CNN's "Death Grip - Inside Pro Wrestling"
CNN featured a special look at WWE's pro wrestling called "Death Grip - Inside Pro Wrestling" on Wednesday night (11/7/07). The show included discussions of the Chris Benoit tragedy, early wrestler deaths, the Wellness policy and more. Featured on the show were Vince and Linda McMahon, Michael Benoit (Chris' father), Dynamite Kid, CM Punk, Chris Kanyon, Chris Nowitski and more. Here's some of the points and concepts highlighted.
- The "Wrestling Babylon" author appeared to discuss there are just a few top slots available in wrestling to really take care of one's family and prepare for retirement.
- Chris Kanyon, Chris Jericho and The Patriot were each shown in separate interviews discussing the issues associated with wrestling. Jericho discussed that you can use charisma, personality and wrestling skill to make it as well and don't need drugs to make it in wrestling. Others had a different take saying WWE has built its performers into these behemoths and they need steroids and enhancing drugs to get that physical appearance.
- Chris Kanyon discussed how he nearly died after taking 50 sleeping pills one night but considers himself a survivor from pro wrestling's drug problems. Kanyon said he and Benoit were always trying to figure out how they could make the matches look better.
- Chris Benoit's early childhood saw his dad buying him weights and Chris constantly working on his physique, since age 13. Chris' early idol was "Dynamite Kid" and his dad would drive him 3 hours to watch him wrestle. Chris' dad believes he played a part in his son's downfall by helping him idolize a wrestler like Dynamite Kid.
- The Dynamite Kid, Tom Billington, was part of the legendary British Bulldogs tag team. According to the CNN depictions, Billington became a monster to his wife and 3 week old baby due to his issues from wrestling problems, such as pain from injuries and steroid use. His wife nearly killed herself and children over it all but stopped "because she couldn't guarantee they'd all die". Billington used tons of steroids including "horse steroids" and later became addicted to painkillers for his back, shoulder and legs. At age 48 he is now living in public housing and confined to a wheelchair as he has lost the use of his legs.
- Former WWE star, Chris Nowinski's "Sports Legacy Institute" was discussed. Nowinski made a call to Chris Benoit's dad to obtain a piece of Chris Benoit's brain for study. It was determined Benoit's brain was equivalent of a 85 year old Alzheimer's patient, and Chris became brain damaged due to in-ring concussions. Vince McMahon contends that Benoit wouldn't have been able to wrestle or even go to the airport if that were the case, and says these facts have not been proven or critiqued by other scientists even.
- CNN discussed Eddie Guerrero's death, and his abuse and use of steroids and narcotics,which resulted in his death before age 40. Chris Benoit's dad also read parts of Benoit's diary in which he began writing strange dreams and other observations after Eddie's death. They say Benoit's father believes this is when his son started to go crazy. It was also said a 10 month supply of anabolic steroids was prescribed every 3-4 weeks to Benoit at one point during his career.
- Dr. Gary Wadler an expert in steroids, drugs, etc and longtime critic of Vince McMahon was shown. He discussed idea of cleaning up the WWE with a better drug testing program. Also shown was a Colorado Springs US anti-doping agency with random athlete drug tests. The center's policy is caught once, you get suspended, caught twice you have the possibility to be banned from your sport for life.
- The WWE Wellness Program was discussed. Vince said back in the day, the WWF/WWE had trouble funding a program of this nature in the past and had to stop it as they were competing with other wrestling companies. Since the policy was started in 2006, revision 30 wrestlers have been suspended. AEGIS and Dr. Black were brought in to clean up the WWE's act with drug testing. Four random urine tests are given to a wrestler during each year with no early warning. Black determines if any drug used by a wrestler is necessary for medical use. Black says over time you will see healthier wrestlers in the ring as a result of this new policy and testing. A former "anonymous" employee says you will most likely see smaller wrestlers causing the WWE business to suffer because it is accustomed to huge superstars.
Vince said it was the right time to start the Wellness Program because he had the funds to do it. Vince said no sports organization in the world can call itself "completely drug free". List of names including Benoit lead to suspensions. Benoit test in April and was "clean". Autopsy results show Benoit had steroids at time of his death. Wellness involves cardio- heart tests and drug alcohol rehab and services. Vince discussed individuals being responsible for their actions.
- CM Punk (Phil Brooks), was shown on CNN, and it was discussed how he is a smaller wrestler billed as "straight edge". Becoming a big star who doesn't smoke drink or do drugs. Punk's clean life stands out in this time of controversy and he was asked if he's being used by the WWE to pitch its "clean stars". Punk discussed the bad circumstances and how he was around at the right time to now achieve success.
- CNN discussed a flagship WWE star, John Cena recovering from injury. Cena was shown in a sling and defended the fact he doesn't use steroids. Cena said that due to the way the media has been and the controversy "he can't say he hasn't used steroids", but "you'll never be able to prove I have".
