CHRIS BENOIT

lovablemum · Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 4068 Location: Northants

Name: Chris Benoit

Height: 5 foot 11
Weight: 220 pounds
From: Atlanta, Ga. (originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Finishing Move: Crippler Crossface
Career Highlights: World Heavyweight Champion, WCW Tag Team Champion, WCW United States Champion, WCW Television Champion, WWE Intercontinental Champion, World Tag Team Champion, WWE Tag Team Champion

Certainly deserving of his nickname â€œThe Rabid Wolverine,â€? Chris Benoit is known as one of the toughest, most aggressive competitors in WWE. Benoit got his start training with Stu Hart in the legendary â€œdungeonâ€? in Calgary. The dungeon produced numerous other superstars such as Bret Hart, Owen Hart, the British Bulldog and Chris Jericho to name a few.

Earlier in his career, Benoit wrestled in Japan, ECW and WCW. It was in ECW that Benoit earned the nickname â€œThe Cripplerâ€? when he broke Sabuâ€™s neck. Benoit was part of a group of Radicalz who jumped from WCW to WWE in early 2000 along with Dean Malenko, Eddie Guerrero, and Perry Saturn. Benoit was immediately successful capturing the Intercontinental Championship within months of his debut at Wrestlemania 2000.

A major setback in Benoitâ€™s career occurred in 2001 when Benoit had to have neck surgery which would put him out for an entire year. Upon returning, Benoit would set his goals on reaching the top. At this point in Benoitâ€™s WWE career, Benoit had never held WWE or World Championship gold. In his quest to reach that goal, Benoit entered the 2004 Royal Rumble as the #1 entrant and defeated twenty nine other superstars to win the Royal Rumble. In an unprecedented move, Benoit used a loophole and jumped to RAW to fight for the World Championship at WrestleMania XX. In a memorable night, Chris Benoit defeated Triple H and Shawn Michaels in a Triple Threat Match when he made Triple H tap out to win the World Heavyweight Championship. After the match, WWE champion and best friend Eddie Guerrero celebrated in the ring with Benoit as the show went off the air in a WrestleMania moment.

Chris Benoit returned to SmackDown! as the first Smackdown draftee during the 2005 Draft Lottery promising to shake things up. And within 2 months of this return, the â€œThe Cripplerâ€? did just that â€“ making sports entertainment history at the 2005 SummerSlam, when he defeated Orlando Jordan for the US Championship in just 25.5 seconds â€“ the fastest US Championship victory in the celebrated 20 year history of the prestigious title

lovablemum · Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 4068 Location: Northants

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 224 lbs

Real Name: Chris Benoit

DOB: 5/21/67

Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Other Names: Pegasus Kid (New Japan, WWF), White Pegasus, Wild Pegasus (NJ), "The Crippler" (ECW, WCW)

Wrestler Since: 1986

Finishing Maneuvers: Crippler Crossface, Swandive Off The Top Rope

History: (Last Updated 5/29/05)

"The Crippler" Chris Benoit has already done much in his career, ever since he started out in 1986. Yet it was only after the turn of the century that Benoit's career has really heated up.

Calgary Stampede

Chris Benoit's wrestling life was shaped very early on, as he grew up practicing with Stu Hart and his family in Canada. Growing up with the likes of Bret and Owen Hart, The Dynamite Kid, the British Bulldog, and others helped Benoit become very skilled in his future craft. He began his career in the Stampede Federation, where he eventually won the Calgary Stampede Tag-Team titles with Ben Bassarab in March 1986 over Wayne Farris and Ron Starr. The two lost the belts less than a month later. Two months later, Benoit came back with Keith Hart to reclaim the Tag-Team titles from Farris and the Cuban Assassin. Again, however, Benoit was the Tag-Team champion for less than a month. In 1987, Benoit ventured to New Japan Pro Wrestling, training there for most of the year before returning to Stampede to try his luck at the singles brackets.

In March '88, Benoit defeated Gama Singh to become the Stampede British-Commonwealth Middle Heavyweight Champion. This belt Benoit managed to hold onto for 2 months before losing to Johnny Smith. A week later, Benoit beat Smith in the rematch to reclaim his belt. A week after that, Smith won the deciding rematch, and Benoit opted to head back to tag-team wrestling. Pairing up with Lance Idol, Benoit won the Stampede Tag-Team titles for the third time, beating the Cuban Assasin and Jerry Morrow in October '88. The two lost the titles in less than a month to the Cuban Commandoes. Soon after, Benoit and Idol broke up, and Benoit headed back into the singles bracket, defeating Johnny Smith again to win the Stampede Mid-Heavyweight Title for the third time. In April, he also won the Tag-Team titles again, this time with Biff Wellington. He lost both titles in June '89, but quickly regained the Mid-Heavyweight Title, which he held for another month before losing to Gama Singh. Soon after, Benoit left for overseas, becoming the masked Pegasus Kid.

Globe-Trotting

Benoit did not take long to show his skills, winning the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title from Justin "Thunder" Liger in August 1990. Liger took the title back in November, causing Benoit to continent-hop again, appearing in the UWF in Mexico. Benoit won the WWF Light-Heavyweight Title in March '91 from Villano III and held the title for over 6 months before Villano III was able to reclaim it. Benoit next went to Germany, where he and David Taylor won the CWA World Tag-Team Titles from Miles Zrno and Franz Schumann. The two held the belts for more than 6 months before Taylor was injured. Benoit then began to split his time in New Japan and, for the first time, WCW, appearing there during the summer of '92 with Beef Wellington in the NWA World Tag-Team Title Tournament, from which they were promptly eliminated. Benoit would stay in WCW for the next year, but rarely got any major victories before leaving to go back to Japan full-time.

Benoit started making waves in 1993, when he came out victorious (as Pegasus Kid) in the Top of the '93 Super Junior Tournament, a very prestigous event in Japan. Soon after, though, Pegasus Kid lost a "Mask vs. Mask" match with Jushin Thunder Liger. His identity revealed, Benoit began calling himself "Wild Pegasus". Benoit's next major victory came in the Super J Cup '94, where he defeated Black Tiger (Eddie Guerrero), Gedo, and the Great Sasuki to claim the crown of Best Lightweight Champion. "Wild Pegasus" would also later win the Jr. Heavyweight Super Grade Tag League '94 with Shinjiro Ohtani. With multiple victories under his belt in Japan, Benoit decided to once again venture back to the US, getting a deal with Extreme Championship Wrestling.

ECW

In ECW, Benoit truly began to build his wrestling image, wrestling in a massive feud with Sabu. During one brawl, Benoit badly injured Sabu's back, putting him on the shelf for a while. This earned Benoit the nickname "The Crippler", a name that has stayed with him throughout his career. Benoit later began teaming with Dean Malenko, which became another long-lasting alliance. Benoit & Malenko defeated Sabu and the Tazzmaniac in February '95 to win the ECW Tag-Team Titles. The two wrestlers were later joined by Shane Douglas, forming the infamous Triple Threat. Benoit & Malenko lost the belts to the Public Enemy in April, and Benoit soon departed from ECW to go back to Japan. Benoit, renewing "Wild Pegasus", made his mark once more, winning the '95 Best of the Super Juniors by defeating his former partner, Shinjiro Ohtani. With another tournament victory under his belt, Benoit became a hot item, and soon signed with WCW for the second time.

