Independent wrestling veteran John Wayne Murdoch was rushed to a local hospital on Saturday night following a terrifying incident during the main event of Juggalo Championship Wrestling’s “Powder Keg” event.
Murdoch was a last-minute replacement for Effy in a six-person deathmatch main event, which also included 1 Called Manders, Matt Tremont, 2 Tuff Tony, Mickie Knuckles, and Mad Man Pondo. During the bout, a planned fire spot involving a flaming door quickly spiraled out of control.
Eyewitnesses report that Murdoch was sent through the burning door, but the flames rapidly intensified beyond what was intended. Fellow wrestlers attempted to extinguish the fire on Murdoch’s gear as he ran from the ring in visible distress. The match was immediately called off and ruled a no-contest as officials rushed to assist.
Murdoch’s tag team partner, Reed Bentley, offered an update early Sunday morning, revealing that the deathmatch icon is currently hospitalized and “in a ton of pain.” No specific information has been released yet about the extent of Murdoch’s burns or injuries.
John Wayne Murdoch was just set on fire! #JCWPowderKeg pic.twitter.com/8d1Hg1oxbA
— PWPonderings (@pwponderings) August 2, 2025
Nicknamed “The Duke of Hardcore,” John Wayne Murdoch is one of the most decorated and fearless names in the modern deathmatch scene. A former GCW and IWA Mid-South champion, Murdoch is widely respected for his brutal endurance and boundary-pushing performances.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the extreme dangers associated with deathmatch wrestling, where real injuries are a constant risk despite professional planning.
PWMania.com will continue to monitor Murdoch’s condition and provide updates as more information becomes available.
