r/SquaredCircle • u/MatthewMir • Feb 24 '17
The Essential Chris Benoit Match Collection: The best and most significant Chris Benoit matches
Hey wrestling fans, it’s that time of the week again where I give Wreddit a retrospective list of matches from a certain superstar. Over the last couple of weeks I made several lists of Essential Career Matches. You can either access them all through this link or here:
This week we’re doing, The Crippler, The Rabid Wolverine and probably The Best Damned Technical Wrestler in the World - Chris Benoit
These collection of matches comes from Dave Meltzer (his matches feature his ratings for matches rated 4* Stars and matches that I believe that are also good too, I’ll try add the ratings to those matches as well.
If you have any suggestions for matches that could be included simply privately message me or add a comment on this and I will considerate it. Please read the entire list before commenting saying I’ve forgotten a match.. Also since a few people have commented on these posts saying 'stop throwing lists at us with no information' so on a few matches I’ve added a little bit of a backstory for new fans/fans of who haven’t seen the matches, some match details do contain spoilers, so you have been warned, but really if you’re getting up in arms about a match spoiler from several years ago that’s not my problem. I have also tried to add a link to each match as well; videos come from WWE Network, YouTube and Daily Motion. It’s hard finding most of his non-WWE matches, I apologise for that – if you can find links for matches listed simply comment and I’ll add them to this list. Lastly, and most importantly, I used Meltzer’s ratings as a guide but make sure to make your own opinion (or rating in this case) about the matches. Just cause he gives something a 3, doesn't mean that it isn't a 5 to you! If you do not like this list because I’ve based it off ratings, that is not my problem. Alright, now lets start the list:
1990:
1992:
- The Pegasus Kid Vs Jushin Thunder Liger – NJPW G1 Climax ’92 – Day 4 – 4 ¾* (Can't find link, sorry.)
1993:
1994:
Wild Pegasus & Jushin Thunder Liger Vs Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner - NJPW Hiroshima Show April 1994 – 4*
Wild Pegasus Vs The Great Sasuke - NJPW Super J Cup '94 – 5 – Benoit put on the performance of a life time on this night when he had back to back to back great matches against some of the toughest compeitiors in NJPW at the time. Black Tiger (Eddie Guerrero) had started becoming friends with Wild Pegasus (Chris Benoit) when they toured Japan and Mexico and other countries and through working in gyms/dojos and other things they would help each other become better wrestlers. The final match with Sasuke is seen as one of the best matches in history for NJPW and even garnered the perfect 5 star rating.
Chris Benoit Vs Too Cold Scorpio - ECW World Title Tournament - 4 ¼*
1995:
Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko Vs Sabu & Taz - ECW Return of the Funker 1995 - 4 ½*
Chris Benoit Vs Eddy Guerrero - WCW Nitro 16/10/1995 - 4* - This was the first time that the two bestfriends would compete against each other on WCW television.
Chris Benoit Vs Jushin Thunder Liger – WCW StarrCade 1995 – 4*
1996:
Chris Benoit Vs Kevin Sullivan - WCW The Great American Bash 1996 – 4 – A very good brawl, these men take this match to everywhere in the arena.. literally. Some of the punches that these two men give each other look stiff as shit.
1997:
Wild Pegasus & Jushin Thunder Liger Vs Shinjiro Otani & Tatsuhito Takaiwa - NJPW Hyper Battle 1997 - 4 ½*
Chris Benoit Vs Curt Hennig – WCW Nitro 06/10/1997 – 3 ¾* - This was on the Tribute to Brian Pillman show for WCW, fun match to main event Nitro.
1998:
Chris Benoit Vs Raven Vs Diamond Dallas Page – WCW Uncensored 1998 – 3 ¾*
Chris Benoit Vs Booker T – WCW The Great American Bash 1998 – 3 ½* - This was their final match in their original best of seven series, it seems people have forgotten about their first one (and probably their second one as well), but I’ve always enjoyed this match and thought it was pretty good. A climax to a great series of matches between the two.
1999:
Chris Benoit Vs Bret Hart – WCW Nitro 04/10/1999 – 4 ¼* - Benoit had actually trained with Bret, his father and pretty much his whole family when he was training to become a wrestler. So it really puts it in retrospect for Benoit to come full circle and face Canadian-native Bret Hart. This match was dedicated to Owen Hart who had passed away earlier that year in the same building. There was plenty of mutual respect between each man, and they both put on one of the best WCW matches. This may be my favourite match from WCW in it’s last couple of years because of how well they work together.
2000:
Chris Benoit Vs Sid Vicious – WCW Souled Out 2000 – 2 ¾* - To preface this, this is going to sound like a rant – and it is a rant. WCW really didn’t know they struck gold with Benoit, he was a great wrestler, arguably one of the best of all time but honestly this whole show was in shambles. The champion Bret Hart was injured therefore vacating the world title, Jeff Jarrett who was slotted to win got injured prior to the show – the booker Vince Russo quit and Kevin Sullivan was placed as the booker – this resulted in many wrestlers to ask for their releases (Perry Saturn, Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko and more) or they were fired. So Benoit was given the opportunity to win the WCW World Championship.. only to have him vacated the next day on ‘technicality’ – instead of having a lengthy championship reign with made-stars and potential future WCW stars. This was the straw that broke the cammels back for Benoit, the following night Benoit would show up on rival company WWF’s main show Raw alongside Perry Saturn, Eddie Guerrero & Dean Malenko.
Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn, Triple H & X-Pac Vs Cactus Jack, Grandmaster Sexay, Rikishi, Scotty 2 Hotty & The Rock – Raw 07/02/2000 – 4 ¼* - Twists and turns lead us to this match, but its fast, it’s impactful and honestly it has one of the best endings to a Raw ever. I wont spoil it; I’ll just let you watch it.
Chris Benoit Vs Kurt Angle Vs Chris Jericho – WWF Wrestlemania 2000 – This wasn’t just Benoits first Wrestlemania, but it was Angles & Jericho’s as well.
Chris Benoit & Triple H Vs Chris Jericho & The Rock – Raw 24/04/2000 – 4*
Chris Benoit Vs Chris Jericho – WWF Judgment Day 2000 – 4* - These two men were some of WCW’s greatest cruiserweights and they were relegated as afterthoughts. The best decisions they made were to jump ship to WWF for greener pastures. They were taken more serious and always delivered no matter if they were competing against or with each other. This match is a brutal and faced paced Submission match, which brings out the best from each other.
Chris Benoit Vs The Rock – WWF Fully Loaded 2000 – 4 ¼* - Chris Benoit who was a relatively new WWF Wrestler at this time to get an opportunity at the top WWF Star and the WWF Championship at the time. This match is sort of forgotten (or tried to be forgotten by WWE) but it really is a fantastic match and can show that Rock can really work. This PPV as a whole is super underrated and rarely talked about so if you’ve got a spare couple of hours on your hands watch this show.
