Al Snow has issued a public statement following the medical emergency involving referee Dallas Edwards during an OVW television taping earlier this week.
Edwards was rushed to hospital on Thursday night after suffering a serious medical issue during a match segment in which he took a Phenomenal Forearm to the head. Moments after the move, Edwards collapsed and began experiencing a seizure, visibly convulsing in the ring while the match continued around him. At one point during the sequence, one of the wrestlers moved Edwards with his foot so the action could proceed.
Later updates indicated Edwards was conscious and responsive once he arrived at the hospital. His girlfriend shared a statement through Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, confirming that Edwards had suffered a brain injury and remained under medical supervision.
Edwards himself later addressed the situation on Friday, revealing he sustained both a concussion and a subdural hematoma, which is a form of bleeding on the brain. He noted that he was scheduled to undergo a CT scan on Saturday and emphasized that he holds no resentment toward anyone involved in the incident.
The situation sparked widespread criticism from figures within the wrestling community, particularly regarding how the match continued despite Edwards clearly being in distress.
OVW co owner Al Snow responded to the backlash by releasing a statement addressing the incident and the promotion’s response.
“Hello everyone, this is Al Snow. I want to speak directly to our fans and the wrestling community regarding the incident involving Referee Dallas Edwards at last week’s event.
Professional wrestling has always carried an inherent risk of injury for everyone who steps into the ring. On March 12th, during a live OVW television event, Dallas was involved in a planned moment of physical contact with a wrestler that resulted in him suffering a head injury.
Traditionally, when an in ring injury occurs, the referee is the central point of communication, assessment, and decision making. In this unprecedented situation, the person who would normally make that assessment was the one who needed assistance. That unforeseen breakdown in communication contributed to a delay in stopping the match and concluding the show.
We are relieved to hear that Dallas is recovering and receiving the medical care he needs. Our thoughts are with him, and we’re hoping for his continued improvement.
At OVW, the health and safety of our performers and officials has always been our top priority. We are proud of the standards we’ve maintained over the years, but we also recognize that there is always room to strengthen and improve. With that in mind, we are reviewing our existing procedures and updating several of our in ring and ringside protocols to ensure we continue to meet the highest expectations for performer safety.
These updates include enhanced communication systems, additional referee training, and expanded ringside response measures to help ensure that a situation like this is identified and addressed as quickly as possible.
We appreciate the concern and passion from our fans, and we understand the importance of transparency during moments like this. We will continue to share updates when appropriate, and we ask everyone to keep Dallas in your thoughts as he continues his recovery.
In Theory’s case, Heyman believes that the 28-year-old can become “untouchable” in WWE once he relaxes into his on-screen character and learns the difference between a “money match” and a “really good match.” Much like every member of The Vision, however, Heyman asserts that Theory isn’t exempt from being cast out of the group if he can’t deliver.
“I think he understood that he’s swimming with the sharks from the moment he came back,” Heyman said. “The example was given, we’re throwing you into the deep end of the pool, and if you can’t tread water, let alone swim to your own safety by yourself, we can’t save you. More lifeguards drown from trying to save people because the person panics in the water and pulls down the lifeguards than lifeguards drown from any other reason. He’s very cognizant of that fact. He understands this is not some charitable gift that he gets to be in division, that he gets to be declared the future.
“I’m very specific. I will say that’s not a prediction. That’s a spoiler. If he makes it a prediction, he’ll be out of The Vision like that.”
According to previous reports, Heyman personally pushed for Theory to be added to The Vision last year. Heyman himself confirmed that to be true, citing his belief that Theory has the potential to be a top star in WWE.
As it stands, Heyman is off of WWE television indefinitely after suffering an attack at the hands of Seth Rollins, The Vision’s excommunicated co-founder, on “WWE Raw.” Meanwhile, Theory and Logan Paul continue to fight off masked figures while Breakker and Reed remain on the sidelines with legitimate injuries.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Busted Open Radio” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Across his career, Samoa Joe has come face-to-face in the ring with many of the industry’s biggest titans, both in name and stature. Among all of his opponents, however, Joe is able to identify one who stands out above the others: AJ Styles. Speaking at a Monopoly Events panel, Joe reflected on the impact of his TNA rivalry with the recently-retired performer.
