Heyman, Scorpio, and Harry Smith comment on Benoit

Looks like they removed Paul E's.

I still have mine open.


Paul Heyman on Chris Benoit
Written: June 26, 2007

The "father of ECW", Paul Heyman, offered WWE.com his thoughts Monday on the passing of Chris Benoit:

I wish I had something profound to offer. This is just such a horrible, awful tragedy. I don't know where to even start. Chris Benoit wasn't just "passionate about the wrestling industry." His passion for our business had an intensity that to this day, I don't know to describe. Chris was always uncomfortable when talking about a movie, or traveling, or anything personal.

But when it came to wrestling, my God, he could talk for hours and hours and hours about ANYTHING to do with wrestling. I mean, whether it was locker room etiquette, which were the Laws of God to Chris, or the psychology of a match, or the science of a hold, or the concept behind the mannerisms involved in selling, Chris loved wrestling so much that when you were around him, you APPRECIATED it all so much more because HIS love for it was so consuming.

Chris always busted my balls because I gave him the name "The Crippler" in 1994 after a match in ECW where Sabu suffered an injury. Chris would always say thank you, but then ride me because Chris was angry at me because he felt we capitalized on Sabu's mishap. I'll never forget Chris crying his eyes out in the locker room when he found out Sabu had been taken to the hospital.

You see, Chris wasn't just a rugged athlete, he was hard-nosed as a person. That's who he was. But on that night, that display showed his compassion for his fellow wrestler, which I think defined him as a human being.

Nancy was an amazing person as well. She loved performing, and had a brilliant mind for storylines. Nancy understood that "IT" factor that only the true superstars had, and she had an amazing eye for talent.

She was always the "House Mom" not only to the other women, but also to young talent just breaking in. When she would see someone letting the pressures and hardships get to them, she would pull them aside and say "the good times in this business are sooooooo worth it, trust me ... it's ALL worth it."

I know that's what she said, because when I first broke in, she gave me that speech. She was a big sister to us all. And she, too, loved this business. But, when it came time to having a family with Chris, she gave birth to Daniel and never looked back.

As much as being remembered in the business meant to Nance, it meant infinitely more to her for everyone to know just how much she cherished her son Daniel. He was such a happy, smart little boy. He had his father's drive and intensity, but his mother's love for life. He had Chris' look, but Nance's passion for simply laughing.

I know we're always supposed to say that we don't mourn the death, but we celebrate the life. I'm sorry, but tonight, that just doesn't apply. I think this sucks. And I think the world lost a most extraordinary family today.

And while we're all richer for our experiences with Chris, and Nance, and their wonderful son Daniel, we as a community are poorer for losing them on this awful day.

Edit:
www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/superstars/chrisbenoit/articles/4960956