In the new Netflix docuseries Mr. McMahon, WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin expressed skepticism about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, and its impact on professional wrestlers. The sixth episode of the series tackles CTE, focusing on the tragic case of wrestler Chris Benoit, who killed his wife and son before taking his own life in 2007. Benoit was later found to have CTE, which experts believe contributed to his violent actions and mental health struggles.
While discussing the subject, Austin didn’t directly address Benoit’s condition but cast doubt on the prevalence of CTE in wrestling. “I got dropped on my head one time, I got concussed there,” Austin said. “But other than that, I can’t remember having too many concussions in pro wrestling. My take has always been if you’re getting a lot of concussions, you’re probably doing something wrong. I’m not a CTE guy, just don’t believe in it.”
CTE has been a controversial issue in wrestling. In 2016, 53 wrestlers sued WWE over head injuries and the long-term effects of CTE. Though the lawsuit was dismissed in 2018, an appeal showed that several wrestlers who passed away were later diagnosed with the condition.
In the docuseries, Vince McMahon dismisses the notion that CTE or steroid use contributed to Benoit’s horrific actions. However, former wrestler and CTE advocate Christopher Nowinski strongly believes Benoit suffered from the disease, citing his use of the diving headbutt—a move that led to frequent head trauma.
CTE has raised alarm not just in wrestling but across other sports. The NFL has dealt with numerous cases, including former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez, who was convicted of murder in 2013 and posthumously diagnosed with CTE after his suicide in 2017. Similar cases have surfaced in boxing, ice hockey, rugby, and mixed martial arts
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