WWE Ref Forced to Invoke Dreaded 'X' Symbol on Sunday Night
Sunday night’s WWE Live event from Salisbury, MD was cut short when competitor Bayley injured her knee during the four-way match, causing a referee to throw up the dreaded ‘X’ symbol. Joining Bayley in the ring were Asuka, Bianca Belair, and Charlotte Flair.
Early into last night’s match, Bayley suffered an injury and collapsed, clutching her knee. Referee Jessica Carr was attending to the Damage CTRL member in the ring when she was forced to throw up the ‘X,’ used in the WWE as the indicator of a legitimate injury. When an ‘X’ symbol is thrown, officials backstage commiserate with the referee to devise a quick conclusion to the match.
Bayley's teammate, Dakota Kai, is also currently out of commission, as she recuperates from a torn ACL.
Footage of the accident shows Bayley facing off in the ring against Asuka. Asuka makes an attack and rolls under Bayley, where it appears Asuka hits her shin. Bayley immediately falls to the ground while Asuka stops the match.
Video of where Bayley got injured. Looks like it was a total accident but still hope it wasn’t too serious! ???? pic.twitter.com/MQj2gswC6n
— Kaylee♡ (@kotaXdeville) July 17, 2023
A brief video taken from the audience shows Bayley lying motionless on the floor of the ring while Carr hovers over her. Another woman approaches the outside of the ring, and Carr speaks with her. Meanwhile, the crowd shouts encouragement to Bayley.
Jessica just threw up the X after Bayley went down grabbing her knee #WWESalisbury pic.twitter.com/8Ufb42W82i
— Tarhon????☝???? (@legit_rko) July 17, 2023
According to those at the event, Bayley was able to leave the show on her own without the aid of crutches. A video taken by fans shows Bayley leaving the arena with her belongings, limping but making confident strides.
UPDATE from my friend who is at the event: Bayley is able to walk on her own and is leaving the arena but is limping, no crutches or anything are with her pic.twitter.com/1fmISLgDh8
— abby (@blisstatements) July 17, 2023
Specific details of Bayley's injury have yet to be reported. Later on Sunday night, however, Bayley Tweeted a photo of her icing her injured knee. “I’ll be alright, thanks everyone,” Bayley captioned the post.
I’ll be alright, thanks everyone. pic.twitter.com/ndfB1hhQ0S
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) July 17, 2023