Every now and then, our jobs will call upon us to go above and beyond the call of duty. Or at least above and beyond our job descriptions. And when you like the people you work with, it’s not that difficult to summon up a little extra get up and go.
But there’s usually a line, right? The question is where you draw yours. So, would you go as far for your job as this pro wrestling ref did for his?
WARNING: Graphic Images Ahead!
Say what you will about professional wrestling, it takes a toll on the body — and apparently that’s as true for the refs as it is for the wrestlers.
And Tom Castor knows that now more than anybody, after a horrific injury inside the ring left him writhing in pain on the canvas.
After suffering a terrible injury on the job, most of us would stop what we’re doing and focus on getting medical attention right away. Not Tom Castor.
Tom was overseeing a series of bouts at a WWE NXT event in Omaha when the incident happened.
NXT is the WWE’s development brand, where future stars of the big show practice and hone their acts. So, from time to time, bad things are going to happen. But seldom do you see something like this.
During a match between Tyler Breeze and NXT North American champ The Velveteen Dream, Tom got a little too close to the action.
With the fighters duking it out in the corner, Tom took a hard trip to the mat while dodging a kick from Breeze. His ankle twisted awkwardly underneath him, and he started writhing in pain.
Anybody who caught a glimpse of Tom knew that something had gone terribly wrong.
It was easy to see. His foot was turned the wrong way . Yikes.
Yet, even though Tom was down and clearly not in a good way, even signalling for medical attention, the match continued.
RELATED STORIES
Another ref noticed and jumped into the ring to take over.
He also signaled for the medics to get over to Tom — and then got clipped by a flying leg from one of the wrestlers and hit the mat himself.
So, seeing that Velveteen Dream had gotten Breeze down and pinned and he was the only official still with it in the ring, Tom rolled over and bravely pounded out a three count to end the match.
Since the incident, many stars of the WWE and NXT showed their support for Tom.
NXT Superstars recorded a Facebook video for him, and many sent kind words on social media as well.
“Just watched @tomcastorWWE continue to do his job with a broken leg (leg facing the wrong way). #wearenxt doesn’t say it any better. Much respect and love for this savage brother,” wrote announcer Mike Rome on Twitter .
Fellow ref Drake Wuertz saw Tom after the match and passed along his thoughts on the incident.
“Please say a prayer for my brother @tomcastorWWE,” Wuertz tweeted . “He broke his leg in the line of duty tonight during the main event of #NXTOmaha. When he was on the stretcher he squeezed my hand and proudly said “Drake I Love the Business”. We love you Tom!”
Tom released a statement via his Instagram thanking all the fans, his colleagues, and the medical professionals for everything.
‘I sincerely want to thank the WWE Universe and all the NXT/WWE Superstars for their kind words and positive vibes,” he wrote . “It’s been heartwarming and humbling to say the least. My utmost gratitude to the WWE Medical Staff and ER staff at Nebraska Medicine for your care and support. I’m ready to heal up and rejoin my NXT family doing what we all love to do.”
Check out the video below if you dare. The action gets going at the 58:40 mark.
Here’s hoping Tom has a full and speedy recovery!
