Referee collapses during wrestling match, later diagnosed with brain bleed
Referee collapses during ovw match in kentucky
A professional wrestling event in Louisville, Kentucky, turned alarming when referee Dallas Edwards suddenly collapsed in the middle of a match.
The incident happened during an Ohio Valley Wrestling, OVW, event at Davis Arena on March 12. According to LADbible reporter Anish Vij, Edwards fell to the mat shortly after a sequence involving wrestler Brendan Balling.
Professional wrestling matches are choreographed performances where referees play an important role in managing the action inside the ring and ensuring the match follows the planned storyline. Because of this, it was not immediately clear to those involved that Edwards was experiencing a real medical emergency.
Confusion in the ring as match briefly continues
Footage from the event shows Edwards lying on the canvas while the wrestlers continued their routine, apparently believing the moment was part of the scripted sequence.
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According to LADbible, the wrestlers even moved Edwards out of the way so they could continue the match before the situation became clearer.
About a minute later officials intervened and medical attention was provided inside the ring. The match was ultimately stopped while staff assisted the referee.
Edwards reveals concussion and brain bleed
From a hospital bed, Edwards later shared an update about his condition in a statement posted on X.
“With that being said, I have made the decision to take some needed time away to get my life and health back in good spirits,” he wrote.
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Edwards explained that doctors diagnosed him with “a concussion as well as a subdural hematoma (brain bleed)” and described the experience as frightening.
He also reassured supporters that he was receiving further medical checks.
“I appreciate all of the support everyone has been offering, but as far as money goes, I am grateful to be in a position that I can manage an accident like this.”
He added that doctors planned to perform a CT scan and said that if the results were positive he hoped to return home soon.
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“As far as updates go, I am getting a CT scan in the morning, and if that goes well, I’ll be home.”
OvW and family provide update on referee’s condition
Ohio Valley Wrestling later confirmed the incident in a statement following the broadcast of its Rise event.
“OVW takes the health and well being of all our performers extremely seriously, and as a company we are all distraught to see an injury to one of our own,” the promotion said.
The company added that Edwards was alert and recovering while receiving medical care.
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Edwards’ girlfriend also shared a brief message asking supporters to keep him in their thoughts while doctors continued monitoring the brain injury.
“Please keep Dallas in your thoughts as your day begins,” she wrote.
Why the incident shocked wrestling fans
Although professional wrestling is carefully choreographed, the sport still involves physical contact and demanding in ring performances.
Referees often move close to the action to communicate with wrestlers and help control the pace of the match. Because the performances are scripted, unexpected real life medical emergencies can initially be mistaken for part of the show.
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According to LADbible, the moment Edwards collapsed created confusion in the arena before officials realized the seriousness of the situation and stopped the match.
Sources: LADbible
