I find this story very fascinating, former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski and his Sports Legacy Institute issued the following statement about WWE instating a concussion awarenesses program:

WWE STEPS UP TO THE PLATE

Chris Nowinski has heard from anonymous professional wrestlers in World Wrestling Entertainment that WWE management has instituted a concussion management program. At a mandatory meeting for all performers in early March WWE performers took a computerized neuropsychological testing protocol, which evaluates such things as memory, cognitive skills, and reaction time. They will be re-tested aggressively every 6 months to look for long term issues, as well as re-tested after suspected concussions to help determine when it is safe to return to in-ring action. Nowinski heard conflicting reports of whether or not any concussion education was provided along with the baseline testing. One current wrestler told Chris that if it wasn’t for recent concussion awareness efforts by organizations like the SLI, he still wouldn’t know what a concussion is or why he took the test.

Congratulations to WWE for taking a proactive step in protecting the health of their athletes. The Sports Legacy Institute is proud that the analysis they performed on the late WWE performer Chris Benoit’s brain, which found extensive brain damage caused by concussions and other head trauma, directly led to this action. SLI believes efforts like these will help prevent events similar to the Benoit family tragedy of 2007 from happening in the future.

Upon hearing the news, Chris Benoit’s father Michael Benoit said, “I think it’s great. I think the industry has to embrace the medical science. If they don’t take actions like this, they just care about the talent.” SLI encourages other sports leagues to take similar measures to protect athletes, especially youth athletes, and is available at sportslegacy.org to help make it a reality.

The interesting thing about this is publicly the WWE and Vince McMahon himself have been very dismissive of the theory developed by Chris Nowinski and the Sports Legacy Institute that Chris Benoit’s actions were the result of brain damage caused by fequently undiagnosed concussions. Yet behind the scenes they take actions to prevent it from happening again.

-sideshowRaheem

WE MADE IT PEOPLE!!! For 22 straight days I’ve counted down every single Wrestlemania and now we’ve finally reached the end. Before I go ahead with the recap of Wrestlemania 23 lets just go over the main thing you should have learned about Wrestlemania in the past 22 days. Wrestlemania is never ever good from top to bottom for every match as good as Stone Cold vs Brett Hart there are at least 3 matches as bad as Kane vs Khali in fact any Wrestlemania with more then 3 great matches on the card should be considered a classic. With that said lets get to Wrestlemania 23.

Wrestlemania 23 set an all-time attendance record of 80,103 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The show also had one of the highest Wrestlemania buyrates ever with 1.2 million buys. The event was also the largest audience to assemble for a WWE event since SummerSlam 1992, which attracted 80,355 to Wembley Stadium in London, England. Aretha Franklin performed “America the Beautiful” at the start of the event, reprising her role from twenty years earlier at Wrestlemania III. Believe it or not this is the 5th consecutive Wrestlemania without an Intercontinental Championship match on the card and the 4th with the IC Champion being active on the card. Chris Benoit made his final Wrestlemania appearance when he defeated MVP to retain the United States Championship. Donald Trump made his third Wrestlemania appearance this time as apart of the show in the infamous Hair vs Hair match with Vince McMahon.

The Wold Heavyweight Championship match put The Undertaker’s 14 and 0 Wrestlemania streak against the champion Batista. After an exchange of several devastating attacks, including a Batista Bomb, Undertaker sealed his victory with a Tombstone Piledriver to keep his Wrestlemania streak alive. This was the fourth year in a row that the World Heavyweight Championship has changed hands at Wrestlemania. In the evenings final match Shawn Michaels took on John Cena for the WWE Championship this was Cena’s third year in a row competing for the WWE Championship in the main event. Like the previous two years John Cena would come out victorious bring his Wrestlemania record to 4 and 0.

