AEW wrestler Kyle O’Reilly has been active for nearly two years after being sidelined for almost the same duration due to a severe neck injury. He was out of action for 21 months after worsening a pre-existing neck issue, which he initially mistook for a shoulder injury until his arm began to experience serious complications. His wrestling career was nearly derailed. During his recent appearance on the AEW Unrestricted podcast, O’Reilly shared the challenging experience of being sidelined.
He explained, “My surgery had some complications. Typically, after surgery, you regain arm strength and start feeling better, but I faced complications that happen in about 4-8% of such injuries. Unfortunately, there was nothing more to do. It’s called C5 paralysis, and for 10 months, my arm was essentially useless. I couldn’t use it, which was frightening, especially having a young daughter at home. I wondered, ‘Can I even pick her up?’ Let alone rebuild my career.”
O’Reilly also expressed that despite the hardship, he stayed committed to his recovery and believed things would improve. This unexpected break allowed him to spend invaluable quality time with his daughter, something he might have missed had he continued wrestling without interruption.
Fan Take: This story is important for AEW fans as it highlights the physical risks wrestlers endure and the resilience required to return to the ring. O’Reilly’s journey not only inspires but also emphasizes the human side of athletes in a sport often seen only for its entertainment value.
