Injuries That Almost Ended WWE Legends' Careers: The Untold Stories

The Dangerous World of Professional Wrestling

It's been well-documented just how dangerous professional wrestling really is. While some argue that "wrestling is fake," many wrestlers know the reality of the risks they face. WWE's "don't try this at home" message exists for a reason: one mistake can change someone's life forever.

Owen Hart

One of the most infamous incidents occurred during the 1997 WWE SummerSlam when Owen Hart executed a Tombstone Piledriver on Stone Cold Steve Austin, causing Austin to land on his head and break his neck. This incident not only ended Austin's career prematurely but also strained his relationship with Hart, who only called once to apologize. Tragically, Hart would later pass away in a wrestling accident.

The Undertaker

The Undertaker, respected for his long tenure in WWE, was involved in another career-threatening moment at the 1998 Royal Rumble. During a match against Shawn Michaels, Michaels clipped a casket and herniated two discs in his back. Despite the injury, Michaels managed to return to the ring years later.

The Rock

In the 1999 Royal Rumble, The Rock delivered unprotected chair shots to Mick Foley in an I Quit match, which became infamous for its brutality. While Foley did not suffer long-term injuries, this match highlighted the extreme risks wrestlers were willing to take.

Dean Malenko and 2 Cold Scorpio

A serious accident unfolded in ECW when Dean Malenko and 2 Cold Scorpio delivered a Spike Piledriver to Taz, resulting in Taz breaking his neck. Remarkably, Taz walked into the hospital afterward, showing the severity of the situation.

Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins has been involved in multiple injuries, including breaking John Cena's nose and injuring Finn Balor with a powerbomb at SummerSlam 2016. His move, the Buckle Bomb, caused Sting to suffer a serious neck injury, leading to Sting's eventual retirement.

Jeff Hardy

In a 2006 match, Jeff Hardy accidentally injured Joey Mercury when a ladder struck Mercury's face, requiring over 30 stitches. This incident exacerbated Mercury's existing struggles with substance abuse, leading to his release from WWE.

AJ Styles

AJ Styles's Styles Clash has gained notoriety for causing neck injuries, including a broken neck for Yoshitatsu and Lionheart, who even requested Styles to stop using the move.

Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar has a history of serious injuries, breaking Kurt Angle's neck on two occasions and injuring Hardcore Holly in a botched powerbomb, showcasing the unpredictability of wrestling.

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Austin himself has a history of causing injuries, including breaking Masahiro Chono's neck with a poorly executed Tombstone Piledriver in 1992. Chono eventually faced neck issues that would lead to his retirement.

These stories remind us of the real dangers involved in professional wrestling and the fine line these athletes walk every time they step into the ring.