WCW

Benoit became a popular singles wrestler soon after his arrival in WCW, attracting the attention of many of his peers. He teamed some with Malenko, who had joined WCW with him, while also building a reputation as a solid technical wrestler. In 1996, Benoit joined the IV Horsemen, along with Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and the late Brian Pillman. This led to a long feud with Kevin Sullivan of the Dungeon of Doom, where the two met in some very brutal matches over the next year. It later involved Woman, the manager of the Horsemen (and Sullivan's wife at the time), whom Benoit had convinced to leave Sullivan, and Miss Jacqueline, who came in managing Sullivan. During this time, Benoit also had short feuds with Malenko, Chris Jericho, Jeff Jarrett, and Meng.

1997

But no matter who came along, Benoit always returned to Sullivan. The wrestlers battled in various matches, from Falls Count Anywhere to a San Francisco Death match. Usually, Benoit came out on top. The two men faced off a final time at Bash at the Beach '97, where Benoit won a "Retirement" match, sending Sullivan out of WCW and ending the great feud between them. In the meantime, Benoit and the Horsemen were also battling against the new scourge of the nWo. The Horsemen battled the nWo repeatedly over the middle months of '97, and eventually signed to fight in a War Games match at Fall Brawl '97. During this time, Arn Anderson retired, giving his slot in the Horsemen to Curt Hennig. This proved to be disasterous, as Hennig betrayed the Horsemen to the nWo, helping them to win the War Games match. Soon after, the Horsemen were disbanded by Ric Flair, leaving Benoit without a stable.

1998

Benoit moved on, though, soon finding a new adversary to battle against in Raven and his Flock. Benoit had many classic matches against Raven's minions, especially Perry Saturn, who he faced at Starrcade '97. Finally, Benoit got his fight against Raven, defeating the Flock leader in a No DQ match at Souled Out '98. This earned Benoit some respect from Diamond Dallas Page, who was the US Champion at the time. DDP offered Benoit a shot at the title, which Benoit accepted. But interference from the Flock kept the men from fighting as they wished. The two battled side-by-side against the Flock, then finally got the match they wished, meeting against each other for the US belt at Superbrawl VIII. DDP managed to come out on top in the match, which was again marred by the Flock. This eventually led to a Three-Way Dance for the gold between Benoit, DDP, and Raven, where Page again emerged victorious, ending the feud.

Benoit's next feud was with the Television Champion, Booker T. The two great wrestlers had some very scientific battles in March and April '98, most of which ended in draws. They fought at Spring Stampede '98, with Booker T winning in the end to keep his title. But this was nowhere near the end of the feud. At the end of April '98, Benoit finally tasted gold in WCW, defeating Booker T at a house show to take the TV Title. The reign lasted approximately one day before Booker T regained the belt at the next show. The day after that, Benoit once again won the Television Championship, at another house show. Then, for the fourth show in a row, the TV Title changed hands, with Booker T getting it back. In one week, Benoit won and lost the TV Title twice.

Benoit heated up the feud by helping Dave "Fit" Finlay defeat Booker T at a Nitro, creating a new champion. Benoit then faced Finlay for the title at Slamboree. But a distraction from Booker T proved Benoit's undoing, allowing Finlay to get the win and stay the champion. This started one of the greatest times in Benoit's career, as he fought Booker T in a Best-of-7 series to determine who would face Finlay at the next Pay-Per-View. Benoit and Booker T fought 6 matches in a row, on every show WCW had to offer, and were tied at 3-3 when the crucial 7th match took place on a Nitro. The match was marred, though, by an appearence from Bret Hart, who was trying to recruit his fellow Canadian into the nWo. Hart hit Booker T with a chair to help Benoit win, but Benoit wouldn't make the pin, instead telling the referee what had happened and getting himself DQ'ed. Booker T later arranged for there to be a final match between the two at Bash at the Beach '97, making the final decision on the #1 Contender. In a great match, Booker T came out victorious, and Benoit moved on.

In 1998, Benoit, along with Malenko and Steve "Mongo" McMichael, began an effort to reform the Horsemen, pleading with the retired Arn Anderson to bring them back together. During this time, Benoit injured his arm, staying out of action for the next few months and only appearing to try and change Anderson's mind. In September '98, it all paid off, as Benoit, Malenko, and McMichael were joined by a returning Ric Flair, renewing the IV Horsemen. Benoit would return to action the next month, but the elbow still bothered him, keeping him from any long-term feuds. He did battle against Bret Hart, Raven, Kanyon, and a few others during the rest of '98, but mainly stayed with the Horsemen against the nWo.

1999

In February '99, Benoit & Malenko entered the WCW Tag-Team Title Double Elimination Tournament, winning various matches over tough opposition to move up in the rankings. They did take a loss to Curt Hennig & Barry Windham, though, hurting their chances. The two Horsemen continued fighting, though, moving to the Finals at Superbrawl IX after defeating Bryan Adams & Horace Hogan in a Steel Cage match. During the fight, Benoit hit an amazing Flying Headbutt from the top of the cage. This allowed Malenko to make the pin. In the finals, Benoit & Malenko got a win over Hennig & Windham, but then lost the second fight, which won the titles for their opponents.

Benoit and Malenko continued taking the fight to Hennig and Windham, however, and, with help from Arn Anderson, won the Tag-Team Titles from the two at Uncensored '99 in a Lumberjack with Straps match. By this time, the IV Horsemen had begun their transformation back into a heel organization. Benoit and Malenko became more violent, attacking other wrestlers. At the end of March '99, the two began a feud with Raven & Saturn, which cost them the tag-team titles when Raven used his Evenflow DDT on Malenko, allowing Rey Mysterio Jr and Kidman to claim the titles. Benoit & Malenko met Raven & Saturn at Spring Stampede '99 where, after help from Anderson once again, they came out with the victory. They then declared war on both Raven/Saturn and Mysterio/Kidman, wrestling them for the next few weeks. In a 3-Way Tag Team Title Match at Slamboree '99, the three teams faced off. Due to Kanyon's interference, however, Raven and Saturn came out on top with the belts.

A few weeks into June '99, Benoit and Dean Malenko surprised many, leaving the Horsemen and Ric Flair and teaming instead with the Youth Movement. Benoit began wrestling Flair and his allies, fighting against the toughest opponents around. Since Diamond Dallas Page and Bam-Bam Bigelow were with Flair, Benoit teamed with Saturn to win the tag-team titles. Unfortunately, they only held the belts for a few days before losing them to DDP and Kanyon at The Great American Bash '99. Saturn and Benoit stayed unified as a tag-team, though, continuing to fight the Triad as well as Flair and his friends.

At Bash at the Beach '99, Saturn and Benoit challenged the Triad (DDP, Bigelow, and Kanyon) for the tag belts. But the three-on-two advantage was too great, as Saturn was hit by a Diamond Cutter-Ashbury Park combination and pinned. This did not deter the two wrestlers, however, as they joined with Dean Malenko and Shane Douglas to form the Revolution. In August '99, Benoit began a minor feud with his former nemesis/ally, Diamond Dallas Page. They became scheduled to face each other at the next PPV. However, before that occured, Benoit was given his biggest shot yet. When Dusty Rhodes took over the Committee job, he signed David Flair to defend the US Title against Benoit at a Nitro. Benoit took advantage of the match, seriously beating down Flair and bringing the glory back to the United States Title, Benoit's biggest belt so far in WCW.

Going into Road Wild '99, Benoit and DDP's match took on new meaning with the US Title belt involved. After a furious match that later included the other members of the Triad, Benoit retained the US belt with the Diving Headbutt. Benoit and the Revolution then began a major feud with Sid Vicious and Rick Steiner. This was not Benoit's only concern, though, as at an August Nitro, he competed in a Battle Royal to decide a Heavyweight contender. Benoit and Malenko were the last in the ring, but it was broken up by Vicious, who was scheduled to face Benoit that Sunday at Fall Brawl '99.

