In a startling on-air moment that left viewers gasping, a Fox News reporter was violently suplexed by an Olympic wrestler during a live television broadcast on Saturday. Abby Hornacek, a correspondent for the network, was interviewing Real American Freestyle champion Kennedy Blades for a segment on 'Fox & Friends' ahead of an event in Tampa when the incident unfolded.
Unplanned On-Air Tumble
Hornacek revealed during the interview that Blades had offered to demonstrate her signature wrestling move, a suplex, on the unsuspecting reporter. "Kennedy here has been nice enough to offer - we might have forced her into this - she's going to show me her signature move. I'm so nervous," Hornacek told the audience moments before the demonstration.
After some brief positioning on the mat, Blades, a reigning RAF women's middleweight champion, grabbed Hornacek from behind around the waist and powerfully lifted her straight over her head. The reporter flew through the air head-first before crashing to the ground, appearing to land awkwardly on her neck in a moment captured on video and later shared to Hornacek's Instagram account.
Quick Recovery Despite Shock
Loud gasps echoed through the room as witnesses watched the violent impact, but Hornacek quickly rolled onto her back and, laughing, exclaimed "amazing." She returned to her feet moments later, sharing a high-five with Blades and immediately attempting to reassure her concerned colleagues in the studio.
"I know that looked worse than it was but it was a lot of fun," Hornacek insisted to the visibly stunned studio team who repeatedly asked if she was okay. "I feel great. I feel like a million bucks," she added, though she admitted the experience had been overwhelming.
Wrestler's Impressive Credentials
Kennedy Blades brings substantial wrestling credentials to such demonstrations. Beyond her RAF championship title, she won a silver medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2024 Paris Olympics and also secured bronze at the 2025 World Championships, making her one of the sport's most accomplished competitors.
Despite her quick recovery and assurances, Hornacek acknowledged the intensity of the experience. "I think I'm going to stay off the mat from now on," she said. "That felt like being thrown off a skyscraper and I don't know if I want to do that again." The incident serves as a dramatic reminder of the physical demands of professional wrestling, even in controlled demonstration settings.
