Astin being investigated for over prescribing medication to Johnny Grunge?

This thing just keeps opening wider and wider. This part won't have too much impact on WWE necessarily but Dr. Phil Astin's life is getting harder these days.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports an investigation is under way in to the role Astin may have played in the death of Mike Durham, AKA Johnny Grunge.

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Jason Whitlock: Exploited Pro Wrestlers deserve our Sympathy, Too

A fine piece by Jason Whitlock in the Kansas City Star which you can read by clicking here Its short but it lays out most of the facts about the wrestling industry in a pretty good manner. Worth the read in my view.

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The Four Horsemen Shoot On Benoit Family Tragedy, JBL, & Ric Flair's Last Run? (07/02 MNM)

Courtesy: www.MondayNightMayhem.com

Former NWA World Television Champion, former NWA United States Champion, & former NWA/WWF World Tag Team Champion, Tully Blanchard, as well as legendary manager/former "Commissioner" of World Championship Wrestling, J.J. Dillon, were the two special guests on this past week's live edition of Monday Night Mayhem (07/02/07), which can be heard in streaming audio every week (hosted by The Big Mosh, Blade, & The Angry Hero, and heard LIVE at 8PM ET/7PM CT every Monday night) exclusively on The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network (www.MondayNightMayhem.com, www.OnlineWorldOfWrestling.com, www.ProWrestlingPress.com, www.AllWNYRadio.com, www.Showdown,net, & www.AudioWrestling.com).

Members of AudioWrestling.com's ON-DEMAND 360 section now get exclusive access to "The Best Of Candice Michelle" broadband video featuring WWE's bad girl & former Mayhem guest, Candice, in all of her hottest & most revealing moments from outside of the WWE. Log onto the front page of www.MondayNightMayhem.com for more information. For $4.95, you cannot go wrong fans!

This exclusive interview with two of the original members of The Four Horsemen can now be heard for FREE in Real Audio.

Here are some of the highlights from the interview provided by Mayhem listener, Evolution1 & The Mayhem's co-host, The Big Mosh.

======================================================

*Both J.J & Tully were welcomed to the program by Mosh & Blade, and they were very grateful to be spending some of their time during the 4th Of July holiday with The Mayhem & the wrestling fans throughout the world. Both Tully & J.J. will be a part of next month's NWA Legends Fan Fest in Charlotte, NC. Log onto www.NWALegends.com for more details on the entire weekend's festivities, as well as how you an purchase tickets & who else will be a part of the "trip down NWA memory lane."

*The Big Mosh commented on the legacy of The Four Horsemen, calling it a slice/a part of "Americana." Especially in the wake of the continuing coverage of the Benoit family tragedy that wrestling fans have been bombarded with the past two weeks, both Tully & J.J. agree that their mindset was always to perform to the highest possible level and to give back to the fans every time they stepped inside the ring -- "with 110% effort & energy." Tully said that today it's more of a matter of other people looking out for themselves, and not for the giving of the business as a whole.

*J.J. said that especially right now, it is very difficult to focus on the positives of the wrestling business, in the wake of the recent passing of "Sensational" Sherri & the Benoit family. He believes that what The Horsemen put into the business 20 years ago carries into today's business aspect about giving the fans everything you have in the tank, the aspect of "performing twice on Saturday & twice on Sunday." The work ethic kept them together then, and still keeps the business together in that positive aspect today.

*With regards to the coverage of the Benoit family tragedy, J.J. believes that some of the cable news networks did not know where to get their information -- which led to a lot of "absurd" comments being made by misinformed individuals. "When something like this happens, there is media overkill." To a degree, J.J. feels that there is some correlation in between the lifestyle wrestlers lead to these unfortunate & tragic end results that happen. "It is a tough lifestyle that is not for everyone" -- as wrestlers spend time away from their families/miss important events in their life because they do what they love inside the squared circle.

*Tully stated that when he walked out of the ring on his last night in the NWA in Philadelphia, PA, that was the last, real night of The Four Horsemen. The NWA/WCW tried several times to recreate newer & better versions of the faction (to try & sell some tickets/merchandise), but Tully strongly believes it was never the same as the original group -- "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, Ole Anderson, Tully Blanchard, & Arn Anderson (being managed by J.J.).

*To silence the critics on this particular topic, Tully wished to go on record about what has been reported about a recent return to World Wrestling Entertainment. "I did not return to the WWE -- that's is everyone's misconception." He was flown up there to observe, and to see if that would be something he would be interested in doing...period. He was offered a job, but they never talked about finances & more details, in the course of him being there for two days. The determining factor in him deciding not to take the position was a conversation he had with the late Chris Benoit, when Chris asked Tully "if he missed the business." He does not, and feels that to an extent, the business has passed him by.

*With regards to the alleged "heat" with the current color commentator of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, JBL, "it was a one-sided conversation" with a guy that he does not recall even meeting. Tully continued on by saying that it was his job for people to be angry/mad at him in his career, and he must still be doing that right, because JBL is still mad at him.

