Did Benoit suffer from 'sickness'

[samanthajane13]

By Neil Springer - SLAM! Sports

Former wrestling announcer Mauro Ranallo believes Chris Benoit was a byproduct of what is commonly referred to as "the sickness."
"I always used to consider it a tongue-in-cheek thing," commented Ranallo on the condition that is brought on by a combination of a grueling-work schedule and a desire to constantly please the insatiable appetites of wrestling fans.
"In simple terms, 'the sickness' is just being a part of the industry - you feel the rush of the crowd and begin to blur the line between what is real and what is not," said Ranallo, who first met Benoit when he worked with the legendary Hart family on Stampede Wrestling.

Benoit's body was found at his Georgia home last Monday, along with those of his wife and seven-year-old son. Police believe Benoit murdered his wife and child and then hanged himself afterward. He also apparently laid a Bible next to each of their bodies.

Ranallo thinks the 'wrestling sickness' could explain part of Benoit's mental condition before killing his wife and son.

"These athletes, these people, are being forced to do things that a normal person could not tolerate for very long," he said. "These guys have to take pills to wake up and to go to sleep and take steroids to look a certain way, otherwise they won't be marketed. That is something innately wrong with the business and I think that is 'the sickness.'"

Ranallo used to consider Benoit a friend, but now refers to him as a monster.
"I would not want to portray Chris Benoit as a victim of anything; we're all responsible for our own actions," he said. "He was dealing with a lot of stuff - the death of his best friend Eddie Guerrero and a lot of other deaths in the industry - but he was a byproduct of the wrestling sickness. The victims are Nancy and Daniel Benoit and I feel horrible for his parents and his other two children."

When asked what he thought about Benoit before the tragedy, Ranallo said that would be like asking how he felt before Sept. 11, 2001.
"I have no feeling and don't even want to comment on what I thought of Chris Benoit prior to the events of this past weekend," Ranallo said. "It really doesn't matter to be honest with you.

"Obviously, he had his own demons that no one else knew about. So, I don't really care what I thought of Chris Benoit before. And after this week, I never want to have to deal with Chris Benoit again."

SILVER LINING

If there's a positive that came out of this tragedy, it's that the wrestling industry has received a wake-up call.

"This was a result of the wrestling industry and no one will convince me otherwise," Ranallo said. "There have been enough deaths in this business that they should have already known that something has to be done. Whether it's an off-season or psychiatric and drug counseling, they need to address the aspects of this business that are leading to high body counts."
Ranallo, who now announces for EliteXC and is an on-air host for The Fight Network, cut his teeth in the wrestling business. At age 16, he was a television announcer and heel manager.

"I definitely hope the industry doesn't just sweep this under the carpet. They need to address what is innately wrong with the business. Otherwise, there will be more tragedies like this, I can guarantee that."

[Spencer33]

Something really does need to be done about what goes on in the wrestling industry. The injuries these men sustain while practicing their craft is truly shocking. And they do it on a daily and/or weekly basis for years. And the amount of meds, whether legal or illegal, they take to continue participating for years and years is enough to boggle the imagination. I hope this tragedy brings about change, but I truly doubt it will. I think the only thing they could do at this point is shut the entire wrestling industry down, and that's not going to happen. The fans want to be entertained and the participants want to make money... so how can they take the drugs away from the participants if the fans still want all of the action?

The wrestling industry won't get a bigger wake-up call than the Benoit tragedy, but I very much doubt even that will end up making a ripple of difference.

So sad.

[nightwatcher]

Originally Posted by Spencer33

Something really does need to be done about what goes on in the wrestling industry. The injuries these men sustain while practicing their craft is truly shocking. And they do it on a daily and/or weekly basis for years. And the amount of meds, whether legal or illegal, they take to continue participating for years and years is enough to boggle the imagination. I hope this tragedy brings about change, but I truly doubt it will. I think the only thing they could do at this point is shut the entire wrestling industry down, and that's not going to happen. The fans want to be entertained and the participants want to make money... so how can they take the drugs away from the participants if the fans still want all of the action?

The wrestling industry won't get a bigger wake-up call than the Benoit tragedy, but I very much doubt even that will end up making a ripple of difference.

