During an Ohio Valley Wrestling event on Thursday, referee Dallas Edwards experienced a “medical emergency.” This occurred after a wrestler slammed him from the top rope, causing him to crash to the mat.
In a statement released on Friday, OVW reassured fans that Edwards “is being monitored and is in a much better condition.” However, it was alarming when Edwards began to convulse as the match went on, leading wrestler Tony Evans to pull him to the side.
“During Rise last night, referee Dallas Edwards, a member of the OVW family, had an on-air emergency,” the organization stated. “OVW takes the health and well-being of all of our performers very seriously, and as a company, we are all distraught to see our performers injured.”
As the situation unfolded, the broadcast team remained confused about what was happening. Brendan Boling was preparing to jump from the top rope when Evans seemingly pulled Edwards into the path of Boling’s landing, resulting in a chaotic moment before Edwards collapsed.
“Let’s check out Dallas,” one broadcaster said, while another remarked, “Dallas is not having a good night here tonight.”
Eventually, as the match paused and the cameras shifted away from Edwards, their tone shifted too. They acknowledged that Edwards was “in a medical situation” and decided to cut the broadcast.
“Now, ladies and gentlemen, there is clearly a medical situation going on in the ring right now,” a broadcaster stated. “Obviously, something happened, so for the safety of our performers, we’re going to stop here. And, what can I say, see you on March Mayhem Sunday. We’re going to go ahead and end the broadcast at this point. Thank you for tuning in. See you on Sunday. Thank you for tuning in tonight.”
Al Snow, the OVW promoter and former WWE star, made a poorly timed joke on social media, which led to backlash from wrestling fans who recalled his previous criticisms of safety in All Elite Wrestling.
OVW, known for its ties to WWE from 2000 to 2008, was a significant development ground for future stars like Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Batista, and CM Punk.
The relationship between WWE and OVW ended in February 2008, with WWE shifting its focus to FCW in Florida, which eventually evolved into the modern NXT.
As the situation calmed, the audience began cheering for Edwards once the cameras moved away from the ring. OVW plans to continue its events on Sunday with March Mayhem at Hot Point Davis Arena in Louisville.
