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Josh Littel, a seasoned wrestler beloved by fans as Samurai Ir, technically passed away two months ago following a match in a public library. Yes, he is dead. However, thanks to the quick actions of a fellow wrestler who is also an EMT, he was able to share his story.
The shocking event took place after Littel’s match on April 26th at the Pinor Public Library in California. In an interview with KCRA 3 NBC, Littel recalled, “We were the main event. We had prepared well. All things considered, it was going alright.” But everything changed after the event ended, as Littel collapsed in a temporary locker room.
“My mind just switched off, and I hit the ground.” He recounted. “Technically, I was dead. The medical staff certainly treated me as ‘dead on Saturday.’
At that moment, fellow wrestler Alex Bell sprang into action. He wasn’t just a spectator; he was a trained EMT.
“I started chest compressions and asked someone nearby to fetch an AED,” said Bell. “The ambulance was en route. Honestly, my first thought was, ‘This is not going well.’ I’ve performed CPR numerous times before, but never like this.”
Littel mentioned that he was clinically dead for up to four minutes and described a strange experience, although he recalled very little. “I didn’t see any light, but I felt a pull back before I woke up,” he said. “The odds of survival were a mere .0001%, so I shouldn’t have made it. Yet here I am, and my mind and body are functioning—nobody can explain how that happened.”
Doctors remain puzzled about the cause of his heart failure. As a precaution, a defibrillator was implanted in his chest, and exactly one month after the incident, Littel returned to the ring—not to compete, but to announce his retirement from professional wrestling.
This unbelievable story illustrates a man who literally died in the locker room and miraculously survived. Although the Samurai Ir won’t lace up his boots again, he walks away with something more profound than a victory: a second chance at life.
What are your thoughts on Samurai Ir’s brush with death and subsequent retirement? Do such stories alter how wrestlers view the inherent risks they face? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Fan Take: This story resonates deeply with wrestling fans as it highlights the potential dangers athletes face in the ring, often overlooked amidst the theatrics. Littel’s near-death experience and decision to retire underscore the urgent need for increased safety measures in the sport, prompting fans to reflect on the sacrifices these wrestlers make for their craft.
