Chris Benoit
Statistics
Ring name(s)	Chris Benoit Pegasus Kid Wild Pegasus
Billed height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Billed weight	234 lb (106 kg)
Born	May 21, 1967(1967-05-21) Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died	June 25, 2007 (aged 40) Fayetteville, Georgia, U.S.[1]
Billed from	Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Trained by	Stu Hart, New Japan Dojo
Debut	November 22, 1985

Christopher Michael Benoit (IPA: [bə'nwɑ]) (May 21, 1967 – June 24, 2007) was a Canadian professional wrestler who wrestled for Extreme Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, and World Wrestling Entertainment. A World Heavyweight Champion in both WCW and WWE, he was widely regarded as one of the most popular and gifted technical professional wrestlers of his generation.^[2][3] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The pound or pound-mass (abbreviations: lb, lbm, or sometimes in the United States, #) is a unit of mass (sometimes called weight in everyday parlance) in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... “Kg” redirects here. ... May 21 is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the 1967 Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Nickname: Motto: Concordia Salus (well-being through harmony) Coordinates: , Country Province Founded 1642 Established 1832 Government  - Mayor Gérald Tremblay Area [1][2][3]  - City 365. ... , Motto: Je me souviens (French: I remember) Capital Quebec City Largest city Montreal Official languages French Government - Lieutenant-Governor Pierre Duchesne - Premier Jean Charest (PLQ) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 75 - Senate seats 24 Confederation July 1, 1867 (1st) Area  Ranked 2nd - Total 1,542,056 km² (595... is the 176th day of the year (177th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Fayetteville is a city in Fayette County, Georgia, United States. ... Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic  - President George Walker Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from... For other places with the same name, see Edmonton (disambiguation). ... Motto: Fortis et liber(Latin) Strong and free Capital Edmonton Largest city Calgary Official languages English (see below) Government - Lieutenant-Governor Norman Kwong - Premier Ed Stelmach (PC) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 28 - Senate seats 6 Confederation September 1, 1905 (split from Northwest Territories) (8th [Province]) Area Ranked... Nickname: Location in Fulton and DeKalb counties in the state of Georgia Coordinates: , Country State Counties Fulton, DeKalb Government  - Mayor Shirley Franklin (D) Area  - City  132. ... Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic  - President George Walker Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from... Stewart Edward Stu Hart, CM (May 3, 1915 – October 16, 2003) was a Canadian amateur wrestler, professional wrestler, promoter and trainer. ... New Japan Pro Wrestling (新日本プロレス, shin nihon puroresu) is a major professional wrestling federation in Japan, founded by Antonio Inoki in 1972. ... is the 326th day of the year (327th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1985 (MCMLXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar). ... Articles with similar titles include the NATO phonetic alphabet, which has also informally been called the “International Phonetic Alphabet”. For information on how to read IPA transcriptions of English words, see IPA chart for English. ... May 21 is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the 1967 Gregorian calendar. ... is the 175th day of the year (176th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... For the Australian professional wrestling promotion, see World Championship Wrestling (Australia). ... World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ... World Heavyweight Championship The World Heavyweight Championship, informally known as The Big Gold Belt, is one of the top-level championships in World Wrestling Entertainment, exclusive to the SmackDown! brand. ... For the Australian professional wrestling promotion, see World Championship Wrestling (Australia). ... World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ...

Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy, and their 7-year-old son Daniel were found dead in their Fayetteville, Georgia home on June 25, 2007. Investigators believe that Benoit murdered his wife and son and later hanged himself.^[4] Nancy Elizabeth Benoit (born Nancy Toffoloni; May 21, 1964 – June 22, 2007)[1] (more commonly known by her in-ring names as Woman and Fallen Angel) was a professional wrestling valet and manager. ... Fayetteville is a city in Fayette County, Georgia, United States. ... is the 176th day of the year (177th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

Career

Stampede Wrestling (1985-1989)

Benoit idolized the Dynamite Kid growing up, and styled himself after him.^[5] This prompted him to be a wrestler, so when he began wrestling, he was initially billed as "Dynamite" Chris Benoit. He also began using the Diving Headbutt and the Snap Suplex, some of the Kid's trademark moves. Thomas Billington (born December 5, 1958 in Golborne, Lancashire) is a retired English professional wrestler who competed in the World Wrestling Federation, Stampede Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling in the mid- to late-1980s. ...

After years of strenuous training in the legendary Hart family "Dungeon", Chris Benoit began his career in 1985 in Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling promotion. His debut match was a tag team match on November 22, 1985 in Calgary, Alberta, where he teamed with "The Remarkable" Rick Patterson against Butch Moffat and Mike Hammer. During his tenure in Stampede, he won several International Tag Team and British Commonwealth titles,^[6] and had a lengthy feud with Johnny Smith that lasted for over a year. In 1989, Stampede closed its doors later that year, and with a recommendation from Bad News Allen, Benoit departed for New Japan Pro Wrestling. The Hart House is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canadas Patterson Heights. ... Stewart Edward Stu Hart, CM (May 3, 1915 – October 16, 2003) was a Canadian amateur wrestler, professional wrestler, promoter and trainer. ... Stampede Wrestling is a Canadian professional wrestling promotion based in Calgary, Alberta that for decades produced a weekly television series that is considered the forerunner of todays WWE. // Stampede Wrestling was operated by Stu Hart between 1948 and 1984. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... is the 326th day of the year (327th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1985 (MCMLXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar). ... This article is about the Canadian city. ... Motto: Fortis et liber(Latin) Strong and free Capital Edmonton Largest city Calgary Official languages English (see below) Government - Lieutenant-Governor Norman Kwong - Premier Ed Stelmach (PC) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 28 - Senate seats 6 Confederation September 1, 1905 (split from Northwest Territories) (8th [Province]) Area Ranked... A professional wrestling feud is a staged disagreement between two wrestlers or factions of wrestlers over a purported slight or insult. ... John Hindley a. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... New Japan Pro Wrestling (新日本プロレス, shin nihon puroresu) is a major professional wrestling federation in Japan, founded by Antonio Inoki in 1972. ...