*Tully was not overly impressed with the new Four Horsemen DVD recently put out by the WWE, saying they displayed more personal negatives on himself then positive -- especially the part about him being sober for the past 17+ years & Christ changing his life. Also, to begin with, Tully said the original concept of the DVD was a Four Horsemen project, and then it changed afterwards to "Ric Flair & The Four Horsemen." J.J says it was a well-done DVD, and was fairly accurate. J.J also added the fact that The Four Horsemen were already famous & credible before they formed the faction, and Flair added even more credibility to the group being the World Heavyweight Champion.

*Mosh & Blade talked about the rumors of "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair possibly retiring at WrestleMania 24 in Orlando, FL and being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame, and the idea of having the original Four Horsemen being inducted on the eve of WrestleMania. Tully stated that he is under contract by the WWE *for personal appearances, action figures, etc). He would be open to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame, and being a part of the celebration. J.J went on record by saying that Ric is "better than 75% of the workers in the business." J.J has never spoken to Vince McMahon since he last worked for him, but would be willing to put his differences aside, and would be proud to be inducted as well, along with his fellow Horsemen.

*Plenty of discussion is contained in the rest of this hour-long interview, including: Tully & J.J.'s thoughts on whether or not World Wrestling Entertainment should change their Wellness Policy, the loss of credible managers in the business today, & their respective thoughts about returning to "Horsemen country" in August for the NWA Legends Fan Fest. All old-school fans will love this interview, and is definitely a must-listen for your 4th Of July holiday week!

(07/02/07 streaming MNM: www.mondaynightmayhemarchives.com/waxfiles/070207.wax
07/02/07 podcast MNM: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/mondaynightmayhem/~3/129949002/070207.mp3)

*To purchase a copy of J.J.'s autobiography ("Wrestlers Are Like Seagulls: From McMahon To McMahon"), log onto www.JJDillon.com & www.CrowbarPress.com.

*Entertainment at its finest...Also contained in the 7/2 program is a hilarious interview featuring a member of the Howard Stern Show's "Wack Pack" -- that's right fans, the one & only, Gary The Retard! Log onto www.MySpace.com/TheGaryTheRetard to check out Gary's latest & when you will be seeing him return to the air on the Howard Stern Show.

*"The Summer Of Mayhem 2007" rolls on this Monday night, July 9th (beginning at 8PM ET/7PM CT), with an in-depth TNA Victory Road PPV preview, as well as Ring Of Honor standout, BJ Whitmer, who will be aboard to preview ROH's debut on In-demand Pay-Per-View & the company's debut in Japan.

Want to submit your TNA Victory Road predictions live on the air or ask questions to BJ Whitmer? No problem...The Mayhem Crew will be taking your calls @ 716.989.6630 (long distance charges may apply), e-mails @ MondayNightMayhem@hotmail.com, your comments/questions @ www.MySpace.com/MondayNightMayhem, & feedback on The Mayhem's Message Board @ www.MondayNightMayhem.com.

All new & old Mayhem listeners can still check out the archived programs/shows of "Your Home Of Wrestling Radio" (including the voice of Monday Night RAW himself/WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross, new WWE Women's Champion Candice Michelle, TNA President Dixie Carter, "The Notorious 187" Homicide, Danny Doring's first post-WWE interview, "The Wildman" Marc Mero, Diana Hart Smith, "The Mouth Of The South" Jimmy Hart, "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal, the legendary voice of the Mid-Atlantic territory, Bob Caudle, the official Monday Night Mayhem WrestleMania 23 Countdown Special from Detroit's Hilton Garden Inn, & the "Sensational" Sherri Martel Tribute Special w/Sherri's son, Jared, & her best friend, Dawn, & the official Monday Night Mayhem WWE Draft Night Special)...now available on www.MondayNightMayhem.com, www.OnlineWorldOfWrestling.com, www.Showdown.net, & www.AudioWrestling.com.

Kick back, relax, & unwind for your wrestling fix with The Big Mosh, Blade, & The Angry Hero this Monday night (beginning at 8PM ET/7PM CT)...along the airwaves of The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network.

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Wrestlers in Astin Indictment named?

details here

TMZ published it earlier but has since removed the story.

The names reported are Rey Mysterio and Mark Jindrac for those too lazy to click the top link.

After a conversation with Ric and Euan yesterday (which none of you will ever hear, and trust me it is better for our souls that way) I would've guessed MJ was Marty Jannetty.

I will say this much, I don't know why TMZ removed the story and really it doesn't matter entirely because they're not the first and won't be the last place to use those names specifically.

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WWE backtracks, I mean clarifies statements regarding Daniel Benoit and Fragile X Syndrome

details here

So McDevitt hears this on the news, starts talking to people and then says, yeah, Fragile X, that's what they fought about...without actually hearing anyone he talked to specifically say that?

That doesn't make the WWE appear desperate to deflect attention away from them whatsoever.

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Oh yeah, you knew this was coming...

other wrestlers may have had ties to Benoit's doctor

Is he going to deny prescribing them steroids too? I ask only out of concern for the well being of...me. You see, if he denies this enough I'll start to run out of things that the CARE team can also deny.

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Hulk Hogan weighs in on Benoit situation

Yeah, we were all eagerly awaiting what the Hulkster had to say and boy did he say something

But, I think if Hulk says people have a problem believing their own press, we should believe him...who better than Hogan would know?

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Former WWE Writer looks at the Benoit Situation

here

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Article on Benoit's neighbor

This is the woman that was the first to find the bodies. she's hiding out in Boston

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Dr. denies prescribing steroids for Chris Benoit

details here

While we're denying stuff, Euan denies that he likes mustard and I deny the existance of the sun. Ric Gillespie denies being lazy and Art Shimko denies ever making any reference to drugs.

Dana White denies hating Frank Shamrock and Great Khali says: "sakdgzcbzryiqwtradgfhbvcxbngfasdgh"

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Lance Storm comments on Benoit family tragety

You can read his here and its his usual good stuff.

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It sucks to be WWE today

Rather than link to each of the bad news items one by one, dave has a roundup

and press conference notes

At this point, I don't think the question is whether WWE is fucked. I think the question is, how fucked is WWE going to be?

This may seem harsh, but you know what I think? I think that any thing bad that happens to the WWE or the industry as a whole as a result of all this is richly deserved. How long did the industry go unnoticed and unchecked...and make no or minimal and fony efforts to fix itself? The industry has taken advantage of going under the radar for so long, and they used that fact to allow for lots of bad things to occur and now its time to pay the bill.

I don't know what the fallout is going to be, but I do strongly believe fallout is coming.

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WWE hints changes may need to be made to wellness policy

The admission comes in this
Newsday article

My editorial comments are behind the cut:



No Shit!

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Report: Chris Benoit received 10 months worth of steroids every 3-to-4 weeks

Fox News broke the story detailed here

This is going to get uglier once people start asking basic questions like...where do you suppose 10 years worth of steroids went to in the coarse of a 12 month period?

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People are stupid

seriously, some of these comments are beyond retarded

You'll know the ones.

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Wife of Wrestler who died young speaks out about the Business

Debbie Fernandez, wife of the late Ray "Hercules" Fernandez has written This piece about the wrestling industry.

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ProWrestlingPress.com: Benoit Family Tragedy Timeline

ProWrestlingPress.com: Benoit Family Tragedy Timeline
By Nate Stein, ProWrestlingPress.com

As people try to comprehend the events surrounding the Benoit Family Tragedy, I wanted to attempt to provide a time line of events.

I know there is lot more testimony, unattributed “knowledge”, and misleading information out there that I am not including. As much as possible, I hope this will help some wrap their heads around all of these events:

- September 1998: Chris Benoit’s only known police encounter occurs when arrested on a DUI charge in Peachtree City, GA.
(From The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

- 2001: Dr. Phil Astin’s license to practice medicine is suspended for three months for reasons related to “competence of character”.
(From TMZ.com)

- At least 2002: Daniel Benoit is diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome and is prescribed growth hormone. Chris Benoit describes is as “a learning disability much like autism” that that National Fragile X Syndrome Foundation calls “the world's leading cause of inherited intellectual disability”.
(From WWE.com post, now removed, The National Fragile X Foundation, ESPN.com)

- May 12, 2003: Nancy Benoit files for divorce saying Chris Benoit threatened her and broke furniture. A restraining order was issued against Chris Benoit.
(From The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

- August 19, 2003: Nancy Benoit files to have the divorce and protection petitions dropped.
(From The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

- 2005: Chris, Nancy, and Daniel Benoit move into their new home in Fayetteville, GA.
(From The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

- 2006: The Albany, NY District Attorney’s Office claims Chris Benoit ordered steroids from MedXLife, a company under investigation of illegal steroid sales.
(From The Associated Press, as reported here)

- March 2007: In the next People Magainze, Benoit sitting by a wrestling ring and the caption of "we're real people outside of the ring," Benoit told a London interviewer last March. He also spoke of "burnout" on the job. "You're on the road so long. Sometimes you just need to step out of it to get refreshed."
(From 7/9/7 People Magazine as reported here)

- April 2007: Two owners of MedXLife, the company the Albany, NY District Attorney’s Office said supplied Chris Benoit with steroids pleaded guilty to drug charges, stating Signature Pharmacy of Orlando filled the orders.
(From The Associated Press, as reported here)

- April 1, 2007: WrestleMania 21 – Jim Ross states, “my wife and I had a long visit with the Benoits and at no time could one detect that there were any issues whatsoever. I even had the occasion to speak at length privately to Nancy and she said things were fine at home. As well as Nancy and I knew each other, if that had not been the case, she would have inferred otherwise I assure you.”
(From Jim Ross 7/28/07 Blog)

- April 10, 2007: Chris Benoit passes a WWE Wellness Policy exam. Vince McMahon says on Today Show that he was unsure though how a legal prescription would play, although other WWE talents have not passed due to liver enzyme levels while on reported prescription medication.
(From WWE.com post, now removed, 7/28 Today Show, and ProWrestlingPress.com Observation)

