10 Great Wrestlers Whose Careers Were Cut Short

ROH's second longest reigning world champ suffered some seriously awful consequences for his brutal style. Debuting as a more traditional catch-style wrestler, McGuinness worked his way up the card by incorporating brutally stiff lariats into his move-set. While they wowed crowds and netted him a main event push, they came at the cost of his muscles.

McGuinness' WWE contract offer in 2009 was ultimately rescinded due to the severe tearing in his bicep from the impact of his infamous Jawbreaker Lariat. Unable to afford the surgery, McGuinness moved over to TNA where he was repackaged as Desmond Wolfe. His promising start was ultimately derailed by the arrival of Bischoff and Hogan in 2010, an unfortunate setback most of the roster endured at the time.

The Staplehurst native proceeded to disappear from television in the second half of the year due to contracting Hepatitis B. The man himself has since confirmed it was due to blading that he fell victim to the virus. McGuinness embarked upon a retirement tour in late 2011 and has not wrestled since.

An exceptional all round talent, McGuinness had the potential to be a main event character anywhere he went. Sadly an incredibly unlucky storm of injury and illness sabotaged his promising career during what should've been his prime years.