10 Things We Learned From VICE's Dark Side Of The Ring: Chris Benoit

2. The CTE Exploration Is Must-See

Chris Nowinski is the kind of guy who pops up on those 'X WWE Stars You Totally Don't Remember' lists. He was only in the company for a few years before retiring due to concussion issues, but he'd go on to lead studies into brain injuries and specialise in CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).

After Benoit's death, Nowinski did his homework, procured the wrestler's brain and found out that he did indeed suffer from serious CTE. In fact, Benoit's disease was so far down the line that Nowinski thinks he must've suffered emotional damage; the cortex, brain stem and other vital parts of the organ were critically impaired.

The whole segment felt like a poignant wrap-up of how dangerous pro wrestling can be without throwing the industry under a nearby bus. That was a welcome break after seeing some sensationalised news stories about the 'evils of WWE'. Nowinski comes out looking good in 'Dark Side Of The Ring'.

His bit is knowledgable and must-see.