- Mid June 2007: CNN reports on 6/26/7 that concerned WWE fans and fans of Chris Benoit called a Georgia News Channel asking about the death of Chris Benoit, but possibly meaning Vince McMahon.
(From ProWrestlingPress.com Observation)

- June 19, 2007: Wrestles last match on ECW on SciFi, defeating Elijah Burke.
(From ProWrestlingPress.com Observation)

- Before Friday June 22, 2007: Dr. Phil Astin had prescribed testosterone for Chris Benoit due to low testosterone, possibly due to steroid use. Dr. Astin’s name was also on several of the prescription steroid bottles later found in the Benoit residence.
(From MSNBC)

FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2007:
- Chris Benoit stops by the office of Doctor Phil Astin and his staff where Dr. Astin says “He certainly didn’t show any signs of any distress or rage or anything.”
(From NBC Augusta)

- Nancy Benoit is killed by asphyxiation, possibly by a cord around her neck while being pinned to the floor, held down by a knee to the back.
(From Fayetteville Police Press Conference, ESPN.com, and CNN)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007:

- Daniel Benoit is killed by asphyxiation, possibly using a choke hold, due to there “being no bruise marks on his neck” according to Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard.
(From Fayetteville Police Press Conference & The Associated Press as posted on AccessNorthGA.com)

- 3:30 pm: A WWE employee received a voice message from Benoit stating he overslept and missed his flight. The co-worker called Benoit back who sounded tired and groggy. Benoit stated, “I love you”. The co-worker said it was “out of context.”
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- 3:42 pm: The same co-worker, concerned over the conversation, called Benoit a second time. Benoit did not answer and the co-worker left a message stating “just call me back.”
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- 3:44 pm: Benoit called the co-worker stating he didn’t answer because he was on the phone with Delta changing his flight. Benoit stated he had a real stressful day due to Nancy and Daniel being sick with food poisoning. They discussed travel plans for the WWE Tour of Texas with Benoit still sounding groggy according to the co-worker.
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- Johnny Ace is one of the people to receive a text message from Benoit, according to his brother, Road Warrior Animal.
(From MSNBC's Scarborough Country)

- 4:30 pm: A co-worker who consistently travels with Benoit, calls from outside Houston airport and Benoit answered. Benoit told the co-worker Nancy as throwing up blood and Daniel was also throwing up. Benoit thought they had food poisoning. Benoit stated he changed his flight and would be arriving into Houston at 6:30 pm. Benoit told the co-worker to drive onto the WWE event.
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- 5:35 pm: Benoit called WWE Talent Relations stating he & Nancy were in the hospital, with their son who was throwing up and would be taking a later flight into Houston, but would make the WWE event in Beaumont, TX.
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- 6:10 pm: Talent Relations called Benoit asking what time he was getting into Beaumont. Benoit responded he was leaving Atlanta at 9:20 pm Eastern time, arriving to Houston at 9:24 pm Central time. Talent Relations advised it would be too late to make the WWE event. Benoit apologized citing he had a family emergency. Talent Relations suggested Benoit take the flight to Houston, rest up and be ready for the Vengeance Pay-Per-View event.
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- 6:13 pm: Talent Relations called Benoit to reconfirm the travel plans with no answer from Benoit. The representative from Talent Relations left a voice message to take the flight and rest up.
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2007

- 3:53 am: Text messages are sent from Chris Benoit’s cell phone to the same two co-workers he spoke with on Saturday. One stating: My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215 Another stating: The dogs are in the enclosed pool area. Garage side door is open.
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- 3:54 am: Two more text messages are sent from Nancy Benoit’s cell phone to the same two co-workers Chris Benoit spoke with, both stating C.S. My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215.
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- 3:55 am: Two more text messages are sent from Nancy Benoit’s cell phone to the same two co-workers Chris Benoit spoke with, again stating C, S. My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215.
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- 3:58 am: Another co-worker is sent a text message from Nancy Benoit’s cell phone stating, My address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- If Text Message timestamps are correct, Chris Benoit is hung by a cord around his neck from his weight equipment attached to approximately 240 lbs. of weights and dies by asphyxiation, despite Coroner’s report listing time of death late Saturday. Early explanation was that the text messages were not received by WWE co-workers until several hours later. District Attorney Scott Ballard added in an interview, “Based on text messaging that he sent, we assume he died between 3 and 4 o’clock…”
(From Fayetteville Police Press Conference, 3 Count Wrestling Show , and The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

- Later that day - WWE made several attempts to contact Benoit via phone and text messages, as well as, the local hospitals in the Atlanta area. As of 11:00 pm Sunday night there was no contact made with Benoit.
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- During WWE Vengeance pay-per-view, Chris Benoit is replaced by Johnny Nitro for what Jim Ross calls “personal reasons”
(From The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2007