New Japan Pro Wrestling/Independent circuit (1989-1994)

Upon arriving in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Benoit spent about a year training in their "New Japan Dojo" with the younger wrestlers to improve his abilities. While in the dojo, he spent months doing strenuous activities like push ups and floor sweeping before stepping into the ring. He made his Japanese debut wearing a mask and assuming the name The Pegasus Kid. Benoit claimed numerous times that he originally hated the mask, but it eventually became apart of him. While with NJPW, he came into his own as a performer in critically-acclaimed matches with luminaries like Jushin Liger, Shinjiro Ohtani, The Black Tiger, and El Samurai in their junior heavyweight division. This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Keiichi Yamada (山田恵一 Yamada Keiichi) (born November 30, 1964), better known as Jushin Liger (獣神ライガー - Jūshin Raigā) and later, Jushin Thunder Liger (獣神サンダーライガー - Jūshin Sandā Raigā) is a Japanese professional wrestler. ... Shinjiro Ohtani & Koji Kanemoto dropkick each other Shinjirō Ōtani (大谷晋二郎, born 21 July 1972 in Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi) is a Japanese professional wrestler. ... Eduardo Gory Guerrero (October 9, 1967 – November 13, 2005) better known by his ring name Eddie Guerrero, was a Mexican-American professional wrestler born into a legendary Mexican wrestling family. ... Osamu Matsuda is a Japanese professional wrestler who currently works for New Japan Pro Wrestling, and is better known by his stage name El Samurai. ...

In 1990, he won his first major championship, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, from Jushin Liger. He eventually lost the title (and his mask) back to Liger,^[6] forcing him to reinvent himself as Wild Pegasus. Benoit would spend the next couple years in Japan having more classic matches, winning the Super Juniors tournament twice (1993 and 1995). He went on to win the Super J Cup Tournament in 1994, defeating Black Tiger, Gedo, and Great Sasuke in the finals, solidifying his status as one of the foremost junior heavyweights in the world. The IWGP (International Wrestling Grand Prix) Junior Heavyweight Championship is the top singles title in New Japan Pro Wrestlings Junior Heavyweight division. ... Many types of matches can be found in professional wrestling. ... The Best of the Super Juniors (also known as Best of the Super Jr. ... The Best of the Super Juniors (also known as Best of the Super Jr. ... The Best of the Super Juniors (also known as Best of the Super Jr. ... // Super J Cup 1994 was a professional wrestling tournament hosted by New Japan Pro Wrestling on April 16, 1994 in Tokyo, Japan for the WWWF Junior Heavyweight Championship. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Masanori Murakawa ), (born July 18, 1969), is a Japanese professional wrestler who is better known by his stage name The Great Sasuke. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Benoit would wrestle outside of New Japan occasionally to compete in Mexico and Germany, where he won a few regional championships, including the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship. He would hold that title for over a year, having many forty-plus minute matches with Villano III. WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (1997-2001). ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...

World Championship Wrestling (1992–1993)

Chris Benoit first came to WCW in June 1992, teaming up with fellow Canadian wrestler Biff Wellington for the NWA World Tag Team title tournament; they were defeated by Brian Pillman and Jushin Liger in the first round. He did not return to WCW until January 1993 at the Clash of the Champions, defeating Brad Armstrong. A month later, at Superbrawl III, he lost to 2 Cold Scorpio, getting pinned with only 3 seconds left in the 20-minute time limit. At the same time he formed a tag team with Bobby Eaton. After he and Eaton lost to Scorpio and Marcus Bagwell at Slamboree, Benoit headed back to Japan. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article includes a list of works cited or a list of external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ... Keiichi Yamada (山田恵一 Yamada Keiichi) (born November 30, 1964), better known as Jushin Liger (獣神ライガー - Jūshin Raigā) and later, Jushin Thunder Liger (獣神サンダーライガー - Jūshin Sandā Raigā) is a Japanese professional wrestler. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... SuperBrawl was an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view in World Championship Wrestling during the month of February from 1991 through 2001. ... Charles Charlie Scaggs (born October 25, 1965) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring names, 2 Cold Scorpio or Too Cold Scorpio and Flash Funk. ... Bobby Eaton Bobby Eaton (born Robert Lee Eaton), is a professional wrestler, famous for his days as one half of the Midnight Express. ... Marcus Alexander Mark Bagwell (born January 10, 1970) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Buff Bagwell. ... Slamboree was a professional wrestling pay-per-view event from World Championship Wrestling held from 1993 through 2000 that was held in the month of May. ...

