All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been praised for its handling of a horrific injury that saw one of its star wrestlers suffer a concussion.
In a month where the likes of the NFL have come under fire for their concussion protocol, wrestling fans have heaped support behind the American wrestling promotion after star Adam Page suffered a serious knock.
The incident took place in the AEW Dynamite main event between Page and champion Jon Moxley, formerly Dean Ambrose in the WWE.
Moxley hit ‘Hangman’ with a vicious lariat that caught his opponent flush and appeared to knock Page out cold.
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Referee Paul Turner immediately signalled to ringside doctor Michael Sampson to come to check on the wrestler.
Rather than have the show go on, which seems to have been the attitude of many promotions and organisations in recent years, Turner and Sampson immediately called the match off.
There were concerns that Page may have suffered a broken neck, however, it was later confirmed that he had been taken to a local hospital where he was diagnosed with a concussion.
The ever-popular star sent out a message of thanks the next day to his fans and the personnel in the ring with him.
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Page tweeted: “Hey thanks everyone for being so nice, I’m doing alright and feeling food today. Had a nice panini for lunch. Thanks to Paul, medical, Mox, Brandon, BJ, etc, (insert introspective yet merciless quote about unfinished business here).”
Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer had earlier reported that Page was appreciative of how the situation was handled.
Fans and former wrestlers alike came out in support of the company for their diligence with the incident.
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Former WWE superstar turned neuroscientist Christopher Nowinski commented on the situation, saying: “Sending positive thoughts to Hangman. This was not a high risk move. Something went wrong.
“Ref Paul Turner is trained to recognise a concussion or a possible neck injury and stopped dmatch. Doc Sampson was ringside and there in seconds, gives us the best chance for a good outcome.”
Since retiring from wrestling Nowinski has dedicated himself to researching concussions in American football.
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Fans were in agreeance.
One said: “Good work by Paul Turner and the ringside doctor to immediately stop the match and get Adam help. It’s what you train for and the training paid off.”
Another wrote: “Kudos to Paul Turner regarding the Adam Page injury. He was right there immediately and knew something was wrong. Didn’t hesitate or think twice…exactly what you should do in that situation.”
A third added: “Respect to Paul and Doc Sampson for making the call quickly. In a bygone age that might not have happened. I hope Hangman will be okay.”
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It comes after the NFL was slammed earlier this month for allowing Miami Dolphins player Tua Tagovailoa to return to action just four days after being concussed.
The quarterback went on to suffer yet another scary concussion upon his return.
Jayden Collins