10 Disastrously Timed WWE Injuries

7. Steve Austin

Nobody was on fire like 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin in the summer of 1997. The WWF's product had changed immensely in just 12 months, spurred on by Austin's rebellious persona and an emphasis on running storylines that were more realistic than the cartoonish era of before.

SummerSlam 1997 reflected that, and people couldn't wait to see Austin put Owen Hart in his place to become the new Intercontinental Champion. That title marked an important stepping stone for the babyface. If he could prove himself with he secondary belt, then a WWF Title run was surely in the pipeline.

Disaster struck during the match when Hart crushed Austin's neck during a reckless piledriver spot. Left temporarily numb on the canvas, the champion elect somehow managed to finish the match despite intense pain.

Just as he was set to get the push his popularity warranted, Austin had to undergo surgery and stop wrestling for a few months. Worse, he had to completely overhaul his previously-quick in-ring style and adjust to a frail neck.