EdwardKnoxII 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 http://www.wwe.com/news/headlines/1249624 Has Benoit's time arrived? by Phil Speer Nov. 26, 2003 Chris Benoit -- a veteran of nearly 20 years, a holder of championships worldwide, a brilliant mat technician -- is a longtime favorite among Internet fans. Now, he may be getting his opportunity to show everyone, casual and devoted onlookers alike, what he can do. The Edmonton, Alberta native forced WWE Champion Brock Lesnar to tap out to the Crossface at Survivor Series, positioning himself as No. 1 contender in many people’s eyes. Has Chris Benoit’s time finally arrived? “Chris Benoit’s time has come,” Kurt Angle says. “He proved that (at Survivor Series). It’s been a long time coming. This guy deserved to be on top from the day he started. I’ve wrestled Chris so many times, I can’t even count, but he hasn’t gotten near the credit I have. Now is the time that Chris Benoit is going to end up on top of the world. The fans are going to respond to him very well when he finally wins that WWE Title. It’ll come soon.” Benoit has been one of the most well-respected warriors among his peers since he arrived in WWE with the other “Radicalz” (Perry Saturn, Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko) on January 31, 2000, live on RAW from Pittsburgh. Finding Superstars who will vouch for Benoit’s ability is not difficult. “Chris, without a doubt, has the ability to be the man in the company,” says Angle. “Whether he gets that chance or not -- I believe it’s coming now -- he always had the ability to be the man. He’s the one guy that I can say that toe for toe, he’s as technical as I am, if not more so, and that’s hard for me to say, being an Olympic gold medalist.” Malenko, now a WWE agent, concurred, saying, “Not too many people know Chris like I know him. I’ve spent over 10 years with him as a partner, friend and opponent. Chris has proven on numerous occasions that he could definitely be the guy to get the top of the hill. Chris could be a guy who could carry the title, wear the championship with pride and give the title some dignity, not that it hasn’t had it in the past. People believe in Chris. Chris believes in Chris, which is important. The fans have always stayed behind him through everything, through his injuries, through his career. Nobody in this business deserves it more than Chris does. Many people -- fans and Superstars -- have said similar things for months, but for one reason or another, Benoit’s opportunity to be “The Man” has never materialized, with the exception of a one-day run as WCW Champion, which ended when he jumped to WWE with the Radicalz. In the summer of 2001, Benoit had an opportunity to “climb the mountain” in WWE. Along with Chris Jericho, he battled Stone Cold Steve Austin in a Triple Threat Match at King of the Ring 2001. That pay-per-view is remembered by many as the night Booker T debuted, and the night Kurt Angle and Shane McMahon nearly ended each other’s careers in a Street Fight. Austin retained the title that night, and instead of getting a rematch, Benoit had surgery just days later in San Antonio, Texas, missing more than a year after having spinal fusion. When he returned, WWE was a whole new world. The brand extension had taken place. Brock Lesnar had debuted and was about to win the WWE Championship for the first time. For Benoit, it was back to square one. Now, Benoit has finally climbed the ladder again. “Whether it’s my time to finally get the title or not, I have no idea,” he said. “But I believe it’s my time for another opportunity. Once I get there, I’m going to swing the bat as hard as I can. It’s a matter of getting the opportunity first.” Some have said that Benoit and competitors like him are simply too small to be WWE Champion. His supporters disagree vehemently with that notion. “If you look at other sports, big does not always mean the person is the most bad-ass,” Eddie Guerrero says. “If you want to look at the sizes of Chris and I, no, we’re not the biggest men. But if you look at the heart and if you look at what we give in the ring, it’s just as big, if not bigger, than everybody else.” Adds Malenko, “I think Chris Benoit is one of those rare performers who steps in the ring, and you don’t notice if he’s 5-8 or 6-8 because of his aggressive style of wrestling and the way he takes the match to his opponent. People look past his size and all they see is Chris Benoit, the guy who goes out there and gives 110 percent every night.” Lance Storm says simply, “He brings more to the table than someone twice his size.” Other detractors have said that while, yes, Benoit is perhaps the greatest mat technician in the game, he’s not an “entertainer” and is therefore unqualified to be the champion in “sports entertainment. ” While champions like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels and Hulk Hogan could work the crowd into a frenzy with interviews (promos) alone, Benoit mostly lets his wrestling do the talking. “But I don’t think it needs to be a factor,” Lance Storm says. “I think he can hold his own if he’s got something important to say, and if he doesn’t, he gets it done in the ring.” Says Eddie