Al Snow Addresses OVW Referee Dallas Edwards' In-Ring Seizure
Former WWE star and Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) owner Al Snow recently issued a statement regarding referee Dallas Edwards, who suffered a seizure inside the ring.
The incident occurred as Edwards took a forearm from the top rope during OVW's Rise TV show at Davis Arena in Louisville, Kentucky. Edwards is currently in the ICU.
The referee legitimately suffered a seizure after a forearm from Brendan Balling in a Four Corners of Chaos match. The match continued for about a minute while Edwards convulsed. Wrestlers dragged him aside before the match was stopped.
Al Snow posted a statement on X, addressing the incident, acknowledging the risks involved in wrestling and explaining the situation.
Snow stated:
"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."
Snow added that OVW is reviewing its existing procedures and updating several of its in-ring and ringside protocols to ensure they continue to meet the highest expectations for performer safety.
These updates include enhanced communication systems, additional referee training, and expanded ringside response measures. OVW issued a statement expressing distress over the incident and wishing Dallas Edwards a speedy recovery.
"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.
Thank you."
The frightening moment served as a reminder of the very real dangers involved in professional wrestling, even during controlled and scripted situations.
As Dallas Edwards continues to receive treatment in the ICU, the wrestling community has rallied around him with messages of support and well-wishes
