Jon Moxley removed from All Out: What is MRSA?

What is the MRSA virus that took Jon Moxley out of the co-main event of All Out?

All Elite Wrestling suffered a major setback when Jon Moxley was forced to pull out of his All Out co-main event match with Kenny Omega. In the days leading up to the announcement, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer (subscription required) reported Moxley was suffering from an infection in his elbow.

On Friday afternoon, Moxley confirmed on Twitter that he would not be able to compete and would be undergoing emergency surgery to remove the bursa sack in his elbow. The injury is a rare form of staph infection called MRSA. With speculation running wild, we would like to take the opportunity to explain MRSA.

MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a staph infection that is resistant to most antibiotic medicine. If left untreated, MRSA, like any staph infection, may develop into sepsis and can be lethal.

MRSA infections can be common among athletes and people in hospitals. MRSA often begins when a skin laceration comes in contact with the virus. MRSA is often spread via uncleaned athletic equipment. Amateur wrestling mats are a common breeding ground for the virus, as blood and sweat are usually left on unclean surfaces. In Moxley’s case, an uncleaned wrestling ring may have been where the virus was contracted.

The disease will often show up in the form of rashes with reddened skin and white pustules, like pimples or boils. Seventy-two hours after infection, the highly contagious sores develop on the skin and can be quite painful. Treatment can be difficult, as MRSA is resistant to most antibiotics. Linezolid is a common treatment in MRSA cases, though many patients are relegated to hospital stays, where many MRSA infections also occur.

In May of this year, 15-year-old Julius Sudderth of Jacksonville, Florida contracted the virus after breaking his foot. The virus created blood clots that spread to his lungs and legs, forcing him into cardiac arrest three times before dying.

In professional wrestling, athletes are in close contact with their opponents. The spread of blood and sweat between competitors occurs in most matches. Competitors and promotions need to take the potential spread of the virus seriously, and performing on clean surfaces is vital. As is the case with any disease, early detection is critical to an athlete’s recovery.

Fortunately, in the case of Moxley, the surgery to remove the bursa sack in his elbow should eliminate the infection. We at FanSided wish him the best in a speedy recovery.