Guerrero, “You have to look at Chris Benoit’s character. I think for Chris Benoit’s character, he gives great promos. Chris Benoit’s character is not a happy-go-lucky guy, so how can he give a happy-go-lucky interview? That’s just not his style. This is Chris Benoit. This is what he does and this is what he’s about: He’s business from in the ring to outside of the ring. That’s the way his promos are. If critics would focus more on that character instead of thinking what his character should be, they could appreciate his interview." The bottom line, his peers say, is that Chris Benoit can “carry the ball.” He can be “The Man.” In fact, they say, he’s always had the ability to do it. Whether he gets the opportunity or not remains to be seen, although his match at Survivor Series was certainly a step in the right direction. “I hope so,” Benoit says of getting a title shot in the near future. “Very much so. I hope so. That’s what we’re here for. Everyone shoots to have that gold around their waist. Since I’ve come to WWE, I’ve always aspired to be in that position. I’m looking forward to another opportunity.” Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kamui Report post Posted November 27, 2003 This is encouraging. At the very least I think we can assume this means Benoit's getting the slot against Lesnar at Royal Rumble....anything farther than that is really pure speculation, but here's hoping. -Duo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EdwardKnoxII 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 Yeah I really hope 2004 is the year Benoit wins the title. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ligerbomb03 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 I sure hope Benoit's time has arrived, he could make a really great champion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adam 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 Hopefully this leads to him getting the title at the Rumble, or at least at WrestleMania. I hope its the Rumble, because I know I'll be getting that show at home and I wont be at school while its going on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Prophet of Mike Zagurski 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 He'd better win the title soon or we should bombard the WWE with e-mails protesting the lack of push of Chris Benoit. This man should at least be a 5 time World Champion by now and I for one am sick of the fact that he is underappreciated. Where is his undefeated streak? He should have one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisMWaters 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 Personally, I do hope that Chris Benoit wins the title. It would be a good thing for him to get on the last years of his career (admit it, he probably won't be wrestling much longer) The last time they gave that belt to a great Canadian wrestler it was a good move... Plus, it may just get people's minds off of THIS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Winter Of My Discontent Report post Posted November 27, 2003 Eddie deserves it more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisMWaters 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 Eddie deserves it more. Eddie deserves it, yes. But I feel Eddie has a few more years left in the business than Benoit does, hence he has more time. Benoit, I feel, does not have as much time left. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 *wipes tear from eye* ... It's so not happening. Your New Champion *cries harder* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EdwardKnoxII 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 Eh, there have been far worse champs then Cena. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jobber of the Week 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 Has Benoit's time arrived? Well, who else is going to job? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest PowerPB13 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 "Has Benoit's time arrived?" *laughs loudly for several minutes* No, it hasn't. And it never will. Thanks for playing. -Patrick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 Eh, there have been far worse champs then Cena. *continues to cry* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted November 27, 2003 People... I was there. He has already had is precious fucking World Title. It was nothing special. Move on. Yeah, He's likely gonna get the god damn transitional Role that he's been destined for the last 4 years sooner or later. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DerangedHermit 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 MY EYES! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 His "stint" with the WCW title only makes his WWE title win more satisfying. He sacrificed being a World Champion in WCW for the possibility of being World Champion in the WWE - even though he had to "start all over again". It's a common theme in his wrestling career. It's his struggle. It's what makes him appeal to a lot of us. He could have had that validation in WCW yet he still decided to do what was best for his family, for his friends, and for himself - and that was moving to the more stable WWE. Now, through hard work and determination - playing by his own rules and in his own way - he has (once again) reached a point where he could have that vindication, where he could justify all those sacrifices in the past, where he could become what so many people said he couldn't be - a true champion... and this could quite possibily be his last shot, as his body degrades more-and-more. Of course, he won't win and everything will be in vain thus turning me completely off the WWE since Benoit is essentially the only reason I watch... but hey, at least he got a niftly lil write-up on WWE.com. Long Live Cena~! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest croweater Report post Posted November 27, 2003 Putting the title on Benoit is a simple and obvious move. The story writes itself because the story's already there. It's Benoit's life, the most important thing to him ever. Him winning the title would put the title over a great amount because the man is all about the title, all about the glory he so deserves and is yet to get. Marks and smarks alike can see benoit with the title because when push comes to shove they know he's a good wrestler. It has to happen, it just has to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Username Report post Posted November 27, 2003 man, i hope benoit gets a title shot...things are already getting screwed up though. here's a paragraph from a recent article: Interestingly enough, Chris Benoit has been taken out of the main event slot at the Smackdown house shows this weekend. He was originally slated to face Brock Lesnar, Lesnar will now face John Cena while Benoit will take Cena's spot teaming with Bradshaw and Hardcore Holly against Big Show, Nathan Jones, and Matt Morgan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest wildpegasus Report post Posted November 27, 2003 man, i hope benoit gets a title shot...things are already getting screwed up though. here's a paragraph from a recent article: Interestingly enough, Chris Benoit has been taken out of the main event slot at the Smackdown house shows this weekend. He was originally slated to face Brock Lesnar, Lesnar will now face John Cena while Benoit will take Cena's spot teaming with Bradshaw and Hardcore Holly against Big Show, Nathan Jones, and Matt Morgan. I wouldn't worry about that too much yet. Time will tell what happens I guess. I was on another forum lately (not about wrestling at all) and in the TV and movies section there's a thread on whether or not Benoit will ever win the title. People wamt it to happen. Given a choice the wrestling fans I know would pick Benoit to have the title and the wrestling fans I know but don't really watch wrestling anymore would also pick Benoit to win the title. Maybe I'm just around Benoit fans but people want it to happen. If the WWE plays their cards right they can easily have every single person who watches the WWE wanting it to happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silence 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 (edited) I'd love for a good Benoit title reign to happen, but the unfortunate thing is there are only 3 scenarios that would happen that most likely wouldn't sit well with us: 1. Benoit loses against Lesnar and retires later as a good technical wrestler who never won the WWE Championship. Cena becomes the Champion. 2. Benoit starts having an even more limited moveset after becoming Champion and turns into another Rock or Stone Cold in the ring. 3. Benoit gets a Jericho-like heel title reign that has him cheating to win matches. Either that, or a face Jericho-like reign that only lasts 5 minutes and "never happened". Think about it, everyone. As much as we'd love for it to happen, WWE will figure out a way to screw it up. Edited November 27, 2003 by Raven_Effect01 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLAGIARISM! 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 It won't last, but it will happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 So who's betting that Benoit wins it....and it doesn't raise ratings because well at this point it seems that nothing will and all of the Benoit Haters jump on here and scream "OMG he doesn't draw! Take that!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kahran Ramsus 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 So who's betting that Benoit wins it....and it doesn't raise ratings because well at this point it seems that nothing will and all of the Benoit Haters jump on here and scream "OMG he doesn't draw! Take that!" He won't raise ratings overnight. The reason we say Taker, HHH, Vince, Steph, etc. don't draw is because they have been on top for years and have been sinking ratings since 2000. We complain about Goldberg because he was brought in for the sole purpose of an immediate impact on ratings. He was not a long term project. I'm not saying Benoit will be a huge draw either, but he has enough of a following to stop the bleeding. It will take a long time for WWE to fully recover from the damage that HHH and the McMahons did. Everybody seems concerned about raising buyrates and attendance, but that is only the second step. You first have to stop them from dropping, which they clearly still are, before they start going up. Benoit can help that. He has had limited success in this regard in the past, most notably June 2001 and during the Smackdown Six Era on Smackdown. