However, after reading Ring of Hell, written by
Matthew Randazzo, I have gotten
quite an education about what 'the real wrestling world' is all about
and more
specifically what role Chris Benoit really played in the death of his
family.
First off, I think it's important to say that I believe Chris Benoit
was an
addict and this book clearly demonstrates that Benoit had addiction and
mental
issues from a very early age. The author takes a fascinating look
at a
young Benoit - who is aloof, lonely and seems to be harboring an odd
fixation
on a pro wrestler. I found this look at Benoit's childhood as an
extremely important set up for the rest of the book - basically, when
you read
about Benoit's childhood, you have absolutely no problem seeing the
progression
he made from adulation of a pro wrestler, to logically and easily
finding his
way to first the Hart family and then, ultimately, to Vince McMahon and
the
world of pro wrestling.
Randazzo does not try to make excuses for Benoit, which is refreshing -
indeed,
he tells us that Benoit could be and often was a pretty horrible guy,
with the
noted exception of his relationship with his son. Randazzo also
notes
that Benoit, on some level, needed the punishing and demeaning McMahon
in his
life - in fact, the thrived on it. What a natural gravitation
these two
had towards each other.
Randazzo also takes a very harsh look at the wrestling world - giving
us
chilling detail after detail of some of the scariest stories I have
read in a
long time. This book is filled with dates, events and, at times,
extremely gory details of harsh punishment, horrible physical, mental
and
emotional abuse and lots and lots of drug use. This brings me back to
my
initial comment. Benoit was always an addict in the making and in
the
wrestling world, he would manage to find his 'fix' whether it be the
adrenaline
rush of performing, of physically abusing other wrestlers or himself or
actually doing illegal drugs - this world was just one high after
another for
him.
Yes, Benoit knew that he was harming his body, but did not seem to
understand
or care about this and, ultimately, his family would pay the price for
Benoit's
selfishness and huge disregard for anyone other than himself.
Although I am not a fan of pro wresting, I am glad that I read this
book -
because it took an honest, unbiased look at a sport, which for some
unknown
reason to me, continues to thrive.
FRONT STREET REVIEWS HOME PAGE