So sad.

Hi, Spencer33! I completely agree with you. I'm a wrestling fan, but, this whole thing just makes me sick. My heart, thoughts & prayers are with the Benoit family.

[One2Snoop]

I agree that something needs to be done, but do you think in the big scheme of things $$$$$$$$ once this dies down, there will be a change?

I went to high school with a guy who used steriods. I remember him as a very caring and kind individual but two years after we graduated I saw him at a get together and what he had become was skeery to my eyes. I guess the kindest way to put it is he reminded me of the Incredible Hulk, hoping most of you here remember that TV series.

I never knew exactly why he started taking steriods and I haven't been in touch with that side of my world in years. I'm more curious than ever now, after everything thats happened with the Benoit family, to know whats happened to/with him. I only hope he got smart for his sake long ago and stopped the steroid use.

[samanthajane13]

My daughter Katey really would like to get into professional wrestling, but I've told her that with everything that goes on in WWE, I'd knock the day-lights out of her if she didn't find a profession where she wouldn't be forced to use drugs to keep her job, get breast implants, get hel knocked out of her on a daily basis, and basically be treated like Vince McMahon's peon-to treat like crap at his whim.

Everyone who knows about professional wrestling knows that McMahon treats his people like dirt under his feet, fires them for personal and creative differences, and has no scruples whatsoever.

Also, Katey has a learning disorder-Central Auditory Processing Disorder. But in spite of this, she's excelled in math and Science. She even aced out Advanced Placement US History and Government-100% all the way thru the year and on the Exam. Back in January, she challenged and passed the Spanish 3 Regents Exam with a 96%. She ain't no dummmy.

If she had no chance of getting any job other than manual labor, I'd still rather have her spend her life flipping burgers at Mickey D's than getting mauled and mutilated at the hands of Vince McMahon & Company.

I also let her know that if she didn't find a field where she could use the wonderful mind that God has given her, and make a contribution to society, I'd wring her neck.

She's decided she wants to be a CSI. I can't think of a more noble profession, and it will utilize her intelligence.

I didn't bring her into the world to waste her talents or be mutilated by a bunch of money-hungry idiots.

I brought her into the world, and I'll damn sure take her out if she looks to be destroying or wasting her precious life.

Sometimes, being a mom means doing the right thing instead of the popular thing.

[flutterby]

Does that mean that all wreslters are just brain dead idiots that follow whatever Vince McMahon says without question ?

[Inletwatcher]

If she had no chance of getting any job other than manual labor, I'd still rather have her spend her life flipping burgers at Mickey D's than getting mauled and mutilated at the hands of Vince McMahon & Company.

I also let her know that if she didn't find a field where she could use the wonderful mind that God has given her, and make a contribution to society, I'd wring her neck.

She's decided she wants to be a CSI. I can't think of a more noble profession, and it will utilize her intelligence.

I didn't bring her into the world to waste her talents or be mutilated by a bunch of money-hungry idiots.

I brought her into the world, and I'll damn sure take her out if she looks to be destroying or wasting her precious life.

Sometimes, being a mom means doing the right thing instead of the popular thing.[/quote]

You are a scary person to me. You discredit working a honest job like McDonalds?? shame on you. YOU brought her into the world....NOT to waste her talents??? is that not a bit god like?? YOU brought her into the world...I will DAMN sure take her out...blah blah blah. You just keep away from me. I don't trust you no further than I can throw you across the room lady.
Think you are on the wrong message boards.
For your information, I used to work for Mcdonalds. I was sent there unknowlingly..to witness a truck hit a little boy. I held his hand whial he cried and I saw grey stuff coming out of his head..and down the road. God sent me there. Everyone is "sent" to work somewhere for reasons not known to us peons down here. Glad you don't live here lady. God bless the children.
Inletwatcher.

[samanthajane13]

My point about McDonald's is that IF my daughter were NOT capable of doing ANYTHING other than that, DUE TO MENTAL OR PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT, I'd rather she work at McDonald's than MANY other things. I used that as an EXAMPLE. My point was that I'd rather have her do that to the best of her ability-IF that were her only ability.

