Ladders have been a staple of WWE’s most chaotic and unforgettable matches. From Money in the Bank to TLC (Tables, Ladders & Chairs) bouts, ladders aren’t just tools — they’re weapons and launching pads for some of the wildest stunts ever seen in wrestling. Over the years, many WWE Superstars have pushed their bodies to the absolute limit, creating moments that live forever in wrestling history. Whether it’s a daring leap from the top or a brutal crash through ladders set up outside the ring, these spots show the extreme risks that wrestlers take to entertain fans. Here, we take a closer look at four of the most dangerous ladder spots that made audiences hold their breath and left lasting marks — on both bodies and memories.
1. Jeff Hardy’s Iconic Swanton Bomb at WrestleMania 23
Jeff Hardy Swanton Bomb (image via Getty)When it comes to ladder matches, Jeff Hardy is often the first name that comes to mind. His fearless style has delivered some of the most death-defying moments ever. One that stands out above the rest is his Swanton Bomb from a towering ladder at WrestleMania 23. Facing Edge and others in a chaotic Money in the Bank Ladder Match, Hardy climbed a massive ladder set up outside the ring and launched himself onto Edge, who lay on a ladder bridged between the ring and barricade. The ladder snapped in half on impact, and both men lay motionless for several minutes. Fans still talk about this as one of the most dangerous and unforgettable high-risk moves in WWE history, showcasing Hardy’s commitment to giving it all — no matter the cost.
2. Shawn Michaels Sends Razor Ramon Flying at WrestleMania X
The first-ever televised ladder match in WWE history took place at WrestleMania X, featuring Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon for the Intercontinental Championship. This match set the standard for all future ladder matches, but one spot, in particular, was especially brutal. Michaels, perched atop the ladder, kicked Razor Ramon off, sending him crashing hard to the mat. Unlike later matches filled with multiple ladders and safety setups, this early classic featured only one ladder — making every fall that much more dangerous. Razor’s painful landing highlighted just how unforgiving these matches can be. Without the padding and multiple ladders we see today, this moment paved the way for the ladder matches that followed, setting a dangerous precedent.
3. Edge Spears Jeff Hardy from a Suspended Ladder at WrestleMania 17
Edge Spears Jeff Hardy (image via Getty)Few ladder spots have reached the iconic status of Edge spearing Jeff Hardy out of mid-air at WrestleMania 17 during the TLC match for the Tag Team Championships. Hardy was dangling from the championship belts, desperately trying to unhook them, when Edge climbed a ladder and launched himself off it, spearing Hardy in mid-air. Both men crashed to the mat in a jaw-dropping collision that had fans jumping out of their seats. This moment has been replayed countless times because of its sheer danger and perfect execution. Edge and Hardy put their bodies on the line, creating a highlight that remains one of WWE’s most famous ladder spots and a moment that defines the extreme nature of TLC matches.
4. Joey Mercury’s Face-Shattering Ladder Accident at Armageddon 2006
Not every ladder moment is carefully executed — some result in real injury. A prime example is Joey Mercury’s gruesome accident at Armageddon 2006 during a multi-team ladder match. As Mercury held one side of a ladder, Jeff Hardy performed a seesaw move that launched the opposite end of the ladder directly into Mercury’s face. The force shattered his nose and orbital bone, causing blood to pour immediately. Mercury was rushed out of the match and later required surgery to repair the damage. This was one of the scariest real injuries ever witnessed in a ladder match. The moment served as a grim reminder of how real the danger is when these performers take high-risk spots for the sake of entertainment.
From Jeff Hardy’s insane leaps to Edge’s mid-air spear, WWE ladder matches have produced moments that are both awe-inspiring and terrifying. These dangerous ladder spots show the incredible lengths WWE Superstars go to, making them legends in the eyes of fans. Whether through perfectly executed maneuvers or harrowing accidents, these moments remain some of the most unforgettable and risky feats ever seen in WWE.