When a professional wrestler is forced to retire due to injury, it’s a deeply emotional event. Fans hope wrestlers can end their careers on their own terms, but the physical nature of wrestling and the inherent risks often prevent this.
Injuries that end careers sometimes develop over time, but more often, they happen suddenly during a match, leaving fans shocked and saddened.
1. Rick Rude vs. Sting (NJPW Wrestling, 5/1/94)
Rick Rude had a remarkable career that was cut short by a devastating injury during a match with Sting in Japan. During a suicide dive, Sting crashed into Rude, who then collided with a small stage, resulting in a serious injury that forced Rude to retire from wrestling, although he stayed involved in non-wrestling roles.
– Wrestling tenure: 1982-1994
– Notable promotions: WWE, WCW
– Titles: WCW International World Heavyweight Champion (3x), WCW US Heavyweight Champion, Intercontinental Champion
2. Droz vs. D-Lo Brown (Sunday Night Heat, 10/5/99)
Droz suffered one of wrestling’s most tragic injuries during a dark match against D-Lo Brown. After a powerbomb gone wrong, Droz landed on his head and neck, breaking two vertebrae and becoming a quadriplegic.
– Wrestling tenure: 1997-1999
– Promotions: WWE, ECW
– Titles: None
3. Tyson Kidd vs. Samoa Joe (WWE Superstar, 1/15/15)
Known for his technical prowess, Tyson Kidd’s career ended abruptly when he suffered a broken neck after Samoa Joe executed a muscle buster in a dark match. WWE retired that move afterward due to its danger.
– Wrestling tenure: 1995-2017
– Promotion: WWE
– Titles: World Tag Team Champion, WWE Tag Team Champion (2x)
4. Richie Steamboat vs. Kassius Ohno (NXT, 10/25/12)
WWE had high hopes for Richie Steamboat, son of Ricky Steamboat, but a misstep during an NXT live event caused a career-ending injury. Although he regained feeling, Steamboat couldn’t continue wrestling.
– Wrestling tenure: 2008-2013
– Promotion: WWE
– Title: FCW Heavyweight Champion
5. Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker (WWE Royal Rumble, 1998)
Shawn Michaels had an impressive career interrupted by a serious neck injury sustained during a Royal Rumble match with The Undertaker. This injury sidelined him for four years, nearly ending his career.
– Wrestling tenure: 1984-1998 / 2002-2010
– Promotion: WWE
– Titles: WWE Champion (3x), World Heavyweight Champion, InterContinental Champion (3x), European Champion, World Tag Team Champion
6. Sid Vicious vs. Jeff Jarrett vs. Scott Steiner (WCW Sin, 2001)
Sid Vicious suffered a horrific leg injury in the ring when his limbs bent unnaturally during a match. The injury was so severe it led to a lawsuit and ended his full-time wrestling career.
– Wrestling tenure: 1987-2001
– Promotions: WWE, WCW
– Titles: WCW World Heavyweight Champion (2x), WCW US Heavyweight Champion, WWE Champion (2x)
7. The New Day vs. Ridge Holland & Sheamus (WWE SmackDown, 3/11/22)
Big E, a fan favorite for his charisma and in-ring skill, broke his neck during a WWE SmackDown match when Ridge Holland spiked him on the outside of the ring. Thankfully, Big E recovered enough to walk again but hasn’t returned to wrestling.
– Wrestling tenure: 2009-2022
– Promotion: WWE
– Titles: WWE Champion, NXT Champion, Intercontinental Champion (2x), WWE Raw Tag Team Champion (2x), WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champion (6x)
Fan Take: These heartbreaking injuries highlight the intense physical toll wrestling takes on its stars, reminding WWE fans of the real risks behind the entertainment. Each incident shapes the future of the sport by underscoring the importance of wrestler safety and the ongoing evolution of wrestling moves and protocols.
