Chris Benoit found dead.

Yup, that's the WWE werestler Chris Benoit, found dead on June 25, 2007, in his his home in Fayetteville, Georgia, along with his wife, Nancy Daus, and his 7-year old son, Daniel.

I'm placing these info now before WWE.com finally removes all information about Chris Benoit, apparently as a part of their decision to sever all ties with the deceased wrestler (see below).

The Facts:
During the press conference, the investigating authorities made the following points, all of which run contrary to the media speculation that "roid rage" was a factor in the senseless murders and suicide:

1. The authorities stated that all drugs found in the house were believed to be legal prescriptions.
2. Steroids were not, and could not, be related to the cause of death (asphyxiation). Authorities had no factual basis to speculate as to Benoit’s state of mind, and rightly did not do so.
3. Toxicology tests have not even been completed, so there is no current evidence that Benoit even had steroids or any other substance in his body. In that regard, on the last test done on Benoit by WWE's independently administered drug testing program, done on April 10, 2007, Benoit tested negative.
4. The physical findings announced by authorities indicate deliberation, not rage. The wife's feet and hands were bound and she was asphyxiated, not beaten to death. By the account of the authorities, there were substantial periods of time between the death of the wife and the death of the son, again suggesting deliberate thought, not rage. The presence of a Bible by each is also not an act of rage.
5. WWE strongly suggests that it is entirely wrong for speculators to suggest that steroids had anything to do with these senseless acts, especially when the authorities plainly stated there is no evidence that Benoit had steroids in his body, pending the toxicological reports, and that they had no evidence at this time as to the motive for these acts.

WWE's Next Steps:

From the WWE/Benoit timeline:

The decision to cancel the live event scheduled in Corpus Christi that night was made between 4 and 5 p.m. In keeping with company policy, and with limited knowledge regarding facts of the case, WWE choose to air a memorial dedicated to the career of Chris Benoit. As facts emerged surrounding the case, all tributes to Chris Benoit were removed both on-air and on WWE.com.


From A message from the Chairman:

"Last night on Monday Night Raw, the WWE presented a special tribute show, recognizing the career of Chris Benoit. However, now some 26 hours later, the facts of this horrific tragedy are now apparent. Therefore, other than my comments, there will be no mention of Mr. Benoit tonight. On the contrary, tonight's show will be dedicated to everyone who has been affected by this terrible incident. This evening marks the first step of the healing process. Tonight, the WWE performers will do what they do better than anyone else in the world – entertain you."

- Vincent Kennedy McMahon

The Possible Aftermath Note: These are just my speculations...

WWE severs all ties with Chris Benoit as described above so as to not be associated with a known suicide. Although probably not a popular decision especially among fans, this is actually an expected move from the company and we really can't blame them from protecting their name. Anyway, that means Chris Benoit will have:

• no entries in WWE.COM (articles and video tributes removed , BIOs removed, Benoit-related products pulled out from the WWEshop.)
• no news books sponsored by WWE will mention Chris benoit in full detail
• no WWE Hall of Fame :(
• no nothing

Sadly, Chris Benoit has always been dubbed as one of the future Hall-of-Famers, but his actions that fateful day has guaranteed that will never happen.

The Chris Benoit tribute aired on Monday, June 25, 2007, will no longer be aired again. It won't surprise me if JackTV (here in the Philippines) will not show that tribute. I hope I'm wrong with this one.

Many WWE fans will note the parallels with Eddie Guerrero, particularly, how WWE deals with the deaths of the two. Whereas Eddie Guerrero has been given countless tributes, Chris Benoit name will not be mentioned, as if forgotten. The same thing Egyptian pharoahs do when they defeat an enemy pharoah -- stripped all traces of them from history to be forgotten and, hence, be deprived of eternal life. Well, maybe not erase everything he has done -- he's almost 20 year career cannot be totally forgotten, especially with such a large fanbase -- yours truly included.

Another possible parallel: whereas Eddie's death prompted the drug-prevention program of the WWE, Benoit's death will prompt WWE to initiate a psychological wellness program. I hope this one does push through.

You're only as good as your last match, some wrestlers say. In Benoit's case, his last actions may have permanently stained his name in history.

What a waste...