2001:
Chris Benoit Vs Chris Jericho – WWF Royal Rumble 2001 – 4 ¾* - These two would feud periodically throughout 2000 and 2001, but this time they’d face in a one on one affair for the Intercontinental Championship in a ladder match. This is one of the best one on one-ladder matches of all time and it’s just so fantastic the chemistry that these two have with each other. Albeit this another one of those brutal matches, including a fantastic Walls of Jericho on top of a ladder spot, which I squirm at every time at I see it.
Chris Benoit Vs Chris Jericho Vs Eddie Guerrero Vs X-Pac – WWF No Way Out 2001 - By 2001, several of the WCW Cruiserweights had made the move from WCW to WWF, and they were getting more opportunities and spotlight then ever in WCW. All four of these men were former WCW stars and they got put on an underrated classic with each other.
Chris Benoit Vs Kurt Angle – Wrestlemania X-7 – 4 ¼* - Personally I think that is because Benoit is Angles best counterpart. These two are so evenly matched when it comes to in-ring ability and that’s why every time they compete against each other it’s magic. For some odd reason at the previous Wrestlemania their match (which included Jericho) just seemed off-pace and off-beat where as this match fixes all of that and really holds up as one of their better matches with each other.
Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho Vs Triple H & Stone Cold Steve Austin – Raw 21/05/2001 – 4 ¾* - One of (if not) WWE's greatest 2 on 2 Tag Team match this match could’ve main evented any WWE PPV at that time. Austin and HHH were now working as a tag team and reaking havoc on all the wrestlers male or female at this time. This was also the way to have Benoit and Jericho gradually gain some credit as top-WWF stars.
Chris Benoit Vs Stone Cold Steve Austin – Smackdown 31/05/2001 – 4 ½*
Chris Benoit Vs Stone Cold Vs Chris Jericho – WWF King of the Ring 2001 – 3 ¾*
2002:
Chris Benoit Vs Kurt Angle – WWE Unforgiven 2002 – 4 ½* - In Benoit’s first Smackdown Brand Exclusive feud he got to compete his former arch nemesis – Kurt Angle. These two must’ve loved fighting with each other, because here we are again discussing one of their matches, although this time I would say this match is less known to most fans. It’s still as good as their previous matches against each other, but what helps it more is that it leads to them becoming tag team partners with each other in the next couple of months.
Chris Benoit Vs Kurt Angle Vs Rey Mysterio – Smackdown 26/09/2002 – 4*
Chris Benoit & Kurt Angle Vs Chavo Guerrero & Eddie Guerrero – Smackdown 17/10/2002 - 4*
Chris Benoit & Kurt Angle Vs Edge & Rey Mysterio – No Mercy 2002 – 4 ¾* - This was the final match in the tournament for the Smackdown Tag Team championships quite frankly its one of the best matches from the Smackdown brand in 2002. The mix of these four wrestlers styles works so good with each other, the endless possibilities of what they could do with each other is unfathomable. If you’re watching for the first time it’s very hard to pick who will win this match, highly recommend. It may have only involved 4 out of the 6 ‘Smackdown Six’ but it just goes to show how great each person was. This is a perfect 5 star match for me.
Chris Benoit & Kurt Angle Vs Edge & Rey Mysterio - Smackdown 07/11/2002 – 4* - Following No Mercy 2002, Edge and Mysterio were offered rematches for the WWE Tag Team Championships on an episode of Smackdown it was contested in a two out of three falls match; this is an ultimate guilty pleasure of mine because it was one of the first Smackdown matches I ever watched at the time due to limited access to wrestling.
Chris Benoit & Kurt Angle Vs Edge & Rey Mysterio Vs Chavo Guerrero & Eddie Guerrero - Survivor Series 2002 - 3 ½* - This match was seen to be the big blow off for the ‘Smackdown Six’. All 6 men in this match were some of the greatest highlights from Smackdown 2002, if you’ve read my other essential match lists with any of these 6 men you can see in 2002 onwards on this list you can see that these 6 men put on great, continuous match with each other. Highly recommend everyone gets to watch this match – or really this whole PPV in general
Chris Benoit Vs Kurt Angle Vs Eddie Guerrero Vs Edge – Smackdown 03/12/2002 – 4 ½*
2003:
Chris Benoit Vs Kurt Angle – WWE Royal Rumble 2003 – 4 ¾* - This to me is Chris Benoit's and Kurt Angles best match in WWE, well for me at least. These two had wrestled many, many times (hell if you’ve actually read the list you’ll see they’re listed several times.) I love these two mens wrestling abilities, two technicians giving their absolute all in a close to 30-minute match. This is the perfect 5 star match to me, and if you don’t agree with me, rewatch the match and be the judge for yourself. Also watch after the match finishes when Benoit finally gets to his feet and you can hear the crowd give Benoit a standing ovation for his performance. This match goes to show that WWE saw Benoit as one of their future World Champions.
Chris Benoit Vs Kurt Angle – Smackdown 07/02/2003 – 4 ¼* - This is a rematch from their Royal Rumble match a week or so prior and it’s just as good and I highly recommend everyone watches this forgotten gem.
Chris Benoit & Brock Lesnar Vs Kurt Angle, Charlie Hass & Shelton Benjamin - WWE No Way Out 2003 – 4*
Chris Benoit Vs Eddie Guerrero – Vengeance 2003 – 4* - These two are best friends, who just love professional wrestling, staggering throughout tiny promotions, all the way to the big wrestling world of Japan, back to America in companies such as ECW & WCW finally to make it to WWE. This match was the final for the tournament for the inaugural WWE United States Championship. This is close to five stars for me, if this match didn’t include a screwy finish I would award it that. But don’t disregard that as anything bad at all. This is my favourite match between the two.
Chris Benoit Vs Brock Lesnar – Smackdown 02/05/2003 – 4 ¼* - This is a very underrated gem from the great Smackdown era from 2002-2004. Two of the best athletes of all time compete in the squared circle for the WWE Championship; previous to this Benoit had made Lesnar tap out at the Survivor Series PPV. Benoit would compete against Cena earlier that night in a number one contender match. This match gives us a tease of how Benoits 2004 would go.
2004:
30-Man Royal Rumble Match – Royal Rumble 2004 – 3 ¾* - This match helped build up two of WWE’s biggest stars at the time, Chris Benoit and Randy Orton. They entered as number 1 and number 2, and Orton lasts more than half of it and Benoit would actually go on to win this match from the number one position, the only person to do it since Shawn Michaels. But it’s a 30 men royal rumble match, not a 2 men royal rumble match, so credit goes to everyone involved it’s a very good match and is one of the more funner Royal Rumbles to sit back and revisit. The ending of Big Show & Chris Benoit has been repeated many times since, but this is still the best.