During the Fall Brawl match, Benoit used the Crippler Crossface, but somehow Sid escaped it, then was able to win over Benoit to take the US Title. Benoit claimed at the next Nitro that Sid tapped out, but this did not change the outcome of the match. Benoit then faced Malenko in a rematch, and defeated him, with the rest of the Revolution standing guard. Benoit was supposed to get a title shot that night, but instead fought Rick Steiner for the Television belt. Benoit took it in stride, defeating Steiner and getting another title right after losing the US belt.

On October 4th, at a Monday Nitro, Benoit had a historic match with Bret "Hitman" Hart. The two men dedicated their bout to Owen Hart, Bret's brother, who had been killed in a tragic wrestling accident earlier in the year. Benoit and Hart both put on their best moves, with the fans behind both stars. In the end, Hart won the match, but both men were winners that night, as they shook each other's hand afterwards. The emotion in both wrestlers was very obvious to see. It was a very moving time.

After the tribute, though, Benoit began having problems with the Revolution, as they questioned his heart. Benoit had started teaming with Hart against Rick Steiner and Lex Luger. In a confrontation between Benoit at the rest of the Revolution members, Benoit announced that the Hart family had made him, not the Revolution. He then took off his Revolution shirt and left the ring. Benoit continued his feud with Rick Steiner, and the two again clashed for the Television Title, this time at Halloween Havoc '99. In the end, Steiner got an unclean victory and left with the belt, after Dean Malenko interfered, attacking Benoit. This started a personal feud between Benoit and the Revolution, which would go on and off for the next few months.

In November '99, it was announced that, since Sting had struck an official, the World Heavyweight Title was vacant. A WCW World Title Tournament was held throughout the end of October and into November, leading to the PPV WCW Mayhem. Benoit acquited himself well, throwing himself into the main event picture. In the tournament, Benoit defeated Dean Malenko, Madusa, and Scott Hall before going to the semi-finals at Mayhem. In the match, Benoit and Jeff Jarrett fought a great match, with Benoit coming out on top after knocking out Jarrett with his own guitar. This sent Benoit to the finals against fellow Canadian Bret "Hitman" Hart. The two men had another great match, with some interference from Dean Malenko and the Outsiders. Benoit managed the Crippler Crossface at one point, but Hart was able to reverse it into the Sharpshooter. Hart got the victory and the World Title, leaving Benoit close, but no cigar.

In December, Benoit fought with the Outsiders, Hall & Nash, & Jeff Jarrett, the man he had beaten in the semi-finals of the tournament. Benoit teamed with Bret Hart for most of the month against the trio, as well as against Sid Vicious & Bill Goldberg. Benoit had a short feud with the US Champion, Scott Hall, with the two being scheduled to fight in a Ladder match at Starrcade '99. However, Hall was forced to forfeit due to injury, and the belt was given to Benoit. Benoit refused to win that way, though, and instead fought Jarrett for the vacated title at the PPV. It was another great match, with Benoit climbing the ladder and getting the US strap for the second time. The joy was short-lived. The next Nitro, Jarrett and Benoit had a return match. This time Jarrett's henchmen were ready, rigging one of the ladders to break apart when Benoit climbed it. This allowed Jarrett to recover and take out Benoit, climbing a different ladder to get the gold.

2000

Benoit, with Sid Vicious, feuded with Jarrett and the rest of the nWo for the next few weeks. Benoit was supposed to face Jarrett for the US Title at Souled Out, but better things were scheduled for Benoit. It was announced that Bret Hart, due to injury, would be vacating the World Title. This time, Benoit did not waste his chance. He defeated his old friend/foe Sid Vicious at Souled Out '00, winning his first WCW World Championship. Even with being given the top belt in the field, though, Benoit wasn't satisfied. He left WCW the next day, and headed for the WWF. The decision at Souled Out was reversed, making Benoit a one-day WCW World Champion.

WWF

Benoit entered the WWF with former WCW wrestlers Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn, and Eddy Guerrero at the end of January '00. The group became known as the Radicalz. After forcing their way onto the show, apparently without contracts, they earned their way into the WWF, with the help of Cactus Jack (Mick Foley). Unfortunately, after they got their contracts from Hunter Hearst Helmsley, they turned on Cactus, becoming a heel group partially aligned with Degeneration-X. This led to a feud with Rikishi Phatu and the tag-team Too Cool. Benoit, Saturn, and Malenko met Rikishi and Too Cool at No Way Out '00 (Guerrero was injured), with the Too Cool team getting the win. Not long afterwards, Benoit and the Radicalz began to drift apart, as Benoit moved into the singles brackets.

As the rest of the Radicals worked to settle their differences in the ring and outside of it, Benoit went on his own, showcasing the skills that made him a star in WCW. Benoit soon became a mega heel in the face of the fans, as he battled against Chris Jericho and other wrestlers in the WWF. Benoit also had a few main event matches, including a Cage match against the Rock. Benoit started concentrating on Jericho and the Intercontinental and European Champion, Kurt Angle. The three wrestlers met in a Two Falls match for both belts at Wrestlemania 2000. Benoit surprised many by making the first pinfall, covering Jericho and walking out with the Intercontinental strap, his first WWF gold. Jericho, however, won the second fall, taking out Benoit to earn the European Title.

Jericho and Benoit continued to fight it out all across America, usually to the thrill of the fans. Benoit also teamed some with his former allies with the Radicalz, apparently keeping some ties with them. Benoit & Jericho met up at Backlash '00 in a great match, with both men using their submission finishers. In the end, Benoit tried the Swandive, but Jericho put the IC Title up as Benoit fell, causing Benoit to land on it. This caused the DQ win for Benoit. A few days later, Benoit fought a rematch with Jericho. During the match, Benoit became angry with the referee, whom he thought wasn't doing a quick enough count. He shoved the ref out of the ring. This gave Jericho an opening, and he used it, knocking out Benoit with the gold. Jericho then got a Moonsault and made the pin, defeating Benoit and leaving with the Intercontinental Title. A few days later, Benoit & Jericho clashed again, this time with Hunter Hearst Helmsley as the special guest referee. With HHH's help, Benoit got the victory and the IC Title back.

A few days before Benoit and Jericho were scheduled to face off at the PPV, Benoit was viciously attacked by Hardcore Holly, injuring his knee. Benoit wore a knee brace for the next few weeks. Benoit still met Jericho at Judgment Day '00 in an I Quit Match for the Intercontinental Title. Benoit came out on top after putting on the Crippler Crossface for the third time, making Jericho pass out. Benoit had a short feud with Hardcore Holly for the next month, as well as continuing problems with Jericho, leading up to King of the Ring '00. Benoit defeated X-Pac in the Qualifying round to get to the PPV tournament. The Smackdown before the King of the Ring, Benoit took on Rikishi, the wrestler he would face in the Quarterfinals. Surprisingly, Rikishi got his Banzai Drop and won both the match and the Intercontinental Title.

At The King of the Ring '00, an infuriated Benoit faced off against Rikishi again. At one point, Benoit got on the Crippler Crossface, but Rikishi was able to escape. The Crippler then lost control, attacking Rikishi with a steel chair. Benoit was DQ'ed and out of the tournament, but he didn't seem to care, using everything he had to injure the big wrestler. Benoit and Rikishi would feud for a few weeks, with no real deciding factor between them. Benoit then moved onto bigger game, joining with Shane McMahon and Edge & Christian against the Rock, Eddie Guerrero, Chyna, and others.

