he was the model for doing things the right way.
overcoming injuries. overcoming the perception that he was too small or too boring.
he was a guy who made his name as the consummate performer, the hard-working guy who came to the office everyday, worked harder than anyone, then taught those other guys how to be more like him.

this is a guy who every young wrestler wanted to be.

also...one of his best friends died tragically not long ago.
benoit was the guy leading the tributes to eddie guerrero.
he was involved in the tributes to owen hart.
he had witnessed so much in his career, and he stood above it.
he kept coming to work.

he SEEMED to stand above it.

but now.
fuck.