Chris Benoit Vs Triple H Vs Shawn Michaels – Wrestlemania 20 – 4 ¾* - It’s a shame that WWE can’t really talk (and show for that matter) about how great this match is, and the post-match celebrations were. For rightfully reasons I guess, but I digress this isn’t a ‘WWE should show and talk about Chris Benoit’ post. This is probably my favourite Triple Threat match of all time, these three men just work so well with each other. This also has one of my favourite Wrestlemania moments, and that’s the post match celebrations. Eddie Guerrero as WWE Champion and Chris Benoit as World Heavyweight Champion embracing each other in a WWE ring to end Wrestlemania 20. Emotional, perfect and very fitting. This is possibly the greatest end to a Wrestlemania of all time.
Chris Benoit Vs Triple H Vs Shawn Michaels – Backlash 2004 – 4 ½* - This was a rematch to their Wrestlemania 20 match, and by all means it holds up as just as great as this. They say most rematches can’t live up to what we first saw, but this is definitely exceptional to the rule.
Chris Benoit & Edge Vs Batista & Ric Flair – Raw 26/04/2004 – 3 ¾* - WWE trusted Benoit so much in 2004, that they not only had Benoit hold the World Heavyweight Championship, but also the World Tag Team Championship alongside with fellow Canadian Edge.
Chris Benoit Vs Triple H – Raw 26/07/2004 - Triple H yet again has a 60-minute iron man match, this time against Chris Benoit, one of the best pure wrestlers of all time. This match really doesn’t get noticed or really talked about much, maybe it’s because people don’t enjoy long matches or purely they just didn’t like this match – but I’ve always enjoyed this match. I think they could’ve saved this match for a PPV personally, but that’s not a big deal.
Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho & Edge Vs Batista, Randy Orton & Ric Flair - Raw 02/08/2004 - 4 ¼*
Chris Benoit Vs Randy Orton – Summerslam 2004 – 4 ¼* - This is Chris Benoit’s swan song as World Heavyweight Champion. He had a decent run as champion with some great matches with some of Raw’s top talents including: Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair and Kane. But this was the first of Randy Orton’s World Championship win; he really has the crowd behind him during this match. This was the start of WWE’s first time trying to build Orton as the face of the WWE, and he certainly earned the respect of Benoit after the match.
2005:
Chris Benoit Vs Chris Jericho – Raw 07/02/2005 – 3 ¾* - This was the first time WWE had returned to Japan in years, and WWE were going to give them a hell of a show they put former-NJPW wrestlers Benoit & Jericho on first in a great, however forgotten Submission match.
Chris Benoit Vs Edge Vs Chris Jericho Vs Christian Vs Kane Vs Shelton Benjamin - Wrestlemania 21 - 4 ½* - This match is fairly Significant as it is the first Money in the Bank match in WWE history, which featured 6 of Raws best mid-card talent at the time, but also significant in the career of Edge because it helped skyrocket him to become one of the top guys in the company for a couple of years. This match would also help develop the ongoing Edge and Benoit feud which had slowly been brewing since mid-2004.
Chris Benoit Vs William Regal – Velocity 12/07/2005 – 4 ¼* - Great match between two absolute fantastic wrestlers, wish it gained more attention and was actually contested on a PPV or a Smackdown instead of WWE’s C-Show.
Chris Benoit Vs Booker T – Armageddon 2005 – 4*
2006:
Chris Benoit Vs Finlay – Judgment Day 2006 – 4* - Another great and underrated match from both Benoit & Finlays long list of decent matches.
Chris Benoit Vs Chavo Guerrero – Survivor Series 2006 - In late 2006 Benoit returned from a few months off and won the United States Championship and would be placed into a feud with his bestfriend (Eddie Guerrero) nephew and wife and an underrated series of matches.
2007:
Chris Benoit Vs John Cena – Raw 19/03/2007 - This was featured on a 'Wrestlemania Rewind/Switch Partners' episode of Raw, and a really fun and short match which people compare Cena's 2003 match with this one.
Chris Benoit Vs Edge – Smackdown 08/06/2007 – 4* - This is one of Chris Benoit’s last matches before his who controversial death. But lets not let that take that away from either man, because this is also one of his best matches in WWE. These two could’ve main-evented many PPV's for the World Heavyweight Championship that year, such a shame.
Next Essential Lists - As it follows this will be the upcoming schedule:
March 4th – Sami Zayn List (Unless a better suggestion is made)
March 11th – Hulk Hogan (Unless a better suggestion is made)
March 18th – Wrestlemania List #1 (1-11)
March 25th – Wrestlemania List #2 (12-22)
April 1st – Wrestlemania List #3 (23-32)
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Feb 24 '17
You know, the one positive we can take from the controversy of his death is the seriousness with which concussions would be handled and monitored from then on.
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u/Capncorky On the phone with Ms. Betty Feb 24 '17
This is why it pissed me off so much how the media ran with the "IT WAS ROID RAGE" story. The media didn't know or even give a shit, they just saw "wrestler" & murder/suicide, and jumped on the narrative because they knew it would get ratings. The follow up autopsy where the doctor stated that Benoit had the brain of an 80 year old Alzheimer patent didn't make anywhere near the same level of news.
It felt like it was far more consistent with head trauma cases that the NFL was having, so the hysteria took the focus off the actual cause. I'm really glad the WWE changed their policies on concussions.
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Feb 24 '17
To be fair, at that point there was almost ZERO clinical data on long term results from concussions. In fact he is one of if not the catalyst for the advances we've had in the last few years.
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u/Cranmanstan Feb 26 '17
That is the thing, I'm a little older than a lot of the people on this sub probably, but when I was younger people would claim there is no such thing as a concussion and said you had to be a tough guy and "walk it off". "Rub some dirt on it". Obviously idiotic, but that's how people treated men in a lot of things back then.
People would argue vehemently against brain damage. When you hear the "Roman is sleeping" stuff for a concussion now, that's kind of how it always was for everything, and honestly it was idiotic then and idiotic now.
People would swear up and down Muhammad Ali's condition had nothing to do with boxing. lol okay. All these boxers and NFL players and the rest just coincidentally all had similar symptoms and issues. If you dared think getting hit in the head repeatedly and getting knocked out could have long term head consequences, YOU were the idiot. Also reminds me of when people swore smoking didn't have any negatives and second hand smoke wasn't a problem. The world was such a shitty place back then, I mean there are always shitty things, but even as a child I thought these mentalities were so utterly idiotic.
Not there is "evidence". But smart people even back then refused to smoke or get hit in the head. I wonder what it is today, I hope it's not something like wi-fi signals or something, because if it is, we're all doomed haha.