Soon, Benoit began challenging the Rock for his WWF World Title, and after repeated altercations, the match was granted. In the weeks leading up to the PPV, both wrestlers got in good attacks. Benoit used the Crippler Crossface on the Rock, while the Rock later hit the Rock Bottom on Benoit on a limo. At Fully Loaded '00, Benoit got his first WWF World Title shot. He gave the Rock all he could handle in the bout. At one point, the ref was knocked out by Shane McMahon. But the ref, believing that the Rock had hit him, declared Benoit the winner when he recovered. Benoit and McMahon rejoiced, since the belt could change hands on a DQ that night. But Commissioner Mick Foley came out and restarted the match, and the Rock eventually won out with the Rock Bottom, keeping the World belt.

The feud between the Crippler and the Rock continued for a few more weeks. On a Raw is War, Benoit and the Rock met up in a No DQ match for the World Title, with Shane McMahon helping Benoit constantly. Near the end, Benoit got the Rock in the Crippler Crossface, but was then attacked by Chris Jericho, who Powerbombed him on a chair. The Rock was then able to recover and get the Rock Bottom for the win. This reawakened the feud between Jericho and Benoit, with the two clashing on numerous occasions, usually denying the other a title victory. At Summerslam '00, they fought in a 2-out-of-3-Falls Match. Benoit forced Jericho to tap out to the Crippler Crossface for the first fall. The second one was won by the Walls of Jericho, tying the series. The match finally was concluded when Benoit rolled Jericho over and held onto the ropes, getting the third pin.

After defeating Jericho again, Benoit returned his sights to the top of the WWF, going after the Rock. This soon involved the Undertaker and Kane, both of whom thought they deserved to be the #1 Contender. The four men would feud for the next month, facing off against each other, leading up to Unforgiven '00, where they were booked in a Fatal Fourway World Title match. During the bout, Benoit managed a 3-count pin on the Undertaker, apparently winning the World Title. But just like before, the win was thrown out by Mick Foley, who claimed that the Undertaker's feet were in the ropes. This started the battle again, with Benoit first feeling the Undertaker's chokeslam, followed by the Rock Bottom, which got the Rock the victory. The Rock kept the title, while Benoit was once again denied.

At the next Raw, Benoit came and demanded a rematch against the Rock, since he had the win stolen from him. It was later signed for the main event. During the fight, Shane McMahon was accidentally knocked out by Benoit. Shane's sister, Stephanie, came down to the ring with Hunter Hearse Helmsley to check on him. After Benoit was shoved into HHH by the Rock, Helmsley attacked him, leaving him open for the Rock Bottom. This started a month-long feud between Benoit and Helmsley. Benoit also started going after Stephanie, Helmsley's wife. The two men fought at No Mercy '00, where a distraction from Stephanie allowed Triple H to get a low blow, followed by the Pedigree, sending Benoit down to defeat. Benoit and HHH's feud soon tapered off, when Benoit reunited with the Radicalz, Malenko, Saturn, and Guerrero, and instead turned his attention towards the reformed Degeneration-X.

At The Survivor Series '00, the Radicalz battled against Degeneration-X, consisting of Billy Gunn, Chyna, K-Kwik, and the Road Dogg. Saturn scored the first pinfall, eliminating Chyna. Degeneration-X tied it up a few minutes later, with Gunn defeating Guerrero. A minute later, though, Benoit was able to take care of K-Kwik, then Saturn scored another pin, getting rid of the Road Dogg. Although Gunn was able to eliminate Malenko, Benoit got the final laugh, pinning Gunn and 'surviving' along with Saturn. Benoit's feud with Gunn was not settled, though, and after a few weeks of skirmishes, they were signed to fight at Armageddon '00, with Gunn's Intercontinental Title on the line. Benoit managed to handle things without interference, getting the Crippler Crossface and walking out with the WWF IC strap for the third time.

2001

After a minor feud between the Radicalz and the Hardy Boys, Benoit again began fighting with Chris Jericho, his long-time WWF nemesis. The feud heated up when Benoit began bringing a ladder to the ring, saying that he wanted to end the feud with Jericho in a Ladder match. At The '01 Royal Rumble, the match took place between the two wrestlers. Benoit did get the Crippler Crossface on Jericho, but a submission doesn't count in a ladder match. After a long fight, Jericho managed to get up the ladder and get the gold, winning the match. After the PPV, Benoit entered a short feud with the Big Show, then went back after "his" Intercontinental Title.

A massive feud developed between Benoit, Jericho, Eddie Guerrero (who had had various problems with Benoit), and X-Pac. The four met for the Intercontinental Title at No Way Out '01. At first, Benoit & Guerrero worked as a team against Jericho and X-Pac. The unity soon broke down, though, with all four men fighting hard for the belt. Benoit nearly got the win at one point, after X-Pac's ally Justin Credible interfered, hitting Jericho. In the end, Benoit was knocked down by X-Pac's Spinning Heel Kick. While X-Pac celebrated, Jericho rolled him up for the victory, retaining the title.

Benoit's next major feud was with Kurt Angle, a man he had faced before. Benoit and Angle began calling each other out, and at one point, Benoit made Angle submit to the Crippler Crossface, the first time Angle had ever submitted. Angle later continued to claim to his friends that he hadn't submitted, almost desperate for it to be the truth. Angle later got revenge with his Ankle submission hold, forcing Benoit to tap the mat. At Wrestlemania XVII, the two fought it out, in a very scientific match that featured numerous submission holds. Benoit tried to win with the Swandive Headbutt, but only got a 2 count. In the end, Angle got a low blow, then rolled Benoit up to get the victory, clutching at the tights.

The next night on Raw, Jericho was getting double-teamed by Angle & Steven Regal. Benoit surprisingly came out, clearing the ring, saving his old arch-rival. Benoit & Jericho then stared at each other for a long period, before Jericho left the ring. The next Smackdown, Benoit was forced to fight both Regal & Ankle, and despite some great maneuvers, was finally overwhelmed and put in both the Regal Stretch and the Ankle Lock. With two submission holds applied, Benoit was forced to submit. After the match, Angle refused to release his hold, until Jericho came to Benoit's aid. Once again, Benoit & Jericho had a staredown. The aid the two men were showing each other caused concern in Commissioner Regal, who decided to make the two men fight each other at the next Raw. Regal also came out as the special referee, to prolong the match as long as possible. It backfired on the Commissioner, though, when both Benoit & Jericho snapped, pounding on him and locking on the Crippler Crossface and the Walls of Jericho at the same time.

At the next Smackdown, Regal made them pay, putting them in a four-on-two match against himself, Angle, & the tag-team champions, Edge & Christian. Benoit & Jericho worked great as a team against the odds, and both used their finishers at least twice during the match. But the numbers were too much, as Angle got the Olympic slam on Jericho, ending the match. Benoit & Jericho weren't done, though, locking Regal & Angle in their respective submission holds. Regal & Angle continued to work on breaking down Benoit & Jericho, though, getting them into a Tables match with the Dudley Boyz. Thanks to Angle's interference, Benoit went through the table, costing Benoit a tooth. At the next Smackdown, it was announced that Benoit and Angle would be facing off once again at Backlash '01, in a 30-minute Submissions Match, where the winner would be the one with the most submission falls. Angle tried to put on a Submission Expedition that night, with some unknown wrestlers, but Benoit broke it up and again got the Crossface on him, forcing Angle to tap out.

