Jim Cornette Rages Over OVW Referee Injury & Potential Lawsuit
Louisville, KY – The Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) promotion is facing intense scrutiny and potential legal action following a frightening incident during a match on , that left referee Dallas Edwards hospitalized. Wrestling veteran Jim Cornette has delivered a scathing critique of OVW’s handling of the situation, suggesting a significant lapse in safety protocols and a disturbing disregard for Edwards’ well-being.
The incident occurred during the main event of OVW Rise when Edwards was struck during a top-rope maneuver by Brendan Balling. According to reports, Edwards hit his head and subsequently experienced seizure-like symptoms. What followed – a continuation of the match for a disconcerting period – has drawn the most intense criticism. Cornette, addressing the incident on his YouTube channel on , described the scene as one of the most disturbing injury situations he has ever witnessed in professional wrestling.
“A referee went into a fing seizure, as bad as I have ever seen a person have a fing seizure, including all those boxing knockout videos,” Cornette stated, according to multiple reports. He was particularly appalled that the match continued whereas Edwards lay motionless in the ring, stating it should have been immediately obvious that the situation was not part of the planned performance.
“And the fing guys in the ring just kept having the match around him until people started realizing, ‘Oh s***, that guy’s having a f****ing seizure.’ He’s laying there motionless. Then he starts turning over sideways and his leg stiffens up. Here’s the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen,” Cornette reportedly said. He questioned the wrestlers’ awareness and the promotion’s immediate response, highlighting a perceived lack of concern for Edwards’ safety.
Cornette didn’t shy away from suggesting potential legal ramifications for OVW. “The bosses over at OVW better have deep pockets because if this ain’t a lawsuit, I’ve never seen one, either from this kid or from his family. We don’t know yet. All we’ve seen is the video that’s been put out,” he warned. The full extent of Edwards’ injuries remains unclear, but Cornette’s comments underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential for serious long-term consequences.
He further detailed the move that led to the injury, describing it as a particularly dangerous maneuver. “When this big, whoever the f*** guy was, dove off the top rope… this six-foot-whatever, 200-whatever-pound guy just blistered this little referee in the middle of the ring. This was as bad of a wipeout as I have ever seen. His head hit so violently on the back of the mat that it knocked him completely f****ing unconscious.”
Cornette’s criticism extends beyond the immediate actions of the wrestlers in the ring. He questioned OVW’s identity as a developmental territory, suggesting the promotion is attempting to emulate larger companies without possessing the necessary infrastructure or safety protocols. “It’s become a fantasy camp environment, not only in OVW but in all of these places. They all wish to mimic and copy the big promotions… but they’re still trying to do all the dangerous stuff that even the professionals get hurt doing.”
He drew a parallel to a previous controversial incident involving The Dark Order in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where an unconscious wrestler was briefly dragged during a match. However, Cornette asserted that the OVW incident was significantly more severe. “For people who remember that… this is like 12 times worse. Nobody would be talking about this television show they just produced except for the fact that they may have killed somebody on it.”
In response to the outcry, OVW executive Al Snow issued a statement acknowledging a communication breakdown contributed to the delay in stopping the match. Snow indicated the company is reviewing its procedures and plans to implement improved safety measures, including enhanced communication systems and additional referee training.
The incident has sparked a wider debate within the professional wrestling community regarding in-ring safety and the responsibility of promotions to prioritize the well-being of their performers and officials. The coming days and weeks will likely see further scrutiny of OVW’s safety protocols and a potential legal challenge, depending on the severity of Edwards’ injuries and his subsequent recovery.