The Most Dangerous WWE Spots That Could Have Ended Careers

Professional wrestling is built on high-risk moments that blur the line between entertainment and danger. WWE has produced some of the most unforgettable spectacles in sports entertainment history, but behind the glitz and glamour, there have been incidents where athletes put their bodies — and lives — on the line. Over the years, many WWE superstars have performed spots so risky that they could have ended their careers in an instant. Whether through brutal falls, botched moves, or sheer recklessness, these moments have become legendary for all the wrong reasons.

While WWE performers are highly trained and choreographed, accidents can happen, and sometimes, even well-planned spots take a dangerous turn. Today, we look at some of the riskiest WWE moments that could have easily cut careers short — reminding everyone just how dangerous the squared circle can be.

1. Mankind’s Hell in a Cell Fall (King of the Ring 1998)

No list of dangerous WWE moments is complete without Mick Foley, better known as Mankind, and his brutal Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker in 1998. This is arguably one of the most infamous moments in wrestling history.

During this unforgettable match, Mankind was thrown off the top of the 16-foot steel structure, crashing through the announcers’ table in a fall that looked more like a car wreck than a wrestling move. The sheer height and force of that fall were enough to leave fans, announcers, and even fellow wrestlers in disbelief.

Yet, the nightmare didn’t end there. Later in the same match, Mankind was choke-slammed through the roof of the cell, plummeting to the ring below. What made this even more dangerous was that the cell wasn’t supposed to give way — meaning Mankind fell unexpectedly and uncontrollably, crashing into the canvas with a steel chair following him down, smashing him in the face.

Miraculously, Foley finished the match, but he later revealed that he suffered multiple injuries, including a dislocated shoulder, a tooth that went through his lip, and a concussion. Many believed that night could have ended his career permanently — or worse.

2. Brock Lesnar’s Botched Shooting Star Press (WrestleMania 19)

Brock Lesnar is known for his immense power and athleticism, but during the main event of WrestleMania 19 against Kurt Angle, he took a risk that nearly ended his career — and possibly his life.

Lesnar, despite being over 280 pounds, decided to attempt a Shooting Star Press, a high-flying move typically reserved for much smaller athletes. The plan was for Lesnar to leap from the top rope and perform a backflip, landing on Angle for a spectacular finish. However, during the attempt, Lesnar under-rotated and landed directly on his head and neck.

The arena went silent as Lesnar lay motionless for several moments. Viewers at home and in the stands feared the worst. Remarkably, Lesnar was able to continue and finish the match, but he later admitted that he suffered a severe concussion. Medical experts have stated that such a landing could have easily resulted in paralysis or even death.

This incident is often cited as one of the most dangerous WWE spots ever performed, and many wrestlers have since pointed to Lesnar’s failed Shooting Star Press as a cautionary tale about pushing limits too far.

3. Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Neck Injury (SummerSlam 1997)

At SummerSlam 1997, during a match against Owen Hart, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin suffered a neck injury that nearly ended his wrestling career on the spot. The incident occurred during a botched piledriver attempt. Instead of landing safely, Austin was spiked head-first into the mat, causing immediate trauma to his neck.

The moment was terrifying — Austin lay on the mat, unable to move his limbs properly. With thousands of fans watching and millions more at home, it was a grim sight that highlighted the dangers wrestlers face every time they step into the ring.

Despite the severe injury, Austin managed to finish the match by awkwardly rolling Hart up for a pin, but it was clear he was in trouble. Later diagnosed with a serious spinal cord injury, Austin would miss significant time and was forced to adjust his wrestling style when he returned, focusing more on brawling and less on technical maneuvers.

Although Austin went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history, many believe this moment cut years off his career and contributed to his early retirement in 2003.

4. Joey Mercury’s Ladder to the Face (Armageddon 2006)

Joey Mercury’s injury at Armageddon 2006 is one of the most graphic and horrifying accidents ever caught on WWE cameras. During a multi-team ladder match for the WWE Tag Team Championships, Mercury and his partner, Johnny Nitro (known as MNM) were engaged in a high-energy contest with teams like The Hardy Boyz.

At one point, a ladder was seesawed into Mercury’s face with such force that it shattered his nose and orbital bone immediately. Blood poured from his face as he fell to the mat in visible agony. The severity of the injury was apparent to everyone in the arena and those watching on television — it was a gruesome reminder of how quickly things can go wrong in these high-risk matches.

Mercury was rushed to a hospital and required extensive facial surgery to repair the damage. Plates and screws had to be inserted to rebuild parts of his face. Although he did return to WWE later, his momentum as a performer was forever altered.

The spot remains a chilling reminder of the dangers involved in ladder matches, especially when timing is slightly off. It’s a moment that has been replayed countless times as a warning to newer generations of wrestlers about respecting the inherent dangers of high-risk spots.

Final Thoughts

WWE superstars are some of the most highly trained athletes in the world, but even with preparation and experience, things can go terribly wrong. The moments highlighted here are just a few examples of how quickly a performance can turn into a life-threatening situation. From Mankind’s brutal falls to Brock Lesnar’s failed aerial stunt, these incidents showcase the razor-thin line between entertainment and danger in professional wrestling.

Fans love the thrill and spectacle of WWE’s high-stakes matches, but these examples are reminders of the real physical risks wrestlers take every time they step into the ring. Whether it’s a fall from the top of the cell, a botched move off the ropes, or an errant ladder shot, these moments live on in history — not just for their dramatic impact but for the near-tragedies they could have been.

If you’ve ever wondered why wrestlers are regarded as some of the toughest performers in sports, these moments are all the proof you’ll ever need.