WWE Matches That Ended Due to Real Injuries

WWE is known for its intense, high-energy bouts that keep fans on the edge of their seats. But sometimes, the scripted nature of professional wrestling takes a backseat when real injuries occur. While most matches proceed as planned, certain moments have amazed fans when wrestlers suffered genuine injuries that led to the abrupt end of a match. These incidents not only highlight the risks these athletes face in the ring but also serve as reminders of the fine line between entertainment and real physical harm.

In this, we’ll take a look at WWE matches that ended due to real injuries. From freak accidents to painful mistakes, these moments are forever etched in WWE history.

1. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Owen Hart – SummerSlam 1997

The match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Owen Hart at SummerSlam 1997 is one of the most talked about in WWE history. The two wrestlers were scheduled to face off in a highly anticipated bout, but the night took a devastating turn for Austin. During the match, Owen Hart attempted a piledriver on Austin, a move that went wrong and left Austin with a severe neck injury. Austin’s neck was compressed on impact, causing him to lose feeling in his limbs temporarily.

Despite the injury, Austin tried to finish the match, but the situation quickly escalated. The match was stopped, and Austin was quickly taken out of the ring. It was later revealed that he had sustained a neck injury, which ultimately forced him to take a break from wrestling. This incident had a long-term impact on Austin’s career, as he was never the same after the injury. It also brought attention to the dangers of piledrivers and led to the move being used more cautiously in subsequent matches.

This match remains a pivotal moment in WWE history, not just because of the injury but also because of the way Austin handled the situation. His resilience and ability to continue working despite serious injuries solidified his legacy as one of the toughest competitors in WWE.

2. Mick Foley vs. The Undertaker – King of the Ring 1998

One of the most infamous matches in WWE history took place at the King of the Ring 1998 between Mick Foley (as Mankind) and The Undertaker. This match is legendary not only for the brutality but also for the real injuries that occurred during the contest. The two superstars faced off in a Hell in a Cell match, where Foley endured some of the most dangerous stunts ever performed in the ring.

The most memorable moment of the match came when Foley was thrown off the top of the steel cage by The Undertaker. Foley crashed through the announce table, leaving fans in stunned silence. What many didn’t know at the time was that Foley had suffered multiple injuries, including a dislocated shoulder and several teeth knocked out. However, this was just the beginning of the brutal encounter. Later in the match, Foley was chokeslammed through the top of the cell, falling to the mat below, which led to further injuries, including internal bleeding.

Despite being injured and in obvious pain, Foley continued to finish the match, earning admiration from fans for his incredible toughness and determination. The match was ultimately stopped due to the severity of his injuries, but it remains a benchmark in WWE’s history for showcasing just how dangerous the business can be when things go wrong.

3. Dustin Rhodes vs. Randy Orton – 2004 Raw

A less talked about but equally significant injury occurred during a match between Dustin Rhodes (Goldust) and Randy Orton on Monday Night Raw in 2004. The match was part of a storyline that saw Goldust trying to prove himself against the up-and-coming star Randy Orton. However, during a routine spot in the match, Goldust suffered a serious injury that forced the match to be stopped prematurely.

The injury occurred when Orton executed an elbow drop on Goldust, who, upon impact, seemed to go limp in the ring. It was later revealed that Goldust had suffered a dislocated shoulder and a separated collarbone. This caused immediate concern from the referees, who quickly stopped the match and assisted Goldust to the back. Thankfully, Goldust’s injury wasn’t as severe as initially feared, and he was able to recover and return to the ring in the months that followed.

This incident highlighted how even simple moves could lead to real injuries in the ring, and how the safety of the wrestlers is always the top priority during live events. It also marked an early setback in Randy Orton’s career, as he was still relatively new to the main roster and had to navigate this difficult situation.

4. Edge vs. Jeff Hardy – 2009 Backlash

Edge and Jeff Hardy are no strangers to brutal matches, but their encounter at Backlash 2009 went in an unexpected direction when Jeff Hardy suffered a serious injury. The two men had already put on an intense match that included a mix of high-flying action and hardcore moments, but things took a dangerous turn when Hardy went for one of his signature moves, the Whisper in the Wind. As Hardy attempted the aerial maneuver, he missed his mark and crashed hard on the mat.

Hardy immediately appeared to be in excruciating pain, and the match was quickly stopped. The injury was later revealed to be a torn rotator cuff, which left Hardy sidelined for several months. Despite the injury, Hardy was able to recover and return to the ring, but the match is remembered for the suddenness with which it was stopped and the fact that it occurred during a high-profile pay-per-view event.

This match serves as a reminder that while WWE matches may be scripted, the physical toll on the athletes is very real. Injuries like Hardy’s are a risk that every wrestler faces, and it’s a testament to their resilience that many continue to perform despite the constant danger of injury.

Final Thoughts

WWE matches are often designed to entertain fans with thrilling action, larger-than-life characters, and intense rivalries. However, as these examples show, sometimes the lines between scripted entertainment and real danger blur. From Stone Cold Steve Austin’s neck injury at SummerSlam to Mick Foley’s death-defying stunts at King of the Ring, real injuries have altered the course of many matches throughout WWE history.

These instances remind fans of the incredible physical toll that WWE superstars endure in the name of entertainment. While WWE has made strides in improving safety protocols, these matches serve as cautionary tales of the unpredictable nature of the sport. The bravery and determination of the superstars who continue to perform, even in the face of injury, only enhance their legendary status in professional wrestling.