Ohio Valley Wrestling Announces New Updated Safety Protocols Following Dallas Edwards Medical Emergency Incident

As noted before, OVW referee Dallas Edwards suffered a concussion and subdural hematoma injuries at Ohio Valley Wrestling’s Rise show earlier this month in Louisville, Kentucky. This match was notable for the match continuing in the ring for some time despite Edwards convulsing in the ring after suffering a head injury. OVW promoter Al Snow issued an official statement promising new safety protocols to be implemented in the company in response to the incident.

OVW provided an update earlier today on Twitter officially announcing new safety protocols that have been put in place to prevent a repeat situation from happening again in the company.

Official statement:

SAFETY PROTOCOLS UPDATE

These immediate protocols mark the start of OVW’s strengthened, ongoing commitments to the health and safety of our talent and everyone involved.

This is a living, evolving effort that will grow as new best practices, training and industry standards emerge. Our focus is long term wellbeing for our talent, crew, and fans.

DETECTING EARLY SIGNS OF SEIZURE TRAINING

In partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana, OVW will host an April Seizure First Aid Certification Program for talent and staff. This training covers how to recognize different types of seizures, understand their impact, and respond with safe, appropriate first aid.

Participants receive a two year certification.

CONCUSSION SAFETY & CTE PREVENTION

In partnership with Chris Nowinski, PhD, Co Founder and CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, OVW will host an April Concussion Safety & CTE Prevention Training for talent and staff. This training will be added to the OVW Academy beginner syllabus moving forward.

ADDITIONAL MEDICAL – STAFF AT RINGSIDE

Through our partnership with Norton Healthcare, OVW will deploy additional trained medical staff at larger events on a case by case basis. Norton Healthcare will also provide CPR training for talent, staff, and contractors.

IN RING & BACK OFFICE – COMMUNICATIONS

In addition to referees and ring announcers being equipped with IFB (in-ear monitoring devices) and our ringside camera crew having production headsets for faster communication with the backstage team, our ringside timekeeper will now have a headset for fast, direct communication with the Director. This allows for immediate decisions to stop a match and check on the talent.

For our talent, crew and fans — talent and event safety is an ongoing commitment. These updated protocols are the latest now being deployed across OVW. Thank you for your continued support. pic.twitter.com/DLvfunANHG

— OVW Wrestling (@ovwrestling) March 23, 2026