Top 10 “How Did They Survive That?!” Wrestling Moments

Wrestling fans love a good “holy sh*t” moment. Those terrifying bumps, dangerous dives, and botched spots that somehow don’t end in tragedy. On the Mark Out of 10 podcast, Shieldz and Hawxy broke down their Top 10 “How Did They Survive That?!” moments in wrestling history, while also tackling some of the week’s biggest stories in the wrestling world.

Wrestling News: Karrion Kross, Scarlett, and TNA’s Big Move

Before diving into the list, the guys hit the headlines:

• Karrion Kross & Scarlett leave WWE – Are they truly gone, or is this a work? Shieldz called Kross “boring in the ring,” while Hawxy argued that his legit fight style makes him unique. Could a TNA run revitalize him?

• TNA moving to Wednesdays – Reports suggest TNA may shift its programming to go head-to-head with AEW. Hawxy believes WWE is playing the “longest game ever” by investing in TNA to squeeze AEW out, while Shieldz warns it might echo TNA’s failed Monday Night War experiment.

Both agreed: the next year could reshape pro wrestling’s power balance.

The Top 10 “How Did They Survive That?!” Wrestling Spots

These are the moments that made fans wince, laugh, and wonder how wrestlers walked away in one piece:

10. Brock Lesnar’s Shooting Star Press (WrestleMania 19)

Lesnar attempted a move he’d nailed in OVW — but landed on his head at WrestleMania. If not for his insane neck strength, he could have been paralyzed.

9. James Ellsworth Nearly Breaks His Neck (SmackDown 2016)

AJ Styles hit the Styles Clash, but Ellsworth instinctively tucked his chin — the opposite of what’s required. Styles had to save him mid-move, preventing a broken neck.

8. Sami Callahan’s Baseball Bat Spot (Impact 2018)

Callahan accidentally smashed Eddie Edwards in the face with a real bat, fracturing his orbital bone. Impact replayed it endlessly on TV, making it even more infamous.

7. Taka Michinoku’s Royal Rumble Wipeout (2000)

Thrown by Boss Man and Gangrel, Taka face-planted outside the ring, fracturing his cheekbone. A brutal, unforgettable botch.

6. Joey Mercury’s Face Explosion (Armageddon 2006)

A ladder seesaw spot smashed Mercury’s face, breaking bones and ending Eminem’s tag-team momentum. WWE even used it in their “Don’t Try This At Home” PSA.

5. Undertaker’s Botched Dive (WrestleMania 25)

Supposed to be caught by Sim Snuka, Taker instead landed on his head. He finished the match with a concussion, adding to the match’s legendary aura.

4. Jim Cornette Falls From the Scaffold (Starrcade ’86)

Cornette expected Big Bubba to catch him. He didn’t. Cornette blew out both knees and was never the same again.

3. Darby Allin’s Glass Spot (AEW Revolution 2024)

In Sting’s farewell match, Darby dove through real glass. His back was shredded, fans dodged flying shards, and yet he walked away.

2. Shane McMahon’s Death-Defying Leaps (Multiple)

From King of the Ring 2001 to his countless Hell in a Cell dives, Shane O’Mac made “crazy stuntman wrestling” his brand. Fans still ask how he’s alive.

1. [Spoiler from Podcast]

Both Shieldz and Hawxy agreed on their #1 — a spot so insane it tops all others. (👂 Listen to the episode to hear their full breakdown!)

Why Fans Love These Moments

As Shieldz put it:

“It’s about those moments that look like they’ve killed someone… the ‘what the f** were you thinking?’* spots.”

And Hawxy added:

“In wrestling, you’re always one slip away from picking up your paycheck — or picking up your own legs because they don’t work anymore.”

That’s the fine line wrestlers walk. It’s dangerous, it’s dramatic, and it’s why fans keep coming back.

Final Thoughts

From Brock nearly breaking his neck to Darby Allin becoming human glass, these “How Did They Survive That?!” moments remind us why wrestling is both thrilling and terrifying. They’re not just botches — they’re history, burned into the memory of fans who saw them live.

👉 What’s your all-time “how did they survive that?!” moment? Drop it in the comments below.