The Date:

• April 01, 2007

The Card:

• United States Championship
  Chris Benoit defeated MVP
• The Great Khali defeated Kane
• Money in the Bank Ladder Match
  Mr Kennedy defeated Edge, CM Punk, King Booker, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Finlay and Randy Orton
• Hair vs Hair Match
  Bobby Lashley (w/Donald Trump) defeated Umaga (w/Mr. McMahon)
• ECW Originals defeated New Breed
• Women’s Championship Match
  Melina defeated Ashley
• World Heavyweight Championship Match
  Undertaker defeated Batista
• WWE Championship Match
  John Cena defeated Shawn Michaels

Celebrities in Attendance:

• Aretha Franklin
• Donald Trump
• Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner
• Miss USA 2007 Rachel Smith
• Miss Teen USA 2006 Katie Blair
• Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera
• Members of the Detroit Tigers
• Thomas Hearns
• Dominik Hašek
• Rev. Run of Run DMC

After the break see the Money In The Bank Ladder Match, MVP vs Chris Benoit(c) for the United States Championship, The Undertaker vs Batista(c) for the Wold Heavyweight Championship and Shawn Michaels vs John Cena(c)………………

(more…)

Wrestlemania 21 took place from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California the event was the first Wrestlemania at the Staples Center, but the fifth to take place in the Southern California metropolitan area. Tickets sold out in less than one minute for the event, making it the fastest ticket sell-out in the company’s history as well as the fastest ticket sell-out at the Staples Center.

Wrestlemania 21 featured a “Dream Match” between Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels the two all-time greats had never faced each other prior to the event. Big Show faced Akebono in the first ever Sumo Match in WWE history. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper hosted a Wrestlemania edition of Piper’s Pit for the first time since Wrestlemania V. The Undertaker improved his Wrestlemania record to an amazing 13-0 against Randy Orton. And the very firt Money In The Bank Ladder Match took place between Edge, Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Benoit, Christian and Kane. For the first and only time at a Wrestlemania both the WWE and World Heavyweight Championship changed hands as John Cena defeated JBL and Batista defeated Triple H, respectively.

The Date:

• April 03, 2005

The Card:

• Rey Mysterio def. Eddie Guerrero
• Money in the Bank Ladder Match
  Edge def. Chris Benoit, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Jericho, Christian and Kane
• Interpromotional Match
  Undertaker def. Randy Orton
• Women’s Championship Match
  Trish Stratus def. Christy Hemme w/ Lita to retain
• Interpromotional Match
  Kurt Angle def. Shawn Michaels
• Sumo Matach
  Akebono def. Big Show
• WWE Championship Match
  John Cena def. JBL to become new champion
• World Heavyweight Championship Match
  Batista def. Triple H to become new champion

Celebrities In Attendance:

• David Arquette
• Motörhead
• Adam Sandler
• Rob Schneider
• Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top
• The Black Eyed Peas
• Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins
• Anthony Kiedis of The Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Ice Cube
• Carmen Electra
• Sylvester Stallone
• Marg Helgenberger
• Matt Groening
• Will Sasso

After the break see the special Pipers Pit segment featuring Stone Cold, the first Money In The Bank Ladder Match, Kurt Angle vs Shawn,Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero Michael, John Cena vs JBL(c) for the WWE Championship and Batista vs Triple H(c) for the World Heavyweight Championship…………

(more…)

Wrestlemania returned to “The World’s Most Famous Arena” with Wrestlemania XX this was the third time Madison Square Garden hosted the event. The United States Championship was defended for the first time in Wrestlemania history when Big Show faced off against John Cena who was making his Wrestlemania debut. As a result of a pre-match stipulation, Molly Holly had her head shaven clean by Victoria when she was unable to capture the Women’s Championship. The Rock made his very last appearance as a competitor in the WWE at Wrestlemania XX when he re-united the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection in a Handicap Match against Evolution (Randy Orton, Batista and Ric Flair). After an extended absence, Paul Bearer returned to WWE at Wrestlemania XX when a accompanied The Undertaker to the ring for his match against Kane.

Chris Benoit had been waiting 18 years to finally get a shot at the World Championship after winning the Royal Rumble the then SmackDown! Superstar decided to jump ship to the RAW brand to face Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship. Shawn Michaels interrupted the contract signing, though, and hit Benoit with the Sweet Chin Music. With Benoit knocked out, Michaels signed the contract. General Manager Eric Bischoff settled the controversy and made the match a Triple Threat Match. During the epic battle Triple H looked ready to lock in the Pedigree on Benoit but Benoit somehow reversed it into the Crippler Crossface, and with Michaels out on the floor, Triple H tapped out. This was Benoit’s second time winning the World Heavy Weight Championship but was his first and only time holding it since both the title and Benoit moved to the WWE.

