10 Great Wrestlers Whose Careers Were Cut Short

Magnum T.A. enjoyed a brief but memorable stint in the NWA as one of their top prospects. Moving from territory to territory, the young Magnum was widely regarded as the superstar of the future when he signed on the dotted line with Jim Crockett Promotions in 1984.

Magnum quickly moved into the United States title scene and a legendary feud with Four Horsemen member, Tully Blanchard. Their 'I Quit' cage match at Starrcade '85 was among the most hardcore matches of the decade with a brutal finish still not fit for the faint of heart.

Having mastered the art of the ring in prodigiously quick time, Magnum secured the fans' support and geared up for a move to the main event. An NWA World title feud with Ric Flair was on the cards for Starrcade '86. The plan was for Magnum to go over and cement himself as the new top babyface of the promotion.

Sadly, it was not to be as the NASCAR enthusiast fell victim to a brutal car crash in October 1986. With his C-4 and C-5 vertebrae crushed, the then-27 year old was informed by doctors he was unlikely to ever walk again. Had it not been for the insane level of strength and conditioning work wrestlers do on their necks, the damage could've been even worse.

While Magnum regained the use of his legs in '87, he never wrestled again. His early departure from the business remains the biggest what could've been in wrestling history.