The WWE star invokes controversial moments of blood and fear, leading to a safety debate
In a recent twist in the professional wrestling world, WWE commentator Corey Graves took to social media to voice his concerns about a particularly violent episode of AEW’s “Blood & Guts” match and sparked a heated debate.
The “Blood & Guts” match, a highlight of fierce AEW fights, is known for its brutality and extreme violence. Held in a two ring cage setting, the 2024 edition of the match saw Team AEW square off with Team Elite in a contest that pushed the boundaries of extreme elements of professional wrestling and this year featured awesome weapons such as barbed wire , scissors and knuckles The ending turned out to be a dramatic and bloody finale
One of the most talked about moments of the match was an unsafe chair shot from Mark Briscoe to Jack Perry. The move that saw Perry handcuffed in a cage after being hit hard with a kendo stick, before a Briscoe chair exploded on his head, was widely regarded as excessively violent and drew criticism from various quarters in the boxing world in the 19th century.
Veteran WWE commentator and former wrestler Corey Graves expressed his concerns on social media, emphasizing his disapproval of the chair shot. Graves’ post highlighted the dangers of unsafe head shots, drawn from her own experience. The long-term effects of his head injury, which he cited as a major factor in his early retirement, marred his career.
“This is not meant to sound judgmental, or incite ‘us vs. them’ or question anybody’s passion, or talent or intentions,” Graves began in his now-deleted post. “This is just coming from a guy whose career ended from a few too many ACCIDENTAL headshots.”
Graves’ comments, while intended as a cautionary note rather than an attack on AEW or its performers, quickly resonated with many fans and industry professionals. He emphasized the importance of safety within the sport, highlighting that the physical risks involved in wrestling should be managed with utmost care. “The ART of this business is protecting ourselves and each other,” Graves wrote. “Trust me…the gaps in memory are not worth it. I promise.”
The “Blood & Guts” match concluded with Team AEW emerging victorious after Darby Allin forced Matthew Jackson to surrender. The dramatic end saw Allin threatening to set Jack Perry on fire, further underlining the extreme nature of the bout. This conclusion, though a significant moment for the storyline, has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the chair shot.
The debate sparked by Graves’ remarks is reflective of broader conversations within the wrestling community about the balance between entertainment and safety. While extreme matches like “Blood & Guts” are celebrated for their high-octane action and spectacle, they also raise critical questions about the physical toll on performers and the responsibility of promotions to ensure their safety.
As the wrestling world continues to discuss the implications of Graves’ comments and the controversial moments from AEW’s latest “Blood & Guts” match, it’s clear that the conversation about safety in professional wrestling is more relevant than ever. The industry’s ability to navigate this discussion will likely influence future matches and the overall approach to in-ring safety.
