You can call concussions the Wu-Tang Clan of wrestling injuries because they ain't nothin' to mess with.
Nowadays, concussions are a major talking point in not only professional wrestling but all sports in general. It used to be an athlete got their clock cleaned, sat out for a bit and then was back in the thick of it.
No more!
As more and more research links concussions to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other ailments, making sure someone recovers properly is of the utmost importance.
Even if it means cancelling a World Heavyweight Championship title match on a pay-per-view.
That's right, Cagesiders, it seems as if Sheamus' defense against Alberto Del Rio at next Sunday's (June 17) No Way Out PPV might not go down thanks to a concussion the Mexican Superstar may have suffered.
How did this happen, you ask?
During this week's Smackdown, Del Rio was cutting a promo on his No Way out opponent when Sheamus' music hit. But instead of the "Great White," we got Ricardo Rodriguez in his best Sheamus costume doing a hilarious parody.
The real Sheamus eventually came out and brawled with his rivals, leading the rulebreakers to abscond up the ramp. The champ followed them and ended up slamming Del Rio's head about the metal WWE logo atop the ramp which was the culprit behind his case of brain scrambies.
According to The Wrestling Observer's latest radio show (subscription required), Del Rio's presence - or lack of presence - at tonight's Smackdown house show in Salisbury, MD will indicate the Mexican's prognosis.
If he shows and wrestles, he's got a clean bill of health. If not, we can expect the No Way Out card to be shuffled a bit.
If Del Rio is out, who can replace him? My vote goes to Dolph Ziggler in what could be a star-making turn. Of course, Sheamus will walk away with the title but the two could have a good match which would boost Ziggler's standing.
To see how Del Rio may or may not have been concussed, check out the video after the jump.
