10 Scariest In-Ring Wrestling Accidents

9. Sid’s Gruesome Leg Break

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Few wrestling injuries are as stomach-churning as Sid Vicious’ leg break. Competing against Scott Steiner, Jeff Jarrett, and Road Warrior Animal at WCW Sin in 2001, the 6’9”, 317 lb Sid attempted to big boot Steiner from the second rope The decision almost cost him his career. His standing leg completely snapped upon landing, breaking it in half, causing one of the bones to pierce through his skin.

The footage was too graphic for most TV stations to re-air, but WCW replayed it on the following episode of Nitro. Rushed to hospital after the show, Sid had a 17-inch rod inserted into his leg during a two-hour surgery, and faced a long, gruelling recovery process. He didn’t wrestle again until 2004, when he returned to the independent circuit, but the injury effectively spelled the end of his high-level wrestling career.

The worst thing about Sid’s injury is that it was totally avoidable. Justice felt pressured into the move by WCW officials, who told him he needed to broaden his arsenal.

Sid stated that he felt it unnecessarily risky for a man of his size to attempt an aerial manoeuvre: the leg break proved him correct, and he sued WCW in the aftermath.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.