- 12:01 am: Chris Benoit’s Wikipedia article is edited from a Stanford, CT area IP address to include “Chris Benoit was replaced by [[Johnny Nitro]] for the ECW Championship match at Vengeance, as Benoit was not there due to personal issues, stemming from the death of his wife Nancy.” The same I.P. address also removed a “damaging description of [Chavo] Guerrero” from the article.
(From FoxNews.com, Wikipedia.org, and Atlanta Journal Constituion)

- 12:30 pm: WWE notified of text messages sent to the two co-workers.
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- 12:45 pm: WWE contacted Fayetteville County Sheriff’s office and requested them to go to Benoit’s residence
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- 2:30 pm: Fayetteville County Sheriff’s office enter the Benoit home after a short delay from entering due to two dogs on the property and find the bodies of Nancy, Daniel, and Chris Benoit. Nancy was found upstairs in a family rope, bound, and wrapped in towel. There was also blood under her head, meaning possible signs of a struggle. Daniel was found in an upstairs bedroom. Daniel also had old needle marks in his arm, believed to be from growth hormone. Nancy and Daniel also had a bible placed next to them. Chris is found in the basement weight room with a cord attached to weights from his weight equipment wrapped around his neck. Prescription steroids are found in the home.
(From Fayetteville Police Press Conference, ESPN.com)

A nearly empty bottle of wine is also found near the body of Chris Benoit.
(From People Magazine as reported here)

No painkillers were found in the house.
(From 3 Count Wrestling Show)

- 4:00 pm: WWE received a call from the Fayetteville County Sheriff’s office, advising they entered
Benoit’s home, finding 3 deceased bodies (a male, a female and a child). The Fayetteville Sheriff’s office has secured the house as a “major crime scene” and had no further information.
(From Fayetteville Police Press Conference)

- By 5:00 pm - WWE makes decision to cancel RAW in Corpus Christi, TX and airs three-hour tribute to Chris Benoit and to end “The Death of Mr. McMahon”.
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- 6:00 pm: Nate Stein receives phone call informing him WWE talent was told of the passing of Chris Benoit.
(From ProWrestlingPress.com Observation)

- 6:09 pm: WWE.com posts the death of Chris Benoit.
(From ProWrestlingPress.com Observation)

- 8:00 pm: Vince McMahon starts RAW in an empty arena, informing the television audience of the death of Chris Benoit.
(From ProWrestlingPress.com Observation)

- 9:24 pm: Fayette County Sheriff’s Lt. Tommy Pope reports the deaths were being investigated as homicides.
(From MyFoxAtlanta Fox 5)

- Approx. 10:00 p.m.: Detective Bo Turner reports to MyFoxAtlanta Fox 5 that the investigation is leading them to believe double murder-suicide and their suspect is Chris Benoit.
(From MyFoxAtlanta Fox 5

TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2007
- A.M.: WWE removes the Chris Benoit tribute videos and several mentions of Benoit from WWE.com
(From ProWrestlingPress.com Observation)

- Mid-day: Chris Nowinski contacts Fayette County coroner requesting a brain exam to look for possible sign of brain injury such as from a concussion. He had been “thus far rebuffed”.
(From NY Times)

- 3:15 pm: Fox News carries Press Conference from Fayetteville County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney. Much information was released for the first time, including the official ruling as a “double murder-suicide” from Police Lt. Pope. District Attorney Scott Ballard said he did “not know if steroids played a role” and stated toxicology could take weeks to months. Pieces of what Ballard calls “bizarre” behavior is shared for the first time. No suicide note was found. First official mention of “prescription medications, including steroids” (not specifically stating anabolic or who the prescription was to) at the time being found in the house.
(From ProWrestlingPress.com Observation)

- Early P.M.: WWE.com posts article stating steroids “were not and could not be related to the cause of death and that the findings indicate “deliberation, not rage.”
(From WWE.com post, now removed)

- Early P.M.: WWE cancels Canadian tour, originally posting “Out of respect for the surviving members of the Benoit family and the city of Edmonton”.
(From WWE.com post, some parts removed)

- Early P.M.: - Early P.M.: American Bank Center states WWE will return to Corpus Christi on July 16
(From American Bank Center, posted here)

- 10:00 pm: Vince McMahon starts ECW on SciFi states, “facts of this horrible tragedy are now apparent. Therefore, other than my comments there will be no mention of Mr. Benoit's name 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 WWE performers will do what they do better than anyone else in the world -- entertain you.”
(From ProWrestlingPress.com Observation)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2007
- 9:30 pm.: Members of the Drug Enforcement Agency, Fayette County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force, & Carroll County Investigators raid Dr. Phil Astin’s Carrollton, GA office, confiscating computers and other evidence. Dr. Astin cooperated and no arrests were made.
(From MyFoxAtlanta Fox 5 and The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2007
- A.M.: WWE removes all mention of the Benoit Family Tragedy from WWE.com
(From ProWrestlingPress.com Observation)

- A.M.: Vince McMahon Appears on The Today Show
(Can be viewed on MSN)

- A.M.: Linda McMahon Appears on Good Morning America
(Can be viewed on ABCnews.com)

- Early P.M.: Chris Benoit’s father Michael states Chris will have a private funeral service in Canada, while Nancy and Daniel will probably have services near Nancy’s parents, Paul and Maureen Toffolini in Daytona Beach, FL.
(From The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

JULY 22, 2007 – U.S. Congress designated Fragile X day.
(From National Fragile X Foundation)

Continue Reading!

