Why THIS Controversial Spot Wasn't Removed From Edge Vs. Randy Orton
The most divisive moment in 'Mania's most divisive match.
Edge and Randy Orton's lengthy WrestleMania 36 Last Man Standing match left fans and critics divided after airing on Sunday evening, with those who weren't so into the bout quick to point towards one particular spot that saw 'The Viper' strangling his opponent with a cable from a weight machine.
This was, of course, how Chris Benoit committed suicide in 2007. The tragedy was covered by two episodes of VICE's Dark Side of the Ring series, the second of which aired just a few days before Edge vs. Orton would've been filmed.
Per Fightful Select, nobody backstage in WWE piped up to raise concerns relating to the spot, which presumably means the line wasn't drawn between it and the Benoit tragedy. Thus, cutting it out was never an option. They do note, however, the fewer people than usual would've seen the match as it went through the editing process because of the unique WrestleMania 36 production process, and that those who did were told to keep everything under wraps.
Dave Meltzer also spoke about the situation on Wrestling Observer Radio, claiming the match was sent to WWE's higher-ups for approval before it was considered a wrap. Again, nobody felt it was too similar to the Benoit situation.