10 Brutal Times Wrestlers Worked Stiff

Contrary to how it may seem the majority of the time, a wrestler's first priority is to ensure their colleague is protected and safe at all times when throwing their anatomy around a squared-circle for our entertainment.

Yet, while this is usually the case, there are the odd, rather brutal, exceptions from time to time.

Either in an attempt to add some more intensity and/or drama to a contest, or just simply because the two folks involved aren't what you'd class as the best of pals, each of the following contests have gone down in wrestling legend as some of the most savage and stiff throw-downs you're ever likely to see.

As this list will also prove, it isn't always mortal enemies who opt to lay their stuff in hard under the bright lights. Sometimes long-time buddies go out of their way to ramp things up a notch, stealing the show and thoroughly destroying their frames in the process.

From extreme rules monster mashes, to edge-of-your-seat slobber-knockers, it's safe to say this lot were feeling it in the morning after these insanely ruthless showcases of jaw-dropping violence.

At the point when Bill Goldberg came up against what commentary was classing as his "stiffest test" to date in Steve (William) Regal, Da Man was still in the early stages of his development as an in-ring performer.

Sure enough, the contest undoubtedly lived up to that billing as the future WWE Hall of Famer was given a painful lesson in the art of leaving a little extra stink on your offence. Catching Goldberg with sneaky kicks to the face, awkwardly hip tossing the former NFL player, and open palm striking his mug, it's evident from minute one that big Bill wasn't entirely prepared for the level of physicality the Brit was hellbent on sending his way during their Nitro 1998 contest.

Goldberg held his own, however, pulling out wicked transitions on the floor and pulverising Regal with one of the nastiest spears you'll ever witness. Though the now-NXT General Manager has gone on record to state that he was simply following his orders on the night, the former Universal Champion is convinced the office didn't tell Regal "to go out there and try to take advantage of (him)."

Regardless of who you believe, this one was rough to watch.