Goldberg went to suplex Goldberg, until Brock Lesnar snuck into the ring F-5'ed Goldberg. As Goldberg looked out at Lesnar, Kurt Angle ran up behind him and eliminated him over the ropes. John Cena, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, RVD and Chris Benoit remained. 5 men tried to lift Big Show out together. Big Show shoved all 5 men off him and then started attacking each 1 by 1. All 5 men were able to knock Big Show down and started doing their various moves on him. Big Show got back up and proceeded to toss Cena and RVD out. Big Show went to throw Jericho out, but Jericho held onto the ropes.
The match came down to Angle, Big Show and Benoit. Angle able to slap an ankle lock on Big Show and Big Show tried to tap out and grab the ropes but couldn't break the hold. Big Show able to grab the rope and then pulled Angle over the ropes with his leg. Big show rolled back under the rope making it just he and Benoit. Big Show put Benoit in a chokehold, but Benoit escaped and put Big Show down to the mat for a Crossface Crippler. Benoit eventually got Big Show in a suplex near the ropes. Benoit went over onto the apron but held onto Big Show and eventually suplexed him outside the ring.
Stone Cold Steve Austin shown speaking and said Benoit gave 120% every single night of the week. Austin said wrestling Benoit in Edmonton Canada was one of his all time favorite matches. Austin said Benoit was one of the most honest and hardworking guys, and was polite and generous with his time and knowledge.
Footage of Benoit shown talking about how he got into wrestling shows as a youngster, in Canada. Benoit said he started meeting wrestlers and then he got interested in becoming one. Benoit wanted to meet "Dynamite Kid" and eventually did and told him he would get big and strong like him to become a wrestler some day.
JBL and Michael Cole talked about how personable Benoit's boys were and JBL said he really didn't want to be doing this tonight and would rather be seeing Benoit in the ring tonight.
John Cena spoke about Benoit and said this is the most difficult thing he's ever had to do. Cena said he didn't know how to react to this. Cena said Benoit took care alot of the people in the WWE and had close bonds with them. Cena said Benoit was a good man who truly lived for the business and did everything for it. Cena said it was tough for him to open up to Chris but he was never the type of guy you'd say I love you too, but Cena said he loves him.
Benoit shown discussing how he joined ECW. Various matches were shown such as Benoit vs 2 Cold Scorpio. Tazz and Joey Styles discussed Benoit in the ECW back in the earlier days.
Chris Benoit's last match was shown, against Elijah Burke to qualify for the ECW title match at Vengeance. Burke tried to outmuscle Benoit early on. The 2 traded maneuvers with Benoit attempting a Crossface Crippler, but Burke got his feet under the ropes. Benoit did 3 German Suplexes on him, then went for Air Benoit. Burke put his knees up and caught Benoit in the forehead.
CM Punk talked about how upsetting this was for him because Chris was such a good mentor to him. Punk said he's gonna miss Benoit and hopes he never lets him down. Punk said he loves him and how he was always looking over his back to mentor and train him.
1996 WCW Hog Wild Pay-Per View: Chris Benoit vs Dean Malenko - The two wrestlers traded moves, pinfalls and bridges, but all were near pinfalls. At ringside were Miss Elizabeth and Woman, who was also Benoit's wife, Nancy. Regulation time ended for the match. The match had to have a winner, so there was an overtime announced. The match continued and the announcer eventually said only 2 minutes remained in Overtime. With1 minute remainingBenoit picked up the pace and started to slam down on Malenko's leg off the ropes. Benoit dragged Malenko into the center of the ring and put a submission hold on his leg with 30 seconds to go. Benoit stood up and Malenko tried to roll up Benoit for a pin, but only got a 2 count as time ran out. The ref called for another 5 minute overtime in the match. Benoit continued to work on Malenko and went for a pin with no luck. Malenko slapped on several submission holds but Woman interfered in the match. The distraction allowed Benoit to roll up Malenko for a final pinfall victory.
Dean Malenko gave his thoughts that Benoit has lightened his life and added so much. Malenko spoke of the 15 year friendship with Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero, and how they supported each other in and out of the ring. Malenko said they nicknamed Chris "Houdini" because he would disappear in a conversation. Malenko said it was a privilege and honor to spend 15 years with him in and out of the ring. Malenko said as an opponent Chris pushed him to that next level and was always so unselfish when working with young talent. Malenko sent his condolences to fans of Chris Benoit and said Benoit has had so many great matches over the years. Malenko said on a personal level he will miss Benoit's friendship and quietness and he will hold onto the notion that Chris is now with Eddie arguing. Malenko said he'll never forget them.
