10 Wrestlers Punished In-Ring For Their Behaviour
As if the bumps weren’t pain enough.
Even at the best and most reasonable of times, professional wrestling is an exceptionally dangerous craft. Injuries, sadly, happen all the time and for all manner of reasons. The slightest of miscommunications can lead to a mistimed kick cracking some ribs, a forearm clocking (and breaking) a nose and countless other ailments varying in severity. Accidents happen, apologies are issued and forgiveness is granted.
Sometimes, however, the real pain inflicted is deliberate. Punishment between the ropes happens a lot more than many wrestlers and fans will care to admit. Bad backstage behaviour, mean-spirited hazing and personal beefs are three of the most common causes. For wrestlers who work recklessly, a receipt is all but guaranteed from their disgruntled opponents. Whatever the reason, the punishments are off-script disasters occurring in front of live crowds and TV audiences.
Given that the whole point of professional wrestling is to keep it looking as real as possible (preferably without hurting your opponent), it can be hard to initially spot the difference when watching. Thanks to the endless shoot interviews over the years, however, we fans have frequently got the juicy gossip on violent moments that were not supposed to happen. Here are 10 wrestlers who suffered severe in-ring punishment for their transgressions.
10. Bob Holly ‘Trains’ Matt Cappotelli
Bob Holly was a hard grafting company man in WWE for years. Moving through a variety of gimmicks after his early days as a NASCAR inspired mid card act, Holly was well respected among his peers. While his WWE tenure lasted for some time, he never really took off with audiences and spent most of his time as an undercard tough guy.
For viewers of Tough Enough, however, Holly left a very distinct impression. Notoriously grumpy, Holly took exception to the contestants messing about in the ring during a break. During a six man tag match later that day, Holly punished Matt Cappotelli, considering him the worst offender. A stiff worker by trade, Holly cranked it up several notches, brutally laying into the youngster. Holly gave him a black eye, a busted lip and bruising all over the shop thanks to the ferocious beatdown.
The subject of heavy criticism online and in the wrestling press, Holly maintained that what he had done was right. He explained it as a protection of the business and something he’d have no qualms with doing again. Cappotelli was crushed and considered quitting, even though the likes of Triple H spoke out against Holly’s treatment of the Tough Enough hopeful.