10 Wrestlers Who Risked Absolutely Everything
6. Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle won an Olympic gold medal with a broken freakin' neck, so it's little wonder he was prepared to lose a WWE Championship with one too.
WrestleMania XIX's main event pitting then-titleholder Kurt Angle against Brock Lesnar is steeped in history and infamy thanks to the botched shooting star press that almost brought 'The Next Big Thing's career to a scratching halt, but those watching at the time have just as vivid a memory of the risks Angle was taking just by entering the clash.
In the weeks leading up to the event, news broke that the Champion's neck was in desperate need of surgery and to expect 'The Beast' to line up against another opponent. To this end, WWE booked Angle/Lesnar on SmackDown just weeks out from the 'Show Of Shows'. A plan seemed to be in action, but the performer and promotion alike had other plans. A shock swerve on the night saw Kurt score a flash pinfall victory over Brock after using brother Eric as a body double.
He was going to WrestleMania by hook or crook, and fortuitously escaped the headline offering without adding further addendums to his hospital bill.