At Backlash '01, Benoit & Angle faced off in a "30 Minute Ultimate Submission" match to try and settle things between them. The winner of the match would be the ones with the most submissions after 30 minutes, with a 30-second rest period between them. The first fall was had by Angle, putting on a leglock and forcing Benoit to tap. But Benoit came right back, getting a cross-arm breaker, and evening the series. Angle later used a steel chair, knocking Benoit out long enough to get on his Ankle lock. Angle then continued to attack, ignoring the 30-second rule, then got the Crippler Crossface on Benoit to make it 3-1. Angle continued to dominate for the next few minutes, but Benoit fought back, getting a half-crab to force another submission. After more furious fighting, Benoit answered Angle's earlier insult, using the Ankle Lock to score the tying submission, bringing it to 3-3. With time running out, Angle twisted Benoit around and got him in the Ankle Lock, but Benoit held on until time expired, only tapping after the bell rang. This meant that the submission didn't count. The ref then declared that the match went into Sudden Death. Angle tried to keep the advantage, but Benoit managed to reverse a mat submission hold into the Crippler Crossface, getting the seventh and deciding submission to gain the victory.

At the next Raw, Angle came out, complaining about the match and calling Benoit a cheater. He claimed that, under Olympic rules, Sudden Death begins right after the time runs out, and since Benoit tapped, he should have won. He also said that Benoit will never know the sensation of being a gold medalist, of receiving the gold on the podium after winning. Benoit then made his way out, and agreed with Angle on part of what he had said. He said that Angle had become a legend for winning the gold, but despite all of his accomplishments, Benoit beat him, and there was nothing that would change that. Angle then attacked Benoit, but Benoit came back, tossing Angle headfirst over the ropes. With Angle trying to recover on the outside, Benoit picked up his gold medals and left. For the next few weeks, Benoit showed off the medals to Angle. He tried to use them for food at WWF New York, asking if the waiter took 'gold'. He also kept the medals in his pants, tarnishing them. Benoit & Angle met once again at WWF Insurrextion '01, the England PPV in May, with Benoit winning a 3 Falls match and keeping the medals.

As time progressed, Angle enlisted Edge & Christian to help him get his medals back. E & C then cornered Benoit at a show, saying that they needed the gold back to stop Angle from whining. They double-teamed the Crippler, but Chris Jericho came to his aid, allowing Benoit & Jericho to win out in the brawl. Eventually, another 3 Falls match was signed between Benoit & Angle, with the gold medals on the line. The two wrestlers faced off at Judgment Day '01, with three different rules for each fall. The first one was regular pinfall, and saw Angle using Benoit's own moves against him, hitting muliple German suplexes. But Angle messed up the Headbutt, missing when Benoit rolled out of the way. Benoit then got the Angle Slam on the Olympic Hero, allowing him to get the pin and the first fall. The next round was an I Quit match, and Benoit quickly locked on the Crossface, only to have Angle reach the ropes. After repeated attempts by both wrestlers, Angle eventually got the Ankle Lock on Benoit, forcing him to give up and making it even at one fall apiece.

The final fall was listed as a Ladder Match, with the gold medals dangling from the ceiling. Angle had the early advantage, with Benoit still down, but the ladder he chose was too small to reach the medals. Benoit then recovered and attacked, knocking him off the ladder. Both wrestlers used the ladder to their advantage as the match went on, landing some devestating shots with the weapon. In the end, Benoit seemed to have it won, when he got Angle in the Crippler Crossface, weakening him. But Edge & Christian came out and pulled Benoit out of the ring, double-teaming him. Although Benoit was able to fight off the double-team, Angle recovered and climbed the ladder, grabbing the medals and winning the match. Benoit finished off Edge & Christian, then entered the ring, grabbing the ladder, which Angle was still on, and shoving it over, sending Angle onto the top rope. Still, Angle won the night, reclaiming his gold and leaving Benoit, medal-less, in the ring.

Later that night, Jericho was scheduled to compete in the Tag-Team Turmoil match, which would determine the #1 Contender for the WWF Tag-Team Titles. Jericho's partner was unknown, with Jericho claiming that he would be a real party 'animal'. After multiple teams had been eliminated, X-Factor (Justin Credible & X-Pac) waited in the ring for Jericho and his partner, who was quickly revealed as Benoit. The two partners quickly dominated the X-Factor, even after Albert tried to interfere on behalf of his stable. Benoit & Jericho double-suplexed Albert, then put their respective submission holds on Credible & X-Pac to force the submission and move on to the final match of the Tag-Team Turmoil battle, against Edge & Christian. The two tag-teams battled back and forth, with neither team keeping the advantage for long. Chairs later came into play, as Edge & Christian went for their Con-Chair-To on Benoit. But Jericho stopped it, which allowed Benoit to get Christian in the Crippler Crossface for the submission victory, earning Benoit & Jericho a tag-team title shot the next night on Raw against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin & Hunter Hearst Helmsley.

During the night, Benoit & Jericho were pictured talking together, with Benoit reminding his partner of all they've been through in their careers together. He mentioned Stu Hart's Dungeon, Japan, Mexico, and even "down south", a thinly veiled reference to WCW. They then came out to take their shot at the tag-team champions. The match flowed back and forth, with the heels using any tactics to survive. Early on, Benoit got the Crossface on Austin, but had it broken up after a chair shot from Helmsley. The heels then dominated Benoit for a time, but he finally made the hot tag to Jericho, who managed to take down Austin and get the Walls of Jericho. The hold was again broken up by Triple H. Chaos took over, with Jericho putting HHH in the Walls of Jericho on the announce table, while Benoit hit the Headbutt in the ring on Austin. In the end, after Triple H accidentally hit Austin with his sledgehammer, Benoit took care of HHH, while Jericho hit the Lion Sault and made the cover, winning the tag-team titles for the faces.

At the next Smackdown, in retribution for the loss, Vince McMahon arranged for Benoit & Jericho to defend the tag-team belts against the Hardy Boyz, the Dudleyz, and Edge & Christian in the third installment of the Tables-Ladders-Chairs matches. It was a spotfest, featuring all sorts of painful maneuvers, mainly featuring the ladders that were set up in the ring. At one point, Benoit tried to dive off the turnbuckle with his headbutt into Matt Hardy. Hardy moved, however, and Benoit took the full brunt of the shot into the table, knocking himself out. One of the announcers, Tazz, left the broadcast location and checked on him, then called for help, and Benoit was stretchered out, leaving Jericho to fight on alone. After more spectacular maneuvers left the other seven wrestlers in various conditions in and out of the ring, Benoit returned, grimacing from the pain in his ribs. He went for the gold (hanging from a ladder), but was stopped by Edge, who, with his partner Christian, delivered a ConChairTo to Benoit's ribs, injuring him more. Benoit then stayed down as the rest battled furiously for the gold. After Edge speared Jericho from the ladders, though, Benoit returned once more, pulling himself painfully up the ladder and grabbing the gold before anyone could muster enough energy to stop him. This allowed Benoit & Jericho to retain the titles, keeping them the dominant tag-team in the WWF.

At the next Raw, both Benoit and Jericho came out and demanded a shot against the World Champion, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Vince McMahon, however, had other plans, putting Benoit in a match against Rhyno, while Jericho took on the Hardcore Champion, the Big Show. McMahon then said that he would decide, due to the matches, which wrestler would get a shot. Benoit handily defeated Rhyno with the Crippler Crossface, despite his taped-up ribs, and although Jericho did beat the Big Show and (briefly) become the Hardcore Champ, McMahon gave the title shot to Benoit. During the match-up, McMahon constantly interfered, trying to help his man win. Benoit got the Crippler Crossface on Austin, but McMahon pulled out the referee, Earl Hebner, who then shoved McMahon back and re-entered the ring. Benoit also got lots of cheers when he applied the Sharpshooter, with the Calgary fans in attendance recognizing the significance. Unfortunately for Benoit, McMahon saw it as well, and when Austin applied a version of the Crippler Crossface, McMahon immediately told them to ring the bell, giving Austin the win via submission. Afterwards, Austin gave the Stunner to the referee, but then he and McMahon were attacked by both Benoit and Jericho. Both put on their subsequent submission holds as the show ended, showing that they're still in the World Title hunt.