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest One Trick Pony Report post Posted November 27, 2003 He’s the one guy that I can say that toe for toe, he’s as technical as I am, if not more so, and that’s hard for me to say, being an Olympic gold medalist." TIME TO PLAY THE ANGLE! I predict by next year everyone ravenously hates Angle. Angle can't even give a pro-interview for Benoit without putting himself over too. Hogan/HHH-esque. Chris could be a guy who could carry the title, wear the championship with pride and give the title some dignity, not that it hasn’t had it in the past. Nice cover Dean. Don't let anyone know you think that both titles went down the toilet with H and Brock. Brock Lesnar had debuted and was about to win the WWE Championship for the first time. For Benoit, it was back to square one. Brock Lesnar who had been in the fed for 4 months was getting a world title shot after proving nothing and allegedly Benoit who has proved everything according to this article got the chance to job to Rob Van Dam. Isn't it ironic that BENOIT started at square one? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 So who's betting that Benoit wins it....and it doesn't raise ratings because well at this point it seems that nothing will and all of the Benoit Haters jump on here and scream "OMG he doesn't draw! Take that!" He won't raise ratings overnight. The reason we say Taker, HHH, Vince, Steph, etc. don't draw is because they have been on top for years and have been sinking ratings since 2000. We complain about Goldberg because he was brought in for the sole purpose of an immediate impact on ratings. He was not a long term project. I'm not saying Benoit will be a huge draw either, but he has enough of a following to stop the bleeding. It will take a long time for WWE to fully recover from the damage that HHH and the McMahons did. Everybody seems concerned about raising buyrates and attendance, but that is only the second step. You first have to stop them from dropping, which they clearly still are, before they start going up. Benoit can help that. He has had limited success in this regard in the past, most notably June 2001 and during the Smackdown Six Era on Smackdown. That's what I'm saying. He won't raise ratings overnight but the Benoit Haters will jump on it and scream that he doesn't draw and the WWE will give up after a month. I'm on the same side as you here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Coffey Report post Posted November 27, 2003 You know, that article gives me a lot more hope than I previously had for Benoit to obtain the big belt. Seriously, with the exception of Eddie Guerrero, no one deserves a run with the top belt more than Chris Benoit. With as much experience in the wrestling business as he has, coupled with as much wrestling talent as he has, you would think that he would've received a "respect" run with the title, at least. Similar to the run that HBK had after returning from retirement. Benoit had definitely paid his dues. You can't argue that. If the WWE wanted to change paths (which we all know they don't) and head towards more competitive television, Benoit would be the man to have at the head. I don't think it would hurt to have the WWE look like more of a legitimate competition. Calling it a sport in North America is never going to happen. The image of pro-wrestling is already tarnished beyond repair. Nevertheless, they could go to more wrestling oriented programming, and I can't think of many fans that would complain. You can still have storylines and whatnot leading up to matches...it would just involve having wrestling talent as well. That way, people like Chris Jericho will shine more than Nathan Jones. We all know the only things holding Benoit back this long are his size and promo skills. It's just the way of the WWE. At least people buy him as a serious contender.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobobrazil1984 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 Common sense dictates that between putting this article up, and Angle talking in interviews about how Benoit's time has come... that they were giving Benoit some big title push. COMMON SENSE... something that's totally absent nowadays. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pochorenella 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 At least a couple-months Title run like the one they gave to Mick Foley, which I believe was highly-deserving at the time, should be in store for Benoit. That's what I hope, and it would restore my faith in WWE that everything is not politics. *Still dreaming for Benoit © vs Angle at WMXX with special guest referee Bret Hart * Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted November 27, 2003 Pity it didn't happen when they had the old WWF title belt, that would have looked so much better on him than either belt right now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
