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

Away from the real life implications of the tragedy, WWE were also forced into some creative diversions. The biggest change to longterm planning came in an immediate dismissal of the morally questionable 'Vince Is Dead' storyline.

A fortnight before the Benoir atrocities, the Mr. McMahon character had lost his marbles following defeat to Bobby Lashley and a 'Mr. McMahon Appreciation Night' that degenerated into a broadcast featuring the Chairman receiving relentless abuse from the multitude of enemies he'd made over the years.

The comatose McMahon strolled out of the building that night into a waiting limousine, which promptly exploded, killing him instantly. Video tributes and dedications flooded the product over the following weeks, as WWE perversely rolled out the type of content that had become worryingly familiar when a performer tragically passed away.

The company were critcised for persisting with the angle so heavy-handedly when they were unable to acknowledge the real death of Sensational Sherri during the storyline, but there was no such ambiguity following 'The Crippler's demise.

Opening up Monday Night Raw, a very alive Vince McMahon explained how the show was supposed to feature his funeral, but would no longer broach the subject in light of the (as-yet-unknown) Benoit family tragedy. Despite the odd near-death experience since then, the persona lives on to this day with increasingly weary indifference.