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Chris Benoit(TM) victorious at WWE(TM) Backlash(R)

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit retains his title in front of
a hometown crowd at the first-ever WWE Pay-Per-View event in Edmonton!

EDMONTON, Apr 19, 2004 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --  In front of a
thrilled crowd at Edmonton's Rexall Place, World Wresting
Entertainment(TM)'s World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit, retained
the title that he claimed at WrestleMania(R) XX in New York City last
month. Benoit took on contenders Triple H(TM) and Shawn Michaels(TM)
in a dramatic Final Encounter Triple Threat match that closed the
Backlash Pay-Per-View. When asked for his comments, Benoit said: "I
was completely overwhelmed as I was coming down the ramp into the ring
tonight - the electricity in the air and cheers of support gave me the
adrenaline I needed to retain my Championship. I was proud that my
hand got raised in victory in front of my hometown crowd."

Backlash caps off an exciting week for Chris Benoit. Edmonton Mayor
Bill Smith declared April 18, 2004 to be Chris Benoit Day in Edmonton
at a City Hall ceremony that took place on April 16 and was attended
by hundreds of WWE fans. "I did not know what to expect this week,"
Benoit said, "but I do know that it felt great to be coming home as
the World Heavyweight Champion. This whole week has been a whirl-wind
for me."

The Backlash Pay-Per-View was broadcast around the world live from
Edmonton - this marks the first time that WWE has brought a
Pay-Per-Event to Edmonton.

On a programming note, Monday Night RAW(TM) will be seen live from
Calgary on Monday April 19, at 9:00 pm ET and 12:00 am PT on TSN!


--- Internet Rex 2.29