I don't understand why people chose to take things so literally.

[samanthajane13]

Dear Flutterby and Inletwatcher-

I'm so sorry if you took my post the wrong way.

For the love of Pete-READ THE WORDS IN THE CONTEXT THEY WERE INTENDED.

Don't latch on to one word or phrase and freak out.

As for wrestlers...unfortunately, it's not the same sport it was 20 or more years ago. Many people get into it with their eyes closed...about the steroids, etc. I never said they were stupid. Maybe naive, though.

Or they go in thinking they can change the industry, only to find they have NO SAY in what they do. WWE is NOT a DEMOCRACY. It's McMahon's kingdom, and he rules with an iron fist. I've known a couple of the wrestlers personally.

You don't kiss his *****-you're OUT.

Wrestler Ilio Di'Paolo lived in our community until he was struck by a car and killed, a few months after his daughter and grand-daughter were killed in much the same way. He got out when steroids came into popularity. He was NOT a stupid man, but he also wasn't under the same pressures as the wrestlers today.

"You discredit working a honest job like McDonalds?? "

I've worked in fast food concessions, and I said NO SUCH THING.

My exact words were-"If she had no chance of getting any job other than manual labor, I'd still rather have her spend her life flipping burgers at Mickey D's than getting mauled and mutilated at the hands of Vince McMahon & Company."

And I was speaking about the fact that MCMAHON treats his WRESTLERS as peons. It's a KNOWN FACT that he treats his people like crap. I wasn't implying that people at McDonalds were peons.

Not everyone WANTS to work in a different field, and some get their start there. I know several people who work in fast food and other service industries, and they LOVE it-and have made it their career. If everyone were a doctor, lawyer, or politician, who would gas our cars, build our homes, grow and sell us food, etc.

It's about abilities vs. life choices, location, etc.

And as for my daughter, I love her with all my heart and I'd walk through Hell and back for her, but if I found her on a distructive path-drug addiction, assaulting or killing people-"destroying or wasting her precious life"-MY EXACT WORDS, I'D DO MY BEST TO PUT A STOP TO IT.

And as for your experience at McDonalds-I'm so very sorry for you, for the child and and his family. I'm truly sorry you had something happen to effect you so profoundly. I've been in similar situations myself, and I'll never be the same.

I know what you mean about being sent someplace for a reason.

I was in dental assisting classes about 12 years ago, and I was riding the MetroRail, when a fellow passenger had a grand-mal seizure. There were only two or three people on the train, and they just stood there saying "DO SOMETHING!!" Someone hit the emergency button, and I was about to maintain his airway, keep him from hurting himself, and monitor his vital signs until we got stopped at the next station, where they had an ambulance waiting.

I also do animal rescue. I know how fragile life is. In fact on Saturday, I had to have my dog, Thor put down. He had severe acute diabetes, and liver damage. It all came on in a matter of two days. But I know I made the right decision for him. There was nothing anyone could do with his liver shot. No amount of insulin or surgery could have saved him and given him a normal life. It's the easiest "hard decision" I've ever had to make.

This is the third pet I've lost since January. All from circumstances even the vets didn't see coming. My Athena passed 2 days before my birthday-on the 11th-of an abdominal torsion. Her gut literally twisted on it's axis, and she was gone within an hour. Before we even knew there was anything wrong.

I've delivered hundreds of kittens, and had to give CPR to some that needed it.

I've also given CPR to a chameleon.

I know what it's like to hold a life in your hands. And I know what it's like to have that life slip away-no matter how hard you try to save it.

SO I DO BELIEVE WE'RE ALL HERE FOR A REASON.

TO LOVE AND CARE FOR EACH OTHER.

I never intended to upset anyone.

[Inletwatcher]

Originally Posted by samanthajane13

Dear Flutterby and Inletwatcher-
I'm so sorry if you took my post the wrong way.
I never intended to upset anyone.

Okay...so maybe I got a bit upset taking the "slang sayings" a bit to heart. My daughter too has similar to yours in the adhd/add umbrella. Our daughters are very very gifted in many ways. cheesy grins Mine is a artist... ??

Guess I have to remember better the American sayings...and how they mean is not how they are read. My baddd.

