WWE News: WWE doctor on altercation with Ryback, saving Jerry Lawler's life, more

What’s the story?

On an edition of the Wrestling Reality with Justin LaBar podcast, Dr Michael Sampson, a former WWE ringside doctor opened up on a myriad of topics.

Dr Sampson recalled how his actions likely saved Jerry Lawler’s life during the latter’s heart attack in 2012. Besides, he also revealed how he became a part of WWE’s medical team and the team’s authority as regards stopping matches in the WWE.

In case you didn’t know…

The WWE has an entire team of qualified medical professionals at hand, who’re present at every event the WWE puts forth.

The medical team ensures that the WWE Superstars are safe at all times, and in case of a legitimate injury they immediately administer medical care to the performer in question.

The heart of the matter

Dr Michael Sampson asserted that when Jerry Lawler suffered a heart attack during RAW’s live broadcast, Michael Cole motioned to then-WWE announcer Justin Roberts and Dr Sampson that something may indeed be wrong with Lawler as ‘The King’ appeared to be unconscious face-first on the announce table. Dr Sampson added that he checked on Lawler and administered a sternum rub immediately. Fans can watch the following video that shows how the WWE’s medical team acted swiftly so as to save Lawler’s life—

Additionally, Dr Sampson recalled that he was contacted by Dr Joe Maroon from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and asked whether he can travel and has a passport. Sampson initially thought that he was set to work with the Steelers, however, Maroon turned out to be the Medical Director of WWE, and subsequently, Dr Sampson ended up working for the WWE.

Furthermore, Dr Sampson praised the WWE, Vince McMahon and Triple H in particular, for giving the medical team the privilege to call off a match if they find a performer medically unfit to compete. Dr Sampson added that the performers would often lose their temper in such cases but calm down as the adrenaline of the match subsides. In fact, he recalled that Ryback once suffered a laceration during the latter’s undefeated run on the main roster, however, when Dr Sampson stopped the match midway due to excessive bleeding, Ryback got into an altercation with him backstage, and it took a while before the situation was diffused.

What’s next?

Dr Michael Sampson no longer works for the WWE, however, the promotion employs several other highly qualified medical professionals so as to ensure the safety of the WWE Superstars.

Author’s take

Hats off to Dr Michael Sampson for acting without hesitation during Jerry Lawler’s heart attack back in 2012.

Besides, Dr Sampson is spot-on as regards WWE’s excellent medical policies for its talent. This, in turn, goes to further solidify the fact that the WWE is indeed the world’s premier pro-wrestling promotion.