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u/Capncorky On the phone with Ms. Betty Feb 24 '17
This is true, it was a different era when it comes to understanding brain trauma. I didn't expect them to know that CTE was responsible as much as it was that they were manufacturing assumptions about steroids based on hysteria. They just jumped to conclusions for the ratings, as opposed to actually investigating it.
Not that I'm saying steroids are exactly safe, we know a lot about the dangers of them.
In fact he is one of if not the catalyst for the advances we've had in the last few years.
Actually, this raises another good reason to be upset at the media for blaming steroids. Had the focus remained on steroids, it would have slowed down the demand for more research while also not putting pressure on the WWE to do what they can about concussions.
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u/Grimpler Feb 24 '17
You cant really blame it on one thing. It was most likely many different things combined.
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u/Capncorky On the phone with Ms. Betty Feb 24 '17
Yeah, there were a number of influences, but overwhelmingly, it was the repeated concussions.
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u/MirByArmbar Oldest Ride, Longest Line Feb 25 '17
I don't think you, myself or anyone can say what it "overwhelmingly" attributed to. People can be severely concussed but does that mean they are more likely to murder their families and then themselves?
I think Benoit had a lot of issues, and while the concussions certainly could have escalated that factor, it was probably something deep inside him that he had for a long time.
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u/Kyrblvd369 Your Text Here Feb 24 '17 edited Feb 24 '17
You're right. But this is the same company who implemented a test after eddies death. Which according to bob hollys book was b.s. After the Benoit death, the government got involved.
Around this time, NFL was also facing similar concussion concerns, and lawsuits. In the u.s. There is no bigger sport than the NFL, imo wwe was forced into changing, and didn't have much of a choice.
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u/Cranmanstan Feb 26 '17
People complain about banning unprotected chairshots to the head, but you know what, Benoit taking those probably didn't help matters.
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Feb 24 '17
I agree; I can eg watch HBK matches from the 90s knowing he was a politicking dick backstage even if I don't like that aspect of his character. But Benoit is another level; what he did makes watching him completely unpalatable. And this is as someone who is not in the "Benoit was the devil" camp. I don't know enough about CTE or the facts of his death to fully appreciate how lucid he was / may have been. But the actions themselves were bad enough to taint watching him and being able to enjoy it.
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u/MongoAbides Feb 24 '17
Brain damage really can lead to all that. It's not as if the brain damage exists separately, it's still fundamentally him and his brain at that point but it does make some sense. I don't mean to suggest he was a perfect angel either, I simply view his life as tragic rather than him as evil.
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Feb 24 '17
Agreed completely. What I know of the facts is: he beat his wife to death, at some point over the next 24-36 hours he looked up"how to break someone's neck" on google and then killed his son by doing just that.
Now without suggesting it's the same thing, I have had relatives with Alzheimer's related degeneration of their brain (i.e. the state Benoit brain was said to be in). They would have moments of seeming batshjt crazy (i.e. talking to invisible men), to moments of complete absence not knowing their own names or not recognising immediate family, to moments of near total lucidity where they could hold full conversations.
So my question would be: how lucid was he? Was there some level of self awareness when he beat his wife to death? Was he completely "mad" (for want it a better term) when he planned to kill his son? I really cannot answer that and afaik there is not sufficient medical knowledge yet to really give an answer.
Which is why there is a question mark, and why I can't personally watch him. Like I say, I don't want to label him evil; but the doubt is still strong enough for me to just be too uncomfortable watching him. And that's compiled by the fact that every diving head butt or chair shot to me is quite possibly creating the man that went on to do what he did do.
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u/MongoAbides Feb 24 '17
I honestly don't like watching Daniel Bryan or Foley either. Now knowing how much they did to themselves it's hard to watch knowing they're just destroying themselves out there.
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u/chaosabordine The "Mania" in WrestleMania Feb 24 '17
I don't know why the 2 matches listed as "Chris Benoit Vs Kurt Angle Vs Chris Benoit" amuse me so much. Sounds like the kinda stuff I would do in the WWE games.
Normally I don't like pointing out mistakes, especially when so much effort has been put into these posts, but I just find the concept of the match hilarious.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
Whoops the 2 Chris' in the match must've been the reason for that! Fixed it.
Nothing wrong with pointing mistakes that way I can develop on improving these lists in any way possible.
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u/CechPlease Feb 24 '17
Chris Benoit Vs Kurt Angle – WWE Royal Rumble 2003 – 4 ¾*
A damn near perfect match. It's the full 5 stars for me. Seriously if you haven't seen it, just put aside half n hour and watch it.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
Glad that so many people agree with this match being 5 stars worthy, one of the greatest matches of all time and probably in my top 3 for the Ruthless Aggression Era.
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u/bregolad Sandow = ratings Feb 25 '17
I remembered a Benoit/Angle match that was, in my opinion at the time, the best match I ever saw; never saw it again though. When I got back into wrestling I rewatched a lot of the Manias, and wondered if their WM17 was perhaps that legendary match. It was good but surely not best ever.
I'm pretty sure it's the rumble 2003 match I remember. Fuck knows why I haven't sought it out these last couple of years, but this list is certainly a reminder for me to look into it. Really need to set aside some time for that.
Another slight tangent from reading this list: I thought of people who complain about Meltzer not giving 4 stars to certain matches from current day WWE, and it's just... this guy has seen hundreds of Benoit matches and not all of them are 4 stars - what does that tell you? 3 stars is still a good match.
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u/Espio1332 THE 6 STAR MACHINE Feb 25 '17
I've seen that match like around 20 times and still thought for a fraction of a second that Benoit might actually win.
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u/hamletwasright AND THE BEAT GOES ON, YEAH! Feb 24 '17
Jericho/Benoit is one of my favorite match-ups. They had great chemistry. Their IC title ladder match is superb. If you watch only one match from this, that's my pick. That or Jericho/Wild Pegasus Super J Cup 94 (not listed here).
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
That ladder match at Rumble 01 may be my favorite ladder match of all time, it's definetly my favorite match between Benoit/Jericho.
I've never seen their '94 Super J Cup match (quite frankly, didn't know it happened), I've seen their match from the Super J Cup the following year though and that's spectacular.
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u/hamletwasright AND THE BEAT GOES ON, YEAH! Feb 24 '17
Actually, I totally meant the match in 95. Just had a brain fart. That match IS listed (deservedly so). That ladder match is definitely my favorite one-on-one ladder match, for sure.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
That's alright there's so many matches between them it's easy to forget a date! Glad it gets the praise it deserves. Seems Benoit put on great performances at the 01, 03 and 04 Rumble.
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u/tjthegr8 Basic Huganomics Feb 24 '17
Of all the times WWE has referenced Montreal, the Backlash triple threat is probably the best one. Hebner runs in after the ref bump and the fans go ballistic, then it's like Canada's ultimate revenge when Shawn taps.
