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OVW Wrestler Speaks Out After Incident With Injured Referee
Tony Evans comments on moving referee Dallas Edwards during a medical emergency in the ring.
Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:36pm
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Tony Evans, an OVW wrestler, has publicly commented on an incident where he moved referee Dallas Edwards while Edwards was having a seizure in the ring during a match. Evans says he did not realize the severity of the situation at the time and was trying to move Edwards as they had done in the past, not knowing Edwards was experiencing a medical emergency. Edwards suffered a concussion and brain bleed from the incident.
Why it matters
The safety of wrestlers and officials is paramount in professional wrestling. This incident raises questions about emergency protocols and how to handle unexpected medical situations that occur during matches.
The details
During a 35-minute OVW match with 12 wrestlers, 2 run-ins, and 2 referee bumps, referee Dallas Edwards suffered a seizure in the ring. Wrestler Tony Evans, who was involved in the match, noticed Edwards was still in the center of the ring and tried to move him, not realizing the severity of the situation. Evans says he would have immediately stopped and tended to Edwards if he had known Edwards was experiencing a medical emergency.
- The incident occurred during the March 12, 2026 OVW episode.
- Edwards suffered a concussion and subdural hematoma (brain bleed) as a result of the incident.
The players
Tony Evans
An OVW wrestler who moved referee Dallas Edwards while Edwards was having a seizure in the ring.
Dallas Edwards
An OVW referee who suffered a seizure, concussion, and brain bleed after being moved by wrestler Tony Evans during a match.
Brendan Balling
An OVW wrestler who accidentally hit referee Dallas Edwards in the head with a flying forearm, knocking him unconscious and leading to the medical emergency.
Al Snow
The co-owner of OVW who made a statement regarding the incident.
What they’re saying
“I want to start by expressing my support and love for Dallas Edwards and wishing him the best in his recovery. I've spoken with him, he's doing well, and he knows we're all thinking of him.”
— Tony Evans, OVW Wrestler
“Had I known in that split second moment when I moved him that something was wrong, I would've immediately stopped and tended to him as best I knew how. I wish I had known the severity of the situation, nothing is more important in pro wrestling than the safety of ALL involved.”
— Tony Evans, OVW Wrestler
“Dallas and I have spoken, and we are good. He understands there was no malicious intent and per Dallas, he doesn't 'hold it to any of us personally', and his perspective is the one that matters most to me.”
— Tony Evans, OVW Wrestler
What’s next
OVW officials are reviewing their emergency medical protocols to ensure proper procedures are in place to handle unexpected situations like this in the future.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of wrestler and referee safety in professional wrestling, and the need for clear emergency protocols to protect all participants when medical emergencies occur during matches.
