Jonathan Gresham Suffers Strokes, Announces Hiatus - A Deep Dive into the Incident & Recovery
Professional wrestling experienced a shockwave this week as former ring of Honor World Champion Jonathan Gresham revealed he recently suffered two strokes. The 37-year-old technical wrestling prodigy shared the harrowing details of the medical emergency and his current condition in a heartfelt message to fans, prompting an outpouring of support from across the industry. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, exploring the details of Gresham’s experience, potential causes, and what this means for his future.
The incident: A Sudden and Terrifying Onset
Gresham detailed a frightening awakening. He woke up unable to walk, move the left side of his body, see clearly, or speak coherently. It took a full 30 minutes to dial 911, and he awoke in the hospital with no recollection of the event. subsequent MRI scans confirmed the diagnosis: two strokes.
He shared his initial account via Twitter (now X), which quickly circulated throughout the wrestling community:
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uncertain Causes & Potential COVID Link
Perhaps most concerning is the current uncertainty surrounding the cause of these strokes. Extensive medical testing has, so far, yielded no definitive answers. Doctors suspect a possible, though unconfirmed, link to a recent bout with COVID-19.
“They’re not sure what happened, and the only thing they said was it could have been a possible complication from a bad case of COVID I had a couple of weeks ago,” Gresham explained. This highlights the potential for long-term health consequences following even seemingly mild COVID-19 infections, a topic gaining increasing medical attention. It’s important to remember that stroke risk factors are complex and often multifaceted.
A Career Defined by Technical brilliance
Gresham’s health scare comes at a pivotal moment in his career. A 20-year veteran, he’s widely respected as one of the premier technical wrestlers in the world.His accolades include:
Ring of Honor World Championship: A testament to his in-ring prowess. ROH Pure Championship: Showcasing his mastery of pure wrestling rulesets. ROH World Tag Team Championship: Demonstrating his versatility as a team player.
Following Tony Khan’s acquisition of Ring of Honor, Gresham had a brief stint with AEW before requesting and receiving his release. He then joined TNA Wrestling, where his contract reportedly expired earlier in 2025. His free agent status allows him flexibility in managing his recovery and return.
the Power of Support: Jordynne Grace‘s Swift Action
Amidst the chaos, Gresham’s wife, TNA Knockouts World champion Jordynne Grace, demonstrated unbelievable dedication. She reportedly flew from Orlando to Atlanta immediatly upon seeing him being transported by ambulance on their Ring doorbell camera.
Gresham admitted he initially struggled to accept the diagnosis until Grace showed him photographic evidence of the stroke’s visible effects on his face. This underscores the importance of having a strong support system during challenging health crises.
Recovery & Return to the Ring
Gresham is prioritizing his health and will be taking a 2-4 week hiatus from wrestling to recover and receive clearance from his neurologist. He remains optimistic about a full recovery and a return to the ring.
“I will be back soon,” he assured his fans. This determination, coupled with the support of his wife and the wrestling community, bodes well for his future.What This Means for the Wrestling World & Beyond
Gresham’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands placed on professional wrestlers.It also highlights the potential for unforeseen health issues, even in seemingly healthy individuals. Increased Awareness: This incident will likely raise awareness about stroke symptoms and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
Athlete Health: It underscores the need for comprehensive health and wellness programs within professional wrestling organizations.
COVID-19 Complications: It reinforces the ongoing research into the long-term health effects of COVID-19.
The entire wrestling community is sending its best wishes to Jonathan Gresham for a swift and complete recovery. We will continue to monitor his progress and provide updates as they become available.
Resources:
* American Stroke Association:
