10 Injuries That Changed WWE History
9. Dr Death
1998's convoluted 'Brawl for All' has been panned by just about everybody inside the wrestling industry, but the catastrophic shoot tournament deserves further attention for how it completely dismantled a longterm plan WWE had for one of the industry's most devastating performers.
Steve 'Dr Death' Williams was north in age and fitness when close friend Jim Ross offered him a golden ticket into the company during one of their hottest ever periods, but his reputation stood him in excellent stead to be a new killer on the edgier broadcasts.
Lengthy runs in Japan alongside choice stints in NWA/WCW and ECW had created an aura around Williams, only further supported by general locker room hubbub that he was one of the roughest guys in the business. Main events with 'Toughest S.O.B' Steve Austin were sure to be a hit.
All of that collapsed quicker than Dr Death himself, when a Bart Gunn left hook floored him during their Brawl for All second round contest.
A crushing blow to his ego and an even bigger one to his perception as a potential contender to Stone Cold, the simultaneous knockout and hamstring injury completely sunk the tank-like Oklahoman.
Naturally, the programme with Austin never materialised, and Gunn himself wasn't given follow-up to build his own momentum. The tournament is still considered a complete disaster.