WWE star Xavier Woods has opened up publicly about the serious neck injury he sustained during his August 18, 2025, match against Penta El Zero M on WWE RAW, accusing WWE management of neglecting his health and safety. Woods’s comments have sparked widespread discussion about the usage of certain high-risk moves in WWE and the company’s responsibility toward talent welfare.
The Incident: Mexican Destroyer Inflicts Neck Pain
During a highly physical singles match in Philadelphia, Penta El Zero M defeated Xavier Woods with a devastating Mexican Destroyer—a move Woods describes as an “illegal piledriver” that should be banned for its dangerous nature. Woods reportedly suffered searing neck pain immediately following the match and publicly disclosed his condition on social media, saying he would be undergoing a medical evaluation by an accredited team to assess the injury.
Woods posted:
“Last night I beat @PENTAELZEROM within an inch of his life. He then cheated by using a Mexican Destroyer, which is an illegal piledriver that should be banned. I now am suffering from searing neck pain and will be getting my injury assessed by an accredited medical team.” [1][2][4]
The match ended with Penta hitting Woods with the Mexican Destroyer, which involves a rapid, head-whipping piledriver-like impact that many consider hazardous. While the move remains legal in WWE, Woods’s stance encourages renewed debate on the safety of certain finishers.
Accusations of WWE Management Neglect
Following his announcement about the injury, Woods took a more emotional tone, accusing WWE management of ignoring his medical needs and dismissing concerns over his injury. He stated that he felt WWE had neglected the seriousness of his condition despite the clear pain he was experiencing.
An insider close to WWE backstage shared, “Xavier has been vocal about his frustration. He feels the company is prioritizing storyline progression over his health, especially given the nature of his neck pain. He wanted assurances that WWE would properly treat the injury, but sources say he has not received the support he hoped for.” [3]
This allegation has caused ripple effects behind the scenes, as WWE typically emphasizes its commitment to talent safety. If true, it brings renewed scrutiny on how WWE monitors and manages in-ring injuries, especially when involving high-impact maneuvers.
Context: Previous Grievances and Ongoing Rivalry
Woods’s injury highlights ongoing tension between himself and Penta, who was formerly a top star in AEW and has become known for incorporating high-flying, risky moves. Prior to the August 18 match, Woods had publicly reprimanded Penta for damaging one of his cherished personal items—a rare $18,000 hat—further escalating their rivalry.
The neck injury and Woods’s complaints add fuel to a storyline that blurs into real-life frustrations, blending health concerns with professional disagreements. Meanwhile, Penta is preparing to face Kofi Kingston, Woods’s New Day teammate, in the following week’s UK edition of RAW, continuing the feud’s momentum.
Medical Evaluations and WWE’s Response
As of now, WWE has not publicly released the results of Woods’s medical evaluations. Fans and analysts remain concerned, given the serious nature of neck injuries in professional wrestling and the potential long-term effects if not properly treated.
Sources reveal, “WWE has a strong medical team on hand, but they have to balance keeping their shows live and maintaining storylines. Xavier’s case is complicated because of the move used and his vocal stance. They’re investigating, but details aren’t being disclosed to protect privacy.” [1][3]
What Does This Mean for WWE’s Safety Protocols?
Woods’s call to ban the Mexican Destroyer — described as a move with high injury risk — is not a new topic in pro wrestling circles. Piledrivers and their variations have long been restricted or banned due to their history of causing neck and spine injuries. Woods’s public injury complaint may push WWE to revisit these guidelines more seriously.
From a broader perspective, this incident underscores the ongoing challenge WWE faces in balancing entertainment spectacle with wrestler safety. The company has made strides in improving wellness policies over recent years, but Woods’s case prompts debate on whether more stringent move bans or better injury prevention protocols are needed.
A Backstage Perspective: Voices from Within WWE
According to a WWE insider who wished to remain anonymous:
“Xavier’s really passionate about protecting wrestlers’ health. It’s no secret that some moves can be brutal, and this injury has put spotlight on the risks performers take every night. There is definitely discussion happening backstage about how to better safeguard talent without sacrificing the exciting in-ring action fans love.” [3]
Others close to the locker room expressed empathy for Woods while emphasizing the unpredictable nature of live wrestling:
“Accidents happen, but management needs to listen when someone like Xavier raises red flags. This isn’t just about one move; it’s about respect for the people risking their bodies.”
What’s Next for Xavier Woods?
Woods’s status remains uncertain while he undergoes medical evaluation and ongoing treatment. His forthright statements could lead to storyline developments or off-screen changes in how WWE handles these types of injuries.
Fans are also watching closely to see if the Mexican Destroyer will continue to be featured on WWE programming, especially given the controversy it now carries.
In summary, Xavier Woods’s recent neck injury after taking Penta’s Mexican Destroyer on WWE RAW has sparked serious accusations of neglect against WWE management, renewed debates over move safety, and concerns about talent well-being. As investigations continue, this episode may lead to important changes in WWE’s approach to health and safety standards, reflecting the thin line wrestlers walk between thrilling entertainment and physical risk.