History of Chris Benoit in Timeline
"Chris Benoit was a Canadian pro wrestler known for his work in various promotions like WWE, WCW, ECW, NJPW, and Stampede Wrestling. His career spanned over two decades."
May 21, 1967: Chris Benoit's Birth
Chris Benoit was born on May 21, 1967, in Canada. This date marks the beginning of his life and eventual career in professional wrestling.
November 22, 1985: Chris Benoit's Professional Wrestling Debut
Chris Benoit debuted as a professional wrestler on November 22, 1985, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He teamed with Rick Patterson to defeat Butch Moffat and Mike Hammer.
1986: Chris Benoit's Japanese Debut
In 1986, after beginning his training at the New Japan Dojo, Chris Benoit made his debut in a Japanese ring, wrestling under his real name.
March 18, 1988: Chris Benoit's First Championship Win
On March 18, 1988, Chris Benoit achieved his first championship victory by defeating Gama Singh for the Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship.
1989: Chris Benoit Becomes "The Pegasus Kid"
In 1989, while wrestling in NJPW, Chris Benoit began wrestling under a mask and adopted the name "The Pegasus Kid." Despite initially disliking the mask, it became a significant part of his persona.
August 1990: Chris Benoit Wins IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
In August 1990, Chris Benoit achieved a significant milestone in his Japanese career by defeating Jushin Thunder Liger for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, his first major title.
November 1990: Chris Benoit Loses IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
Chris Benoit's first reign as IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion came to an end in November 1990 when he lost the title back to Jushin Thunder Liger.
July 1991: Chris Benoit Unmasked in Japan
In July 1991, during a match in Japan, Chris Benoit was unmasked, forcing him to abandon "The Pegasus Kid" persona and wrestle under a different identity.
November 1991: Chris Benoit Unmasked in Mexico
Chris Benoit was again unmasked during a November 1991 match, this time in Mexico, further solidifying the end of his masked "Pegasus Kid" character.
June 1992: Chris Benoit Debuts in WCW
Chris Benoit made his first appearance for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in June 1992, teaming with Biff Wellington in the NWA World Tag Team Championship tournament. They were defeated in the first round by Brian Pillman and Jushin Thunder Liger at Clash of the Champions XIX.
January 1993: Chris Benoit Returns to WCW
Chris Benoit returned to WCW in January 1993, where he secured a victory over Brad Armstrong at Clash of the Champions XXII.
1993: Chris Benoit Wins First Best of the Super Juniors Tournament
Chris Benoit won his first Best of the Super Juniors tournament in 1993, showcasing his skills and establishing himself as a top junior heavyweight in NJPW.
August 1994: Chris Benoit Debuts in ECW
Chris Benoit debuted in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in August 1994, where he was booked as a dominant wrestler. During this time, he gained the nickname "Crippler" after injuring Rocco Rock.
1994: Chris Benoit Wins Inaugural Super J-Cup Tournament
In 1994, Chris Benoit emerged victorious in the inaugural Super J-Cup tournament, defeating Black Tiger, Gedo, and The Great Sasuke in the finals and adding to his growing list of accomplishments.
1994: Benoit Participates in Super J-Cup: 2nd Stage
In 1995, Chris Benoit returned to Japan to participate in the Super J-Cup: 2nd Stage tournament as a representative of NJPW. He reached the semifinals, where he was defeated by Gedo. He had also participated in the 1994 edition of the tournament.
1994: Chris Benoit Works for NWA New Jersey
In early 1994, Chris Benoit wrestled for NWA New Jersey, facing opponents such as Jerry Lawler and Terry Funk.
February 1995: Benoit and Malenko Win ECW Tag Team Championship
Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko won their first ECW World Tag Team Championship in February 1995, defeating Sabu and The Tazmaniac. This victory led to their induction into the Triple Threat stable.
June 1995: Benoit Wrestles in Dark Matches for WWF
While still under contract with ECW, Chris Benoit participated in three dark matches for the WWF in June 1995, losing to Bob Holly, Adam Bomb, and Owen Hart.
