Independent Wrestler Lights Himself On Fire, Gets Suspended

So here’s some off the wall news today…

Recently at a Phillipine Wrestling Revolution show ‘Wrevolution X’ on May 20th, James ‘Idol’ Martinez performed a spot where he had been doused in lighter fluid and set himself ablaze, leaping off of the top rope onto his opponent who laid across a table on the floor. The spot went completely awry as Martinez overshot his landing, barely hitting his opponent with a splash while he remained on fire. This led to the opponent attempting to put Martinez out, but ultimately ‘Idol’ had to sprint backstage where he was subsequently put out. You can see the incident below:

The wrestler that set himself on fire has been suspended. pic.twitter.com/PchVChdOBu

— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) May 26, 2018

Phillipine Wrestling Revolution has since released a statement announcing that Martinez has been suspended:

“Philippine Wrestling Revolution would like to officially announce the suspension of James ‘Idol’ Martinez from active competition due to events that transpired during his match at Wrevolution X 2018 last 20 May 2018, which resulted in injuries to Mr. Martinez.

PWR is committed to providing the safest possible environment for its performers, personnel, and audience members. Any factor that could endanger them will be treated with the utmost seriousness and importance. PWR wishes Mr. Martinez a speedy recovery.”

Source: The Sun

EA’s Take: Merely damage control by the promotion here. Now, I’ve never booked wrestling, never wanted to book wrestling, run a show, nothing like that. However, it’s ultimately the promotion at fault here because someone had to have given him permission. If not, that’s still on PWR for not knowing. I’m personally not a big fan of independent wrestling and I realize that these kinds of things are few and far between, but it’s certainly among my reasons. I just don’t understand the thought process here. I’m sure the guy thought he could create some “buzz” for himself, but I don’t think any logical or rational person would believe that the negatives here don’t outweigh the positives. Go ahead and light yourself on fire for a couple hundred people at most, you jamoke.

Continue following TheChairshot for all the latest skull smashing opinion, news, reviews and so much more! @theCHAIRSHOTcom on Twitter
Always #UseYourHead