In the world of professional wrestling, botches are an inevitable aspect of the craft. Despite the rigor of training, even seasoned wrestlers can occasionally stumble, resulting in notable mistakes. These errors can create unexpected moments that may enhance the drama, thrill, or even humor of a match, but typically they trigger concern rather than applause.
This article focuses on botches that have occurred without resulting in fatalities or life-altering injuries. While some incidents have undoubtedly caused physical harm, the affected wrestlers have managed to recover fully.
9 Papa is Late
The Humbling of a Legend
During Hulk Hogan’s pivotal exit match at WrestleMania 8, the plan was for Papa Shango to make a last-minute appearance to trigger a disqualification (DQ).Unfortunately, this idea faltered, as Shango’s presence wasn’t fitting for the main event spotlight. Instead of the intended timing, Papa Shango mistimed his entrance, which forced Sid to kick out after Hogan’s legendary leg drop.
The atmosphere turned chaotic as Hogan displayed visible frustration at Sid for kicking out—something that had never happened before. Sid, however, had to protect his character; with Hogan leaving the company, Sid couldn’t afford to be pinned. Thus, an unplanned sequence unfolded, culminating in Shango’s eventual involvement and a controversial DQ ending to a match already marred by mishaps.
This tumultuous conclusion capped off WrestleMania in a rather messy fashion, rooted in Shango’s late arrival.
8 Zoey Crashes Down
A Brutal Injury
Zoey Stark’s participation in the Money In The Bank Qualifier hinted at a possible push after her recent mid-card struggles. However, that hope crumbled after a devastating injury in the ring. Attempting her signature missile dropkick from the ropes, she landed awkwardly, resulting in a gruesome injury when her knee twisted violently.
The sight was painful to watch, and Zoey’s screams echoed in the arena, confirming that this was no scripted incident but a real-life harrowing experience for a talent already familiar with knee injuries. Despite her pain, Zoey managed to exit the ring to a wave of encouragement from the crowd, but her injury forced a change in the match structure, relegating it to a one-on-one bout between Rhea Ripley and Kairi Sane.
It remains unclear what the intended outcome was for Zoey, but Rhea eventually won, and fans are hopeful for Zoey’s swift recovery and a fruitful return, possibly competing for the Money in the Bank in the future.
7 Batista Gets Hit By Air
Big Dave Falls Down
As one of WWE’s most formidable figures, Batista’s composure adds to the spectacle, making an unexpected botch all the more amusing. When Mark Henry made his entrance, Batista seemed so intimidated that he braced himself for an impact that didn’t come.In a bid to sell the moment, Batista exaggeratedly took a back bump as if hit by an invisible force, resulting in a peculiar and entertaining visual.
While this incident didn’t detract significantly from the match’s quality, it illustrated how mismatches in timing or understanding can lead to hilarious outcomes in the ring.
6 Bobby Gets Confused
Chaos Theatre
Bobby Lashley is known for his impressive performances. However, even he can stumble in the midst of chaos. During a match, Lashley was supposed to charge at Kurt Angle, who was positioned next to some steel stairs held by Baron Corbin. Instead, Bobby amusingly stalled, appearing unsure of his next move as he wandered back and forth.While the other wrestlers tried to maintain composure, Bobby looked increasingly lost in the moment.
Despite the confusion, he eventually got back on track, delivering a segment that highlighted the unpredictability of wrestling.
5 Joey Mercury Gets a Nose Job
Ouch
In a TLC match alongside the Hardy Boyz, spectators can expect thrilling and perilous moments, and Joey Mercury delivered one of the most shocking ones.Planned as a leg drop executed by Jeff Hardy onto a ladder, things turned disastrous when the ladder shot up unexpectedly, catching Joey off guard. The consequences were severe—a broken nose and the kind of impact sound that resonates painfully in any wrestling match.
Despite blood gushing from his face, Mercury persevered, showcasing extraordinary toughness and earning considerable respect. His determination likely helped him secure backstage opportunities in his wrestling career.
4 Enzo Miscalculates
A Scary Bump
Enzo Amore, known for his commitment to entertainment, often pushed boundaries. In a certain match, his enthusiasm led to a risky miscalculation involving a dangerous bump. Enzo was scheduled to be propelled through the bottom ropes, but the force of the move caused his neck to take the brunt of the impact, resulting in a precarious landing that drew gasps from the crowd and commentary team alike.
Lucky enough to escape with only a concussion, Enzo’s fall could have led to far more severe injuries, reminiscent of the precarious nature of performing in such high-stakes matches.
3 RVD Is the First To Fly
RVD’s Iconic Spot Goes Awry
The inaugural Elimination Chamber match remains legendary, largely aided by RVD’s audacious high-flying maneuver. This match set a standard for death-defying leaps. However, even the most seasoned wrestlers can falter. RVD appeared uncertain during a crucial moment, leading to a mishap during his frog splash that resulted in a severe blow to Triple H’s throat.
In a shocking turn of events, Triple H continued to wrestle for about ten more minutes, despite the injury, before being taken to the emergency room. This incident illustrated the unfortunate unpredictability wrestling can bring to even the most experienced performers.
2 It’s Called a Promo Kid
Big Dog Gets Roughed Up By The Goat
Before his triumphant ascent as the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns endured trials as The Big Dog, where his scripted promos often fell flat. On one memorable evening, a forgotten line during a match with the legendary John Cena led to an awkward confrontation.Cena seized the opportunity to mock him, suggesting that Reigns needed to step up his mic skills if he ever wanted to cement his legacy.
Despite the palpable tension, Reigns managed to bounce back, offering a response that elevated the intensity of their feud, showcasing his growth as a performer in the process.
1 The End of the Piledriver
Almost Breaking History
Stone Cold Steve Austin, a cornerstone of the Attitude Era, was nearly sidelined due to a catastrophic botch by Owen Hart during a seemingly routine Intercontinental title match. The risk escalated when Hart attempted a Tombstone Piledriver but mistimed the execution.Hart’s move resulted in Austin’s neck being brutally driven into the mat, leading to a career-threatening injury.
Despite suffering from partial paralysis, Austin remarkably completed the match with a lackluster roll-up pin, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity. This incident aptly demonstrates the perilous nature of wrestling while marking a pivotal shift in Austin’s career, transitioning him from technician to brawler, ultimately shaping his future in the industry.
Though this incident could have ended Austin’s career, it instead propelled him into the spotlight, culminating in a legendary trajectory in pro wrestling.
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