Kurt Angle Recounts Impact of Chris BenoitS Death, reflects on Their Intense Rivalry
In a recent appearance on the INSIGHT podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle discussed the profound impact Chris Benoit‘s death had on the wrestling community and the elaborate legacy of their celebrated rivalry. Angle’s comments come following revelations from Vince McMahon’s new Netflix docuseries, mr.McMahon, where the former WWE Chairman suggested Benoit’s repeated head injuries may have contributed to his erratic behavior leading up to the tragedy in 2007.
The Benoit-Angle feud, widely considered one of the greatest in WWE history, captivated audiences with its physicality and emotional depth. However, the narrative surrounding Benoit has been largely erased from WWE programming since the revelation of his actions.Angle’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the intensity of their in-ring work and the lasting effect Benoit’s actions had on those who knew him, raising questions about how wrestling organizations balance acknowledging athletic achievement with condemning personal failings.
Angle recalled the brutal nature of their matches,specifically referencing their showdown at the 2003 Royal Rumble. “I blew up like five times cuz these guys were just none but brick s**thouses, man,” Angle stated. “Just, you know, it’s like him and Brock trying to put them together, and those guys would always say, like, ’Hey, I want you to get in there and realy pull us apart.'”
Veteran referee Mike Chioda, who officiated many of Angle and Benoit’s matches, echoed this sentiment, explaining the physicality required to portray the intensity of their rivalry. Chioda noted that both Angle and Benoit actively requested the referee’s intervention to heighten the drama and realism of their contests. This commitment to realism frequently enough resulted in matches that garnered standing ovations, solidifying Benoit’s popularity with fans and contributing to angle’s own wrestling legacy.
WWE has largely avoided acknowledging Benoit’s contributions as the details of his personal life came to light. The company’s decision to erase Benoit from its historical records continues to spark debate among fans and industry observers, prompting discussion about the appropriate way to address the complex legacy of a performer whose actions caused immense pain and suffering.
