One big thing
Sam Adonis, brother of WWE commentator Corey Graves, has defended Graves’ criticism of a dangerous chair shot in AEW, sparking debate about wrestler safety and industry practices.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between spectacular stunts and athlete safety in professional wrestling, a concern that has gained prominence due to increased awareness of long-term health risks.
The details
• The controversial moment occurred during AEW’s Blood & Guts match on July 24th, where Jack Perry took an unprotected chair shot to the head.
• Graves, whose wrestling career ended due to head injuries, criticized the spot on social media, emphasizing the long-term risks.
• His comments faced backlash from some in the wrestling community, leading Graves to delete his tweet.
• Sam Adonis defended his brother’s stance, arguing that those with firsthand experience have valuable insights to offer.
Key quote
“Imagine losing everything you’ve ever worked for due to a colleague’s mistake. Now imagine seeing other colleagues making the same mistake deliberately? Wouldn’t you chime in too?” – Sam Adonis on Twitter
By the numbers
• Unprotected chair shots to the head have been banned in WWE since 2010.
• A 2013 study found that 87% of deceased professional wrestlers had Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma.
The bottom line
While spectacular spots can draw audiences, the industry continues to grapple with balancing entertainment value and performer safety. The debate sparked by Graves’ comments underscores the ongoing importance of this issue in professional wrestling.
What’s your take on the balance between exciting stunts and wrestler safety in professional wrestling? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.