Extreme Championship Wrestling (1994-1995)

In 1994, Benoit began working with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in between tours of Japan. He was a dominant wrestler there gaining notoriety as the "Crippler" after he put Rocco Rock out of action. At "November 2 Remember '94" Benoit accidentally broke Sabu's neck within the opening seconds of the match. The injury came when Benoit threw Sabu with the intention that he take a face-first "pancake" bump, but Sabu attempted to turn mid-air and take a backdrop bump instead. He did not achieve full rotation and landed almost directly on his neck. After this match, Paul Heyman, the head booker of ECW at the time, came up with the idea of continuing the "crippler" moniker for Benoit, which Chris confirms on his DVD Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story. From that point until his departure from ECW, Chris was known as the "Crippler" Chris Benoit. However, when he returned to WCW in the fall of '95, WCW modified his ring name to the "Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Theodore James Petty (September 1, 1953 – September 21, 2002) was an American professional wrestler better known as Flyboy Rocco Rock, one half of The Public Enemy. ... Terry Michael Brunk ( December 12, 1964- ) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Sabu. ... A bump occurs whenever a wrestler hits the mat or the arena floor after receiving a move from his/her opponent. ...

Benoit and Dean Malenko won the ECW Tag Team Championship from Sabu and The Tazmaniac in February 1995.^[6] After winning, they were initiated into the Triple Threat stable, led by ECW World Heavyweight Champion, Shane Douglas. The team lost the titles to The Public Enemy that April at ECW's Three Way Dance. Benoit would spend some time in ECW feuding with The Steiner Brothers and rekindling the feud with 2 Cold Scorpio having more classic matches. He was forced to leave ECW after his work visa expired, and Heyman was supposed to renew it, but he failed to make it on time, so Benoit left as a matter of job security. He toured Japan until WCW called.^[6] This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) Tag Team Championship was the tag team championship contested in Eastern Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling between June 1992 and April 2001. ... Peter Senerchia (born on October 11, 1967),[2] is a retired American professional wrestler best known by his ring name Tazz, (originally Tazmaniac and later shortened to simply Taz). ... The Triple Threat was a professional wrestling stable that existed in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) from 1995 to 1998. ... Professional wrestling has accrued a considerable amount of slang, in-references and jargon. ... The Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) World Championship is a professional wrestling championship in World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Troy Shane Martin (born November 21, 1964) is an American semi-retired professional wrestler who is better known by his ring name, Shane Douglas. ... Flyboy Rocco Rock & Johnny Grunge The Public Enemy The Public Enemy was the tag team of Flyboy Rocco Rock & Johnny Grunge in ECW, WCW & WWE (then WWF). ... The Steiner Brothers is the tag team of real-life brothers Scott Steiner & Rick Steiner. ... This article includes a list of works cited or a list of external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ...

World Championship Wrestling (1995–2000)

New Japan Pro Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) had a working relationship, and because of their "talent exchange" program Benoit signed with WCW in late 1995/early 1996. He started out in WCW as a member of the cruiserweight division, having lengthy matches against many of his former rivals in Japan. For the Australian professional wrestling promotion, see World Championship Wrestling (Australia). ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

After impressing higher-ups, he became a member of the reformed Four Horsemen in 1995, alongside Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Brian Pillman. When Pillman abruptly left the company for the WWF, Benoit was placed into his ongoing feud with (booker) Kevin Sullivan. Sullivan booked a feud in which Benoit was having an affair with Sullivan's (real life) wife Nancy (also known as Woman). Benoit and Nancy were forced to spend time together to make the affair look real, (hold hands in public, share hotel rooms, etc.) This on-screen relationship developed into a real-life affair off-screen. Because of this, Sullivan and Benoit had a contentious backstage relationship at best and Benoit defeated Sullivan in a Retirement match. Benoit did, however, admit having a certain amount of respect for Sullivan, saying on the DVD Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story that Sullivan never took undue liberties in the ring during their feud, even though he blamed Benoit for breaking up his marriage. The Four Horsemen (also spelled IV Horsemen) is a legendary professional wrestling stable in the National Wrestling Alliance and later World Championship Wrestling that was disbanded in 1999. ... Ric Flair (born February 25, 1949 [1] and named Richard Morgan Fliehr upon his adoption several weeks later), is an iconic American professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment on its RAW brand. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... This article includes a list of works cited or a list of external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article includes a list of works cited or a list of external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ... Nancy Elizabeth Benoit (born Nancy Toffoloni; May 21, 1964 – June 22, 2007)[1] (more commonly known by her in-ring names as Woman and Fallen Angel) was a professional wrestling valet and manager. ... Many types of matches can be found in professional wrestling. ...

In 1998, Benoit had a long feud with Booker T. They fought over the WCW World Television Championship until Booker lost the title to Fit Finlay.^[6] Booker won a "Best-of-Seven" series which was held between the two to determine a Number One Contender. Benoit went up 3 to 1 before Booker caught up, forcing the 7th and final match on Monday Nitro. During the match, Bret Hart interjected himself, interfering on behalf of Benoit in an attempt to get him to join the New World Order. Benoit refused to win that way and told the referee what happened, getting himself disqualified. Booker refused that victory, instead opting for an eighth match at the 1998 Great American Bash to see who would fight Finlay later that night. Booker won the final match and went on to beat Finlay for the title.^[6] This feud significantly elevated both men's careers as singles competitors, and both remained at the top of the midcard afterwards. A professional wrestling feud is a staged disagreement between two wrestlers or factions of wrestlers over a purported slight or insult. ... Robert Booker Tio Huffman (born March 1, 1965), better known by his wrestling personas Booker T and King Booker, is an American professional wrestler. ... WCW World Television Championship. ... David Edward Dave Finlay (born October 20, 1958) is a British/Northern Irish professional wrestler and road agent. ... WCW Monday Nitro was a weekly professional wrestling program produced by World Championship Wrestling. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Great American Bash is an annual summer professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ...