AS I SEE IT 6/27: The Benoit family tragedy

AS I SEE IT
Bob Magee
Pro Wrestling: Between the Sheets
PWBTS.com

I am absolutely numb as I write this.

I'll never again be able to be puzzled at someone on my television who says about another of the all-too-frequent murders in neighboring Philadelphia..."How could they have done this? They were such a quiet person."

Because we now all have seen and/or know someone like that.

Chris Benoit.

As we have all gone through the seemingly endless lunatic newsreel of shock, sadness, then rage at the various revelations of the last 36 hours, here are the facts as they are known as of this writing.

The deaths of Chris Benoit, Nancy Benoit-Duas, and Daniel Benoit were ruled late Monday by local police to be the result of a double murder-suicide from within the home.

Numerous media and police reports have made clear that Chris Benoit murdered his wife Nancy sometime on late Friday/early Saturday by strangulation with an electrical cord, before taking his son Daniel's life by smothering him with a bag sometime late early Saturday, and finally his own by suicide on Sunday by hanging via a pulley/cord attached to his weight machine. Benoit’s body was found in a weight room, Nancy’s was found in the living room, and son Daniel was found in his bedroom.

The timeline of events as presented by WWE indicates that Benoit was initially scheduled to appear at the WWE SmackDown/ ECW house show on June 23 in Beaumont, TX. At 3:30 pm, an unnamed co-worker (believed to be Chavo Guerrero) received a voice message from Benoit. Benoit indicated that he had overslept, missed his flight and would be late to the show. The co-worker called Benoit back, Benoit confirmed everything he said in his voice message, sounding "tired and groggy". Benoit made a rather odd statement in context, saying “I love you”.

The co-worker, feeling something didn't sound quite right, called back Benoit...then got a call back by Benoit claiming he didn’t answer the call because he was on the phone with Delta changing his flight. Benoit excused his absence, claiming he had a real stressful day due to Nancy and Daniel being sick with food poisoning. All the while he was talking to this co-worker, Benoit still sounded "groggy".

An hour later, a co-worker who consistently travels with Benoit, called Benoit from outside Houston Airport with Benoit answering, saying that Nancy was throwing up blood and that Daniel was also throwing up, which Benoit attributed to food poisoning. Benoit then told the co-worker he had changed his flight and he would be arriving into Houston at 6:30 pm. Benoit told the co-worker to g ahead alone and drive to the WWE Beaumont show.

At 5:35 pm, Benoit called WWE Talent Relations again making the claim about his wife and son having food poisoning, but in this version stating that his son was throwing up and that he and Nancy were in the hospital with their son. Benoit said he would take a later flight into Houston, landing late, but would make the WWE live event in Beaumont. At 6:10 pm, Talent Relations called Benoit, who indicated he was leaving Atlanta at 9:20 pm Eastern time arriving into Houston at 9:24 pm Central time.

The representative from Talent Relations advised Benoit that it would be too late to make the WWE live event in Beaumont. Benoit apologized, citing a "family emergency". The Talent Relations representative suggested to Benoit to simply take the flight to Houston, rest up and be ready for the Vengeance Pay-Per-View event.

On Sunday, June 24, a number of text messages were sent to to the same two co-workers who'd spoken to Benoit the day before from the cell phones of Chris Benoit and Nancy Benoit:

A text message was sent from Benoit’s cell phone at 3:53 am saying "My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215". Ten minutes later, another text message was sent from Benoit’s cell phone "The dogs are in the enclosed pool area. Garage side door is open".

Benoit repeated the first text message a minute later, then two minutes later from Nancy's cell phone saying "My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215", and a third message repeating this at at 3:58 am toa nother unnamed co-worker.

WWE then made several attempts to contact Benoit via phone and text messages, as well as, the local hospitals in the Atlanta area. As of 11:00 pm Sunday night there was no contact made with Benoit.

On Monday, June 25, at 12:30 pm, WWE was notified of text messages sent to the two co-workers. Fifteen minutes later, WWE contacted the Fayetteville County Sheriff’s office and requested them to go to Benoit’s residence

At 4:00 pm, WWE was notified by the Fayetteville County Sheriff’s office that they had; after some difficulty getting onto the Benoit property Monday afternoon, due to the German Shepherds walking around the property; entered the Benoit's house and found the bodies of Chris, Nancy, and Daniel Benoit; that they had secured the house as a “major crime scene”.

Those are the facts.

There has been wild speculation all over the media about "steroid rage", past domestic issues between Chris and Nancy Benoit, and wrestling as a whole.

> From all reasonable evidence, the Benoit family tragedy was not due to
solely a single episode of steroid rage, as the irresponsible media such as Nancy Grace and Bill O'Reilly have suggested.