At the next Smackdown, Benoit gained another World Title shot against Austin, who basically demanded the chance for the rematch. The two had another epic war, with Benoit shocking nearly everyone by landing TEN german suplexes in a row on Austin, an unbelievable amount of punishment. Once again, though, Vince McMahon interfered just enough to allow Austin to recover, rolling up Benoit for the cheap victory. Once again, Benoit was denied the belt. The next Raw, as punishment for the beatings he put on both Austin & McMahon, Benoit had to battle the 7-foot-plus Big Show. Despite being caught by the throat while trying the flying headbutt, Benoit was able to get the Crippler Crossface on the 'giant', making him submit.

Benoit & Jericho next had to defend the Tag-Team Titles against Austin & McMahon at Smackdown. However, they had the odds against them, since they first had a non-title match with the APA. The champs managed to get by, though, after Jericho got his Lionsault on Farooq. "Commissioner" Regal continued to make things hard for Benoit & Jericho, though, putting them in another "warm-up" match against the Big Show & Rhyno. Benoit & Jericho again got past, this time winning via DQ after Rhyno used a chair on the wrestlers. With both men hurt, Regal immediately had the 'main event' start, bringing down Austin & McMahon, who dominated a good portion of the match. Austin even got stunners on both wrestlers. But in the end, a distracted Austin was rolled up by Benoit, who got the pinfall, allowing them to retain the belts.

The next week brought with it a big announcement, as, due to manipulations from CEO Linda McMahon and "Mankind" Mick Foley, the main event of the King of the Ring '01 PPV was made. It would be a Triple Threat match, between Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, & Steve Austin for the World Title! Benoit had other things to worry about that night, though, as he had been put into the main event match against Kurt Angle in a Steel Cage. The two wrestlers earned the ratings with their battle, with many impressive maneuvers, showing how well they knew each other. Angle, at one point, tried a moonsault off the top of the cage, luckily missing when Benoit got out of the way. Benoit later climbed to the top and seemed to be about to escape, when Austin, who was sitting at the announcing table, got up and grabbed a steel chair, waiting for him. Benoit then changed his direction, looking back at the downed Angle and leaping off with the Flying Swandive, smashing his head into Angle's chest from a great height! But Benoit was later ko'ed by Austin while trying to escape through the cage door, allowing Angle to climb up the other side and get out, winning the match. Benoit was then savagely beaten by Austin with a chair.

The wars between the Chris Canadian Connection and Austin continued in the next week, as Benoit & Jericho saved Molly Holly, Spike Dudley's girlfriend, from an Austin beatdown after Austin had defeated Spike in a Smackdown match. The next week, Benoit, Jericho, & Spike took on Austin & the Dudley Boyz in a 6-man tag, a brutal affair that ended with Austin getting put in both the Crippler Crossface and the Walls of Jericho! The referee, Earl Hebner, kept Austin in pain, tapping, for some time before calling for the bell, giving the win to the faces. On the next Smackdown, though, Austin claimed revenge during the Benoit/Jericho Tag-Team Title match against the Dudley Boyz. Benoit had the Crippler Crossface on Buh Buh, but since the ref was down, Austin was able to come in and knock out Benoit with the World Title, allowing the Dudleyz to win and take away the Tag-Team Titles. This added more fuel to the fire, leading up to King of the Ring '01.

At the PPV, the odds seemed to be in the corner of Benoit & Jericho. A rumor was announced that if Benoit or Jericho won, the World Title would be taken to the WCW camp. Both Benoit & Jericho neither confirmed or denied the rumor. The Triple Threat World Title match-up began with the two men double-teaming Austin, who was distracted since Vince McMahon wasn't there. But when Jericho accidentally hit Benoit, the alliance broke down, making it every man for himself. During the match, Benoit & Jericho realigned to put their double submission combo on Austin, making him tap. But the ref declared that only one man could win, keeping the match going. The WCW World Champion, Booker T, interfered, hitting the Bookend on Austin. Benoit and Jericho then went at it, exchanging multiple 2 counts. Jericho then superplexed Benoit off the turnbuckle, which allowed Austin to slip back in and pin Benoit, winning the match and retaining the World Title. It was later announced that Benoit was injured during the match, and was out of action. However, this was planned, as Benoit went under the knife with neck surgery in June '01.

WWE Raw: 2002

In March '02, a Brand Extension of WWE (as it was now named) was announced, with Ric Flair in charge of Raw, while Vince McMahon took over Smackdown. A draft of the wrestling superstars was put together, with both Flair and McMahon choosing the wrestlers they wanted on their shows. Surprisingly, McMahon used one of his picks on Benoit, who hadn't been seen in almost a year. This wouldn't change for a few more months, as Benoit was still healing and regaining strength in his neck. Still, it proved that McMahon and the rest of WWE were still ready to bring back the Rabid Wolverine.

On the May 27th Raw, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Benoit walked out at the beginning of the show, to the cheers of his hometown fans. Benoit said that, although he was drafted for Smackdown, he wasn't going to miss a chance to be in front of the fans, even if he still had a few weeks to go before coming back to the ring. Benoit was interrupted, though, by Eddie Guerrero, his former Radicalz teammate. Guerrero bragged about how he was the only talented member from their stable, and that he had the IC Title to prove it. Benoit shot back that he thought Rob Van Dam would take the title from Guerrero later in the night. Benoit & Guerrero got in each other's face, but were broken up by Ric Flair, the Raw General Manager, who ordered Benoit, a Smackdown star, to be taken out of the building. In the Ladder Match later that night, Guerrero lost the IC Title to Van Dam, just as Benoit predicted. Furious, Guerrero assaulted Van Dam, only to have Steve Austin run out to make the save. Flair & Arn Anderson ran out after him, but were surprisingly followed by Benoit, who looked to help Austin out. Instead, Benoit attacked Austin from behind, turning on the fans. Benoit & Guerrero then hugged as the night ended.

Benoit appeared with Guerrero & Flair in the ring the next week, talking about how he hated Austin, since Austin was the one who injured him a year before, putting him out of action. Austin then appeared on the big screen, attacking Arn Anderson. Since Benoit wasn't cleared to wrestle, and since Guerrero was already involved in a match, Austin demanded a fight against Flair, with his "Benched" status on the line. Stipulations were later added, with the winner getting the loser as his servant, as well as punches being declared illegal. Benoit tried to help Flair win, distracting the referee while Guerrero attacked Austin. But Austin came back to win with a Stone Cold Stunner, ending the match. Benoit seemed set to feud with Austin upon his return, but this didn't go down, as Austin walked away from the federation before the next Raw.

Another big change occured shortly thereafter, as Flair lost an "Ownership" Match to Vince McMahon, who gained control of both shows. Flair came out the next week and talked about how he had signed himself as a Raw wrestler right before he lost power, but he was interrupted by Guerrero, who complained about Flair "letting" Austin leave before Guerrero could fight him. Benoit came out after Guerrero and took Flair's side, flashing the 4 Horsemen signal. However, Benoit then turned on Flair as well, saying that now he won't have his chance to get revenge on Austin for the neck injury. Benoit & Guerrero teamed up on beating down Flair, before leaving together as a team. Guerrero would face Flair at King of the Ring '02, and Benoit tried hard to help him to victory, putting Flair in the Crippler Crossface at one point. But while the referee ordered Benoit to the back, Bubba Ray Dudley ran to the ring and took out Guerrero, allowing Flair to make the pin and get the victory.