The Date:

• March 14, 2004

The Card:

• United States Championship
  John Cena def. Big Show to become new champion
  
• Fatal Four Way World Tag Team Championship Match
  Booker T & Rob Van Dam def. La Resistance, Mark Jindrak & Garrison Cade and the Dudleys to retain
• Christian def. Chris Jericho w/ Trish Stratus
• Handicap Match
  Randy Orton, Batista & Ric Flair def The Rock & Mick Foley
• Playboy Evening Gown Match
  Sable & Torrie Wilson def. Stacy Keibler & Miss Jackie
• Cruiserweight Open
  Ultimo Dragon def. Shannon Moore; Jamie Noble def. Ultimo Dragon; Jamie Noble def. Funaki; Jamie Noble def. Nunzio; Billy Kidman def. Jamie Noble; Rey Mysterio def. Billy Kidman; Rey Mysterio def. Tajiri; Chavo Guerrero w/ Chavo Classic def. Rey Mysterio to retain
• Goldberg def. Brock Lesnar (Stone Cold was special guest referee)
• Fatal Four Way WWE Tag Team Championship Match
  Scotty 2 Hotty & Rikishi def. Basham Brothers, World’s Greatest Tag Team and APA to retain
• Women’s Championship Match
  Victoria def. Molly Holly to retain
• WWE Championship Match
  Eddie Guerrero def. Kurt Angle to retain
• Undertaker w/ Paul Bearer def. Kane
• Triple Threat World Heavyweight Championship Match
  Chris Benoit def. Triple H and Shawn Michaels to become new champion

Celebrities in Attendance:

• Donald Trump
• Pete Rose

After the break see John Cena vs The Big Show(c) for the United States Championship, Brock Lesnar vs Goldberg with special guest ref Stone Cold, Kane vs The Undertaker, Kurt Angle vs Eddie Guerrero(c) for the WWE Championship and Chris Benoit vs Shawn Michaels vs Triple H(c) for the World Heavyweight Championship……………

(more…)

Wrestlemania 2000 a.k.a. Wrestlemania XVI was held in the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California the same site that saw the legendary 60 minute “Iron Man” match at Wrestlemania XII four years before hand, this night would see a record amount of title changes. The WWF Hardcore Championship changed hands a record 11 times in a special 15 minute Hardcore Battle Royal. The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz, Edge & Christian all made there Wrestlemania debut in the first ladder match since Wrestlemania X and the first tag team ladder match in Wrestlemania history. Edge & Christian won the match to start there first of many WWF Tag Team Championship rains.

Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle all who where also making there Wrestlemania debuts completed in a special 2 fall match for the Intercontinental Championship and European Championship both witch were held by Kurt Angle at the time. Benoit scored the first fall witch was for the Intercontinental Championship on Chris Jericho, Benoit’s victory marked the first time the IC title changed hands at a Wrestlemania event in eight years, dating back to Wrestlemania VIII in 1992. The second fall witch was for the European Championship was scored by Chris Jericho on Benoit this caused Kurt Angle to lose two titles in one night without being pinned.

For the first time in Wrestlemania history the WWF Championship would be up for grabs in Fatal Four-Way Elimination Match with each of the competitors being backed by a different member of the McMahon family, Triple H(c)w/ Stephanie McMahon vs. Mick Foley w/ Linda McMahon vs. Big Show w/ Shane McMahon vs. The Rock w/ Vince McMahon. After 36 minutes and 28 seconds Triple H emerged the victor this was the only title match on the Wrestlemania 2000 card were the current champion was able to retain his title and the first time in Wrestlemania history that a heel would go over in the main event.

The Date:

• April 02, 2000

The Card:

• Big Boss Man & Bull Buchanan def. D-Lo Brown & The Godfather w/ Ice-T
• Hardcore Battle Royal
  Hardcore Holly was the final winner in the Hardcore Championship Battle Royal that also included Tazz, Kaientei, Mean Street Posse, The Headbangers, Viscera, The Acolytes and Crash Holly to become Hardcore Champion
• Test & Albert w/ Trish Stratus def. Al Snow & Steve Blackman, w/ Chester McCheeserton
• World Tag Team Championship Ladder Match
  Edge & Christian def. the Dudleys and Hardy Boyz to become new champions
• Catfight
  Terri def. The Kat
• Too Cool & Chyna def. The Radicalz
• Intercontinental and European Championship Triple Threat Match
  Chris Benoit pinned Chris Jericho to win the Intercontinental Championship; Chris Jericho pinned Chris Benoit to become European Champion; Kurt Angle was never pinned but lost both titles
• Kane & Rikishi def. Road Dogg & X-Pac
• Fatal Four Way Elimination WWF Championship Main Event
  Triple H w/ Stephanie McMahon def. The Rock w/ Mr. McMahon, Mick Foley w/ Linda McMahon and Big Show w/ Shane McMahon to retain

