Louisville, KY – Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) referee Dallas Edwards is recovering after suffering a concussion and a subdural hematoma – bleeding on the brain – during a match on March 12, 2026. The incident occurred when Edwards was inadvertently struck during a maneuver by wrestler Brendan Balling, who was facing off against Tony Evans. The frightening scene prompted a temporary halt to the match as medical personnel attended to the injured official.
Edwards, a veteran referee in the independent wrestling circuit, lost consciousness after being hit with a forearm strike. Initial reports indicated a seizure, and video footage circulating online shows Edwards convulsing in the ring before being attended to by medical staff. The match continued briefly before being stopped, a detail that has drawn scrutiny from fans and fellow wrestlers.
In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter) on March 14, Edwards provided an update on his condition, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. He confirmed the diagnosis of a concussion and subdural hematoma and announced he would be taking time away from the ring to recover. “I have made the decision to accept some needed time away to get my life and health back in good spirits,” Edwards wrote. He as well addressed concerns about financial assistance, stating he was in a stable position but urged his colleagues to prioritize training in emergency medical assistance.
“In lieu of donations, I instead implore all of my fellow workers to get some sort of training in assisting another’s life,” Edwards posted. “Being in the position before, it’s very important to be educated in all scenarios relating to injury, illness, or condition in the ring, especially when we’re performing.”
Hey guys! I know everyone seems to know about the scary incident last night at OVW. I have been elvauted and I have a concussion as well as a subdural hematoma (brain bleed). With I have made the decision to take some needed time away to get my life and health back in good spirits. 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. In lieu of donations, I instead implore all of my fellow workers to get some sort of training in assisting another’s life. Being in the position before, it’s very important to be educated in all scenarios relating to injury, illness, or condition in the ring, especially when we’re performing. pic.twitter.com/UlWpEynVXA
— dallas (@refdally) March 14, 2026
The incident has sparked a conversation within the wrestling community regarding safety protocols and emergency preparedness. OVW released a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and reaffirming their commitment to the well-being of all performers and officials. The promotion stated that the health of those involved in OVW events is “truly taken seriously.”
Details of the Incident
According to reports from Yahoo Sports and TMZ, the incident occurred during a “four corners of chaos” match. Brendan Balling was attempting a top-rope maneuver – a flying forearm – on Tony Evans when Edwards was inadvertently positioned in the path of the impact. Evans reportedly moved Edwards into the path of the strike, resulting in the referee being struck in the head. Footage shared on social media by LuigiWrestling shows the impact and the immediate aftermath, with Edwards falling to the mat and subsequently experiencing seizure-like symptoms.
Yesterday, at an OVW show, referee Dallas Edwards suffers a seizure from an impact in the middle of the fight. Given that, what one of the fighters, Tony Evans, does is take him out of the ring so that the fight continues. pic.twitter.com/ZjM2oMXsAC
— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) March 13, 2026
Balling immediately checked on Edwards, and the match was briefly allowed to continue before being halted when the severity of Edwards’ condition became apparent. Medical personnel were quickly on the scene to provide assistance.
Looking Ahead
Edwards is currently recovering and undergoing monitoring for his subdural hematoma. He is expected to undergo a CT scan in the morning, and if the results are favorable, he will be released from the hospital. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in professional wrestling and the importance of comprehensive safety measures. Edwards’ call for increased medical training among wrestling professionals highlights a proactive approach to mitigating potential dangers in the ring. The OVW community, and the wider wrestling world, will be watching his recovery closely.
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