WWE is known for its high-impact, adrenaline-pumping matches, where athletes push their bodies to the limit. While the action is scripted, injuries can still happen unexpectedly, forcing referees to stop matches for the safety of the competitors. These sudden injury stoppages not only alter the course of a match but can also change the trajectory of a wrestler’s career. From concussions to broken bones, some of the most unforgettable moments in WWE history have been the result of an injury that caused a match to end abruptly. Here, we explore several notable WWE matches that were halted due to sudden injuries, showcasing the dangers involved in professional wrestling.
1. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Owen Hart – SummerSlam 1997
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Owen Hart (Image via Getty)At SummerSlam 1997, Stone Cold Steve Austin faced off against Owen Hart for the Intercontinental Championship in one of the most infamous matches in WWE history. In the final moments of the match, Austin went for a tombstone piledriver, but Owen Hart failed to properly execute the move. As a result, Austin’s neck was driven into the mat with immense force. Austin immediately collapsed in the ring, unable to move and suffering a serious neck injury.
The referee quickly noticed something was wrong and called for an injury stoppage. Austin was unable to continue, and the match was effectively over. Despite the terrifying moment, Austin showed incredible resilience by continuing to perform after undergoing surgery and rehab for the injury. This incident forever changed the way WWE handled safety protocols during matches, and it also marked the beginning of Austin’s journey to becoming one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time.
2. Mick Foley vs. The Undertaker – King of the Ring 1998
The Undertaker vs. Mankind (Image via Getty)One of the most iconic matches in WWE history occurred at King of the Ring 1998, where Mick Foley and The Undertaker participated in a brutal Hell in a Cell match. This match is legendary for its extreme moments, including Foley being thrown off the top of the cage and crashing through the announcer’s table below. However, the most stunning injury stoppage happened shortly after.
Foley’s body took an unimaginable amount of punishment during this match. While wrestling on top of the cage, Foley was thrown off and landed on the hard floor, which caused him to lose consciousness momentarily. As if that wasn’t enough, Foley later took another devastating fall, this time going through the cage itself and landing on a pile of thumbtacks. The referee stopped the match to check on Foley, who was in significant pain and showing signs of serious injury. Despite this, Foley managed to finish the match, but the injury stoppage remains one of the most memorable moments in WWE history.
3. Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus – WrestleMania 28
Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (image via Getty)At WrestleMania 28, Daniel Bryan defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Sheamus. What should have been a classic encounter, however, turned into an unexpectedly short match. Sheamus and Bryan were both highly skilled, and fans anticipated a back-and-forth contest. But just seconds after the bell rang, Sheamus delivered a Brogue Kick to Bryan’s head, knocking him out cold and resulting in a sudden injury stoppage.
The match ended almost as quickly as it started, with Bryan’s title reign coming to an abrupt end in just 18 seconds. While the stoppage wasn’t due to an injury during the match itself, the impact of the kick caused a concussion-like effect, and Bryan was left momentarily dazed. The suddenness of the finish left fans in disbelief, and this moment is often remembered as one of the fastest matches in WWE history. It became an unforgettable moment in the rivalry between Sheamus and Bryan.
4. Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton – SummerSlam 2016
Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton (Image via Getty)At SummerSlam 2016, Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton faced off in what was expected to be a hard-hitting contest. However, the match ended in a dramatic and unexpected manner. The most stunning moment came when Lesnar, known for his brutal intensity, landed a vicious elbow strike to Orton’s head, causing him to bleed profusely.
Orton was busted open badly, with blood streaming down his face. Referees and officials rushed to check on Orton, and the match was stopped when it became clear that Orton had sustained a serious cut that would require medical attention. While some fans initially thought the bloodshed was part of the planned match, it became evident that it was an unintended injury. The stoppage led to a lot of controversy, as many speculated whether the excessive blood was part of the storyline or an actual accident. Either way, the match ended abruptly, and the stoppage left fans talking for weeks after the event.
Final Thoughts
WWE matches that end in sudden injury stoppages serve as a reminder of the inherent dangers of professional wrestling. While the athletes are trained to perform high-risk moves, accidents can happen, and safety must always come first. Each of these matches left an indelible mark on WWE history, from Stone Cold’s neck injury to Foley’s brutal falls to the sudden stoppages in Bryan and Lesnar’s bouts. These events have shaped WWE’s approach to safety and show that, no matter how scripted the outcomes are, the well-being of the performers is always a top priority.