6 Shocking Deaths That Changed The WWE

2. Chris Benoit (1967-2007)

Cause of death: Suicide by Hanging - Aged 40 It will be hard to argue with anyone who inevitably contends that Chris Benoit's disturbing double murder/suicide should be at the top of this particular list. In defense of this top-five countdown, however, Chris Benoit should never be number one on any list related to professional wrestling. His life and career ended in the most horrific manner possible, and his name has been rightfully deleted from the wrestling history books. Lots of experts have spent time arguing what caused Chris Benoit to strangle his estranged wife Nancy and seven-year old son Daniel before hanging himself from a piece of his own exercise equipment. Was it so-called roid rage associated with decades of steroid abuse? Probably not. Was it severe brain damage associated with years of untreated concussions that he suffered in the ring? Maybe.

Impact of Benoit's Death

We will never know why Chris Benoit did what he did, but every wrestler alive today knows the consequences of committing such a heinous act. Your name will erased from the minds of wrestling fans around the world, and the legacy you worked so hard to create will be rendered meaningless. If this somewhat harsh reality deters even one other wrestler from carrying out a similar final act, then Chris Benoit's pathetic and cowardly end will have served some useful purpose. For the sake of informational purposes only and not to draw any attention to his crimes, the link to Chris Benoit's official autopsy report can be accessed here.