The son of Chris Benoit was sat on the front row for this weekend’s AEW Collision show.
David Benoit, whose father before taking his own life in June 2007, has long been vocal about his passion for the wrestling business.
The Canadian was spotted at ringside during Saturday night’s broadcast from Calgary, Alberta, and shared a moment with CM Punk.
In the main event, legend Punk lost to Ricky Stark in the final of the second annual Owen Hart Tournament, and was seen embracing David on the front row after the match.
Coincidentally, Punk was actually due to face late wrestler Benoit for the vacant ECW World Championship on June 24, the night he took his own life after murdering his wife and son.
While some people pointed out how much David looks like his late dad, others were glad to see him enjoying himself at a show after the grief he’s been dealing with for the past 16 years.
One fan tweeted: ‘He did nothing wrong. He for the past 16 years had to live with the weight of his father that he loved taking the lives of his stepmom and brother. He deserves a chance in this world please give him chance and some respect.’
‘Poor guy. Had such a tragic life. Hope he’s enjoying himself,’ wrote another, while a third person said: ‘Let him be happy.’
And a fourth fan added: ‘I really wish this guy nothing but the best in life. I cannot imagine the trauma he goes through on a daily huge respects.’
In the past, David has been , despite facing criticism when he suggested he would like to adopt his dad’s name, ring gear and entrance music.
In a previous interview with Chris Van Vliet, he said: ‘I have his middle name. I can legally use it if I want to. Yeah [I would wrestle as Chris Benoit Jr]. I think that would be cool. I got the tights with the claw.’
