Sammy Guevara is currently suspended from AEW.
During the February 14th taping of Dynamite, it was announced that Jeff Hardy would face off against Sammy Guevara in a no disqualification match on Rampage, which would take place after Dynamite and would air on February 16th. With both wrestlers known for their high dives and death-defying moves, fans were expecting a lot of high-impact moves from the outset. Unfortunately, a Shooting Star Press from Guevara did not go as expected.
Guevara’s knee connected hard with Hardy’s head during the move, and Hardy appeared to be “knocked silly” according to reports. Still, Guevara finished the match with his signature GTH, scoring a pinfall victory.
Matt Hardy soon provided an update on Jeff’s condition, confirming that Jeff’s nose was broken and he was being evaluated.
According to a new report from Fightful Select, Sammy Guevara has now been suspended as a result of the incident. The report notes that concussion protocol was not followed after Hardy was injured and Guevara hitting his finisher shouldn’t have happened.
There are no details available as to the length of Guevara’s suspension, but the report notes that the star did compete against Powerhouse Hobbs on Collision following the incident. There is currently no timetable for Guevara’s return.
When Was Sammy Guevara First Suspended From AEW?
This marks Guevara’s second suspension from All Elite Wrestling. The first suspension took place back in June of 2020 and stemmed from inappropriate comments Guevara had made about Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Mone) on a podcast in 2016.
At the time, AEW released the following statement on social media:
“AEW insists on doing our part to create a world of understanding and respect for humankind. We therefore strongly condemn the extremely offensive and hurtful words of Sammy Guevara. As such, effective immediately, Sammy Guevara is suspended without pay until further notice. Sammy has agreed to undergo extensive sensitivity training and, upon completion, his future status within the company will be evaluated.
During his suspension, his salary will be donated to the Women’s Center of Jacksonville.”
Guevara issued an apology to Banks, who released a statement of her own, writing:
“Earlier I spoke with Sammy, he apologized and we had an open discussion. Words like the comments he made, jokingly or not, have absolutely no place in our society! I don’t condone or tolerate this type of behavior. What one thinks is just a side comment can have a massive impact on someone else’s life, and can send the wrong message.
We have to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and the words we say, and I hope this situation shows him that. I hope from this point on, in order for growth and change within our community to take place, we all can continue to have these conversations. No person, man woman or child, should ever be subjected to a feeling of fear, or any unsafe environment. We all have to do better not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.”
Guevara returned to AEW one month later, with Tony Khan confirming the star had undergone sensitivity training.
Mercedes Mone is expected to make her debut in All Elite Wrestling at Big Business on March 13th.
Further information surrounding Guevera’s suspension has since been revealed.