On July 1, 2002, Benoit finally returned to the wrestling ring, teaming up with Guerrero against Bubba Ray & Spike Dudley. The Dudleys won the match when Bubba Ray hit the Bubba Bomb on Guerrero, but after the match, Benoit got some revenge, throwing Spike over the top rope and through a table. Benoit then applied the Crippler Crossface to Bubba Ray, even as Guerrero dropped the Frog Splash on Bubba Ray's back. The next week, Benoit helped Guerrero beat down on Booker T & Goldust after a match. Bubba Ray & Spike Dudley ran out for the save, though, nailing Benoit with a chair. Benoit faced Bubba Ray later that night, and with some help from Guerrero, forced him to tap out to the Crossface. The animosity in the building arranged for a major 10-man tag-team match to take place at the end of the night, with Benoit, Guerrero, Kevin Nash, X-Pac & the Big Show facing off against Booker T, Goldust, Bubba Ray, Spike & Rob Van Dam. Despite Nash injuring his knee during the match (he would need surgery), Benoit's team won, when Shawn Michaels entered and hit some Sweet Chin Music on Booker T, which was quickly followed by the Big Show's chokeslam for the win.

On the next Raw, Benoit & Guerrero teamed up with William Regal in an "Elimination" Match against Jeff Hardy, Bubba Ray & Spike Dudley. Spike went first, being rolled up by Guerrero. Later on, when Regal went to hit Hardy with the European Title, Bubba Ray intercepted him, taking the title and hitting Regal instead. Unfortunately for him, the referee saw it, DQ'ing Bubba and leaving Hardy in a 3-on-1 situation. Hardy quickly eliminated the unconscious Regal with the Swanton Bomb, though, and later rolled up Guerrero, fighting to survive. But after Regal clocked Hardy with brass knuckles, Benoit put on the Crippler Crossface, winning the match when Hardy, unconscious, didn't respond. Benoit & Guerrero tried to put Hardy through a table after the match, but Spike & Bubba Ray made the save.

At Vengeance '02, Benoit & Guerrero were put in a "Tables Elimination" Match against Bubba Ray & Spike Dudley. There were a lot of good spots, including Bubba Ray tackling Spike to keep him from being thrown into a table. At one point, Benoit got the Crippler Crossface on Spike, but he couldn't be eliminated that way. The first one eliminated was Guerrero, with Spike putting him through a table on the outside with the Dudley Dog. This put the odds against Benoit, but he evened things up by tossing Spike over the top rope and through a table. Benoit then brawled with Bubba Ray, but he couldn't finish him off, as Bubba Ray reversed a German suplex into a Bubba Bomb through a table for the victory.

A day later, Benoit was put in a "#1 Contenders" Match for the Intercontinental Title against Booker T. An excellent match took place, with Benoit winning via the Crossface, setting him up to face Rob Van Dam the next week. Their match on Raw was another thriller, with Van Dam getting out of the Crossface not once but twice. But Benoit later used the ropes, getting a roll-up pinfall for the victory, winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship. With the win, Benoit seemed happy on Raw. But Benoit & Guerrero turned their backs on Eric Bischoff at the beginning of August '02, when they surprisingly appeared on Stephanie McMahon's Smackdown to wrestle against Edge & the Rock (with an irate Bischoff escorted from the building by security). Thanks to Brock Lesnar distracting the Rock, Benoit got on the Crippler Crossface, actually forcing the Rock to tap and continuing his major winning streak.

WWE Smackdown

On the next Smackdown, during a match between Kurt Angle and John Cena, Benoit ran to the ring, putting the Crossface on Cena and causing the DQ. Rey Mysterio came out to make the save, only to be attacked himself by Eddie Guerrero. Edge then ran out to even things up, sending the heels from the ring. The six men fought in a tag match later in the show, which saw most of their finishing maneuvers, including a few German suplexes from Benoit on Edge. But the match was decided when Mysterio caught Angle with the 619 and the West Coast Pop, winning the match for his team. Benoit then started moving away from Guerrero, as he faced off against the World Champion, the Rock, the next week. Despite getting on the Crossface (thanks again to a Brock Lesnar distraction), Benoit fell to the Rock Bottom, losing the match.

At Summerslam '02, Benoit was put into a match against Raw star Rob Van Dam, in a long-awaited rematch for the Intercontinental Title. After an early flurry from Van Dam, Benoit began to dominate, using many different holds to wear down his opponent. Van Dam seemed ready to come back after Benoit missed his flying headbutt, but Benoit dodged the Five-Star Frog Splash and locked on the Crippler Crossface. Benoit would lock on the Crossface twice more during the match, but Van Dam continually got free from it, then reversed a superplex into a slam. Van Dam then climbed the turnbuckle and came off with his frog splash, winning the match and taking away the Intercontinental Title, with Benoit having no chance to regain it, due to them competing on separate shows.

Although Stephanie McMahon was angry at Benoit for losing the IC Title to Raw, she still placed him in the special #1 Contender's tournament series for the WWE Smackdown World Title. After Guerrero lost to Rikishi, Benoit ran in and helped Guerrero double-team him, with Edge making the save. Benoit later fought Rikishi in the tournament series, eliminating him with the Crippler Crossface. Benoit was then scheduled to face Kurt Angle in the finals of the tournament, but McMahon had other ideas, adding a stolen superstar from Raw to the mix: the Undertaker. Although Benoit worked hard in the match, having already wrestled before, the odds were against him, and he felt the Undertaker's Last Ride before being pinned, losing his shot at Brock Lesnar's title.

This caused more problems between Benoit and Angle, and matters weren't helped on the next show, when Angle was caught making fun of Benoit's Wolverine nickname. Benoit & Angle later teamed up with Guerrero against Rikishi, Edge & the Undertaker. During the match, Angle was given a Stinkface from Rikishi, which Benoit thought was hilarious. A furious Angle then attacked Benoit, and the two brawled to the back, unfortunately leaving Guerrero alone against 3 men. Not surprisingly, Guerrero was destroyed and pinned in short order. Benoit faced off with Rikishi in a match the next week, but Angle came down and interfered, causing the DQ, before holding Benoit's arms to get him a Stinkface as well. A laughing Angle left the arena, as Benoit angrily glared at him. Benoit would later demand a match against Angle at the next pay-per-view, which Stephanie McMahon granted him.

At Unforgiven '02, Benoit and Angle had another scientific masterpiece, as to be expected from the two great technical wrestlers. At one point, Angle applied the Ankle Lock submission hold, but Benoit was able to free himself. In a surprising ending, Benoit rolled Angle up, then used the ropes to get the leverage for the 1-2-3. On the next Smackdown, Angle demanded a rematch against Benoit, but instead McMahon made a match between Benoit, Angle & the hometown star of the show, Rey Mysterio. During the match, Angle landed the Olympic Slam on Benoit, only to be taken out by Mysterio. Mysterio then tried the pin on Benoit, but only got a 2 count. Mysterio later landed a double 619 on both competitors, showing his speed. Benoit did manage to get the Crippler Crossface on Angle, only to be taken out by Mysterio, who later got Benoit with the West Coast Pop for the victory.

