Chris Benoit's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Chris Benoit.

Chris Benoit was a Canadian professional wrestler known for his technical wrestling skills and performances in promotions like WWE, WCW, and ECW. He achieved considerable success, winning multiple championships across various organizations. However, his legacy is overshadowed by the tragic double murder-suicide in 2007, where he killed his wife and son before taking his own life. This event led to significant controversy and WWE effectively erasing Benoit from their history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

March 18, 1988: Wins Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship

On March 18, 1988, Chris Benoit won his first title, the Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship, defeating Gama Singh.

August 1990: Wins IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship

In August 1990, Chris Benoit won his first major championship, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, from Jushin Thunder Liger.

1993: Wins Best of the Super Juniors Tournament

In 1993, Chris Benoit won the Best of the Super Juniors tournament for the first time.

1994: Wins Super J-Cup Tournament

In 1994, Chris Benoit won the inaugural Super J-Cup tournament, defeating Black Tiger, Gedo, and The Great Sasuke in the finals.

February 1995: Wins ECW World Tag Team Championship

In February 1995, Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko won the ECW World Tag Team Championship from Sabu and The Tazmaniac at Return of the Funker. After winning, they were initiated into the Triple Threat stable, led by ECW World Heavyweight Champion, Shane Douglas.

1995: Induction into Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame

In 1995, Chris Benoit was inducted into the Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame, recognizing his early career achievements.

1995: Wins Best of the Super Juniors Tournament Again

In 1995, Chris Benoit won the Best of the Super Juniors tournament for the second time.

1998: Feud with Booker T

In 1998, Chris Benoit engaged in a long feud with Booker T over the WCW World Television Championship, which significantly elevated both men's careers. Booker won a "Best-of-Seven" series which was held between the two to determine a number one contender.

1999: Wins WCW World Tag Team Championship

In 1999, Chris Benoit teamed with Dean Malenko to defeat Curt Hennig and Barry Windham, winning the WCW World Tag Team Championship. This led to a reformation of the Four Horsemen.

April 2000: Winning the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 2000

On April 2, 2000, at WrestleMania 2000, Chris Benoit won his first title in the WWF by pinning Chris Jericho in a triple threat match to win Kurt Angle's Intercontinental Championship.

January 2001: Intercontinental Title Reign

Between April 2000 and January 2001, Chris Benoit won the Intercontinental title three times.

July 29, 2002: Winning Intercontinental Championship for the fourth time

On July 29, 2002, Chris Benoit defeated Rob Van Dam on Raw to become Intercontinental Champion for the fourth and final time.

October 20, 2002: Winning the WWE Tag Team Championship with Kurt Angle

On October 20, 2002, at No Mercy, Chris Benoit teamed with Kurt Angle to win a tournament and become the first-ever WWE Tag Team Champions. They became tweeners after betraying Los Guerreros.

2003: Induction into Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame

In 2003, Chris Benoit was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, acknowledging his impact on professional wrestling.

January 25, 2004: Winning the Royal Rumble

On January 25, 2004, Chris Benoit won the Royal Rumble by last eliminating Big Show, earning a world title shot at WrestleMania XX. He became only the second WWE performer to win the Royal Rumble as the number one entrant along with Shawn Michaels.

March 2004: WrestleMania XX Victory

In March 2004, Chris Benoit headlined multiple pay-per-views for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), including a victory in the World Heavyweight Championship main event triple threat match of WrestleMania XX.