10 Most Bizarre Hardcore Matches In Wrestling History

8. Lights Out (NXT Version)

Chamber Of Horrors
WWE

In the Florida territory, the Lights Out match was designed to convey the idea that the imminent violence was such a frightening and dangerous prospect that the promoter could not sanction it, lest he was legally liable. 

AEW attempted to revive it as their signature gimmick, and for one night, it worked: Kenny Omega Vs. Jon Moxley actually terrified people at Full Gear 2019. Beyond that, the stip was bastardised as a glorified plunder match that could have existed under any name - Street Fight, No DQ, whatever. 

Shawn Michaels’ NXT attempted a version of it, but because it’s NXT, it was a joke. You see, one of the wrestlers involved, Wendy Choo, was sleepy. So they turned the Lights Out (which you do before you go to sleep). Instead of a table, Choo put opponent Tiffany Stratton through a bed frame. Instead of a black sack, Choo emptied Lego pieces from a pillowcase. Oh, and because Stratton plays a spoiled princess, one of the chairs was pink. 

What is Shawn Michaels cooking, exactly? 

Crap? 

Is he frying up a big greasy load of crap? 

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!