“The easy answer to that is probably AJ Styles,” Joe said in response to a fan question about his favorite partner or opponent, leading to applause from the crowd. “[He’s] hopefully enjoying retirement, and feeling good and happy. It’s an easy choice. I mean, I think many performers in this industry, when they speak with the greats they’ve been able to work with, AJ’s name will not be far behind.”
This led to a fan shouting out for another match between the two, with Joe offering a shrug that appeared to show genuine ignorance to Styles’ future plans. Following that, Joe was asked if he has any dream matches left. The AEW star stated that he doesn’t have any personal opponents that he wants to wrestle, but there are people who the fans want to see him face, and he’d be happy to oblige.
“Will Ospreay, as soon as he’s good and healthy,” Joe responded. “I think we’d love to get down and see what it’s all about.”
Both Joe and Ospreay are currently dealing with the aftermath of injuries suffered in the ring. Joe has been out for several months with reports indicating that he was placed in concussion protocol; though his exact status hasn’t been made clear, Joe hinted that he’d be back soon. As for Ospreay, he’s been out since last summer with a neck injury, though AEW has started hyping his return in video packages.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Monopoly Events and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Show: Wrestling Epicenter Guest “Big Al’ Alice Crowley Date: 03/14/2026 Your Host: James WalshWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J4nmUyRheUQ”Yes, I’ve been around a while, but I’m still young! And, I know I’m young but I’m smart. I don’t like to ask people their age. But, there are people around that are a little older that should probably know better. (laughs)””Well, you know, when you’re a kid, and I’m still a kid at leat in my head. (laughs) It felt real and it was like an escape. I know that is how it si for most people. I’ve always been an athletic person. Always active. Can’t stand still! ADHD might play a factor in that! (laughs) But, I was always an active kid. Well, my parents took me to a show to see my cousin’s friend, his name is Jawaan Thomas, wrestle at a place called WCWO. We started going to these shows and it wasn’t like a once in a while thing. We were going once a week every single week for like a year. And, it got to where I didn’t just want ti sit there and watch the show – I wanted to be on the show! So, my dad talked to Jawaan and Jawaan talked to the promoter. And, I started training… And, we didn’t actually have to pay for training. Now, that could have been because he was a creepy old man! (laughs) But, that got my foot in the door and I got to meet some really cool people. Those really cool people got me into some other places. And, well, now I’m here! I’m working for the Juggalos!””Yeah, I’d go to school beat up. Some, I’m sure, thought I was getting beaten up at home. But, I was like, “No, guys. I wrestle!” Some of them made fun of me for that. Others thought I was cool because of it. But, they wouldn’t say that out loud or in front of anybody. You know what I mean? But now, some of the ones that made fun of me, they’re hitting me up and they think it is cool now! Sometimes it just takes people some time to figure out what is cool!””Yes, 100%. I talk to people and I know that I’m older when it comes to being in wrestling. But, when it comes to our ages, usually that person is older than me. Usually, it is a lot harder for someone that is older than me to accept that even though I’m younger, I am the veteran. Then there are other situations that even though I am the vet, I end up being the one who ends up listening. That is fine too. Because, I still learn! You can learn from so many different people in wrestling. Even though I might be the veteran, I don’t go around acting like I’m the veteran either. Like, of course when you’re wrestling someone, you’re going to ask how long they’ve been wrestling. I’ll tell them how long I’ve been wrestling. But, I don’t take a “vet role.” That’s just not me.””That’s just me. It’s all me. You know, it is the me that I would show to my parents and my sisters behind closed doors. Just take the doors off! (laughs)””I got it for Christmas one year when I was 10 or 11. I didn’t ask for it. But, my dad is a unique person. He likes weird things. So, it was one of those random things he picked up and probably thought, “I wonder if one of my daughters would ride a unicycle.” Well, I was the one that did. My sisters tried. They picked it up and fell off. But, that’s just not me. I was going to figure that out. How many people do you know that can ride a unicycle? Maybe one and that is me! It took me about a month to pick up… Maybe a little less. I would ride it