Benoit vs JBL Steel Cage Match (US Championship Match) from Smackdown. Jillian Hall looked on and rooted on JBL as he put Benoit in a sleeper/chokehold. The match was a rematch which Benoit asked for against then US Champion, JBL. With Benoit down on the mat, JBL started to climb up the cage wall. Benoit climbed up on the turnbuckle behind JBL and punched JBL several times then was able to German Suplex JBL down off the ropes. Both men were down on the mat after the fall. Benoit started to crawl to the door, which the ref outside the cage opened. Jillian ran over to try to close the door on Benoit but the ref stopped her. JBL came over and pulled Benoit away from the door then tried to crawl out. Jillian slammed the door, thinking it was Benoit, but it was JBL who's head got hit. Eventually after a missed tap out by JBL (in a Crossface Crippler), JBL gave a low blow to Benoit in the ring and then crawled out the door to retain his US title.
Stephanie McMahon spoke about how warm and emotional a guy Chris Benoit was. Stephanie said Chris was all about family and thought it was great when she married Triple H and great when she became pregnant with her child too. She said he was an incredible man and performer and she'll always remember him as her friend.
Chavo Guerrero spoke about how Chris Benoit was always so together and strong, but when he informed him of Eddie's death, Benoit bawled and let out alot of emotion. Chavo said last week he spent the night at Chris Benoit's house. Chavo said Chris made him feel at home even though he didn't open up much to people. Chavo said he spoke to Chris the day before he passed and Chris said "I love you Chavo". Chavo, in tears, thanked Benoit and his family for all the time they spent together.
Joey Styles and Tazz spoke about Benoit as "Pegasus Kid" who he started in Japan. A highlight match was shown from 1990.
1990 Match from Japan: Chris Benoit vs. Liger
Tazz and Michael Cole commentated the match which was originally recorded in Japanese. Liger with a Powerbomb on Pegasus Kid (Benoit), and then a flip off the ropes onto Benoit. Liger went for several pins to no avail. Benoit eventually able to use a Tombstone piledriver on Liger and then a legdrop off the ropes onto Liger to win the match.
William Regal spoke about how Chris Benoit was undoubtedly the hardest-working and most dedicated man in all of professional wrestling and that's all he could say at the moment.
JBL and Jerry Lawler spoke about Chris being such a big fan of "Dynamite Kid" growing up. Alot of Benoit's current moves were ones that the Dynamite Kid also used, and Benoit admits he tried to pattern himself after Dynamite Kid.
2001 Royal Rumble (Intercontinental Title match) -
Benoit vs. Chris Jericho in a ladder match shown. Benoit positioned the ladder to have it laying on the turnbuckle and tried to whip Jericho into it, but Jericho reversed and tossed Benoit into the ladder face first. Jericho used the ladder to catapult it into Benoit's face. Jericho injured his left knee trying to dropkick the ladder against Benoit. With Benoit down, Jericho set the ladder up and started to climb up for the Intercontinental title. Benoit got up and took Jericho off the ladder then dropped him over the top rope out to the floor. With Jericho out, Benoit started climbing the ladder. Jericho got back into the ring and climbed up to the ladder with Benoit, then put him into an "Octopus" submission hold on the top of the ladder. Jericho then shoved Benoit down to the mat and started to go for the title. From the mat, Benoit kicked the ladder over causing Jericho and the ladder to crash to the ropes.
Jericho smacked the ladder into Benoit knocking him down, then started to climb it again, but Benoit grabbed him down to the mat off the ladder and put him in the Crossface. Jericho kept tapping out, but the ref could not stop the match. When Jericho finally got back up with the ladder, he shoved it into Benoit in the corner. Jericho set the ladder up in the corner and both climbed to the top punching each other. Benoit shoved Jericho off the ladder down to the center of the ring. Benoit then jumped off the top of the ladder for "Air Benoit" headbutt. Jericho moved causing Benoit to hit head first on the mat. Jericho put the ladder over Benoit, pinning him, and then started to climb up for the title. Benoit shoved the ladder off him, causing Jericho to crash down against the ropes. Eventually Jericho was able to knock Benoit out of the ring onto the floor. Jericho set the ladder up and Benoit struggled to get back into the ring, as Jericho climbed to the top and grabbed the Intercontinental Title to win the match.