It is possible that the tragedy was due to long-term effects of Benoit's steroid use, as there have been sources that have outlined changes in Benoit's personality within the last year, including episodes of paranoia. It is also possible that there was added strain in the family due to health issues with son Daniel who has both issues with limited growth, and a illness called Fragile X syndrome; which may have accentuated whatever issues Benoit had due to possible long-term steroid use.

None of those issues are excuses, nor even explanations for this inexcusable, inexplicable crime, but are merely evidence as a part of the whole.

I've had co-workers at the proprietary school at which I work (most of whom had no interest in wrestling, but were aware that I own PWBTS.com) asking me all day yesterday about this tragedy. I had and have few answers to give them then, or now.

The only things that are sure are these: the greatest wrestler of my lifetime, a wrestler who was my favorite is a murderer, and dead by his own hand. A wife and mother are dead. A child is dead. Many of us who were fans of Chris Benoit and believed they knew him feel stunned, shocked, and angry as what he's done.

We have to acknowledge Chris Benoit's far-reaching role as a wrestler (and I believe WWE is wrong in trying to erase Benoit's role altogether from their online pages)...but we don't ever have to give the man Chris Benoit a moment of tribute. He killed two innocent people and killed himself. God will judge him for that.

May God, if you believe in a God, give you some peace as a fan who feels as violated as I do. May that same God give peace to the souls of Nancy and Daniel Benoit.


Until next time...

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(As always...this column represents the view of this writer and not necessarily of the website on which it appears).

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Chris Benoit link compendium

Rather than make several posts with links, I would ask that all of my co-contributors put links in this post by clicking the edit post link provided.

Post updated throughout the day.

For the sake of Ric's ego, I'll point out that he had virtually all of this stuff long before anyone. However, given his links aren't archived for good and given that people may wish to revisit this in the future, I'll give him his Link and say once again he was pretty much first on everything.

All links behind the cut:



ABC News has a story here

This is Wade and I found an article from one of my e-mail accounts for this, which has updated information, as well as this one from Wrestling Observer and an updated report.

Casey, and this statement is on WWE.com

Double murder-suicide

It has been ruled that the deaths of Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and their son Daniel earlier today were the result of a double murder-suicide from within

Wade, and this is the tribute video for Benoit on WWE.com, as well as videos from RAW and Smackdown , a Benoit Retrospective article and photos of Benoit.

more here from the observer talking about the events of Sunday.

Smackdown and ECW plans

Wade here with a video of Good Morning America's update.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Benoit strangled Nancy on Saturday night Smuthered Daniel on Sunday night and hung himself on Monday.

Ric has notes from the press conference here

Euan with an article from BBC News

ESPN.com story it just gets worse.

Bret Hart Interview

WWE has published a timeline of events and transcript of text messages sent from Benoit's cell phone.

Benoit's name linked in on-going steroid investigation

Court documents from 2003 wherein Nancy Benoit requested a restraining order and full custidy of son Daniel are here

A recap of Brian Christopher Lawler on some show nobody watches

Our friend Mark Danger recaps the same show

more news from Alex Marvez

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Tonight's Special Episode Of 'WWE RAW' Is In The Books

- An emotional Vince McMahon stood in the ring (at Corpus Christi, Texas' vacant American Bank Center) and addressed the "alleged" demise of his character (Mr. McMahon), separating that from the very real demise of Chris Benoit and his family. McMahon went on to offer his condolences, and introduce a tribute to the life and career of Benoit. This segment again aired at each of the remaining hours.



- Most of the footage came courtesy of 'Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story,' including that used in a video tribute (to the tune of Finger Eleven's 'One Thing'), so in many cases, I won't go into specifics.

- Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler, sitting in their usual spots, spoke about how difficult tonight's show was for them, then introduced footage from 2004's 'Royal Rumble,' where Benoit earned a spot in the 'WrestleMania' main event.

- Steve Austin pit over Benoit's work ethic, saying no matter how big or small the crowd, he'd work to the fullest extent of his ability. Austin closed by speaking of his love for Benoit.

- Michael Cole and JBL, sitting in their usual spots, spoke about Benoit's love for his family. JBL, in particular, appeared to be hit hard by the loss, speaking about how he and Chris had recently spoke about turning back the clock.

- John Cena (fighting tears) said this was probably the most-difficult thing he's ever had to do, and he wasn't sure how to react. Cena believed it was best to celebrate Benoit's life, as he was a good man and he lived for the sport. Cena hoped, as he has learned to do, appreciate everything Benoit had done. He regrets not telling Chris how much he loved him.

- Joey Styles and Tazz, sitting in their usual spots, spoke about how excited they were to hear about Benoit coming to ECW in 1994, and after the recent draft. They introduced last Tuesday's bout, the last of Benoit's televised bouts, where Benoit faced Elijah Burke (to earn his ECW title match at 'Vengeance,' which he ended up missing, as he hadn't returned from Atlanta or updated the company on his status, getting us to today's discovery of the bodies).