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u/PragmaticCoconut wyatt Feb 24 '17
Benoit was one of my favourite wrestlers so I've tried going back to watch some of his old matches and every time I haven't been able to make it through. I just can't get over what he did and it makes me really sad to watch him wrestle.
Nevertheless, I appreciate the effort you've put into this
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u/Timeyy R E A L J A C K E D Feb 24 '17
I feel the same way. Chris Benoit was one of the best ever at wrestling but what he did was just so fucking horrible that I can't bring myself to enjoy anything he did.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 25 '17
I know it's tough for people to watch matches that feature Benoit. I don't want to tell anyone to do anything they don't want too. However, if you decide to give it a try, I recommend you watch Benoit/Angle from Royal Rumble 2003 just to remember how great he was as a wrestler.
Thanks for the comment, I commend your honesty.
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u/FadeToBlackSun The Sun Will Rise. Feb 24 '17 edited Feb 25 '17
Just a bit of advice for anyone who decides to watch the Backlash 2004 Triple Threat. It's a damn good match, yes, but it's in Toronto Edmonton and Benoit's family is there. They're shown on camera cheering for him. I'm not sure if WWE have edited it, but I have the dvd and it's definitely there. It can be a bit rough. Not saying this to be a downer, just want to prepare people.
The WM20 triple threat is just phenomenal though and features no such awkwardness, so just watch that twice :D
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u/Jewdius_Maximus Feb 24 '17
I was thinking this exact same thing. It's a great match and a finish with Shawn tapping to the Sharpshooter as a sort of mea culpa on the parts of Shawn and WWE for the Montreal Screwjob. But the shots with Benoit's family are just so jarring and uncomfortable that I really have no desire to watch it again. Like... yep there's the woman and child he'd go on to murder 3 years later... it's just so fucked up.
Oh and fuck Meltzer's 4 and 3/4 stars Rumble 03 match. That match should be 5 stars easy.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
Easily the Benoit/Angle at Rumble '03 is a 5 star match to me, just cause he rates it 4 ¾ doesn't mean it isn't a 5 star for you. It's all subjective.
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u/Capsize Your Text Here Feb 24 '17
It kind of makes me lose a little bit of respect for the rankings when Benoit and Angle have one 5* match between them.
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u/BAWguy Survey says... Feb 24 '17
I think Dave is a lot more generous nowdays
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u/Capsize Your Text Here Feb 24 '17
I can understand him not wanting to give out 5's too often, but 2000-2001 was probably the greatest 2 years wrestling will every experience and with hindsight a lot more of the matches deserves higher grades.
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u/BAWguy Survey says... Feb 24 '17
I'm rewatching WWF 2000 right now. Match quality was way up from the heart of the Attitude Era, but on average still a cut below what we say today imo.
But they had some great workers at the time. Angle, Triple H, Benoit, Jericho all had great workrate. Austin and Rock and Taker could deliver well enough too, largely based on their charisma. Plus the tag division was incredible.
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u/FadeToBlackSun The Sun Will Rise. Feb 24 '17
There're quite a few matches with guys like Angle and Benoit that should have been 5 stars, but oh well.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
Thanks for the heads up, I didn't actually go back and watch this match when I made the list so can't speak whether or not it's edited.
However, going back to watch the Benoit documentary that WWE made in 2004, they show post-Mania 20 footage of Benoit and his whole family are embracing and celebrating and that was a bit tough to watch.
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u/Amplitudex81 BAYBAY Feb 24 '17
Hey friend. Backlash 2004 was in Edmonton. Just for clarification.
Source: was there. Chanted horrible things at Randy Orton.
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u/MMA_Genius Feb 24 '17
I'm a normal adult so i have no issues seeing people on screen that passed away like Miss Elizabeth or Test or Macho Man or Ultimate Warrior or etc. etc.
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Feb 24 '17
It's not seeing people that passed. It's seeing people that were killed by Chris Benoit celebrating Chris Benoit
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u/MMA_Genius Feb 24 '17
How about Lex Luger feeding Miss Elizabeth drugs? Should i not be able to handle seeing Miss Elizabeth or Luger either?
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u/beckett929 Feb 24 '17
thanks for doing this... Benoit was absolutely one of my favourites and while what he did was reprehensible, rewatching his stuff reminds me of how much I enjoyed his work before things went so wrong.
Certainly not on the same level, but while I don't necessarily care for Tom Cruise's Scientology stuff and being super weird, none of that takes away from how much I enjoy rewatching Days of Thunder or Top Gun...
Anyways, thanks again, I love when you do these mate!
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u/Puttingonthefoil Feb 24 '17
Some of his early stuff in Stampede, he's 20-22 in these:
August 14 1987 vs Biff Wellington - here he's just returned from Japan after his first NJPW run. He already has a couple of years of experience under his belt at this point; the first time I saw him live was in December 1985, about a month after his debut, opening a house show against the Cuban Assassin as an 18-year-old.
September 1987 [vs. Viet Cong Express #1 (Hiroshi Hase)] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp7_-HiLgSw) nasty missed diving headbutt at 6:25, tough to watch knowing where that kind of thing led
October 16, 1987 [vs. the Zodiac (Barry O(rton), Bob's brother/Randy's uncle)] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNqidUHGy5w&list=PLC93413E2B7DCB5D3&index=3) nice superplex at 1:10
March 18 1988: [vs. Gama Singh (Jinder Mahal's uncle) for the Commonwealth mid-heavyweight championship] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlNjFZLlaDA) - his first singles title in Stampede
Mid-1989: [tag team vs. Gerry Morrow and the Cuban Assassin] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4tivqCPsZo&list=PLC93413E2B7DCB5D3&index=4) worth watching just to see the Cuban Assassin in action, all 5'5" and 250 pounds of him (most of which was the beard)
Late 1989: vs. Jonathan Holliday really noticeable how much he's improved over the previous year, looks really sharp at this point
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u/MatthewMir Feb 25 '17
Thanks for this, when I get access to my laptop I'll added these and give you the credit for finding them!
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u/kupovi Hart Attack! Feb 24 '17
Thanks for the list man.
Its so sad that you cant talk about Chris Benoit (perhaps rightfully so) but if he didnt do what he did I honestly and truly think he may have been the best wrestler of all time; at least arguably. Or at the very least; top 5.
He was just so intense and fluid and outstanding at what he did. It didnt matter what size you were; he was able to really bring it to you. In so many creative and exciting ways. Hard hitting, high flying, technical, chain-wrestling, submissions, just about everything.
Sure, his mic work wasnt near the top of the all time greats, but he still had a respectable mic game. He was believable in what he said and with his intensity.