In 1999, Benoit teamed with Dean Malenko once again and defeated Curt Hennig and Barry Windham to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship.^[6] This led to another reformation of the Four Horsemen with the tag team champions, Anderson, and Steve "Mongo" McMichael. After a falling out with the latter two, Benoit and Malenko left the Horsemen. Later in 1999, he also won the WCW United States Championship^[6] before bringing together Malenko, Perry Saturn, and Shane Douglas to form "The Revolution". The Revolution were a group of younger wrestlers who felt slighted (both kayfabe and legit) by WCW management, believing they never gave them the chance to be stars, pushing older, more established wrestlers instead. Benoit's most notable match of 1999 was with Bret Hart on WCW Nitro on October 1999, in Kansas City, Missouri, as a tribute to Owen Hart, who had recently died due to an equipment malfunction. Curtis Michael Hennig (March 28, 1958 – February 10, 2003), also known by his ring name Mr. ... Barry Windham (born July 4, 1960, Sweetwater, Texas) is a professional wrestler and the son of the infamous heel wrestler Blackjack Mulligan. ... The WCW World Tag Team Championship was the major tag team title in World Championship Wrestling from 1991 to 2001, when the promotion closed. ... Steve Mongo McMichael Steve McMichael (born October 17, 1957 in Houston, Texas) is a former American Football defensive tackle who played for the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and the Green Bay Packers. ... The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) United States Championship is a professional wrestling championship. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Troy Shane Martin (born November 21, 1964) is an American semi-retired professional wrestler who is better known by his ring name, Shane Douglas. ... The Revolution The Revolution was a professional wrestling heel stable in World Championship Wrestling. ... In professional wrestling, a push is an attempt by the booker to make the wrestler win more matches and become more popular with the fans. ... Nickname: Location in Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Cass Counties in the state of Missouri. ... Owen James Hart (May 7, 1965 – May 23, 1999) was a Canadian professional wrestler who was most known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). ...

By January 2000, they made their last try at keeping him, putting the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on him at Souled Out.^[6] However, due to disagreements with management and to protest the promotion of Kevin Sullivan to head booker, Benoit left the company the next day alongside his friends Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn, forfeiting his title in the process. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with World Heavyweight Championship (WWE). ... Souled Out was a WCW PPV in the month of January from 1997 through 2000. ... Eduardo Gory Guerrero (October 9, 1967 – November 13, 2005) better known by his ring name Eddie Guerrero, was a Mexican-American professional wrestler born into a legendary Mexican wrestling family. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment (2000-2007)

2000–2001

Along with Guerrero, Saturn, and Malenko, Benoit debuted in the WWF as a stable that became known as The Radicalz. After losing their "tryout matches" upon entry, The Radicalz aligned themselves with WWF Champion Triple H and became a heel faction. Benoit quickly won his first title in the WWF just over a month later at WrestleMania 2000, pinning Chris Jericho in a triple threat match to win Kurt Angle's Intercontinental Championship. Benoit then entered into a long-running feud with Jericho, who made fun of Benoit's demeanor by referring to him constantly as "Mr. Roboto" due to his cold personality. Benoit and Jericho met on PPV four times in nine months, exchanging the title back and forth and culminating in Jericho defeating Benoit in a ladder match at the 2001 Royal Rumble. Benoit won the Intercontinental Title three times between April 2000 and January 2001. The Radicalz were a heel professional wrestling stable in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Professional wrestling has accrued a considerable amount of slang, in-references and jargon. ... WrestleMania 2000 (chronologically known as WrestleMania XVI) was the sixteenth annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by the World Wrestling Federation. ... Christopher Keith Irvine (born November 9, 1970), better known by the ring name Chris Jericho, is an American-Canadian actor, radio host, rock musician, and professional wrestler. ... Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9, 1968 in Mt. ... The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Intercontinental Championship is a professional wrestling championship in World Wrestling Entertainment. ... For other uses, see Mr. ... Royal Rumble 2001 was the fourteenth annual Royal Rumble professional wrestling pay-per-view event from the World Wrestling Federation. ...

It was also in this time period that Benoit wrestled in his first WWF pay per view main events, challenging The Rock for the title in July 2000 and as part of a fatal four way title match in September. Both times, Benoit appeared to have won the WWF Championship, only to have the decision reversed by then-WWF commissioner Mick Foley due to cheating on Benoit's part. This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Michael Francis Mick Foley, Sr. ...

In early 2001, Benoit broke away from The Radicalz (who had recently reformed three months earlier) and turned babyface, feuding first with his former stable-mates and then with Kurt Angle, whom he wrestled at WrestleMania X-Seven. The feud continued after Benoit stole Angle's cherished Olympic Gold Medal. This culminated in a match at Judgment Day 2001 where Angle won a Two out of three falls match with the help of Edge and Christian. In response, Benoit teamed up with his former rival Jericho to defeat Edge and Christian in that night's Tag Team Turmoil match. WrestleMania X-Seven was the seventeenth annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by the World Wrestling Federation. ... Gold Medal is an album by American band The Donnas, released in 2004. ... Judgment Day is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ... In professional wrestling, a two out of three falls match, or a best of three falls match, is a series of matches (often between two wrestlers or two teams of wrestlers), in which wrestlers attempt to win the majority of matches. ... Edge and Christian (E&C) is a former tag team of on-screen brothers made of real life best friends Adam Joseph Copeland (Edge) and William Jason Reso (Christian), who wrestled in the World Wrestling Federation. ...

