Kurt Angle Reflects on the Legacy and Controversy of Chris Benoit
Professional wrestling has seen many skilled performers throughout its history, but few have left a mark as complicated and troubling as Chris Benoit. In a recent episode of “The Kurt Angle Show,” WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle opened up about his experiences working with Benoit and how he navigates the difficult legacy left behind.
A Complex Legacy
Chris Benoit’s legacy is inseparably tied to the shocking events of 2007, where he murdered his wife and son before committing suicide. This tragedy left an indelible scar on the wrestling community, yet some, like Angle, find it essential to acknowledge Benoit’s undeniable skill in the ring.
Acknowledging Benoit’s Skill
Angle, who worked with Benoit extensively between 2000 and 2006, shared the ring with him 101 times and had this to say about his in-ring ability:
“A lot of times when I talk about Chris, I get negative feedback on social media,” Angle explained. “But you can’t excuse the fact that he was one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and you can’t ignore that. It’s just — it’s really difficult to do that. Now, don’t get me wrong — I don’t condone anything he’s done. But I know this — Chris was the best in-ring performer that I’ve ever been in the ring with, and I can’t lie about that.”
Considering the Impact on Benoit’s Surviving Son
The conversation also took a more personal turn, as Angle discussed his motivation to continue speaking about Benoit, citing Benoit’s surviving son on a podcast:
“The thing is, with Chris Benoit, you can’t forget he [still] has a son,” Angle said. “Okay? And the reason why I talk about him so much is because of his son. He has a living son right now that thinks the world of his father. I mean, he’s obviously forgiven him for what he’s done. And there’s no excuse for what Chris has done, but when you have a living human being that absolutely idolized his father, [you’re not] gonna say, ‘I don’t want to talk about Chris Benoit because he’s a piece of s**t and what he did to his family is horrible.’ What is that going to do for that kid, you know?”
Kurt Angle’s discussion on his podcast reflects a broader challenge in the wrestling community: how to remember and talk about a performer who was a master in the ring but whose actions outside it were deeply disturbing. Angle’s perspective adds nuance to a conversation that will likely continue to be fraught with difficulty for years to come. His willingness to face the subject head-on provides an opportunity for fans and fellow performers to grapple with the uncomfortable reality of a man who left behind a complex and unsettling legacy.
