WWE Matches That Ended Due to Injury

Sometimes, the script has to stop when real pain sets in. Professional wrestling thrives on drama, storytelling, and high-octane action, but it’s also a dangerous performance art where athletes risk serious injury every time they step in the ring. While WWE superstars are known for pushing through pain, there have been instances when real injuries brought matches to an abrupt end. These moments remind fans that beyond the bright lights and scripted rivalries, real consequences loom. Today, we look at memorable WWE matches that ended prematurely due to injury — moments that forced performers, referees, and officials to break character and prioritize safety.

Here are four unforgettable instances where WWE matches couldn’t go on because an injury changed everything.

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

One of the most infamous examples of a match being stopped due to injury happened between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Owen Hart at SummerSlam 1997. During a high-profile battle for the Intercontinental Championship, Owen Hart attempted a sit-down tombstone piledriver on Austin. Unfortunately, Austin’s head was positioned too low, and Hart accidentally drove it into the mat.

The result was a serious neck injury that temporarily paralyzed Austin in the ring. Despite being barely able to move, Austin managed a weak roll-up to end the match quickly. Although he won the title, the injury left lasting effects on his career and forced WWE to rethink how certain moves were performed. This moment is still referenced when discussing the dangers of professional wrestling.

2. Brock Lesnar vs. Hardcore Holly — SmackDown 2002

During an episode of SmackDown in 2002, Brock Lesnar faced Hardcore Holly in what was expected to be a brutal contest. Things went wrong when Lesnar attempted to perform a powerbomb, but Holly didn’t jump properly into the move. The awkward execution caused Lesnar to drop Holly on his neck, breaking it in the process.

The match was stopped immediately as officials and medical staff rushed to the ring. Holly was out of action for over a year due to the severity of the break. This incident became one of the most serious in-ring injuries in WWE history, changing how powerbombs were handled going forward and proving that even strong, seasoned veterans are vulnerable to sudden accidents.

3. Seth Rollins vs. Kane — WWE Live Event 2015

In 2015, Seth Rollins was at the peak of his career as WWE World Heavyweight Champion when he faced Kane at a live event in Dublin, Ireland. During a routine move — a sunset flip powerbomb — Rollins’ knee buckled awkwardly, causing a torn ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus.

The match had to be cut short, and Rollins was immediately taken for medical evaluation. The injury forced him to vacate the championship and take several months off to recover. For fans and WWE, this was a huge blow as Rollins was a central figure in many ongoing storylines. His injury served as a reminder of how quickly a main event star’s trajectory can change due to real-life circumstances.

4. Finn Bálor vs. Seth Rollins — SummerSlam 2016

The SummerSlam 2016 match between Finn Bálor and Seth Rollins was supposed to be Bálor’s crowning moment, as they competed to crown the first-ever WWE Universal Champion. However, during the match, Rollins performed a running powerbomb into the barricade, and Bálor’s shoulder was driven hard into the metal.

Though Bálor finished the match and won the title, it was later revealed that he had dislocated his shoulder and suffered a torn labrum. His injury was so severe that he had to relinquish the Universal Championship the next night on Raw, less than 24 hours after winning it. This marked one of the most heartbreaking injury-related interruptions to a superstar’s momentum and showed just how fragile championship dreams can be.

These WWE matches that ended due to injury highlight the real dangers behind the entertainment spectacle. Though fans are drawn in by storylines and character arcs, these moments remind everyone that performers put their bodies on the line every night. Whether it’s a career-threatening neck injury or a title dream dashed by a torn ligament, these instances have left a lasting impact on WWE history and the superstars involved.