The next night on WWF Raw in San Jose, California, Jericho and Benoit challenged WWF Tag Team Champions Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H for their titles. Jericho and Benoit ended their reign and used the win as a springboard to challenge Austin for his world title (This was the night that Triple H suffered a legit injury by tearing his quadricep muscle while attempting to clothesline Jericho). Benoit got two title matches the following week, first losing via Montreal Screwjob in Calgary and then just barely losing to Austin in Benoit's hometown of Edmonton. Unfortunately, also in that time period came a four-way TLC match where Benoit suffered a neck injury that required surgery with Dr. Lloyd Youngblood. Despite this, he worked through until the King of the Ring, where he was pinned in a triple threat match versus Austin and Jericho. Benoit missed the next year due to his neck injury. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... For other uses, see San José. Nickname: Location of San Jose within Santa Clara County, California. ... Steven James Williams (born Steven Anderson on December 18, 1964)[2] better known by his ring name Stone Cold Steve Austin, is an American actor and former professional wrestler. ... The screwjob in execution - Earl Hebner calling for the bell as Shawn Michaels holds Bret Hart in the sharpshooter. ... This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ... King of the Ring logo (1999-present) King of the Ring is an annual World Wrestling Entertainment tournament first held in 1985. ...

2002–2003

During the first WWE Draft, he was picked by Vince McMahon third to be part of the new SmackDown! roster,^[7] although still on the injured list. However, when he returned, he did so as a member of the RAW roster. On his first night back, he turned heel again and aligned himself with Eddie Guerrero, and he feuded with Steve Austin briefly.^[8] He and Eddie Guerrero were then moved to SmackDown during a storyline "open season" on wrestler contracts,^[9] with Benoit taking his newly won Intercontinental championship with him.^[10] Rob Van Dam defeated Benoit at SummerSlam 2002 and returned the title to RAW.^[11][12] The logo for the 2007 WWE Draft The World Wrestling Entertainment Brand Extension was a device first used in 2002 by said professional wrestling organization as a means of providing separate brands of wrestling through its two top shows, RAW and SmackDown!, with the addition of ECW in 2006. ... Rob Van Dam (born Robert Alexander Szatkowski on December 18, 1970 in Battle Creek, Michigan), is an inactive American professional wrestler. ... SummerSlam 2002 was the fifteenth annual SummerSlam professional wrestling pay-per-view event from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ...

After returning to SmackDown! in October, he was crowned the first winner of the WWE Tag Team Championship, alongside foe and partner Kurt Angle.^[13][14] They both turned face again by betraying Los Guerreros. The two made an impressive combination, but could not stand each other.^[15] This article is about the tag team championship that is currently defended on the SmackDown! brand of WWE. For the original WWE Tag Team Championship that is currently defended on the RAW brand, see World Tag Team Championship (WWE). ... Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9, 1968 in Mt. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Angle won his third WWE Championship from The Big Show at Armageddon 2002,^[16] and Benoit faced him for the title at the 2003 Royal Rumble. Although Benoit lost the match, he received a standing ovation for his efforts after a very outstanding match.^[17] Benoit returned to the tag team ranks, teaming with the returning Rhyno.^[18] At WrestleMania XIX, the WWE Tag Team Champions, Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin, put their belts on the line against Benoit and his partner Rhyno and Los Guerreros in a triple threat tag team match. Team Angle retained when Shelton Benjamin pinned Chavo.^[19] Paul Randall Wight, Jr. ... Armageddon is a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Royal Rumble 2003 was the sixteenth annual Royal Rumble professional wrestling pay-per-view event from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ... Terry Gerin (born October 7, 1975) is an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring names Rhino and Rhyno. ... WrestleMania XIX was the nineteenth annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ... The Worlds Greatest Tag Team is a professional wrestling tag team currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment wrestling on its RAW brand. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Chavo Guerrero, Jr. ...

Benoit feuded with John Cena and the Full Blooded Italians,^[20][21] teaming with Rhyno occasionally.^[22] In June 2003, the WWE United States Championship was reactivated, and Benoit participated in the tournament for the belt. He beat Rhyno in the first round ^[23] and then Matt Hardy in the second,^[24] before losing the final match to Eddie Guerrero at Vengeance 2003.^[25] The two feuded over the title for the next month,^[26] and Benoit's popularity ascended to an all-time high. He defeated the likes of A-Train,^[27] The Big Show, and Brock Lesnar by submission.^[28] General Manager Paul Heyman began a vendetta against Benoit along with Lesnar, preventing him from gaining a shot at Lesnar's WWE Title.^[29] When Benoit won a qualifying match for the 2004 Royal Rumble against the Full Blooded Italians in a Gauntlet Match, Heyman named him as the number one entry, but Benoit swore victory.^[30] John Felix Anthony Cena, Jr. ... Full Blooded Italians or F.B.I. is a professional wrestling stable currently wrestling in World Wrestling Entertainments ECW brand. ... The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) United States Championship is a professional wrestling championship. ... Matthew Moore Matt Hardy (born September 23, 1974)[2] is an American professional wrestler, currently working for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on their SmackDown![1] brand, where he is one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions along with his onscreen rival, Montel Vontavious Porter. ... Vengeance is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ... Matthew Jason Matt Bloom (born November 14, 1974) is an American professional wrestler, currently wrestling for New Japan Pro Wrestling under the ring name Giant Bernard, and for the New Japan Pro Wrestling affiliate WRESTLE LAND under the ring name Rusher Road. ... Brock Edward Lesnar[4] (born July 12, 1977[3]) is an American mixed martial artist, former professional and amateur wrestler, best known for his professional wrestling career in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ... Paul Buster Heyman (born September 11, 1965) is a professional wrestling manager, on-air talent, and former promoter. ... Royal Rumble 2004 was the seventeenth annual Royal Rumble professional wrestling pay-per-view event from World Wrestling Entertainment. ...

