10 Highest Profile Injuries In WWE History
1. Steve Austin's Neck Shatters
No injury in WWF/E history was higher profile - or more significant to a Superstar's growth and progression - than the broken neck suffered by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
During an Intercontinental Championship match between Austin and Owen Hart, the Texas Rattlesnake was lifted into the air and turned upside down for a Tombstone piledriver attempt. Rather than dropping to his knees like most, Hart dropped to his a**. As a result, Austin's head was not protected. It was driven into the mat, all of his weight crashing down on his neck and spine.
The toughest S.O.B. in WWE history laid motionless in the centre of the ring while Hart tried to cover for the awkwardness, jawing with the crowd. Eventually, Austin was able to score a weak rollup and win the title - but the fear in Vince McMahon's voice as he called the match was obvious.
Would the Superstar who had captured the attention of fans be able to walk again, let alone work at a high rate for his promotion?
The broken neck sidelined Austin for only three months.
Austin went on to work the next two years with a neck that probably needed significant surgery and, in the process, became the biggest star McMahon had produced since Hulk Hogan. In late 1999, the injury became too painful to ignore any longer. Austin underwent major fusion surgery.
He returned in October 2000, almost a full year later.
While he wrestled some of his best matches following the procedure, his body failed him before his will ever did.