August 1995: Benoit Leaves ECW
Due to issues with his work visa, Chris Benoit left ECW in August 1995 in order to secure his ability to work in the United States. He went on to tour Japan.
October 1995: Chris Benoit Returns to WCW, Now as "The Canadian Crippler"
Chris Benoit returned to WCW in October 1995, adopting the ring name "Canadian Crippler Chris Benoit," a moniker that would become synonymous with his intense wrestling style and impactful performances.
1995: Chris Benoit Wins Second Best of the Super Juniors Tournament
Chris Benoit secured his second Best of the Super Juniors tournament victory in 1995, demonstrating continued success and dominance in NJPW's junior heavyweight division.
1995: Chris Benoit's Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction
In 1995, Chris Benoit was inducted into the Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the Canadian promotion where he began his career.
1995: Benoit Joins the Four Horsemen
In 1995, Chris Benoit was invited to join the reformed Four Horsemen in WCW, alongside Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Brian Pillman. He adopted a no-nonsense heel persona known as "The Crippler".
1995: Benoit Joins WCW
In late 1995, Chris Benoit joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as part of a talent exchange program with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He initially competed in the cruiserweight division.
1997: Benoit and Nancy Sullivan's Relationship
By 1997, Chris Benoit's first marriage had ended, and he began a relationship with Nancy Sullivan, the wife of WCW booker Kevin Sullivan.
1998: Benoit Feuds with Booker T
Chris Benoit engaged in a lengthy feud with Booker T in 1998 over the WCW World Television Championship. The rivalry culminated in a best-of-seven series, which Booker T ultimately won.
October 1999: Benoit Wrestles Bret Hart in Tribute to Owen Hart
On an October 1999 episode of WCW Nitro, Chris Benoit faced Bret Hart in a tribute match honoring Bret's brother Owen Hart, who had tragically passed away earlier that year. Bret won the match, and both wrestlers received a standing ovation from the crowd.
1999: Benoit and Malenko Reunite and Reform the Four Horsemen
Chris Benoit teamed up with Dean Malenko again in 1999 and captured the WCW World Tag Team Championship, leading to a reformation of the Four Horsemen.
January 2000: Benoit Wins WCW World Heavyweight Championship and Leaves for WWF
Chris Benoit won the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Championship in January 2000 by defeating Sid Vicious at Souled Out. However, he left WCW the next day due to disagreements with management.
February 25, 2000: Birth of Daniel Benoit
On February 25, 2000, Chris Benoit and Nancy Sullivan welcomed their son, Daniel Benoit.
April 2000: Benoit Debuts in WWF and Wins Intercontinental Championship
Chris Benoit debuted in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in early 2000 alongside Eddie Guerrero, Perry Saturn, and Dean Malenko as the Radicalz. Benoit quickly won the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 2000.
November 23, 2000: Benoit and Nancy Sullivan Marry
Chris Benoit and Nancy Sullivan were married on November 23, 2000. This marked Nancy's third marriage.
January 2001: Benoit's Intercontinental Championship Reign Ends
Chris Benoit's Intercontinental Championship reign ended at the Royal Rumble in January 2001 when he lost to Chris Jericho in a ladder match, concluding their long-running feud.
2001: Feud with The Radicalz and Kurt Angle
In 2001, Chris Benoit broke away from The Radicalz and engaged in a rivalry with his former stablemates and Kurt Angle. This involved notable matches at WrestleMania X-Seven and Backlash, where Benoit sought revenge against Angle after losing to him. The feud escalated with Benoit stealing Angle's Olympic Gold Medal and culminated in a match at Judgment Day.
July 29, 2002: Benoit Becomes Intercontinental Champion
On July 29, 2002, Chris Benoit turned heel once again upon his return to Raw and aligned himself with Eddie Guerrero. He would then go on to defeat Rob Van Dam to become the Intercontinental Champion for the fourth time in his career.
October 20, 2002: First WWE Tag Team Champions Crowned
On October 20, 2002, at the No Mercy pay-per-view, Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle won a tournament to become the first ever WWE Tag Team Champions.
April 2003: Feud with John Cena and The Full Blooded Italians
In April 2003, following WrestleMania XIX, Chris Benoit began a feud with John Cena and The Full Blooded Italians, often teaming with Rhyno.