Celebrities in Attendance:

• Ice-T
• Martin Short
• Michael Clarke Duncan
• Pete Rose
• Dustin Diamond
• French Stewart
• Radio Hosts Opie and Anthony

After the break see the insane Ladder match for the World Tag Team Championship, The Triple Threat match for the Intercontinental and European Championship and Fatal Four Way Elimination for the WWF Championship……….. (more…)

Today there have a few different updates on issues involving the Benoit tragedy.

Police Officially Conclude Benoit Investigation

First earlier today the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office officially ended there probe into the triple murder-suicide involving Chris Benoit has concluded that the professional wrestler killed his wife and 7-year-old son, and that he acted alone. The sheriff’s department said further investigation supported those initial indications. The department said it “found no evidence that indicates the presence of any other individual or individuals who contributed to the deaths of the three members of the Benoit family.”

Hustler Magazine Allowed To Publish Nude Photo’s of Nancy Benoit

Also today a judge ruled that the March issue of Hustler Magazine magazine can feature nude photos of Nancy Benoit. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Thrash denied a request for a temporary restraining order against publication brought by Nancy Benoit’s mother. The pictures were taken 25 years ago, when Nancy was a 19-year-old aspiring model. It is not clear how Hustler acquired the photos, Nancy’s first husband, who was present when the photos were taken, testified that he had been told all copies were destroyed. From a First Amendment perspective, this is obviously the right legal decision. As Hustler publisher Larry Flynt has demonstrated many times, the First Amendment is there to protect free speech and free press for everyone, including publishers of content that the vast majority of Americans would find tasteless. But of course from a moral stand point this is a despicable act by Hustler Magazine.

Benoit Family Considering Lawsuit Against WWE

Based on the conclusion of the official police investigation into the Benoit tragedy and the results of the study on Benoit’s brain by the Sports Legacy Institute the families of both Nancy and Chris Benoit are considering lawsuits against the WWE. Because the Sports Legacy Institute concluded that Benoit was not emotionally responsible they may be looking to be point the blame at WWE for their lack of treatment and detection of his concussions.

Committee To Decide WWE’s Fate In Georgia Tomorrow

A Georgia State Senate committee is scheduled to meet at 2:30 p.m. to discuss a bill that not only would eliminate the exemption that has spared the WWE from state regulation but also would subject performers to random drug tests. The WWE is exempted from state regulation due to a July 2005 statute that excludes organizations with assets of more than $25 million. The WWE has threatened to pull out of Georgia if that exemption is lifted. More on this story after the break…… (more…)

CBC has filmed a documentary on the life and death of Chris Benoit. It features interviews with Chris Benoit’s father, Bret Hart, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and others. You can watch it by coping and pasting this link in Windows Media Player to stream or right clicking it and selecting “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” if your using Firefox to save it to your computer. If your using a Mac I suggest you download it to your computer and use the VLC Player to play the file(make sure the file saves with a “.asx” file extension not a “.wmv” extension). I just finished watching it and was pretty even handed and it looks like they really did there research. In the end they concluded from the research they did that Benoit’s actions where not a result of his steroid use they where the result of brain damage brought on by frequent head injury’s he sustained in the ring.

Here is the official CBC description of the program:

You don’t have to be a pro wrestling fan to recognize the name Chris Benoit. Last summer, newscasts and front-page headlines were filled with the story of the wrestling champion who murdered his wife and young son and then killed himself.

At the time, the focus turned to steroids and the part those drugs play in the pro wrestling world and in the life an death of Benoit and other wrestlers, many of whom died young. But, researchers studying the damage inflicted on the brains of pro footballers who had died by suicide turned to the case of Chris Benoit. Bob McKeown investigates their research and its startling conclusions.

-sideshowRaheem