AEW star Killswitch is apparently struggling with severe complications after his collapse. Not only does his wrestling career seem to be at risk, but there are fears of permanent damage.
Great concerns about one of the currently best big men in wrestling!
Austin Matelson aka Killswitch is reportedly struggling with serious complications from severe pneumonia about two weeks after his frightening collapse. Fears of permanent damage and a sudden end to the former Luchasaurus’ career are in the air.
Severe complications after collapse
The 6’4” man, who is active in WWE rival AEW, was admitted to hospital in late September after his fiancée found him collapsed at their home. He was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and a dangerous lack of oxygen.
As the well-known and well-connected wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez reported in a Wrestling Observer podcast, doctors initially assumed that Matelson would be able to start training again after a month. Instead, he suffered further health setbacks: “He’s not back in the gym yet, and he won’t be back in the gym for a while. He probably won’t be able to wrestle for a while either.”
Alvarez added: “Calcification was found in a heart valve and his body is not producing iron, so he has to undergo a whole series of tests. It’s bad.” Meanwhile, the wrestler is back home – but needs a constant supply of oxygen because there is a very high risk of relapse. The lung tests have raised concerns that Matelson’s lungs may have suffered permanent damage.
“I’m not saying it’s a career-ending issue – but it could become a career-ending issue,” Alvarez concluded.
Killswitch with a bigger role in AEW
Matelson was once active in WWE’s NXT roster as Judas Devlin, years after his release he made a big career leap as the masked Luchasaurus: He is now a popular cult figure and considered one of the best big men in the business.
At AEW, Killswitch is currently at the center of a larger long-term story with WWE legend Christian Cage, who is manipulatively using Killswitch to further his goal of becoming AEW World Champion. For months, there has been hope that Killswitch would see through the game and transform back into his former alter ego Luchasaurus.
It is now completely open whether and when there will be a reunion with the popular giant in the ring.