June 2003: WWE United States Championship Tournament
In June 2003, Chris Benoit participated in the tournament to crown a new WWE United States Champion. He would lose in the finals to Eddie Guerrero and the two would feud over the title for the next month.
2003: Benoit Challenges for WWE Championship at Royal Rumble
Following a critically acclaimed match against Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship at the 2003 Royal Rumble, which he lost, Chris Benoit would return to the tag team division with Rhyno as his partner.
2003: Chris Benoit's Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame Induction
In 2003, Chris Benoit was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, acknowledging his impact and legacy within the broader professional wrestling industry.
2003: Nancy Benoit Files for Divorce
In 2003, Nancy Benoit filed for divorce from Chris, citing irreconcilable differences and alleging "cruel treatment." She later withdrew the suit and a restraining order.
January 25, 2004: Benoit Wins the Royal Rumble
On January 25, 2004, Chris Benoit won the Royal Rumble after entering as the number one entrant. This victory earned him a title shot at WrestleMania XX.
March 14, 2004: Benoit Wins World Heavyweight Championship
On March 14, 2004, at WrestleMania XX, Chris Benoit defeated Triple H in the main event to win the World Heavyweight Championship. The match was highly praised, and marked the first time a WrestleMania main event ended in submission.
March 2004: Chris Benoit Wins WrestleMania XX Main Event
In March 2004, Chris Benoit achieved a career highlight by winning the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of WrestleMania XX. This victory solidified his status as a top star in WWE.
August 15, 2004: Benoit Loses World Heavyweight Championship
Chris Benoit's reign as World Heavyweight Champion would come to an end on August 15, 2004, at SummerSlam when he was defeated by Randy Orton.
November 13, 2005: Eddie Guerrero Tribute Show
On November 13, 2005, Eddie Guerrero was found dead in his hotel room. A tribute show was held the following night on Raw, during which a visibly distraught Chris Benoit eulogized his best friend.
2005: Benoit Drafted to SmackDown!
In 2005, Chris Benoit was drafted to the SmackDown! brand as the first pick in the draft lottery.
January 6, 2006: Benoit vs. Orton Disqualification Match
On January 6, 2006, Chris Benoit faced Randy Orton, who was standing in for an injured Booker T, in a match. Benoit won by disqualification, marking his second victory against Orton in the Best of Seven series.
February 2006: Benoit Receives Unauthorized Medications
In February 2006, Chris Benoit received medications not authorized by WWE's Talent Wellness Program, including the anabolic steroid nandrolone and the breast cancer drug anastrozole, often used by bodybuilders for its anti-estrogenic effects. This discovery led to investigations into steroid use within the wrestling industry.
June 22, 2007: Chris Benoit Murders His Wife
On June 22, 2007, Chris Benoit tragically murdered his wife in their residence. This event was part of a larger tragedy that unfolded over three days and shocked the world.
June 24, 2007: Chris Benoit's Death
Chris Benoit died on June 24, 2007. This date marks the end of his life and career, which was overshadowed by a tragic double-murder and suicide.
June 25, 2007: Discovery of the Benoit Family Tragedy
On June 25, 2007, authorities conducted a welfare check at Chris Benoit's residence in Fayetteville, Georgia, after he missed scheduled WWE events. Inside, they discovered the bodies of Benoit, his wife Nancy, and their seven-year-old son, Daniel. Investigations concluded that Benoit had killed his wife and son before taking his own life.
July 17, 2007: Toxicology Reports Released
Toxicology reports released on July 17, 2007, revealed the presence of Xanax, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone in Nancy Benoit's system, all within therapeutic levels. Daniel was found to have Xanax in his system, suggesting sedation before his death. Chris Benoit's toxicology report indicated the presence of Xanax, hydrocodone, and elevated testosterone levels, likely from synthetic hormone use.
2008: Re-vote on Chris Benoit's WON Hall of Fame Status
In 2008, following the tragic events of the previous year, a re-vote was held for readers of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter to determine if Chris Benoit should remain in their Hall of Fame. The vote did not reach the threshold to remove him.
