Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Doctor Says Ben Askren Could Return to Wrestling Pending Medical Clearance

The assessment follows a double lung transplant with ongoing home recovery in Wisconsin.

Overview

  • Sports-medicine physician Brian Sutterer told The Ariel Helwani Show that a competitive return for Askren is not out of the question.
  • He said MMA and boxing are likely off the table, but wrestling could be viable if specific health criteria are satisfied.
  • Sutterer emphasized that objective testing must show adequate lung capacity and cardiac function before any comeback is considered.
  • He flagged potential muscle or nerve damage from the prolonged illness as the largest uncertainty for performance recovery.
  • Askren is recuperating at home after a 45-day coma and double lung transplant, gradually regaining weight from a hospital low near 145 pounds, with peers like Corey Anderson offering support.