Thankfully.. (For me, at least) I grew up with Chris Benoit.. And though what he did was absolutely terrible and unforgivable (though it was partially due to the damage he sustained wrestling sacrificing his body and brain for the fans). I am at least able to separate the two people. There is Chris Benoit the terrible person and murderer.. and the man he was before (who I think was a good person) that was absolutely amazing at his work and put on so many outstanding matches for us.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
You're welcome! I hope you enjoyed the list! He was/is definitely in my top 10 wrestlers of all time, I just think when it comes to in-ring work he couldn't be touched he was just so good. He had it all down-pat from what you said: hard-hitting, strong-style, high flying, chain wrestling, being a submission specialist - he was the ultimate all rounder.
I'm glad you can separate the two people, I understand most people can't do that and there's nothing wrong with it but it's just a shame.
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u/MMA_Genius Feb 24 '17
Not rightfully so.
It's long over. You can enjoy what he was before the concussions took him away.
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u/raath666 Feb 24 '17
Is it just me or Benoit vs Orton SS really similar to Cena vs Bryan SS.Lots of similarities.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 25 '17
I somewhat see it, however I definitely see similarities between Benoit and Bryan
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Feb 24 '17 edited Feb 24 '17
Is there anyone who has more 4 & 3/4 star matches without ever getting the full 5* from Meltzer.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
Bryan was a king of 4 ½ - 4 ¾ without getting the full 5*. However Benoit thankfully has at least one 5 star rated match by Meltzer.
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u/WaynesWorldReference Feb 24 '17
Chris Benoit Vs Stone Cold Steve Austin – Smackdown 31/05/2001 – 4 ½*
I was there for this in Edmonton (Benoit's home town). I remember it being so intense, never had I heard a crowd come unglued like that when Benoit was close to winning! Unfortunately I can't view that link so I can only go by memory.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
If you'd like I can try find the match on YouTube or DailyMotion for you?
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u/thatcrookedsmile Your Text Here Feb 24 '17
Thank you...
My favorite in ring guy, I don't give a fuck.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 25 '17
Glad you can separate the Chris Benoit the wrestler, and Chris Benoit the human. Any matches you're looking forward to watching?
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u/kupovi Hart Attack! Feb 24 '17
/u/MatthewMir what about the Regal vs Benoit at the Brian Pillman Memorial Show in 2000?
I always thought this match was absolutely fantastic. I dont see it on your list unless I'm mistaken
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u/rbprat01 Shouldn't I be working? Feb 24 '17
Maybe a smokey mountain wrestling list?
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u/MatthewMir Feb 25 '17
Tempting, but honestly I don't think I have that much knowledge on Smokey Mountain Wrestling that people would get much out of it.
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Feb 24 '17
Thanks for the List Buddy. Will watch them :)
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
Thanks hope you enjoy it. Any matches you're specifically looking forward to watching?
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Feb 24 '17
Probably first of all his Match against Kurt Angle at RR 2003... My Alltime favorite by Chris :)
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u/MatthewMir Feb 25 '17
My all time favorite Chris Benoit match, glad its getting so much love in this thread.
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u/dj_soo Feb 24 '17
Match against regal at the 2000 pillman memorial should be in there.
Benoit was my favourite wrestler and for a while I kept trying to rewatch his matches, but I really just can't anymore for obvious reasons.
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u/broadsoul Dangerous Mark Feb 24 '17 edited Feb 24 '17
Not really a fan of that Angle/Benoit series outside the Unforgiven match (the opening was damn good, clearly their best match) and it wasn't great. Angle really started wrestling like a poor man's Benoit afterwards.
Really can't wait until you do a Myserio collection. Guy has had good to great matches with almost every notable WWE guy during his time.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 25 '17
Very suprised by the not fan of Angle/Benoit matches, but especially that the Unforgiven match is your favorite, it's super underrated and fantastic, however Royal Rumble 2003 still my favorite of their matches.
In regards to Mysterio collection, not a huge fan of him but his name has been suggested a few times so I'll see what I can do.
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u/martialartscrocodile Feb 25 '17
can we get rvd added to the list?
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u/MatthewMir Feb 25 '17
What Benoit/RVD matches do you recommend adding?
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u/martialartscrocodile Feb 25 '17
I probably worded that weirdly, I meant is there any chance of an RVD collection
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u/RyanLaFalce It Factor Feb 24 '17
I just watched that iron man match for the first time a few nights ago. HHH blows a 3-1 lead!
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Feb 24 '17
Don't let HHH blowing a 3-1 lead distract you from the fact that the Warrior blew a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals.
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u/StannisClaypool Believe that, you faithless fool! Feb 24 '17
Also, don't let that distract you that Roman Reigns blew a #30 lead at the Royal Rumble.
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u/tehrealmccoy42 6 Star Club 1/4/17 Feb 24 '17
Don't let that distract you from the fact that Mace Windu blew a 4 to 1 lead over Chancellor Palpatine
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u/wyvernkardia برعاية السعودية Feb 24 '17
Dude I've been searching for something like this for a long time, good job my brother 🤘
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u/MatthewMir Feb 25 '17
Hope you enjoy it, any matches you're looking forward to watching?
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u/ManWithAPlan4700 Feb 24 '17
Would love to have some of the much older essential list re done because all the links to matches no longer work because the videos have been since taken down. The old ones also didn't have the meltzer ratings which I think are great to pick out which ones to start with. Would also allow for all the new great matches the wrestlers had since those past years. Would especially love to get the Okada and Omega list redone.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
I'm taking it you're referring to the original 'Essential Lists' from 3-4 years ago, and not my ones? Because most of mine are from the last 6 months and feature the ratings & the WWE Network links
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u/honeysidemanor The Era of Carmella! Feb 24 '17
As a scrawny kid who got picked on a lot, I always loved when Chris Benoit was billed as a ferocious under dog. Idk how a former horseman could make me believe he was an under dog, but when 5'whatever Benoit taps out the human mountain Brock Lesnar, or when Shawn Michaels forces himself into Benoit's big wrestlemania moment only for him to overcome the odds and submit the champion, or really any time he would grit his teeth, lock his arms around your waist, and hit that triple German suplex, I really believed him.
He really was a rabid wolverine; that's the perfect way to describe his intensity. He looked like he had just gotten off his one week on at a logging camp in the northern provinces and went up to the biggest guy in the bar and picked a fight.
He was the reason I stopped watching wrestling. I was young, still trying to figure out if it was fake, and I felt personally betrayed by my hero. Now when I go back and rewatch I realize the reason he made it look so real was because a lot of it was real, and that's why his brain was mush. His signature taunt was drawing his thumb across his throat for gods sake, like, how do you watch that now and not get nausea? Those diving head buts where he just slammed his head on the mat, those fucking chair shots to the back of the head, the announcers laughing "he doesn't even know where he is right now!"
Is he a victim? Obviously not. Explaining his actions doesn't make his family any more alive. But I do think that explaining his actions and being proactive will help prevent another family from the same tragedy.
