The Most Shocking WWE Superstars Who Competed in Deathmatches

When people think of WWE, they often picture high-production matches, legendary rivalries, and larger-than-life personas. But some WWE superstars have pushed their limits far beyond the squared circle of Vince McMahon’s empire. These performers, known for their presence on WWE’s global stage, have also stepped into the brutal and bloody world of death matches — a style of wrestling known for its extreme violence, dangerous weapons, and disregard for safety.

Deathmatch wrestling is often associated with smaller, independent promotions like CZW, GCW, and BJW, where barbed wire, glass, and fire replace standard ropes and turnbuckles. For a WWE name to step into this chaos speaks volumes about their toughness and hunger to prove themselves beyond traditional wrestling confines. Here are four WWE superstars who took that extreme route and left fans stunned by their willingness to suffer for the craft.

1. Dean Ambrose

Before he became a household name as Dean Ambrose in WWE, Jon Moxley made his mark on the independent scene through some of the most violent matches imaginable. His time in Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) saw him bleed, brawl, and fight through unimaginable pain. Moxley’s deathmatch resume includes light tubes, barbed wire, and panes of glass — tools of destruction rarely seen on WWE programming.

After leaving WWE, Moxley didn’t shy away from his roots, going on to face Kenny Omega in an infamous “Lights Out” match in AEW, reminiscent of his deathmatch days. His willingness to endure such punishment and still thrive in mainstream wrestling makes him one of the toughest competitors to ever lace up boots — and proves that his deathmatch history is more than a footnote.

2. Zack Ryder

Fans who remember Matt Cardona as the fun-loving, underdog Zack Ryder in WWE might never imagine him bathed in blood, swinging light tubes. But after his WWE release, Cardona rebranded himself in a way no one expected. In 2021, he the independent wrestling scene when he faced deathmatch king Nick Gage at GCW’s Homecoming event — a match that included glass, pizza cutters, and a crimson mask that had fans gasping.

Cardona’s performance in that match proved he wasn’t just a WWE product but someone willing to endure the most hardcore environments. His willingness to embrace deathmatch wrestling rejuvenated his career, earning respect from even the most hardcore fans and showing that there’s more to him than the “woo woo woo” persona of WWE fame.

3. Drew McIntyre

While Drew McIntyre is now known for being a two-time WWE Champion and a top name on Raw and SmackDown, his journey to the top was far from easy. After his first release from WWE, McIntyre wrestled across various promotions under his real name, Drew Galloway. Though he wasn’t a full-time deathmatch wrestler, McIntyre participated in brutal hardcore matches that flirted with deathmatch territory.

During his time in Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), McIntyre took part in violent brawls involving weapons, chairs, and bloodshed, showing a grittier side compared to his WWE image. These matches helped him rebuild his reputation, proving to promoters and fans alike that he could withstand brutal punishment and still perform at a main-event level — a key step in his return to WWE’s spotlight.

4. Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy has always been synonymous with extreme. From his legendary ladder matches to high-risk dives, Hardy made a name for himself as one of WWE’s most fearless superstars. But few realize that Jeff has also stepped into deathmatch-style environments, particularly during his time in smaller promotions like OMEGA and early TNA.

Hardy has faced off in matches filled with thumbtacks, barbed wire, and flaming tables. Even though WWE limited the extremity of his stunts, his reputation for risk-taking comes from more than just TLC matches. His daredevil style and willingness to take brutal bumps are why fans still consider him one of the most hardcore performers to ever set foot in WWE. Jeff’s history proves that for him, extreme isn’t just a gimmick — it’s his way of life.

These superstars proved that their toughness isn’t confined to WWE’s glitz and glamour. Whether it was to prove a point, revive a career, or stay true to their hardcore roots, each of them faced violence head-on. Their deathmatch backgrounds add another layer to their legacies, showing fans a side of them that often goes unseen on national TV.