Michael Benoit, the father of former World Wrestling Enterainment star performer Chris Benoit, who killed himself and his family in 2007, came to Hartford today to speak out about the company and its former CEO, Linda McMahon.
Benoit urged voters to spurn McMahon's candidacy for U.S, Senate because, he says, the company she helped found and used to run has shown a complete disregard for the health and safety of its wrestlers. (Note: I have a call into WWE seeking a comment. In the past, the company has pointed to its extensive health and wellness policies as well a rigorous drug-testing program.)
In Benoit's view, McMahon's high-profile run for elective office has had one positive effect: It has shone a light on the business practices of WWE. Benoit says the company's performers are pushed to the brink by a grueling schedule, were abused in the ring by having metal chairs thrown at them and sometimes turn to prescription painkillers to blunt the residual effects of the injuries they receive.
"She's brought attention to herself and the industry,'' Benoit said during a 90-minute press conference at the Hilton Hotel in Hartford. He called for government regulation of the wrestling industry as a way to curb its excesses and abuses.
Benoit lives in Alberta, Canada; his visit to Connecticut was paid for by the campaign of Democrat Richard Blumenthal, McMahon's opponent.
Given the emphasis the Blumenthal campaign has placed on wrestler health in this campaign, what does he plan to do about it should he become the state's next U.S. Senator? Does he support state or federal regulation of the wrestling industry? Where does the issue stand on his list of legislative priorities?
As of 3 p.m. this afternoon, the campaign had not made Blumenthal available to address the issue directly, despite two requests.
However communication staffer Ty Matsdorf weighed in on the candidate's behalf. "It's clear there needs to be more regulation,'' he said. "What specifically that looks like, I don't know.''