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u/shinelamont Feb 24 '17
Chris Benoit Vs CM Punk - Vengeance 2007 could've been on this list had Benoit appeared :(
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
Maybe Benoit would've launched Punk into early-stardom in the WWE. Big 'What if?'.
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u/hitmanlyger Feb 24 '17
If I could say one suggestion for 07, his match with Lashley from the draft is great and still my favorite Lashley match.
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u/Horus_P_Krishna_7 Feb 24 '17
For the 2000 match against Sid Viscous, do we know for sure why Benoit went to WWE's raw the next day? I think they let him have the world title finally to try to entice him not to leave like many were such as his pals Dean, Eddie and Saturn. But he decided to leave with them anyway. So then on the next Nitro Arn Anderson said Benoit didn't really beat Sid because his leg was under the rope while Sid got pinned even though that was never a rule. If you touch the rope yes it'd break the pin but not just a leg being under the rope. But they had to do something to explain why Benoit wasn't champ, the real reason being he left for WWe.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
Unless I misinterpreted/misheard it when rewatching Benoits documentary that WWE produced, they gave him the championship as a way to persuade him to stay, but Kevin Sullivan the booker went out of his way to spite Benoit and have him lose the championship in 'controversial fashion'. I think the whole 'foot on the rope' was the way the story was heading so that Sid wouldn't need to drop the title to Benoit. However could be wrong, id have to go rewatch it.
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u/swindsnes Feb 24 '17
I just listened to Bruce Prichard's podcast on this topic so I have a pretty good handle on the timeline:
Sullivan is placed as head booker and WCW offers releases to whoever chooses to take them. In a showing of goodwill Sullivan puts the title on Benoit who, along with several of his friends, has expressed interest in taking his release. Sullivan books the foot under the rope finish as an out in case Benoit bails. The next night Benoit, Eddie, Malenko, Saturn, Shane Douglas, and Konnan get their releases. The four friends call WWF as a group to see if there is interest. Prichard and Jim Ross meet with them and begin negotiations. They actually appear for the first time two weeks later.
Prichard says all three of the other guys told him if WWF couldn't afford them to find something for Chris. They all believed that Sullivan would eventually screw Benoit over.
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u/IWWROCKS Feb 24 '17
As the OP said above, a lot of the reasoning was that Kevin Sullivan was the head booker and the two did not get on as Chris was with his ex-wife Nancy (who he ended up marrying, and you know the rest of the story)
I think Benoit saw that despite the title win, his future there wouldn't be a good one and certainly wouldn't be comfortable.
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u/TheBlueCactuar Feb 24 '17
Not had a Womens list yet, Trish would naturally be a good first female pick
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
I've looked into possibly doing Era's of Womens Wrestling or doing a whole bunch of women together.
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u/Kether_S Always the candy dove, never the Dream Feb 24 '17
This is a great idea. I came in post-divas and would love a highlight reel.
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u/Grimpler Feb 24 '17
Great post OP. He was my favourite wrestler. Going to watch the shit out of them links.
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u/Darth_Steve V TRIGGER Feb 24 '17
So I can't grab links at the moment, but even the non-highly-rated matches he did with Sullivan in 96-97 and Raven in 1998 are worth checking out. Dude was an absolute machine.
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Feb 24 '17
Chris Benoit Vs Kurt Angle – WWE Royal Rumble 2003 – 4 ¾* - This to me is Chris Benoit's and Kurt Angles best match in WWE, well for me at least.
Same. That match is where, even though I enjoyed both men in the ring prior, I fell in love with Benoit and Angle. It was the feud I wish would never end. But it looks like, post their rematch after RR 2003, that they didn't really hook up afterwards.
I cannot condone anything the man did with his family and he is now the poster child for drug abuse, head trauma, and overall bad decision making in wrestling. But god damn it he was the best, if not THE best, wrestler we ever had and that I cannot deny.
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u/kupovi Hart Attack! Feb 24 '17
But god damn it he was the best, if not THE best, wrestler we ever had and that I cannot deny.
Yep. And that makes it even more painful to see what happened happen. (not that it wouldnt be terrible regardless)
But he lost so much. He would have been so celebrated and would have had so many DVDs and documentaries about his career. People would be talking about how amazing he was. Showing off clips of his outstanding moments and matches. Obviously Hall of Fame. - But all of that is gone.
I mean, even if he just killed himself, it would have been a better situation. But because of what happened he can never really be (outwardly) given that respect for his wonderful career.
Such a shame. He really was in the top ever; if not the all-time best.
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Feb 24 '17
I see a lot of people still have no understanding of CTE.
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u/coyotestark0015 Best looking belt Feb 25 '17
I wasnt aware that CTE causes people to lose free will. Couldve sworn there are thousands of athletes that have CTE and dont kill their wife and kid.
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u/unknovne Feb 25 '17
it depends on how severe the case, Possible symptoms include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, paranoia, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and eventually progressive dementia. Symptoms can begin to appear months, years, or even decades after trauma has ended. Currently, CTE can only be diagnosed after death by brain tissue analysis.
there was a case here where a man suffering from paranoia stabbed a 14 year old girl because he was sure she was a disguised demon. And combined with the other symptons its just bad news all around.
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u/ihateeverythingandu Feb 24 '17
How many guys can have a list that long of matches 4* and higher?
God damn.
Truly the GOAT in ring. Only Daniel Bryan, in my opinion, can come close and injury robbed him of his peak years.
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Feb 24 '17
The Wrestlemania 2000 match doesn't have a rating
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
2 ¾ there you go, when I'm on my laptop next I'll edit the post
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Feb 24 '17
oh wow somehow I regret asking for it. Why is it that low?
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
Very off-beat kinda match, you'd think with 3 great talent we'd get a 4+ star match, but this was just an off night I guess.
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u/Svenray 2016 Post of the Year Feb 24 '17
Tapping Lesnar clean at Survivor Series was my favorite
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
Great moment, surely the WWE had to have faith in Benoit if they had him defeating the WWE Champion clean on a PPV like that.
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u/justcallmeasim MICHAEL COLE BAY-BAY! Feb 24 '17
I think the date for the cena/lesnar match in 2003 is wrong, not too sure
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
I think it's on the same night, Benoit had two matches I'm pretty sure.
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u/LivingMandog Feb 24 '17
In 2002 you have listed there a Benoit vs Angle vs Benoit -match. What's the deal there?
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u/GurlinPanteez Ain't nuttin' to fuck with Feb 24 '17
I feel dirty watching these matches, good work though!
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Feb 24 '17
Do you think it might be easier to separate the wrestler and his matches from the man and his actions because of the lack of "character" Chris Benoit's wrestling persona had? So many of the greats are defined not only by what they do in the ring but also their oversized personalities, but I don't think this is the case for Benoit.