2004–2005

Chris Benoit, performing for the Coalition troops at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq.

On January 25, 2004 Benoit won the 2004 Royal Rumble by last eliminating Big Show, and thus earned a WWE Championship title shot at WrestleMania XX.^[31] As a result of the long-standing Royal Rumble tradition that the winner receives a shot at the world champion at WrestleMania, being on the SmackDown! brand at the time, Benoit challenged for the WWE Championship. Benoit, however, exploited a "loophole" in the rules and challenged World Heavyweight Champion Triple H.^[32] This "loophole" clause has become standard storyline practice, with the Royal Rumble winner being free to choose which title he will challenge for. With this win, Benoit became one of only two men to enter at #1 and win the Royal Rumble (the other being Shawn Michaels at the 1995 Royal Rumble). Though the match was originally intended to be a one-on-one match, Shawn Michaels, whose Last Man Standing match against Triple H at the Royal Rumble for the World Heavyweight Championship ended in a draw,^[31] thought that he deserved to be in the main event. When it was time for Benoit to sign the contract putting himself in the main event, Michaels superkicked him and signed his name on the contract,^[31] which eventually resulted in a Triple Threat Match between Michaels, Benoit, and the champion, Triple H.^[33] Image File history File links Chris_benoit. ... Image File history File links Chris_benoit. ... A street map of Baghdad Baghdad (بغداد) is the capital of Iraq and the Baghdad Province. ... is the 25th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Royal Rumble 2004 was the seventeenth annual Royal Rumble professional wrestling pay-per-view event from World Wrestling Entertainment. ... The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Championship is a professional wrestling world championship in World Wrestling Entertainment. ... WrestleMania XX was the twentieth WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Official WrestleMania logo WrestleMania is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment since 1985. ... The World Heavyweight Championship is a professional wrestling world championship in World Wrestling Entertainment. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Michael Shawn Hickenbottom (born July 22, 1965) is an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Shawn Michaels. ... Royal Rumble 1995 was the eighth annual Royal Rumble professional wrestling pay-per-view event from the World Wrestling Federation. ... Many types of matches can be found in professional wrestling. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

On March 14, 2004, at WrestleMania XX, Chris Benoit won the World Heavyweight Championship by forcing Triple H to tap out to his signature submission move, the Crippler Crossface.^[34] It marked the first time the main event of a WrestleMania ended in submission. (It happened again at WrestleMania 22 and WrestleMania 23).^[35][36] After the match, an emotional Benoit celebrated his win with the then-reigning WWE Champion and best friend Eddie Guerrero. Four years after they came to WWE together, they stood in the ring at Madison Square Garden, both of them world champions. It is considered the biggest win of Benoit's 19-year career, as he won his second official World Championship in the main event of the biggest show of the year. The match was voted the 2004 PWI Match of the Year). This was Benoit's first World Heavyweight Title reign. The rematch was held at Backlash 2004 in Benoit's hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This match was a Triple Threat match, which also involved Triple H and Shawn Michaels. It was Michaels who ended up submitting to Benoit's Sharpshooter, allowing Benoit to retain his title,^[37] once again proving he was worthy of the main event. The next night in Calgary, he and Edge won the World Tag Team titles from Batista and Ric Flair, making Benoit a double champion.^[38] is the 73rd day of the year (74th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... WrestleMania XX was the twentieth WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ... The World Heavyweight Championship is a professional wrestling world championship in World Wrestling Entertainment. ... WrestleMania 22 was the twenty-second annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ... WrestleMania 23 was the twenty-third annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ... The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Championship is a professional wrestling world championship in World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Eduardo Gory Guerrero (October 9, 1967 – November 13, 2005) better known by his ring name Eddie Guerrero, was a Mexican-American professional wrestler born into a legendary Mexican wrestling family. ... Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) is a professional wrestling magazine. ... Backlash is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment, which started in 1999 and is held normally in April (with the exception of 2005). ... David Michael Bautista (born January 18, 1969),[1] better known as Dave Batista or by the ring name Batista, is an American professional wrestler. ... Ric Flair (born February 25, 1949 [1] and named Richard Morgan Fliehr upon his adoption several weeks later), is an iconic American professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment on its RAW brand. ...

At Bad Blood 2004, Chris Benoit retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Kane. WWE Bad Blood (originally Badd Blood) was a World Wrestling Federation professional wrestling pay-per-view event that was held in 1997, 2003, and 2004 typically in the month of June. ... The World Heavyweight Championship is the name given to a number of unrelated titles, meant to emphasize the top championship of boxing, professional wrestling, mixed martial arts, or other similar sports and performance arts. ...

