Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that has been found in the brains of several former professional wrestlers. While the cause of CTE is not yet known, it is believed to be caused by repeated head trauma. Symptoms of CTE include memory loss, impaired judgment, aggression, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
In 2007, Chris Benoit murdered his wife and 7-year-old son before taking his own life. An autopsy revealed that he had suffered from severe brain damage due to CTE. In 2011, another former wrestler, Eddie Guerrero, died suddenly at the age of 38. His autopsy also showed evidence of CTE.
These two tragic cases have brought increased attention to the issue of head injuries in professional wrestling. While the exact incidence of CTE in wrestlers is unknown, it is clear that this disease is a serious problem in the sport.