During his conversation with West Sport, Austin Theory covered the injury scare involving Carmelo Hayes on the January 12 episode of WWE SmackDown when they did a spanish fly.
Theory mentioned that due to the rough landing experienced by both wrestlers, he has decided to stop using that move.
“Well, all jokes aside, when it comes to inside that ring and what we do, the risk level is extremely high. It doesn’t matter how many times you wanna practice or go through the routine of a move, it’s real life, there’s danger with that. It’s two human bodies doing superhuman-like things. In this scenario with Carmelo Hayes, I’m going for a move I’ve did plenty of times, it just so happens as we’re going through the rotation, the back of his foot hits the top rope. So, all of the momentum of us rotating, when his foot hits, it takes us straight down. Just based off of the video, it looks insane. To be honest, after that, I seriously could’ve been paralyzed or my career could’ve been done. I could have been seriously hurt, broke my neck, there’s so many factors, but luckily as we came down, I let go to catch myself and I turn my head all the way to the left and when we landed, the back of his head hit my face pretty hard. But when we were laying there, I was fine, I didn’t feel rocked or lost or that feeling of, oh, what’s going on? I felt fine. But at the same time too, that’s such a scary moment, especially when you’re out there and something goes wrong and doesn’t feel right. Seeing the video footage back of myself upside down literally on the top of my head, wow. Very grateful for that and that move is retired for Austin Theory,” he said.
Professional wrestling is a form of entertainment that combines athleticism, storytelling, and theatrics. While the performers make it look easy, the reality is that the risk level inside the ring is extremely high. One wrong move or miscalculation can lead to serious injuries or even career-ending accidents.
Recently, WWE superstar Austin Theory had a terrifying experience during a match on the January 12 episode of WWE SmackDown. He was involved in a move called a Spanish fly with fellow wrestler Carmelo Hayes, which resulted in a rough landing and an injury scare.
In an interview with West Sport, Theory opened up about the incident and explained why he has decided to retire that particular move from his repertoire. He emphasized the dangers involved in professional wrestling and how even routine moves can go wrong.
Theory described the moment when the accident occurred, saying, “I’m going for a move I’ve did plenty of times, it just so happens as we’re going through the rotation, the back of his foot hits the top rope. So, all of the momentum of us rotating, when his foot hits, it takes us straight down.”
He further elaborated on the potential consequences of the accident, stating, “Just based off of the video, it looks insane. To be honest, after that, I seriously could’ve been paralyzed or my career could’ve been done. I could have been seriously hurt, broke my neck, there’s so many factors.”
Despite the scare, Theory was fortunate to escape without any major injuries. He credited his quick reflexes and instincts for preventing a more severe outcome. “Luckily as we came down, I let go to catch myself and I turn my head all the way to the left and when we landed, the back of his head hit my face pretty hard. But when we were laying there, I was fine,” he explained.
Reflecting on the incident, Theory expressed gratitude for his safety and acknowledged the importance of taking risks seriously in the wrestling industry. He made the decision to retire the Spanish fly move, recognizing the potential dangers it poses.
The video footage of the accident serves as a reminder of the physical toll that professional wrestlers endure. It highlights the need for constant vigilance and the importance of prioritizing safety in the ring.
While professional wrestling is often seen as scripted entertainment, the athleticism and risks involved are very real. Performers like Austin Theory put their bodies on the line every time they step into the ring. The injury scare involving Carmelo Hayes serves as a stark reminder of the dangers these athletes face and the sacrifices they make for their craft.
As fans, it’s important to appreciate the dedication and skill of professional wrestlers while also recognizing the inherent risks they take. The incident involving Austin Theory and Carmelo Hayes should serve as a wake-up call to the industry and a reminder that safety should always be a top priority.