OVW referee Dallas Edwards is home and recovering following the frightening incident that took place during an OVW Rise taping last week. Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer reported the update.
“Referee Dallas Edwards went home Sunday and is on the road to recovery,” Alvarez wrote. “Best wishes to him.”
The incident occurred on Thursday when Edwards was inadvertently struck during a match, landing badly after taking a forearm shot to the head. Edwards began visibly convulsing on the mat as the match continued around him. One wrestler moved Edwards with his foot to keep him out of the way before the match was eventually stopped and the show went off the air as medical personnel attended to him. Edwards was reported to be awake and alert shortly after the incident.
Edwards released a statement on social media the following day, confirming the extent of his injuries. He said he had suffered a concussion and a subdural hematoma, also known as a brain bleed, and would be taking time away from wrestling to focus on his health and recovery. In the statement, Edwards said he was not angry at anyone involved and used the platform to encourage fellow wrestlers to educate themselves on injury protocols and emergency procedures in the ring.
OVW co-owner Al Snow released a statement on behalf of the promotion, saying the company would review its existing procedures and update several in-ring and ringside protocols to ensure performer safety standards are met going forward.
The incident drew significant attention and criticism from across the wrestling industry, with many pointing to the delayed response as a failure of safety protocol at the independent level. WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff addressed the incident on 83 Weeks, saying everyone involved failed to act correctly and that the show should have been shut down within 15 seconds of Edwards showing visible signs of distress. OVW holds trade school certification in Kentucky and is overseen by Al Snow.
We wish him a speedy recovery.
