After some stints in Japan, ECW, and WCW Benoit was starting to lose the love he felt for wrestling. Since entering WWE in January of 2000, Benoit has once again regained the fire that once burned inside a wide-eyed teenager from Edmonton. Needless to say, the move to WWE was a wise one for Benoit and his skill in the ring has led to much success with the WWE. March 14, 2004, proved to be the biggest night of Chris Benoit's career. That was the night that all his dreaming as a teenager, training in Stu Hart's Dungeon, competing in Japan and putting up with the politics of WCW finally paid off.

       It was on this night that Chris Benoit became immortalized in the WWE, forcing Triple H to tap out to the Crippler Crossface, en route to capturing the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. Benoit was riding high from his success in WrestleMania when the WWE decided to come to our town. The venue for this event isn't the easiest to get autographs, so Sterling and I basically decided to sit this one out.

       July 30th came and the only plans either of us had was to get some sneak peak passes for the new film "Collateral". Before I left for the tickets I heard Chris Benoit on the radio and they said he would be signing autographs at "Hooters" at 11:00am.

       This was really bad timing because the movie tickets were also being handed out at 11:00am on a first come first serve basis. People were counting on me to save a place in line for them, so I had no choice but to head down there and wait in line. When Sterling arrived I told him about the autograph signing and he was mad because he had work. I figured I was already too late because these WWE lines usually are HUGE and that's not even considering the fact that Benoit at this time was the world champ. I finally got my tickets and thought I might as well give it a shot and headed to Hooters.

       Just as I had predicted there was a GIGANTIC line that started inside of the building and zigzagged all the way down the sidewalk. This is one of the longest lines I have ever seen, but I didn't come this far to go back home- so I got in line. The line was moving so slow, so I planned a back up plan. I noticed a limo parked on the side of the building and decided I would run over there if he stopped signing.

       The line inched closer and I kept watching the limo for any signs of prepping for a departure. The signing was only until Noon and it was nearing that time. The line was moving a little better and I was halfway there, but it finally struck Noon and I held my breath waiting for them to cut off the line.

       Then came some awesome news, Benoit didn't want to let down everyone and decided to stay an extra thirty minutes to try and take care of all the fans. I couldn't believe that he extended his time, what a nice guy. Every previous WWE autograph session that I have been to, the wrestlers have either left on time or even earlier.

       I never thought I would reach the doors of Hooters but it was finally my turn to go inside and meet "The Crippler". I was surprised yet again by this man because he was signing fan's items (most will only sign a WWE autograph sheet) and he was still taking pictures with fans!

       When I approached him I said the usual "fan" mumblings and he gave me full attention as if I was the first person in line and he hadn't heard this stuff all day long. I gave my camera to an assistant and I got a picture with him and he automatically signed an autograph sheet for me. He then took my WWE magazine (full of 'graphs) and added his autograph to that as well. I said my thanks and left really impressed with how great Benoit was to his fans.