Ben Askren?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

On 7/1/2025 at 6:00 PM, Konquest said:

Rumors (and I really, really, want to stress that they are rumors) are that Jake Paul and Dana White contributed financially, and the Tate brothers offered and may have been politely turned away (probably not the best look for a guy whose business is educating children to take money from sex traffickers).

Wrestling is the oldest and greatest sport, while the world's oldest profession is still sex-for-pay.

Kyle Snyder famously took part in it. No problem there. Not a negative word for months. Apparently, sex trafficking isn't a problem around these parts as much as you might be making it out to be?

In other words - don't judge those that contribute financially based on what you think might be "best look."

Contributions are 100% great. Don't make it about politics.

Edited July 3 by GreatWhiteNorth

[Saylors_Tiny_Willie]

Getting your chest cracked is super, super tough.

[BarSeries]

As far as I know this is the first social media presence Ben has had since being in the hospital. He put these on his IG story an hour or so ago (if this was him posting)

 

[PortaJohn]

 

[Rassling2]

7 minutes ago, PortaJohn said:

 

Ok, that was tough to watch, but I’m glad I did. He survived a very difficult surgery and couldn’t wait to thank everyone for their support. Regardless of what side of the arena you’re on, he’s one of us and let’s cheer him on. 

[mspart]

That was tough.   He says he is gaining strength everyday and I hope that continues.   Died 4 times!   Wow.   Keep on keepin' on Ben!

mspart

[BruceyB]

34 minutes ago, Rassling2 said:

Ok, that was tough to watch, but I’m glad I did. He survived a very difficult surgery and couldn’t wait to thank everyone for their support. Regardless of what side of the arena you’re on, he’s one of us and let’s cheer him on. 

I'd be lying if I said my eyes didn't get a little watery watching that. Hard to see him so feeble. As you said, I'm glad he was able to give an update.

[Wrestleknownothing]

47 minutes ago, PortaJohn said:

 

Soooooo happy for him, his wife, his children, and his parents to see him coming out the other side. 

[ionel]

That was great to him able to give his own update! 

[Dark Energy]

Wow … emotional view.  45 pound weight loss in 50 days.  No memory of over a month.

Can hear his thankfulness for those that have shown their love.  
 

And he sounds positive.  As usual.  Amazing guy.  
 

Folks — a good idea is to show your apppreciation and love to those that deserve it … now.  Don’t wait for hell to come to the front door.  They will love to hear it and it will come back to you.  Be good to each other.

[Mr. PeanutButter]

Facial hair looks good on you Ben!

[Jimmy Cinnabon]

Very emotional from Ben.  What a great ambassador for the sport.  Glad he's on the upswing.

[GrandOlm]

6 hours ago, PortaJohn said:

 

The extreme weight loss has made him look younger since his face was so puffy and wrinkly before. Blond fro is gone, he looks like a man who time traveled from a bygone decade ( a Seinfeld set or even the 70s).

He is very weak. Hopefully the worst is past him. 

[VakAttack]

Rough watch from when.we last heard him,  but obvious emotion...that was raw and moving.  Truly glad he's made it this far, and hope he can continue to go up. 

[Gene Mills Fan]

I want to cook him a big dish of home-mades and meatballs and tell him to eat as much as he can and get some rest. Don't worry about us. 

[WrestlingRasta]

I saw this video scrolling facebook, didn't even realize it was him until I read the caption.   Very difficult watch, but also pretty inspiring.  

[H82Lose]

On 6/29/2025 at 11:45 AM, Saylors_Tiny_Willie said:

Other than all his assets being frozen for running a human trafficking ring, sure.

So you think he would say, "call me to help with the bill" knowing he does not have any money because you believe his assets are frozen? Can you tell me what he would gain by doing this? 

[ClawRidesAgain]

Ben Askren is already a legend as far as I am concerned.

Among the people who I feel literally changed the sport of wrestling like Wade Schalles and Dan Gable, I put Ben Askren right up there with them.

I am glad he is still here with us.

[Wrestleknownothing]

48 minutes ago, ClawRidesAgain said:

Ben Askren is already a legend as far as I am concerned.

Among the people who I feel literally changed the sport of wrestling like Wade Schalles and Dan Gable, I put Ben Askren right up there with them.

I am glad he is still here with us.

Amen

[GreatWhiteNorth]

On 7/9/2025 at 4:15 PM, PortaJohn said:

 

Simply. Outstanding.

The single most impressive thing I've seen on any wrestling board ever.

There are levels to wrestling and there are levels to fighting. And there are levels to fighting for your life.

[Ohio Elite]

 

[Rassling2]

12 minutes ago, Ohio Elite said:

 

read up on what’s involved with lung transplant surgery - and now this young man is speaking to the world after what he went through. Truly an inspiration to the wrestling community and humanity everywhere. Im thankful for the forum members here posting these timely updates. You care, we do to. Thank you.

[Crotalus]

 

At least visually, this is quite an improvement over a few days ago. The haircut and shave help, but his face is fuller.

[GrandOlm]

It will be interesting to here what his thoughts are on that it appears that it was hobby and lifelong passion that nearly took his life ( a staph infection from grappling?). 

These moments can radically change people, I'd like to hear what Ben thinks about this whole thing once he's stronger and collected his thoughts. 

[ionel]

19 hours ago, Ohio Elite said:

 

Great to hear a direct update.  Keep up the good fight and get healthy Ben!