- A crying CM Punk spoke of his disappointment (because he didn't get to wrestle Benoit at the pay-per-view) and guilt (after learning of his death), saying he hoped to please Benoit, whom he considered a hero of his.

- Ross and Lawler spoke about Benoit's passion to have good matches, and one of his favorite opponents (and good friends) was Dean Malenko. They then introduced a match between Benoit and Malenko, which took place at 1996's 'Hog Wild.' If you recall, Nancy was at ringside for this bout, which was acknowledged by Ross and Lawler.

- Malenko was next to speak on Benoit, saying Benoit enriched his life, and he'll miss the support Benoit provided him in fifteen-years of friendship. People often thought Benoit was arrogant, but Malenko said he was just a very private and quiet individual. Malenko said Benoit was unselfish and one of the best he's met in the ring. Malenko also talked how it was to lose two (Benoit and Eddie Guerrero) of his best friends, as he called them, "The real three amigos," in reference to the triple suplexes. It was Malenko's idea for Benoit to use the 'Cripple Crossface.' Malenko said Benoit and Guerrero were back together and probably arguing.

- Cole and JBL spoke about the high level of respect Benoit had earned from his peers and the audiences, and what a privilege it was to call Benoit's matches. JBL said Benoit wasn't a great talker, but he was a great talker, and he was so happy to face his friend in April 2006, where the US title was up for grabs on 'SmackDown.'

- Stephanie McMahon (choking back tears) said Benoit was an amazing wrestler, and was passionate about the sport and his family. Benoit was genuinely happy for her, when she married Triple H, and for the couple, when they later had a child. Steph considered Benoit to be her friend.

- Chavo Guerrero (also fighting tears) spoke about how close Benoit was to him and his family. Benoit was the first person Chavo called in the wake of Eddie Guerrero's death. Chavo thought it was almost as difficult to tell Benoit, as it was to hear the news, because of how hard it was for Benoit to hear what happened. Just before Eddie's death, Chavo was lucky to be with him, and just a few days ago, Chavo was lucky to be with Benoit and hid family in Atlanta. Chavo also loved working with Benoit, crediting and thanking Benoit for teaching so much. Chavo doesn't say this to many, but he loves Benoit.

- Styles and Tazz spoke about Benoit's reputation in Japan, especially in matches against Jushin Liger, then introduced footage of Pegasus Kid (Benoit) beating Liger for the IWGP Junior-Heavyweight title (which took place in 1990).

- William Regal said, for now, he just wanted to say Benoit worked harder than anyone in pro wrestling and was the absolute best.

- Ross and Lawler spoke about another of Benoit's great rivalries (this one, with Chris Jericho), and Benoit's idolization of Dynamite Kid, then introduced Benoit's ladder match (for the Intercontinental title) against Jericho, which took place at 2001's 'Royal Rumble.' After the bout, Ross spoke about how upset Jericho was to learn of Benoit's death. Lawler spoke about how Benoit didn't wrestle for the money, and how intense he could be in the squarde circle. Soon, we would receive a look at Benoit's winning of the World title (at 2004's 'WrestleMania').

- Styles introduced Edge's thoughts on Benoit's death. Fighting back tears, Edge said he'd now lost two of the three people he could turn to in pro wrestling (Eddie and Benoit?). Edge said he remember seeing Benoit in Stampede Wrestling, and was happy to later work with him. When Edge had personal issues of his own, he was able to go to Benoit for comfort. Edge couldn't think of one person with a bad word to say about Benoit. When they last wrestled (a couple of weeks ago on 'SmackDown'), Benoit smiled while coming through the curtain. Edge recently saw Daniel in Dothan, Alabama, and Edge thought Benoit was lucky. Edge doesn't understand these type of things, and knows Benoit would be upset at him for crying, but he misses him.

- Cole and JBL spoke about how emotional Benoit could be about his work, and how Benoit had once ejected those without that same respect, then introduced more another music video (which may not have come from the 'Hard Knocks' DVD), although I didn't recognize the tune.

- A teary HHH spoke about how difficult to sum up Benoit's life in a few minutes. In his opinion, Benoit was all about respect in all aspects of his life. HHH recalled a story, where Benoit made a young wrestler do one-thousand squats, because he had some unkind words for Shawn Michaels. Benoit did the squats with the wrestler, then, the next day, made him do five-hundred more. HHH felt everyone respected Benoit, including himself, more than anyone else, and they'd meet again.

- Ross and Lawler seconded HHH's thoughts about respect, then closed the program by introducing Benoit's World-title defeat of HHH and Michaels (at 'WrestleMania 20'). Lawler said he'd remembered Chris as a great competitor, mentioned how tragic the loss of the entire family was, and said everyone should tell their family how important they are to them. Ross said he'd remember Benoit's passion and ability, and talked about how important the finish of the match was.

PS: Because I know I did not do the best job of recapping the program, I've provided links for the testimonials and 'Finger Eleven' video. I'm sure wwe.com will soon have even more from the show.

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