10 Ways The Chris Benoit Double-Murder/Suicide Case Changed WWE Forever

9. Content Management

Vince Mcmahon Chris Benoit Raw June
WWE Network

When WWE first launched their own Network in 2014, all eyes turned to the work of Chris Benoit to see exactly how the company would present the extensive back catalogue of his work.

Since the 2007 tragedy, the company had worked diligently to carefully remove images and likenesses of Benoit from archive footage DVDs, documentaries or any company-mandated products. It was a safe and smart move to curb any potential cries of glorifying a killer, especially in a pre-determined sport that would featuring him pretending to be as violent as possible.

Subsequently, Benoit can be found all over the WWE Network, but it's impossible to overtly see him. In an effort to neutralise complaints, the company includes a disclaimer on any shows featuring 'The Crippler' as well as those that cross lines of sex, violence or adult content that do not conform to the company's current PG branding.

With Benoit specifically, the blockades are nuanced. He works twice at Bad Blood 2004 for example, but the Network only advertises the presence of his singles opponent Kane, and another main event match on the card. Similarly, chapter markers mention the match, but never Benoit by name, nor do they feature his image in the thumbnail preview.

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Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation over 7 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 30 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz", Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 50,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett