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

Though not a direct result of Benoit's death, WWE's wholesale switch to a PG rating in July 2008 represented a hardline philosophical change that ensured much of the physically damaging encounters than aided the mental decline of the 'Crippler' and others would hopefully be curbed.

Naturally, it became the scapegoat for many fans' criticisms of the product at large, but these assessments were robustly disproven over the years as the company proved that good storytelling was easily achievable within the theoretically narrower parameters.

The aforementioned removals of blood, headshots and unnecessary violence have almost certainly extended careers by decades, and may have resulted in fewer talents turning to painkillers as an escape from the physical and emotional scars they carried from life between the ropes.

Furthermore, a drive towards a more child-centric product results in huge returns on the rare occasions WWE tiptoes out of the box with an edgier presentation. The Rock and John Cena were permitted to go off-piste with their language choices during their heated WrestleMania build-ups, and rare scenes of destruction and violence from the likes of Brock Lesnar and Samoa Joe have proven extra satisfying.

Of course, ultimately, WWE will always follow the money. Should societal shifts determine a move up the age scale, WWE will make the change two years later like they always do, staying just behind the curve as Vince McMahon prefers, rather than slightly ahead of it.