In sad news, PWInsider’s Mike Johnson has reported WWE superfan Vladimir Abouzeide has been hospitalized in New York City following a serious fall. The longtime Parkinson’s patient, whose condition has long affected his balance, suddenly collapsed while walking with his sister and struck his head on concrete. Although initial fears of brain bleeding have eased, he continues to receive care with no discharge date set, and his family has asked fans to send their prayers.
“Vlad has been battling Parkinson’s Disease over the last several years. One of the by-products of the disease is terrible balance issues. This past week, Vlad was walking with his sister when he suddenly fell, striking his head on the concrete. He suffered a major concussion and there was concern about bleeding on the brain, but we are told that he is believed to be out of imminent danger when it came to the bleeding. Vlad will, however, remain hospitalized in NYC for some time to come. There is no timetable for his release as I write this. Vlad’s sister gave me permission to pass along the word so that she can ask everyone to please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he recovers.” – Mike Johnson
Vladimir’s unfortunate journey with Parkinson’s has been defined by remarkable resilience and unwavering passion for wrestling. He publicly revealed his diagnosis over WrestleMania weekend in April 2023, having already dealt with mobility issues evident in the WWE-produced documentary Superfan. After hip surgery, the loss of his mother, and the isolation of the pandemic, he faced profound emotional struggles. In May 2023, he underwent a successful four-hour spinal surgery to improve his balance and walking. Despite these challenges, his spirit and love for WWE have inspired fans worldwide.
