Matt Hardy Thinks Chris Benoit Should Never Go Into WWE Hall Of Fame

On the latest episode of Extreme Life Of Matt Hardy, the TNA star talked about his belief that Chris Benoit can’t go into the WWE Hall of Fame, Owen Hart, and more.

Benoit of course murdered his family in 2007. WWE removed all references to Benoit from WWE’s programming and archives, and many people have weighed in on a Hall of Fame induction at some point with nearly everyone saying “no.” You can check out some highlights below:

On Benoit:

“I mean, he is one of the greatest pro wrestlers. And I say that more than — a lot of emphasis on pro wrestler, more than a sports entertainer. One of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time, no doubt about it. I worked with him many, many, many times on my own. I’ve seen him have incredible matches, have incredible moments.

“You can’t celebrate someone who murders his family, though. That’s what it all comes down to when it’s all said and done. Regardless of how great of a wrestler and performer he was, I mean — just the fact of the matter is, he had major issues. Mentally unwell, emotionally unwell, however he was altered. What he did was unforgivable, and it’s just something that can’t be celebrated. And I don’t think there’s anything that could justify celebrating that, or trying to make him seem special or rewarding him after that act. That act is — it is the end. Like, you do that and then you do have to be erased out of history as much as you have been. I mean, just because you can’t — morally, there’s just no excuse, it’s inexplicable. There’s no justification. It’s pure evil when it’s all said and done. And sure, he wasn’t in his right mind, he was f**ked up in many, many ways. But it can’t be justified in any way.”

On Owen Hart:

“All the circumstances around the whole incident are extremely terrible and unfortunate. But the first person that pops in my mind is Owen Hart, more than anybody else. And I understand why that is what it is. But I mean, he is just an amazing wrestler. He was so great, he was so good. He was a good human, and his death was so sad. And I understand why things haven’t happened, but I personally took a huge liking to him. And I had a huge level of respect for Owen, because I got to work with him. That’s kind of the first person that pops in my mind when we start talking about who should be in the Hall of Fame that isn’t.”

On Whether He Sees a Path to That Happening:

“It’s doubtful. It’s very doubtful. I mean, who knows? Things could change in the industry, in the business. But as of right now, very doubtful. And they’re (AEW) honoring him, which kudos to Tony Khan and AEW, because they are honoring Owen Hart in a way that he deserves to be honored. And that that’s kind of like his Hall of Fame thing, the way they have the whole Owen Cup and everything else. And the way his wife has been part of, AEW, and the children. Which, I love that for them, I love that Owen is being remembered, and his memory is staying alive because of AEW.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Extreme Life Of Matt Hardy with an h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.