On RAW, Benoit defeated Triple H in a one-hour Iron Man match. Benoit scored the first fall with a pinning predicament out of a Crossface attempt. Triple H then rallied to take a 3-1 fall advantage by a Pedigree pinfall, spinebuster pinfall, and a count out decision. After Benoit evened the falls up 3-3 via Sharpshooter and Crippler Crossface submissions, he got the final pin in the match's closing seconds (due to the outside interference of Eugene) to retain the title. An Ironman match is a professional wrestling match that is forced to go a set time limit. ... Nicholas David Dinsmore (born December 17, 1975 in Jeffersonville, Indiana), is an American professional wrestler who is best known for his gimmick of Eugene in World Wrestling Entertainment. ...

On August 15, 2004, Chris Benoit was defeated by Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam.^[39] This title change is notable because it is rare for a top face World Champion to ever drop the title cleanly to a heel. His reign lasted 5 months, and he gained 7 straight pay-per-view victories. Benoit then feuded with Edge, leading to Taboo Tuesday where Chris Benoit, Edge, and Shawn Michaels were all put into a poll to see who would face Triple H for the World Heavyweight title that night.^[40] Michaels received the most votes and as a result, Edge and Benoit were forced to team up to face the then tag team champions, La Résistance, in the same night. However, Edge deserted Benoit during the match and Benoit was forced to take on both members of La Résistance by himself. He still managed to win the World Tag Team titles.^[41] At Survivor Series 2004, Benoit sided with Randy Orton's team while Edge teamed with Triple H's team, and while Edge was able to pin Benoit after a Pedigree, Orton's team won.^[42] The Benoit-Edge feud ended at New Year's Revolution.^[43] The feud stopped abruptly, as Edge feuded with Shawn Michaels, and Benoit entered the Royal Rumble.^[44] The two then continued to have matches in the following weeks until the two of them, Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, Kane, and Christian were placed in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 21. Edge won the match by knocking Benoit off of and smashing his arm with the ladder.^[45] The feud finally culminated in a Last Man Standing Match at Backlash 2005. Edge won with a brick shot to the back of Benoit's head.^[46] is the 227th day of the year (228th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Randal Randy Keith Orton[1] (born on April 1, 1980), nicknamed The Legend Killer, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment wrestling on its RAW brand. ... SummerSlam 2004 was the seventeenth annual SummerSlam professional wrestling pay-per-view event from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ... Professional wrestling has accrued a considerable amount of slang, in-references and jargon. ... Professional wrestling has accrued a considerable amount of slang, in-references and jargon. ... Pay-per-view is the name given to a system by which television viewers can call and order events to be seen on TV and pay for the private telecast of that event to their homes later. ... Cyber Sunday is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ... La Résistance was a professional wrestling tag team and formerly a stable previously performing for World Wrestling Entertainment. ... La Résistance was a professional wrestling tag team and formerly a stable previously performing for World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Survivor Series 2004 was the eighteenth annual Survivor Series pay-per-view professional wrestling event for World Wrestling Entertainment. ... This is about the traditional pay-per-view wrestling match, for the project rocket album, see New Years Revolution (album). ... Glen Thomas Jacobs (born April 26, 1967) is an American professional wrestler better known by the ring name, Kane. ... The 2007 Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23. ... WrestleMania 21 was the twenty-first annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Backlash is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment, which started in 1999 and is held normally in April (with the exception of 2005). ...

On June 9, 2005, Benoit returned to SmackDown! after being the first man selected by the SmackDown! side in the 2005 Draft Lottery, and participated in an ECW-style revolution against the SmackDown! heels.^[47] Benoit appeared at One Night Stand 2005, defeating Eddie Guerrero. At the end of the night he delivered a flying headbutt to his former WCW boss and former RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff.^[48] June 9 is the 160th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (161st in leap years), with 205 days remaining. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... One Night Stand is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Eric Aaron Bischoff (born May 27, 1955[1]), is a former professional wrestling booker and on-screen personality, most known for serving as President of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and later on-air General Manager of World Wrestling Entertainments RAW brand. ...

On July 24 at The Great American Bash 2005, Benoit failed to win the WWE United States Championship from Orlando Jordan,^[49] but he faced him in a rematch at SummerSlam 2005. Benoit defeated Jordan in 25 seconds with the Crippler Crossface to win the title.^[50] On the next two editions of SmackDown!, Benoit defeated Jordan by submission in 23.4 seconds^[51] and 22.5 seconds.^[52] Two weeks later, Benoit defeated Jordan by submission in 49.8 seconds.^[53] Benoit then started wrestling Booker T in some friendly competitions,^[54] but it was all a ploy, as Booker and his wife, Sharmell, cheated Benoit out of the US title on an episode of SmackDown!.^[55] is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Great American Bash is an annual summer professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ... The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) United States Championship is a professional wrestling championship. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... SummerSlam 2005 was the eighteenth annual SummerSlam professional wrestling pay-per-view event from World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Robert Booker Tio Huffman (born March 1, 1965), better known by his wrestling personas Booker T and King Booker, is an American professional wrestler. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Chris Benoit appeared on RAW on November 14, 2005 for Guerrero's tribute show hosted by both RAW and SmackDown! superstars. Benoit was devastated at the loss of his best friend and was very emotional during a series of video testimonials, where he said that he loved Eddie and will never forget him, eventually breaking down on camera.^[56] The same week on SmackDown! (taped on the same night as RAW), Benoit defeated Triple H in a tribute match to his fallen friend. Following the contest, Benoit, Helmsley, and Dean Malenko all assembled in the ring and pointed to the sky in salute of Guerrero.^[57] is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

2006–2007

Chris Benoit, performing a German Suplex on MVP at WrestleMania 23.