I too did my time working for the spca in florida. I quit when they insisted on me learning the "put to sleep thing" can't do it. I miss it very much to this day. Gratz too on helping the girl with the seizure...I too had similar experience this past weekend at the P-Floyd concert. Not too many people know what to do in those panic situations. Okay...I change my mind. You are pretty cool after all. Peace to you..and I look very forward to reading more of your posts. ***hugs
Inlet

[Jadedblueeyes]

Originally Posted by Inletwatcher

Okay...so maybe I got a bit upset taking the "slang sayings" a bit to heart. My daughter too has similar to yours in the adhd/add umbrella. Our daughters are very very gifted in many ways. cheesy grins Mine is a artist... ??

Guess I have to remember better the American sayings...and how they mean is not how they are read. My baddd.

I too did my time working for the spca in florida. I quit when they insisted on me learning the "put to sleep thing" can't do it. I miss it very much to this day. Gratz too on helping the girl with the seizure...I too had similar experience this past weekend at the P-Floyd concert. Not too many people know what to do in those panic situations. Okay...I change my mind. You are pretty cool after all. Peace to you..and I look very forward to reading more of your posts. ***hugs
Inlet

Hello my friend.

It is so good to see you posting. I have missed you terribly.

I am glad that a peaceful resolution came about. That can only happen when two people are willing to give the other a chance to explain their thoughts.

I understood why you were dismayed but I do understand Samantha's explanation.

For two fine minds.

imoo

[flutterby]

I didn't mean to seem like I was attacking anyone with my question. It's just really getting me angry to hear people say things like Vince McMahon is an evil leader and every wrestler has to do what he wants otherwise they are out.

To an extent and as much as I don't want to admit it, it is true.There are the superstars that do think they need to take these drugs to be successful in the business. But, there are wrestlers that have enough sense to understand that they don't need to use steroids to be the best. Examples of this would be Rob Van Dam and C.M. Punk. Both amazing wrestlers and both clean(whether people believe that or not, it is the truth). I must add that these are 2 of my favourites.

I too have a daughter who has had her share of problems. She just hates school and there's nothing I can do or say to help her like it, but, even if she wanted to pursue a career in wrestling I would be there for her every step of the way and I would love and support her no matter what. I mean it's not up to me to tell her what to do with her life.

These are just my feelings about it, I'm sorry if they conflict with others but it's all I have !!!

[samanthajane13]

Ladies-First off-

HUGS!!!

We're ALL here for the same reason-we're disturbed by the hate and brutality of the world.

And I don't care how much we have in common-sometimes we're gonna disagree. I just hope that in the future, we can sort out any squabbles with a PM-rather than on the forum threads.

I'm so sorry to hear that the two of you are also dealing with learning disabilities with your daughters. It's a hard situation. My 28 year old has ADHD and other emotional problems, and spent many years on medication and in SEVERAL different facilities when the school system failed her. She blamed me for this, and hasn't spoken to my side of the family in 3 years. Now she self-medicates with marijuana...so maybe that helps to explain why I'm so strict and protective of Katey. And why I really try to keep her focused on positive and productive things.

Here's a picture of her at the reptile and small animal rescue\educational\supply facility she volunteers at. Her "friend" is her favorite snake there...an 8 foot albino Burmese Python named Chiquita. The funny thing is that Katey is 5 feet tall, and weight all of 115 pounds.



I really hope we can get past this...

Love and Light-
Donna

[Inletwatcher]

Originally Posted by samanthajane13

Ladies-First off-

HUGS!!!

We're ALL here for the same reason-we're disturbed by the hate and brutality of the world.

I really hope we can get past this...

Love and Light-
Donna

Every day I learn more about myself. I am so thankful for all of you !! My online CL family. Thank you dearly for helping me grow.

Waiting for justice, sending you all peace....
Inletwatcher

[samanthajane13]

Inletwatcher-

Aren't ALL families just a LITTLE disfunctional??? I know MINE is...

We may be a bit nuts, but it's the good kind of nuts. With LOADS of LOVE.

What do you expect from an online family????

Ya gotta know we're gonna be a bit screwy at times!!!

Love and Light-
Donna