10 Surprising Wrestlers Who've Done Deathmatches

The rules governing exactly what differentiates a standard brawl from a wrestling "deathmatch" are rather blurry. Generally, if a match features extreme, gratuitous violence, or is presented as a gruelling battle against excruciating pain, then it counts as one of these terrifyingly-named stipulation bouts.

The scope is wide, then.

That's good, because it means some of the most unlikely faces in industry history have technically worked deathmatches. Now, unlike the actual matches examined, there are some rules here - a humble backstage fight through WWE catering doesn't qualify, for example, whereas someone using thumb tacks, flaming tables or broken glass to inflict maximum damage definitely does.

Also, a wrestler has to be known for another style to be included. Technical wizards more likely to lock on submissions, high-flying specialists who flip (and indeed flop) through the air, mat-based greats who kept it simple and dudes known best for ripping their own shirts off and posing to thousands of delighted fans are all here.

Prepare to be surprised by some of the workers who have put their bodies through hell for your entertainment...