Chair shots in WWE are a brutal spectacle that fans have grown accustomed to. The sound of a steel chair crashing into someone’s back or head is a moment etched into wrestling history, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. While WWE has evolved over the years to reduce the risk of headshots, there was once a time when chair shots were used as weapons of extreme violence. These brutal moments not only defined rivalries but also showcased the extreme lengths wrestlers would go to for the sake of entertainment.
Here are some of the most devastating chair shots in WWE history that still have fans talking.
1. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H – SummerSlam 2002
The Rock vs. Mankind (Image via Getty)One of the most memorable chair shots occurred during Shawn Michaels’s return to the ring after a four-year hiatus. At SummerSlam 2002, Michaels and Triple H went head-to-head in a brutal, unsanctioned match. The match was full of devastating moments, but it was a chair shot that left the crowd in awe. After both men had been punished, Triple H grabbed a steel chair and smashed it over Michaels’ head, leaving him bloodied and knocked out. This chair shot helped solidify the intensity of their rivalry and showcased Michaels’ dedication to the business. Even years later, fans still remember the force behind that chair shot as one of the most savage in history.
2. Edge vs. John Cena – Unforgiven 2006
In a hardcore match at WWE Unforgiven 2006, Edge and John Cena’s rivalry took a violent turn. The two were involved in an intense “Tables, Ladders, and Chairs” (TLC) match for the WWE Championship. The brutal nature of the match led to many moments, but one chair shot stands out. Edge, wielding a steel chair, blasted Cena in the skull, leaving the fans in disbelief. This chair shot not only hurt Cena physically but also left a lasting impression on his career. The blow marked a critical moment in the match and further solidified Edge’s reputation as one of WWE’s most hardcore superstars. The sheer force and impact of that chair shot became one of the most talked-about moments in WWE history.
3. The Rock vs. Mankind – Royal Rumble 1999
The Rock vs. Mankind (Image via Getty)The Royal Rumble 1999 was an event that fans will never forget, particularly for the grueling “I Quit” match between The Rock and Mankind. This brutal contest was full of moments that the audience liked, but the most unforgettable part was when The Rock repeatedly struck Mankind with a steel chair. With Mankind tied to the ropes, The Rock unleashed a series of chair shots to his head, causing an unimaginable amount of pain. This act of violence went down in WWE history as one of the most dangerous chair shots ever delivered. The sheer brutality of those shots left fans wondering how Mankind survived such a ruthless beating. It was a moment that solidified both wrestlers’ willingness to push boundaries for the sake of entertainment.
4. Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania XIX
Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho had one of the most intense rivalries in WWE, and it reached a boiling point at WrestleMania XIX. During their highly anticipated match, both superstars took things to an extreme level. Jericho, known for his ruthless nature, pulled out a steel chair in the middle of their heated battle. He delivered a vicious chair shot to Michaels’ head, leaving him dazed and bloodied. This chair shot was not just an act of physical aggression; it was a culmination of their personal issues that had been building for months. The force of the chair shot emphasized the intensity of their conflict and highlighted how far both men were willing to go to settle the score. It was a moment that became a defining chapter in both their careers.
WWE’s chair shots have been a central part of many intense rivalries, often turning the tide in a match or even an entire storyline. These four chair shots represent some of the most brutal and memorable moments in wrestling history, leaving a lasting impact on fans and shaping the legacy of the superstars involved.