around my neighborhood… My parents wouldn’t let me go too far. But, I’d ride it around the blocks and people would look at me like I was a little funny. But, literally, I would ride, and they (parents) would follow me. But, I would ride it for like a mile!””My experience WAS that! That is how we trained! They literally gave us pool noodles and had us slap each other in the face with it! At the UFC Apex Center, that is how we trained!””My dad and I would watch the Super Slap when it just started. We would sit there, sometimes for hours, and watch that and laugh. One day, I said I wanted to do that. And, Circle 6, they were doing a bar room show and I wanted to do a Slap Fight thing. It fell through. It never happened. Well, Power Slap came up. Dani Mo told me about it, She mentioned me to Sinn Bodhi. I said I was interested and within like a couple of hours, Sinn Bodhi sent me my travel information. Like I said, there really was no way to practice. We used the pool noodles. I went home and I worked out and put on some muscle. And, then, when it was time to fight and time to get slapped for real… I have never been hit that hard in my life! Ever, ever, ever! But, I wasn’t going to show it! (laughs) I would totally do it again! It didn’t feel good. But, I would totally do it again!””They found me! (laughs) I ended up working the first three episodes against Dani Mo. She ended up winning the belt. And, I ended up not working for them at all for a little while. Like, months. Then, I got a call and it was Violent J. He was like, “We want to start using you consistently.” I was like, “Really?” What was I going to do? Tell him no? I was like, “Hell yeah! Tell me when! I’m coming!” And, literally, it was like, right after Vince (Russo)… I started traveling with them every show. I love working here!””I, personally, love working with Vince. I am able to talk to him one on one. He’s able to give me pointers on my promos. And, honestly, there is a side of me that I didn’t even realize whas a character that I could open up until he came. It is like, yeah, I know who I am. And, I can talk to people like I am now with you. And, things just fly off the tongue. But, I didn’t understand how to do that in promos. With Vince, he’s like, “You and I are going to have a conversation. And, this is what we’re going to talk about. Then, they stick cameras in front of us, we do it, and it is perfect I am like, “Hell yeah!” I wasn’t able to do that when I first got there (JCW). It took time. ANd, I really believe working with him helped me grow and understand my character.””I watch the shows back! You should! Like, we do the promos before our match, and you never really know how the promo looks or comes out until you watch it. Sometimes we do promos before our match and they upload them after your match. It really helps you see the strengths and weaknesses of your character and what you need to improve on by watching the finished product and figuring out what you else you can do. Watching it back has really helped me understand my character.””Hell yeah! And with Vince, it was going to. The matches could go 20 minutes or it could be a minute long match. All the characters, they have layers! You have to pay attention!””Oh this woman! (laughs) She’s a sweetheart. She is a sweetheart! But, don’t catch her! Don’t catch her! It doesn’t matter if she knows you… If you catch her in the locker room… She is her character 24/7! She can be a sassy, sassy lady! Very, very mean! (laughs) But, then, you talk to her and she’s a very sweet. But, you can tell. She doesn’t take shit from anyone. I vibe with her. I get her. I vibe with her very, very well!””He’s amazing! He’s the guy. He’s amazing in his promos. He’s amazing in the ring. Those who watch the shows, he’s the guy people talk about afterwards. He’s the most important member of the roster right now.””I love Dani! She’s one of the reasons I was able to go to Power Slap. She mentioned to me that she was doing it. She mentioned me to Sinn Bodhi. And, it all happened while on a JCW tour. So, without JCW, none of it would have happened! She’s helped me from day one! She’s also one of the reasons I was brought back to JCW. They asked her who she likes to work with and she mentioned my name. And now I’m here! And now I’m working with her! And, I’m making money that I wouldn’t have made before!””Absolutely. YouTube is great. But, I absolutely think it would be great to get JCW Lunacy on broadcast television! I mean, if you watch the show, you can see it. You can feel the momentum. You can literally see it growing!””When I started, my goal was to make enough money to where I could live off of pro wrestling. I’ve now done that! My next goal is I want to be on TV! I want to be on television!””I’m gonna get my belt back! (laughs) I’m going to get my belt back!”
