10 Awesome Wrestling Matches That Had Harsh Consequences
2. Steve Austin Vs. Owen Hart (Survivor Series 1997)
SummerSlam 1997 was a solid pre-Attitude WWE PPV, but it’s remembered for one thing only: Steve Austin’s broken neck.
He and Owen Hart were fighting for the Intercontinental Title, and, predictably for two wrestlers of their calibre, it was the match of the night. The original plan was to have the fast-rising Stone Cold go over with a Stunner, but it wasn’t to be. Owen’s piledriver remains one of the most notorious botches in WWE history: Austin landed right on his hand, breaking his neck on impact, and leaving him temporarily paralysed.
Somehow, Austin was still able to crawl over and pin Hart for the win, but the severity of his neck injury can’t be undersold. He returned to competition in remarkably quick fashion, but neck and spinal problems haunted Austin for the remainder of his career, and long spells on the sidelines became a regular occurrence. He still became the era’s biggest star, and he was able to adapt his wrestling style to his newfound limitations, but Austin’s injuries eventually forced his early retirement in 2003.
Stone Cold was vital to WWE’s success through the Attitude Era, but his career could have been so much more. He retired at 38 years old, and while age would’ve caught-up with him sooner or later, WWE could’ve really used Austin’s presence throughout the difficult mid-2000s. As it stands, Stone Cold’s prime lasted just a few years, and in the long-term, his SummerSlam 1997 injury was disastrous for both the wrestler and company.