Jim Ross was among those shaken by Darren Drozdov being paralyzed, and couldn’t get any sleep the night the tragic accident happened.
Drozdov, aka Droz, was paralyzed during an October 1999 match for SmackDown. D’Lo Brown could not get a proper grip on Droz, who was wearing a loose-fitting shirt.
This led to a powerbomb being botched and Droz breaking two vertebrae in his neck. Though initially paralyzed from the neck down, he’d later regain use of his arms.
On a recent edition of his “Grilling JR” podcast, Ross recalled learning of the injury as he was not at the SmackDown in question. He said,
“I didn’t sleep that night at all. Droz was one of our favorite guys, likable, always had a great personality, and you hate to see anybody get hurt, especially somebody that is so well-liked and respected as Darren Drozdov.
“Vince was the one that made the final call as far as taking care of the compensation to compensate Droz’s injury. It was very horrible. I was with Stone Cold when he got hurt, taking a feature at a deer hunting lodge, so I wasn’t even there on that day. One of the rare TV’s that I missed and it was just hard to believe. We got the call, and we just keep hoping it’s not as bad as it seems, and unfortunately, it was worse than we thought.”
In the hospital, Droz told a tearful D’Lo that he shouldn’t blame himself for the accident. Droz passed away in 2023 at the age of 53 of natural causes.
The Tragic Accident that Paralyzed Darren Drozdov: A Look Back
In the world of professional wrestling, injuries are unfortunately not uncommon. Athletes put their bodies on the line every time they step into the ring, and sometimes accidents happen that can have life-altering consequences. One such incident occurred in October 1999, forever changing the life of Darren Drozdov, also known as Droz.
During a match for SmackDown, Droz was involved in a powerbomb maneuver gone wrong. His opponent, D’Lo Brown, was unable to get a proper grip on Droz, who was wearing a loose-fitting shirt at the time. As a result, the powerbomb was botched, and Droz suffered a devastating injury, breaking two vertebrae in his neck.
The news of Droz’s paralysis shook the wrestling community, including legendary commentator Jim Ross. Ross, who was not present at the event, recalled learning of the injury and how it affected him deeply. He described Droz as one of their favorite guys, someone who was well-liked and respected by everyone. Ross couldn’t sleep that night, haunted by the tragic accident that had occurred.
In the aftermath of the incident, Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE (formerly WWF), took responsibility for compensating Droz for his injury. This gesture highlighted the company’s commitment to taking care of its performers and ensuring their well-being. However, the severity of Droz’s condition was worse than initially anticipated. He was initially paralyzed from the neck down but later regained some use of his arms.
The impact of the accident extended beyond the wrestling ring. Droz’s close friend and fellow wrestler D’Lo Brown was deeply affected by what had happened. In the hospital, a tearful Droz reassured Brown that he shouldn’t blame himself for the accident. This heartbreaking moment showcased the bond between these athletes and the emotional toll that such incidents can have on their lives.
Despite the challenges he faced, Droz remained positive and determined. He became an advocate for spinal cord injury research and worked to raise awareness about the importance of safety in professional wrestling. His resilience and strength inspired many within the industry and beyond.
Sadly, Darren Drozdov passed away in 2023 at the age of 53 due to natural causes. His legacy, however, lives on. He will always be remembered as a talented wrestler who faced adversity with courage and grace.
The accident that paralyzed Darren Drozdov serves as a reminder of the risks involved in professional wrestling. It highlights the importance of safety measures and proper training to minimize the chances of such tragic incidents occurring. Wrestlers put their bodies on the line for the entertainment of others, and it is crucial to prioritize their well-being and provide support when injuries occur.
As fans, it is essential to appreciate the sacrifices these athletes make and to support initiatives that promote their health and safety. Darren Drozdov’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of professional wrestling and the lasting impact that injuries can have on the lives of those involved.