JR and Jerry Lawler spoke about how dedicated to wrestling Benoit was and how he loved to entertain the crowds.
Edge spoke about Benoit's passing and said there were 3 people who he could go to talk to in the wrestling industry, and 2 of them are gone now. Edge reminisced about seeing Stampede Wrestling in Calgary, and saw an 18 year old, Chris Benoit wrestling. Edge said Benoit became one of the greatest to ever lace up wrestling boots, and he had the privilege to get in the ring with him. Edge said Benoit took so much pride in his work and cared so much about the profession. Edge said he had the privilege several weeks ago to wrestle Benoit in Orlando and Benoit was smiling after the match because he got a standing ovation.
JBL and Michael Cole said Benoit always gave 110% to give the fans a great show every time he got into a ring. A highlight video shown of moments from Chris' wrestling matches and career, including moments with his family.
Triple H gave his comments and said its tough to sum up a friend's life in just a few moments. HHH said he thought about what Chris stood for more than anything else and that was respect. HHH said Chris demanded respect and received it, in terms of the business. HHH said one of his fondest moments was seeing Chris win the WWE title at Wrestlemania. Triple H said there was nobody in this world he respected more than Chris Benoit. Triple H said he loved Benoit and would see him down the road.
Wrestlemania 20 World Heavyweight match at Madison Square Garden
Triple H defended the WWE title versus Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit in a Triple Threat main event. Early on Benoit used several chest chops on Shawn Michaels and then threw him off the ropes into a stunned HHH. HHH went over the ropes out of the ring. Eventually Triple H got back into the match and was able to toss Benoit out. HHH and HBK faced off in the ring with HHH taking control. Benoit tried to climb back in the ring, but Triple H knocked him down then went out to ram Benoit into the ring. HBK did a sliding dropkick into both HHH and Benoit. HBK then did a moonsault off the turnbuckle, landing into a pile on Benoit and HHH. All 3 men eventually got back into the ring to battle, with usually 2 men fighting in the ring with 1 down or out of the ring. With Triple H knocked out of the ring at one point, Benoit eventually got HBK down in a Crossface. Before HBK could tap his hand to the mat, Triple H grabbed his arm/hand from the side of the ring to prevent it. Triple H and Benoit began to fight outside the ring with Triple H tossing Benoit into the steel steps then falling down himself.
Back from commercial, Jerry Lawler spoke about Chris' wife Nancy and son Daniel who won't get to enjoy their life. Lawler said it makes him want to get home to see his girlfriend and child. JR said he will miss seeing Benoit compete, and will miss him as a wrestler. JR said one of the best moments of Chris' career occurs at the end of the main event from Wrestlemania 20.
The match concluded with all 3 men on the mat bleeding, and struggling to get to their feet. Benoit and Triple H got up with Michael's rolling out of the ring. Benoit started to chop away at Triple H in the corner. Triple H and Benoit battled in the middle of the ring and HHH tried to put the pedigree on Benoit. Benoit reversed and flipped HHH down to the mat for a sharpshooter. Triple H struggled to get to the ropes and not tap. HHH barely touched the bottom rope, but Benoit pulled himback to the middle of the ring. HBK got back in the ring and then used Sweet Chin Music to kick Benoit in the face, breaking the hold. Benoit and HBK started to battle with HHH down. HBK ran at Benoit but Benoit able to toss HBK over the ropes. HHH finally got to his feet and as Benoit turned, Triple H went to do the Pedigree. Benoit reversed it and dropped HHH to the mat for the Crossface Crippler. Triple H struggled to break the hold or grab the nearby bottom rope for a while. HHH began to fade, but used his last bit of strength to try to roll over on Benoit. Benoit continued to roll kept the Crossface slapped on in the middle of the ring.
Benoit with the Crossface slapped on Triple H and Triple H was forced to tap out, giving Benoit the major victory and the World Heavyweight Championship. As confetti poured down from the rafters and Benoit celebrated, Eddie Guerrero came to the ring to celebrate with him. Guerrero was the WWE Champ and Benoit the World Heavyweight Champ. A surreal moment as both men have now been taken from the wrestling world far too early.
A well done tribute on such a short notice in the face of this tragedy, and the right thing for WWE to do. Condolences to all family, friends and fans of Chris Benoit, a true WWE and pro wrestling star who will be sorely missed by all.
(In Memory of Chris Benoit 1967-2007)
Labels: Chris Benoit, RAW Recap, Vince McMahon, WWE Recap, WWE Recaps, WWE Superstars
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