Key Moments
Raw Truths From The Brink Of Death – Ben Askren
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Key Moments
Ben Askren nearly died from flesh-eating pneumonia and received a double lung transplant, but now aims to be the longest-living recipient ever and returns to wrestling within a year.
Key Insights
Ben Askren went from experiencing back pain assumed to be a spasm to being placed on ECMO, a life-support system with only a 40% survival rate off of it.
The necrotizing pneumonia that led to Ben's double lung transplant was caused by a Staph infection that entered his bloodstream, destroying his lungs from the inside out.
Ben Askren lost approximately 60 pounds of body weight, mostly muscle, during his hospitalization and recovery period.
Ben Askren aims to be the longest-living double lung transplant recipient, surpassing the current record of 38 years by reaching 39 years.
Askren believes talent doesn't exist, asserting that success stems purely from training, dedication, and a desire to improve, often demonstrated by the Polar brothers' chess-playing daughters and the Iditarod sled dogs bred for desire over speed.
Askren views wrestling as a microcosm of life, instilling humility, hard work, discipline, perseverance, and self-reliance, qualities he found crucial for his recovery and overall resilience.
A sudden battle against necrotizing pneumonia
Ben Askren's life took a dramatic turn on May 27th, 2025, when he experienced what he initially thought was a severe back spasm. Despite testing normal the day before, the pain intensified, leading his wife to notice his abnormal, rapid breathing while he slept. This prompted a second hospital visit, after which Askren has no memory, having lost consciousness. He was later told he had necrotizing pneumonia, a life-threatening condition where his body was essentially destroying his lungs from within. This was caused by a Staph infection that had entered his bloodstream, proving to be a far more serious threat than a simple elbow cut and a typical back spasm.
The brink of death and an unexpected transplant
After being airlifted to Milwaukee, Askren was placed on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), a life support machine that carries a significant risk, with only about a 40% chance of recovery. He remained unconscious for approximately 37 days, during which he underwent a double lung transplant. The surgery was described by his doctor as one of the worst they had ever seen due to the extent of tissue death and decomposition that had adhered to his ribs, requiring extensive scraping. Waking up in July 2025, Askren had no memory of the preceding events and was initially unaware of his condition, a stark contrast to his prior healthy lifestyle and complete lack of smoking history.
A challenging recovery and profound gratitude
Askren's recovery was arduous, marked by significant physical deterioration. He lost around 60 pounds, mostly muscle, and struggled with basic functions like walking and feeding himself. For two months, he was unable to walk independently, requiring assistance for even simple tasks. A post-transplant infection led to a second hospital stay. Despite these setbacks, Askren developed a profound sense of gratitude, not just for his own survival, but also for the sacrifices of his donor family. He learned about other transplant patients' struggles, such as one individual receiving two lungs from different donors, which underscored the severity and complexity of his own situation and the preciousness of life.
The profound emotional and mental shift post-transplant
Upon regaining consciousness, Askren's primary emotions were disbelief and a sense of profound shock, grappling with the reality of needing a lung transplant as a non-smoker. This was quickly followed by a determined mindset of "what do I need to do now?" He actively researched his condition, often using ChatGPT and cross-referencing information with his doctors. This proactive approach, combined with an athlete's discipline, guided his recovery. He also experienced significant post-operative delirium, creating false memories of being in different hospitals and attempting to walk home, highlighting the mental impact of his critical condition and medication.
Reframing life priorities and embracing the 'extra'
Askren's near-death experience led to a significant re-evaluation of his priorities. While he felt he had a good life before, the experience amplified his gratitude and patience. He became a devout Christian, deepening his spiritual connection. Professionally, he sought to streamline his commitments, stepping away from business ventures that didn't ignite his passion, to better spend time with his family. He frames his current life as 'extra' time, inspired by the sentiment that everything after a near-death experience is a gift. His goal is now to live fully, not to simply 'arrive safely at death,' and he aspires to be the longest-living double lung transplant recipient, aiming for 39 years.
The role of athletic discipline in resilience
Askren attributes a significant portion of his recovery and resilience to his background as a professional athlete. The discipline, regimentation, and mental toughness honed through wrestling and MMA proved invaluable, even on days he felt unwell. He emphasizes the importance of consistently showing up and putting in the work, whether it's physical therapy or breathing exercises, a mindset essential for navigating the challenges of his new reality. This ingrained work ethic is what motivated him to even consider returning to wrestling within a year of his transplant.
Redefining success and the concept of talent
Askren has redefined success, now prioritizing spending time with his family and coaching at his wrestling academies over past career achievements. He believes talent is a myth, arguing that success is solely a product of training, desire, and hard work. He uses analogies like sled dogs bred for desire and the Polar sisters' chess-playing daughters to support his view that disposition and environment play a larger role than innate ability. He also reflects on his own fighting career, emphasizing that his drive to improve, not a pursuit of 'greatness,' fueled his success, a lesson he now imparts.
A fearless approach to life and future aspirations
Askren continues to embrace challenges with a fearless attitude, embracing opportunities with a 'middle finger up' to societal expectations. He is driven by a desire to inspire others through his journey, highlighting the importance of taking chances and living authentically, rather than being limited by fear of judgment. He is actively involved in the professional wrestling organization RFA and is releasing a documentary about his experience. Medically, he is open to experimental treatments, including future organ transplants using stem cell technology, to potentially overcome the long-term effects of immunosuppression and extend his life. His goal is unequivocal: to be the longest-living double lung transplant survivor.
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Common Questions
Ben Askren developed necrotizing pneumonia caused by a staph infection that spread into his blood. His lungs were severely damaged, making a double lung transplant the only option for survival.
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Mentioned in this video
Ben Askren was inducted into this hall of fame on June 6th, the same day he was airlifted for medical care last year.
Ben Askren works for this organization and aims to build a legitimate professional wrestling organization in America.
A mixed martial arts organization, discussed in comparison to wrestling regarding parent expectations and career viability.
A brand that makes training gear, recommended for comfort and looking good in the gym.
A company that makes non-alcoholic beers, praised for allowing people to enjoy a drink without the negative after-effects.
A company that produces supplements like Fiber Plus, aimed at improving gut health and nutrient absorption.
The studio that picked up the documentary about Ben Askren's near-death experience.
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