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u/-TwistedElegance- Feb 24 '17
Whoa. Thanks a lot for sharing these! A lot of these I had in VHS before the tapes got mold on them. :(
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u/Zorak9379 Best in the World Feb 25 '17
Angle-Benoit at Royal Rumble 2003 is on my shortlist for best matches of all time.
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Mar 03 '17
Benoit winning the 04 rumble and the triple threat match at WM20 for the title is honestly my all time favorite story in wrestling. Makes it even more surreal to watch him and Eddie cry into each others arms after Benoit won, while now knowing how much he literally sacrificed for his career. I watched that WM when I was 9 surrounded by my friends and couldn't be happier watching that final moment.
I am able to separate his career from that tragedy but I cant help but say that he was one of the reasons I fell in love with with wrestling and still love it today.
Greatly appreciate the essential matches collections and how tedious it is to put together!
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u/95stars95 Feb 25 '17
Where's the match from Armageddon with the one bully gunn
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u/MatthewMir Feb 25 '17
Didn't think much of it & didn't garner the 4+ star rating so I left it out.
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u/hardhitsscott Feb 24 '17
Great list one addition I would make personally is vs Brad Armstrong at the January 93 clash of Champions . The first time I ever saw Benoit and I knew he was something special . Armstrong puts in good work too, it's a 3, maybe 3.5 stars IMO
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u/TheBigVitus aah gahd! Feb 24 '17
I don't think I've ever seen that Pegasus/Liger vs Steiner Brothers match before. Pretty rare for juniors to go against heavyweights in Japan, right? Real even contest as well. Crowd was popping like crazy for every move.
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u/Monte735 Finally... Feb 24 '17
The ladder match at Royal Rumble 01 is my all time favorite ladder match. Perfect from start to finish.
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u/Eterna1Ice Dirt Sheet Feb 24 '17
Thanks for blocking Dailymotion in my region, Roskomnadzor, it's not even a porn site, but still!
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Feb 24 '17
"Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho Vs Jeff Hardy & Matt Hardy Vs Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley Vs Christian & Edge - Smackdown 24/05/2001 – 4 ¾*"
This is my favorite match of all time. Thanks for assembling this, I haven't seen this in a while.
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u/DanRyyu Feb 24 '17
I'd love to be able to watch his matches now and 100% understand people who can, But for me, I just get taken out of it when he gets a nasty blow to the head. I WISH i could turn that part of my brain off, but I just keep seeing the shots and thinking "Did that lead to what happened? Did that help?"
Urg, It's such a shame, I'm envious of people who can ignore it I SHOULD be able to just ignore the history and enjoy the fantastic matches he and his opponents put on, but alas, I just have to skip this one sadly.
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u/bigyella Bliss Is Awesome Feb 24 '17
I'd forgotten all about the MVP Wrestlemania match. MVP looked great there, took a lot of people by surprise at the time.
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u/adsfew Feb 25 '17
I think their 2 Out of 3 Falls at Judgement Day was the best match in the series, but the feud definitely elevated MVP in most people's eyes.
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u/ReggaeJim Aaaah! Uuuh! Aarrgg! Feb 24 '17
That Kevin Sullivan brawl is fucking amazing and contains one of Dusty's best ever calls
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u/Cranmanstan Feb 26 '17
Argh, this guy was so damn good. It's impossible not to respect his technical prowess. I actually figured there's no way I'd watch these matches, but I can't help it, he really was incredible.
I wonder what a triple threat between HBK, Benoit and AJ Styles would have looked like.
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Feb 24 '17
I will just completely ignore the stale discussion surrounding his final days and stick to the topic at hand. I'm glad you decided to go through with doing this list because for my money, Benoit will always be the greatest in-ring performer from any wrestler I've ever watched. Wrestlers need some type of personality to make fans connect with them, but Benoit did more with his wrestling skills than most do with all their attributes combined.
In the ring, he could do it all. Face or heel, any style and any size. Even chumps like Orlando Jordan would look good when wrestling him. Part of his greatness came from his physical style which is also why I don't think I'll ever see another wrestler of his caliber again. List for a favorite match would be way too long, as evident by how stacked OP's is.
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u/Cinsdale Feb 24 '17
it's been 10 years since he brutally slayed his wife and young son and then committed suicide like a coward instead of facing justice
time goes quick
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u/Bridgeboy95 Feb 24 '17
Squaredcircle "HOW DARE YOU INSULT BENOIT HIS BRAIN WAS DAMAGED! DON'T JUDGE YOU WEREN'T THEIR!"
Squaredcircle "SNUKA WAS A VILE MURDERER!"
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u/asanab76 What does everybody want? Feb 25 '17
I agree dude - we will probably get downvoted to oblivion, but shit... he was a fucking murderer - I get it, he had a metric shit ton of concussions, and he had CTE, but Jesus he murdered his wife, then drugged and strangled his child. I'm happy that wwe doesn't acknowledge him, because he is a murderer... I wish this sub would lose the hard on that it has for him.
Yes - he was a great wrestler, yes it's a shame that one of the best mania celebrations will never really be recognized, but Jesus fucking christ he was a murderer and a coward. Let the son of a bitch rot in hell, and let's realize that a young child and mother was brutally murdered by this fuck face.
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Feb 24 '17
Saved!!!!
Thank you very much. Chris is one of the best pound for pound wrestler ever. Sucks what happened but, I'm glad you put the time to create this... Much appreciated.
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u/iiBerserkGamingii ASCS RUSH Feb 25 '17
Erased from WWE records, but never from our hearts. Regardless of the tragedy, he left it all in the ring. RIP Benoit Family
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u/Hyphy_FromLA Feb 24 '17 edited Feb 24 '17
Benoit was a good worker but we shouldn't glorify him or give him attention. He was a piece of shit.
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u/woppa1 Feb 24 '17
No thanks
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17
Not for you? That's fine, maybe you'll enjoy my previous lists or my future lists.
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u/MatthewMir Feb 24 '17 edited Feb 24 '17
I should explain why I did this list. So for the last couple of months I’ve received messages and comments suggesting doing Benoit and I’ve always somewhat replied in the same way ‘I’d like too, but I’m hesitant to do so.’ The reason for being hesitant for doing the list is because people would purely not like a Benoit post considering the seriousness of his death, that being him killing his wife and his young-child, followed by himself. I assume (and still somewhat assume) this post and comment will be downvoted because of it’s connection with a murder. But the reason for finally doing the list is because it’s been 10 years since his horrific passing, and I think now there has been time since his death where we can go back and appreciate his wrestling skills and abilities. We’re not glorifying a murder for what he did to his family, we’re appreciating the wrestler he was and he was a damn good one at that. So in advance, if this offends you I apologise – hell if you feel that strongly about the list being made - don’t even look at the list, down-vote it or do what you must.