Despite concussions, pro wrestler fights for his dream
Joshua Robertson spends his nights lifting weights over his shoulders, jumping on boxes and running up staircases. He lifts and jumps to build strength and runs to develop endurance.
For some, this is a means of staying healthy. For Robertson, it’s a way to reach a childhood dream.
He needs to be in peak physical condition to take on any jabroni who stands in his way.
Pro-wrestler works his way back to the ring
During a recent match, Robertson’s opponent accidentally struck him in the jaw and knocked him out. Rather than take time off, he appeared in two more shows despite his head injury.
Robertson is a pro wrestler, known as “Scoot.”
But a recent mishap has knocked him out of the squared circle.
“When you take a certain amount of impact to your head, your brain will bleed,” said Robertson.
Concussions are common in his sport but two months ago, Robertson suffered his worst one yet.
During a recent match, Robertson’s opponent accidentally struck him in the jaw and knocked him out. Rather than take time off, he appeared in two more shows despite his head injury.
A few days later, a car accident worsened his injury.
Concussion Symptoms
A concussion occurs when a blow to the head or a hit to the body causes the brain to shake and bounce. This leads to damaged brain cells and chemical imbalances, symptoms include:
- Loss of recent memory
- Confusion
- Struggle with balance
- Loss of consciousness
- Changes in personality
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Discomfort from light and sounds
Multiple concussions can cause severe lifelong damage, such as:
- Trouble processing information
- Loss of memory
- inability to learn
- Diminished coordination and balance
- Decreased speaking abilities
- Sudden emotional changes
Robertson was then informed to take two months off by a doctor but Robertson decided not to tell anyone.
Long time friend and fellow wrestler Joshua Littell noticed a change in Robertson’s memory and movement.
Balance issues and memory loss are common symptoms of a concussion, according to CDC.gov.
To Robertson’s dismay, Littell advised Robertson to take the time off and not risk his future as a professional wrestler.
“I’ve seen other people who have had very severe concussions or other injuries and they came back too soon,” Robertson said. “Because of that, it ruined their career and they had to retire. And I don’t want to be one of those guys.”
The world of pro wrestling is not that far from showbiz, with an assembled cast hired to put on a scripted show. But for Robertson, wrestling isn’t just grown men going crazy and hitting each other with steel chairs.
It’s an escape from reality.
“When I walk through that curtain, I’m Scoot. I can do whatever I want, be whoever I want,” he said. “It’s total freedom.”
That’s why even though concussions have become a hot topic in many sports, the only discussion Scoot wants to have is when his next match will be.
It is well-known that multiple concussions without proper treatment can cause severe long term damage. Including memory loss, dizziness, anger, learning, speech and emotions.
Common sense would say not to risk such future mental problems.
However, common sense won’t deny Robertson of reaching a goal he’s had since childhood.
The fear of not remembering has no affect on Robertson, the fear of remembering what he could’ve had is much more frightening.
Robertson would rather fight through the injuries and fail to reach his goal than give it up now and wonder what could’ve been.
It is well-known that multiple concussions without proper treatment can cause severe long term damage. Including memory loss, dizziness, anger, learning, speech and emotions.
Fan Appreciation
“These past few months that I haven’t wrestled because of my concussion, I could notice how my mood changed,” he said. “I notice I feel a lot more angry sometimes. I feel a lot more stressed sometimes. I feel a lot more depressed sometimes.”
Robertson continues to battle the stress as he awaits his return to his sanctuary.
In two weeks, he is expected to be cleared to return to wrestling.
He knew coming into this what was at stake to fulfill his dream, and when it goes and gets tough, the tough gets going.