WWE production veteran Davey Coates has sadly passed away, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the wrestling industry.
Coates was a longtime member of WWE’s production team and served as the company’s international touring manager. In that role he helped coordinate WWE’s global tours and played a key part in ensuring events around the world ran smoothly. According to Triple H, he was also instrumental in helping keep NXT UK operating during the challenges presented by the COVID 19 pandemic.
Following the news of his passing, many within WWE and the wider wrestling community took to social media to honor his contributions and share memories.
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H paid tribute to Coates and reflected on the important role he played behind the scenes.
“Learned of the sad news of Davey Coates passing. Davey was @WWE’s international touring manager and was largely responsible for making all international shows, large and small happen. He ensured our wrestling rings got to the most remote corners of the world, our backstage ran smoothly and always took great care and personal pride in assisting our NXT UK talent at the ‘UK Performance Centre.’”
Triple H also shared a personal memory connected to Coates.
“Davey sent me this photo some years ago, another memory from an international tour 30 years ago… The thoughts of our crew, our talent and the entire WWE family are with his family today. See ya down the road, Davey. Catch you at the next gig.”
WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce also reflected on Coates’ impact and the legacy he leaves behind.
“Godspeed, Davey Coates. Another absolute legend behind the scenes who tirelessly worked for decades to bring @wwe to the globe. I can’t say enough about his passion and dedication. I’m honored to have worked with him and shared countless laughs along the way. My heart goes out to his friends, family, and all touched by this loss. Rest well, sir.”
Former NXT UK Tag Team Champion Brooks Jenson remembered Coates fondly from his time working in the brand.
“RIP Davey Coates
Always appreciated you taking care of Briggs, Fallon, and myself back in NXT UK and thank you for not only your contribution to the WWE but to also being one of kindest human beings in this world”
British wrestling standout Dave Mastiff also paid tribute.
“RIP Davey Coates, a true diamond of a human being. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. More importantly thanks for the trust, the friendship and the stories.”
Former WWE UK ring announcer Kirsty Bosley shared a personal story highlighting Coates’ kindness behind the scenes.
“On my first week at WWE, when the fans had left, despite having one of the most labour intensive and mentally complex workloads in the whole business, Davey Coates made sure to hunt me down to hand me a special non-alcoholic cocktail he’d whipped up to celebrate wrapping.”
William Regal, who spent many years touring with Coates during WWE’s international events, shared an emotional message reflecting on their friendship.
“I’m beyond deeply saddened to hear my close friend and colleague Davey Coates has passed. We’ve been on tour with WWE for 20+ years in over 20 countries. We shared the same interests in British sub cultures and music. We laughed harder than anyone has the right to. We’ve shared our closest moments that we couldn’t tell anyone else. We both knew that we had charmed lives because of our work that we would never of had without it and both could have ended up going down a wrong path in our teens and later life. My deepest condolences to Henry and Davey’s friends and family. I’ll miss you forever.x”
Coates’ work behind the scenes helped make WWE’s international events possible for decades, and his impact was clearly felt by the many colleagues and performers who worked alongside him.
One of the unsung heroes of @WWE sent me this photo from South Africa in 1996. Davey Coates helps manage our global tours and was absolutely vital in keeping @NXTUK running through the pandemic. 25+ years of hard work, miles traveled and great friendship. To 25 more!!! #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/A5LXYFkFTh
