A video has gone viral showing Pittsburgh indie wrestler Shawn Phoenix attempting a 450 splash from the top ropes to a prone opponent on a table on the ground below. Unfortunately, his opponent moved and the table didn’t exactly break his fall, and he hit his head on the concrete ground. The match took place October 20, 2018 at an event for International Wrestling Cartel (IWC).
Indie Wrestler Shawn Phoenix Breaks Face After 450 Gone Wrong
According to Phoenix, he broke his skull, which resulted in bleeding on the brain and has caused him to permanently lose his hearing in his left ear. He spent six days in the hospital before he was released.
While many wrestlers and fans tweeted their well wishes to the indie wrestler, some notable names of course took exception to this “modern wrestling” that was leading to so many injuries.
Modern wrestling, everybody!
Now, what was his plan for not paralyzing himself or his opponent if he had ACTUALLY DONE THIS MOVE THE WAY HE THOUGHT HE COULD? https://t.co/jiX2KBgcbi
— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) December 20, 2018
The evolution of wrestling….poorly trained marks doing stupid shit that ends up as a twitter gif. https://t.co/9lmrfygnRA
— Glenn Gilbertti (@TheRealDisco) December 19, 2018
One of Phoenix’s trainers, Brandon K, immediately went to his student’s defense:
I trained Shawn and quite well. I'd put his heart and skills for the art against yours any day of the week. Accidents happen and you of all people should know that. Be happy he's okay and try not to be an asshole who assumes to much when someone gets hurt. @xShawnXphoenix
— Brandon K (@BrandonK42) December 20, 2018
…while Highspots Network took a less diplomatic approach.
Go fuck yourself https://t.co/ksR9VORQti
— Highspots.TV (@HighspotsWN) December 19, 2018
Shawn Phoenix has worked for multiple promotions like West Virginia’s Black Diamond Wrestling, Pennsylvania’s IWC and RYSE Wrestling, as well as upstart Blackcraft Wrestling.