- The special report ended with Benoit's father, Michael delivering a message to Vince McMahon: Let's do something meaningful and show concern for those who currently work for WWE.
Read a full transcript of the McMahons Interview with CNN
- The "Wrestling Babylon" author appeared to discuss there are just a few top slots available in wrestling to really take care of one's family and prepare for retirement.
- Chris Kanyon, Chris Jericho and The Patriot were each shown in separate interviews discussing the issues associated with wrestling. Jericho discussed that you can use charisma, personality and wrestling skill to make it as well and don't need drugs to make it in wrestling. Others had a different take saying WWE has built its performers into these behemoths and they need steroids and enhancing drugs to get that physical appearance.
- Chris Kanyon discussed how he nearly died after taking 50 sleeping pills one night but considers himself a survivor from pro wrestling's drug problems. Kanyon said he and Benoit were always trying to figure out how they could make the matches look better.
- Chris Benoit's early childhood saw his dad buying him weights and Chris constantly working on his physique, since age 13. Chris' early idol was "Dynamite Kid" and his dad would drive him 3 hours to watch him wrestle. Chris' dad believes he played a part in his son's downfall by helping him idolize a wrestler like Dynamite Kid.
- The Dynamite Kid, Tom Billington, was part of the legendary British Bulldogs tag team. According to the CNN depictions, Billington became a monster to his wife and 3 week old baby due to his issues from wrestling problems, such as pain from injuries and steroid use. His wife nearly killed herself and children over it all but stopped "because she couldn't guarantee they'd all die". Billington used tons of steroids including "horse steroids" and later became addicted to painkillers for his back, shoulder and legs. At age 48 he is now living in public housing and confined to a wheelchair as he has lost the use of his legs.
- Former WWE star, Chris Nowinski's "Sports Legacy Institute" was discussed. Nowinski made a call to Chris Benoit's dad to obtain a piece of Chris Benoit's brain for study. It was determined Benoit's brain was equivalent of a 85 year old Alzheimer's patient, and Chris became brain damaged due to in-ring concussions. Vince McMahon contends that Benoit wouldn't have been able to wrestle or even go to the airport if that were the case, and says these facts have not been proven or critiqued by other scientists even.
- CNN discussed Eddie Guerrero's death, and his abuse and use of steroids and narcotics,which resulted in his death before age 40. Chris Benoit's dad also read parts of Benoit's diary in which he began writing strange dreams and other observations after Eddie's death. They say Benoit's father believes this is when his son started to go crazy. It was also said a 10 month supply of anabolic steroids was prescribed every 3-4 weeks to Benoit at one point during his career.
- Dr. Gary Wadler an expert in steroids, drugs, etc and longtime critic of Vince McMahon was shown. He discussed idea of cleaning up the WWE with a better drug testing program. Also shown was a Colorado Springs US anti-doping agency with random athlete drug tests. The center's policy is caught once, you get suspended, caught twice you have the possibility to be banned from your sport for life.
- The WWE Wellness Program was discussed. Vince said back in the day, the WWF/WWE had trouble funding a program of this nature in the past and had to stop it as they were competing with other wrestling companies. Since the policy was started in 2006, revision 30 wrestlers have been suspended. AEGIS and Dr. Black were brought in to clean up the WWE's act with drug testing. Four random urine tests are given to a wrestler during each year with no early warning. Black determines if any drug used by a wrestler is necessary for medical use. Black says over time you will see healthier wrestlers in the ring as a result of this new policy and testing. A former "anonymous" employee says you will most likely see smaller wrestlers causing the WWE business to suffer because it is accustomed to huge superstars.
Vince said it was the right time to start the Wellness Program because he had the funds to do it. Vince said no sports organization in the world can call itself "completely drug free". List of names including Benoit lead to suspensions. Benoit test in April and was "clean". Autopsy results show Benoit had steroids at time of his death. Wellness involves cardio- heart tests and drug alcohol rehab and services. Vince discussed individuals being responsible for their actions.
- CM Punk (Phil Brooks), was shown on CNN, and it was discussed how he is a smaller wrestler billed as "straight edge". Becoming a big star who doesn't smoke drink or do drugs. Punk's clean life stands out in this time of controversy and he was asked if he's being used by the WWE to pitch its "clean stars". Punk discussed the bad circumstances and how he was around at the right time to now achieve success.
- CNN discussed a flagship WWE star, John Cena recovering from injury. Cena was shown in a sling and defended the fact he doesn't use steroids. Cena said that due to the way the media has been and the controversy "he can't say he hasn't used steroids", but "you'll never be able to prove I have".
- The special report ended with Benoit's father, Michael delivering a message to Vince McMahon: Let's do something meaningful and show concern for those who currently work for WWE.
Read a full transcript of the McMahons Interview with CNN
Labels: Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Chris Nowitski, John Cena, Linda McMahon, Steroids, Vince McMahon, Wellness Program, WWE Business, WWE News
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