Chris Bey, known in the wrestling world, faced an unexpected turn in his career. A routine move, the “1, 2, Sweet”, which he had executed hundreds of times, completely changed his life. On October 27, 2024, during a taping of “TNA Impact!” in Detroit, Bey suffered an injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
The gravity of the situation became evident instantly. Bey couldn’t move his body or feel anything from the waist down. His arms, immobilized, radiated unbearable heat. What seemed like one more movement turned out to be a crucial moment that took him to the intensive care unit.In the hospital, he underwent emergency spinal fusion surgery. The diagnosis was devastating: fracture of the C4 vertebra and temporary paralysis. The doctors gave him a 15% chance of walking again or using his hands. His wrestling career, they told him, was over.
“Once I woke up [from surgery] and realized I couldn’t feel anything, I no longer cared about wrestling. Wrestling was no longer my life. It was no longer my job. I only cared about being alive.”
Chris Bey
The news shocked his girlfriend, fellow wrestler Brittnie Brooks, who was one of the first to visit him. He spent the following two months in a rehabilitation center, undergoing strenuous therapy sessions. Determination became his driving force.
Bey, known for challenging the impossible, began his path to recovery. Despite the prognoses, he demonstrated an unwavering willpower. His dream of being a professional wrestler had begun at the age of eight, when he saw Eddie Guerrero conquer the WWE championship. Since then, wrestling was his passion, his life.Raised in Maryland, Bey practiced wrestling with friends, using socks for protection. His father, a great supporter, provided him with everything related to wrestling. The loss of his father in 2016 pushed him to pursue his dream with more force.
After years of dedication, Bey debuted in WWE in 2019. Then, he found success in TNA Wrestling, where he won the X Division Championship and formed the ABC team with Ace Austin. Together, they achieved the Impact World tag team championship on three occasions.
On October 26, 2024, at TNA’s “Bound for Glory” event, Bey and Austin faced The Hardy Boyz in a Full Metal Mayhem match. Jeff Hardy, impressed by Bey, considered him an extraordinary wrestler. The next day, during the television recording, the injury changed the course of their story.
The final movement, which seemed routine, went wrong. Bey’s neck twisted and fractured. The medical staff acted quickly, and Bey was taken to the hospital.
Despite the severity of the injury, Bey remained positive. In the hospital, he underwent surgery. Two weeks later, he was informed about the possibility of using a wheelchair for life. However, Bey clung to hope.
During the following two months, he dedicated himself to rehabilitation and physiotherapy. He returned to Las Vegas in December 2024, using a wheelchair. In January, he began working with Dr. John Beedle, who motivated him to believe in his recovery.
The arduous training with Beedle pushed him beyond his limits. At the end of January, Bey could already move his toes and take assisted steps. On February 13, on his birthday, he posted a video on social media walking without help.
“Nothing is impossible, you just have to believe and work.”
Chris Bey
Bey attended WrestleMania 41, held in Las Vegas, where he was warmly received. He participated in several events during that week, demonstrating his determination and gratitude for the support received.
The events of Bey’s WrestleMania week:
Thursday, April 17: Participated in a TNA charity breakfast and underwent rehabilitation sessions.
Friday, April 18: Attended the WaleMania event and joined Jeff Hardy on stage.
Saturday, April 19: Participated in the wrestling event “Heels Have Eyes: 4 The Culture” and the WrestleCon convention.
Sunday, April 20: Attended WrestleCon again and the Game Changer Wrestling event, where he presented the debut of Brodie Lee Jr.
Bey is currently training at the gym and has regained some of the lost weight. Although he still has difficulties with some basic functions, his progress is notable. He doesn’t rule out a return to the ring, but for now, he’s considering other options within wrestling.
Chris Bey’s story is a testament to perseverance and determination. His positive attitude and dedication to recovery inspire many. Bey’s future in wrestling is yet to be written, but his story is already one of the greatest ever told.
