WWE legend JBL opened up about one of the most haunting moments in wrestling history on the latest Something To Wrestle With podcast. The episode, centered on The Undertaker, veered into darker territory as JBL reflected on the hours leading up to the infamous Chris Benoit tribute show, which aired before the shocking details of the murder-suicide came to light.
JBL recalled a pivotal moment when he voiced his concerns to The Undertaker, questioning the narrative surrounding Benoits death. I started thinking, what if Chris did it? JBL said. I went to Taker and said, What if Chris did it? He just looked at me, and you could tell that the wheels were spinning. He said, We need to talk to Vince. I said, Yeah, we do.
The conversation quickly escalated, with The Undertaker enlisting none other than Stone Cold Steve Austin to address the matter with Vince McMahon. JBL described the tense scene in McMahons office: So me and Stone Cold and Taker went into Vinces office. It was late in the day. I said, Vince, what if Chris did it? Were about to do a tribute show for a guy who could have done a horrific thing.
According to JBL, Vince McMahon was visibly shaken and uncertainan extraordinarily rare sight for the WWE chairman. Ive never seen Vince like that. He didnt know what to do. He said, John, I think we have to go with what information we have now, and if it changes, well change.
JBL emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the immense pressure everyone faced as the grim reality began to unfold. McMahons eventual decision to air the tribute show, only to retract it as the horrifying details emerged, remains one of the most controversial moments in WWE history.
Should WWE have delayed the tribute show, or was Vince Mc Mahons decision the best option at the time? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
