Tom Lawlor Reveals He’ll Need Hip Replacement Surgery Due to Severe Damage

MLW star “Filthy” Tom Lawlor has opened up about some serious health challenges he’s currently facing, confirming that he’ll soon undergo hip replacement surgery. The MMA fighter-turned-pro wrestler shared the news during a recent appearance on Wrestling Observer Live, revealing the extent of the damage to his left hip — and it’s no minor issue.

According to Lawlor, after undergoing scans, a medical professional gave him a blunt but eye-opening assessment. “If you walked into a nursing home right now, there are 90-year-old women who would rightfully have pity upon the shape that your left hip is in,” he was told. The left side is reportedly riddled with bone spurs so severe they’ve pushed the hip out of its socket. While the right hip isn’t in perfect shape either, the left is clearly the major concern.

This isn’t the first time Lawlor has hinted at serious physical wear and tear. Just last month, he mentioned the possibility of needing back surgery down the line — further underscoring the toll that years of combat sports have taken on his body.

Lawlor has competed across a range of promotions including NJPW, MLW, and the independent circuit, and has never been shy about throwing himself fully into the physical demands of the ring. While there’s no word yet on a timeline for his surgery or recovery, it’s clear that Lawlor is preparing for a major step toward long-term health — even if it means stepping away from in-ring action for the foreseeable future.

We’ll keep you updated on Lawlor’s status as more details emerge. Here’s hoping “Filthy” Tom gets the treatment he needs and makes a full recovery.

“Filthy” Tom Lawlor Leaving MLW

Top MLW star “Filthy” Tom Lawlor is leaving the company.

Lawlor’s two year contract is expiring soon, and he is finishing up with the company, according to Fightful Select. MLW sources confirmed the departure and spoke very highly of the veteran talent.

Lawlor is done with MLW as of now as the recent Casket Match was a way to effectively write him out of the storylines. That match saw Lawlor lose to MLW Caribbean Heavyweight Champion King Muertes at the Fightland taping in Philadelphia earlier this month. There was still some time left on Lawlor’s contract, but it will expire before MLW’s next set of TV tapings in November.

The leader of Team Filthy first started working with MLW in 2017 and is a one-time MLW World Heavyweight Champion. He won the Battle Riot match in 2018, and won the Opera Cup Tournament in 2020.

Lawlor is currently working for NJPW after making his debut for the promotion in July 2020. He became the first-ever NJPW Strong Openweight Champion back in April after winning the New Japan Cup USA tournament, defeating Brody King in the finals.

Lawlor has expressed interest in returning to MMA, and said while he left his gloves in the ring after his last bout, he is not officially retired. Lawlor remains under contract to the PFL (Pro Fighters League). The former UFC star last fought on June 17 of this year, defeating Jordan Young by unanimous decision at the PFL 5 event in Atlantic City. He currently has a MMA record of 11-8-1.

There is no word on if the 38 year old Lawlor has interest from AEW or WWE, or what his contract status is with NJPW.

Source: Wrestling Inc.