The feud between Benoit and Angle continued the next week, as Benoit caused Angle to lose to Edge, while Angle cost Benoit his rematch with Rey Mysterio. A frustrated Stephanie McMahon then put them in the new Smackdown Tag-Team Title Tournament together, with the threat that, if they didn't work together, they'd both be suspended for a year. Although Benoit & Angle had some problems, they did manage to work together, beating John Cena & Billy Kidman in the first round. However, problems arose when Benoit's former friend, Eddie Guerrero (along with Chavo) told Benoit that Angle was looking to betray him. Later in the night, Chavo told Benoit that Angle was attacking Eddie. When Benoit ran into a room to make the save, though, Chavo locked the door behind him, as loud noises could be heard. Eddie Guerrero then appeared from the room, carrying a bent steel chair.

On the next Smackdown, Los Guerreros were scheduled to face Benoit & Angle in the semi-finals of the tournament. Eddie continued to blame Angle for the assault on Benoit the last week, while Angle accused the Guerreros. While there was obvious tension between Benoit & Angle during the match, Benoit knew the truth, and later nailed both Guerreros with steel chair shots while the referee was down, allowing Angle to catch Eddie with the Olympic Slam for the victory. This put Benoit & Angle in the finals of the tag tournament at No Mercy '03, against Rey Mysterio & Edge. The match was amazing, mostly thanks to the high-flying antics of Mysterio. In the end, though, Benoit & Angle shocked all the odds-makers once more, as Angle forced Edge to tap out to the Ankle Lock, winning them the first Smackdown Tag-Team Titles.

Also at the pay-per-view, Benoit & Angle got some revenge on Los Guerreros. Benoit told Eddie that Angle was attacking Chavo in a back room. Eddie, assuming that Benoit was tricking him, didn't fall for it. Unfortunately for Chavo, he WAS being taken out by Angle, without Eddie coming to his aid. Benoit & Angle's good humor only lasted a few days, though, as Stephanie McMahon presented them a trophy for winning the tournament on the next Smackdown. Both wrestlers wanted the trophy, and went to blows over it, accidentally knocking over Stephanie in the process. Stephanie immediately slapped the taste out of both men's mouths, then said that the two would wrestle later that night to see who gets the trophy. Surprisingly, Los Guerreros came out during the match, with Chavo hitting Angle with one of the tag titles to help Benoit win. Benoit appeared shocked at the Guerreros helping him, but before he could do anything, Angle attacked him, then destroyed the trophy, ensuring that neither man got it.

On the Halloween edition of Smackdown, Benoit faced off against Edge in the opening match. Benoit got the Crossface on Edge, only to be pulled out of the ring by Angle. Edge later came back to win the match with his spear, another big loss for Benoit. Benoit ran to the back to find Angle, but Angle hid under a Scream mask, allowing him to escape. Benoit did get revenge later on, however, hitting Angle with the title belt and making him lose to Eddie Guerrero. Angle ran to the back after Benoit, and attacked a man in a "Scream" outfit, but it turned out to be Brother Love. Benoit then appeared and went after Angle, with the two brawling all over the backstage area. It was becoming hard to believe that the two men were the tag-team champions.

A week later, Stephanie McMahon put Benoit & Angle in a tag-team title defense against Rey Mysterio & Edge, in a "Three Falls" Match. The first fall was decided by Edge, who got a Double Spear on both men, then helped Mysterio get his Bombs Away splash for the pinfall on Benoit. Angle took over for a while, as Benoit recuperated, but Benoit proved to be the major factor in the second fall, clocking Edge with one of the tag-team titles. Angle then got the Ankle Lock applied, forcing Edge to tap. The third and final fall went back and forth, but was nearly decided via controversy, as Mysterio rolled up Angle for a pinfall. Since Angle was grabbing the ropes, the match was restarted, giving Benoit & Angle another chance to win. But the team couldn't get it together, as Benoit accidentally hit Angle with the Flying Headbutt while trying to make the pinfall save. Edge then pinned Angle for the victory, taking away the tag-team titles.

Benoit and Angle each blamed the other for losing the tag titles the next week, and fought in the main event, with both Los Guerreros and Rey Mysterio & Edge watching, since the three teams would face off at the next pay-per-view, the Survivor Series. The match went back and forth as expected, and ended in a DQ, when the other teams rushed the ring. A massive brawl broke out, with Benoit & Angle working together to clear the ring. Angle then hugged Benoit, leaving a shocked Wolverine standing in the ring. The good will continued until the '02 Survivor Series, when Benoit & Angle tried to regain the tag-team titles. Unfortunately, the two men couldn't get along, making them the first team eliminated. Los Guerreros went on to win the tag-team titles from Mysterio & Edge.

Benoit and Angle each faced a Guerrero on the next Smackdown, with others banned from ringside. Benoit forced Chavo to tap to the Crossface, while Angle took out Eddie with the Olympic Slam. This led to Benoit & Angle getting another tag-team title shot against Los Guerreros during the Thanksgiving edition of Smackdown. Near the end, Angle hit his Olympic Slam on Eddie, which allowed Benoit to slap on the Crossface. However, Angle wanted to get the win, knocking Benoit away and going for the Ankle Lock. After a quick dispute, Benoit & Angle BOTH applied their finishing maneuvers, only to have Chavo break it up. The two lost the match when Chavo cheated, smacking Benoit with a title belt. Eddie then made the pin, keeping the gold away from Benoit & Angle.

On the first Smackdown of December '02, Benoit was placed into a #1 Contenders Match for the Smackdown World Title, against Angle, Eddie Guerrero and Edge. Edge's knee was taken out by Albert before the match (with a steel chair), but Edge competed anyway. After some fierce action, Benoit got the first elimination, forcing Guerrero to tap to the Crossface. However, Guerrero later got revenge, hitting Benoit with a title belt while the referee was down. This left Benoit easy pickings for Edge's spear, taking him out of the match. Benoit would continue to feud with the Guerreros for the next few weeks, teaming up once with Billy Kidman in a match against them.

Benoit faced off against Eddie in a singles match at Armageddon '02. The odds were against Benoit, as Chavo came to ringside with Eddie and constantly interfered. At one point, Eddie landed his Frog Splash, but Benoit surprisingly kicked out, frustrating the co-holder of the tag titles. Later on, while Eddie distracted the referee, Chavo hit Benoit with one of the belts. Still Benoit kicked out, causing Guerrero to blame the referee for a slow count. Guerrero's frustration later caught him, as Benoit reversed the Lasso from El Paso submission hold into his own Crippler Crossface, pulling Guerrero away from the ropes and forcing him to tap out, getting Benoit the victory.

On the next Smackdown, Benoit was given a non-title match against the new Smackdown Heavyweight Champ, Kurt Angle. Angle had turned heel during the night, joining Paul Heyman's clique. Benoit looked good in the match, landing 7 German suplexes in a row at one point. Benoit later got the flying headbutt, followed by the Crippler Crossface, but before Angle could tap, the Big Show rushed the ring, chokeslamming Benoit to end the match in a DQ. Brock Lesnar tried to make the save, but Angle & Show took him out as well as the night ended. On the next show, Benoit was placed in a #1 Contenders Match against the former champ, the Big Show. Benoit had many problems getting the giant down, as the Big Show continuously blocked the Crossface with his size. But Benoit had other tricks, landing the headbutt at one point, then later using an exposed turnbuckle to stun the Big Show. Benoit then got a roll-up pin and used the ropes, getting the victory and the title shot. After the match, Team Angle (Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas) rushed to the ring and attacked him, getting in some early shots for Angle.

2003

Benoit teamed with Edge on the first Smackdown of 2003, to face off against Team Angle. At the end, Benoit put Shelton Benjamin in the Crossface, while Edge speared Haas. Ho

~~debbydo~~ · Joined: 18 Jul 2005 Posts: 19959 Location: Hertfordshire

Blimey Fiona you talk to much .. :D
you have done a great job on the wrestlers well done!