10 Wrestlers Who Literally Destroyed The Ring

9. Armando Estrada

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WWE

John Cena vs. Umaga at the 2007 Royal Rumble is one of the most brutal Last Man Standing matches in WWE history. It’s a bout that doesn’t often get its due as a modern classic, but one everyone should watch, as it proved Cena’s mettle as a tough, gritty main eventer against the savage monster, and forced a number of his critics to eat their words.

The match was crammed with hard-hitting spots, with the best example coming towards the end. With Umaga in control, his handler, Armando Alejandro Estrada, grabbed a wrench and startled dismantling the turnbuckle. The top rope collapsed, and Estrada handed Umaga a turnbuckle spike, ordering him to skewer Cena with it.

Cena avoided impalement, however, and used the spike on Umaga himself. Armando’s whole plan backfired as Cena took the dislodged rope, wrapped it around Umaga’s throat, and choked him out with the nastiest STF of his career. A bloodthirsty act from WWE’s chosen babyface, but going to such lengths not only sold Umaga as a near-unstoppable monster, but Cena as a guy willing to do whatever it took to survive.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.