After controversy surrounding a US title defense against Booker T, Theodore Long set up a "Best of Seven" series between the two. Booker T won three times in a row, due largely to his wife's interference, and Chris Benoit faced elimination in the series.^[58][59][60] Benoit won the fourth match to stay alive,^[61] but after the match, Booker suffered a legitimate groin injury, and Randy Orton was chosen as a stand-in. Benoit defeated Orton twice by disqualification.^[62][63] However, in the 7th and final match, Orton defeated Benoit with the help of Booker T, Sharmell, and Orlando Jordan, and Booker captured the US title.^[64] Benoit feuded with Orton for a short time,^[65] only to compete against Booker for the US title. Benoit was given one last chance at the US title at No Way Out 2006 and won it by making Booker submit to the Crippler Crossface, ending the feud.^[66] Soon after, Benoit defeated Randy Orton in a No Holds Barred match on Smackdown via Crippler Crossface. Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Alvin Burke, Jr. ... WrestleMania 23 was the twenty-third annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ... Robert Booker Tio Huffman (born March 1, 1965), better known by his wrestling personas Booker T and King Booker, is an American professional wrestler. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... No Way Out is a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ... Many types of matches, sometimes called gimmick matches in the jargon of the business, can be found in the performance art that is professional wrestling. ...

The next week on SmackDown!, Benoit (kayfabe) broke JBL's hand (JBL actually needed surgery to remove a cyst).^[67] A match was set up for the two at WrestleMania 22 for Benoit's title, and for the next several weeks, they attacked each other. When it came time for their match, JBL won the match with an illegal cradle to win the title.^[35] Benoit used his rematch clause two weeks later in a steel cage match on SmackDown!, but JBL again won with illegal tactics.^[68] John Charles Layfield, known by his current ring name John Bradshaw Layfield or JBL (born November 29, 1966), is an inactive American professional wrestler. ... WrestleMania 22 was the twenty-second annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ...

Benoit entered the 2006 King Of The Ring tournament, only to be defeated by Finlay in the opening round, after Finlay struck Benoit's neck with a chair and delivered a Celtic Cross.^[69] At Judgment Day 2006 Benoit gained some revenge by defeating Finlay with the Crippler Crossface in a grudge match.^[70] On the following edition of SmackDown!, Mark Henry attacked Benoit during a match, giving him back and rib injuries.^[71] Benoit then announced a sabbatical to heal nagging shoulder injuries. On October 8, Benoit made his return at No Mercy, defeating William Regal by submission in a surprise match.^[72] Later that week, he won his fifth United States Championship from Mr. Kennedy also by submission.^[73] King of the Ring logo (1999-present) King of the Ring is an annual World Wrestling Entertainment tournament first held in 1985. ... David Edward Dave Finlay (born October 20, 1958) is a British/Northern Irish professional wrestler and road agent. ... Judgment Day is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Mark Gordon Henry (born June 12, 1971 in Silsbee, Texas) is an American professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment performing on its SmackDown! brand. ... is the 281st day of the year (282nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the professional wrestling pay-per-view event. ... Darren Kenneth Matthews (born May 10, 1968) is an English professional wrestler, better known by his ring name William Regal. ... Kenneth Anderson (born March 6, 1976) is an American professional wrestler better known by the ring name Mr. ...

Benoit then engaged in a feud with Chavo and Vickie Guerrero. He wanted answers from the Guerreros for their rash behavior towards Rey Mysterio, but was avoided by the two and was eventually assaulted.^[74] Benoit retained his United States Championship at Survivor Series 2006^[75] and Armageddon 2006,^[76] both times defeating Chavo Guerrero. The feud finally ended after a match with no-disqualification rules in play, which Benoit won to retain his United States title.^[77] Chavo Guerrero, Jr. ... Vickie Guerrero (née Lara) is a professional wrestling personality and widow of professional wrestler Eddie Guerrero currently working for World Wrestling Entertainment on its SmackDown! brand, where she is the Assistant General Manager. ... Survivor Series 2006 was the twentieth annual Survivor Series professional wrestling pay-per-view event from World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Armageddon is a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ...

After defeating Guerrero, Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) claimed that he was the best man to hold the US title, so he challenged Benoit for the title at WrestleMania 23, where Benoit retained.^[36] Their rivalry continued with similar results again at Backlash.^[78] At Judgment Day, however, MVP gained the upper hand and the title in a two-out-of-three falls match.^[79] Alvin Burke, Jr. ... WrestleMania 23 was the twenty-third annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ... Backlash is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment, which started in 1999 and is held normally in April (with the exception of 2005). ... Judgment Day is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment. ...

On the June 11 edition of RAW, Benoit was drafted from SmackDown! to ECW as part of the 2007 WWE Draft, after losing a match to Bobby Lashley.^[80] Benoit won his ECW debut match teaming up with CM Punk and defeating Elijah Burke and Marcus Cor Von by disqualification.^[81] is the 162nd day of the year (163rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The logo for the 2007 WWE Draft The Wor