THE CONDEMNED, Steve Austin, 2007. Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xLionsxGate/CourtesyxEverettxCollectionx MCDCOND EC001
THE CONDEMNED, Steve Austin, 2007. Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xLionsxGate/CourtesyxEverettxCollectionx MCDCOND EC001
Jul 19, 2026, 4:03 PM CUT
‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin’s Every Major Physical Injury Related to WWE Performances
Stone Cold Steve Austin's 1463 documented matches exacted a physical toll. Every match came with a price. Four career-altering injuries forced Austin to reinvent his style.
The injuries ultimately forced him to retire early during the peak of his career. The 4 vital injuries are listed below.
Steve Austin’s Triceps Injury 1995
During his 1995 tour of Japan with NJPW, Austin injured his triceps. According to him, that happened when he jumped off the top rope.
The injury was so severe that Austin abandoned top rope dives altogether.
According to the Sportster, “While recovering from the injury, Eric Bischoff fired Austin from WCW in June 1995. Austin spent some time at ECW where he mocked Bischoff, who also felt Austin was not a marketable wrestler.”
Jan. 1, 2011 - New York, New York, U.S. - K33792RM.WWE SUPERSTAR STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN SIGNS COPIES OF HIS NEW BOOK THE STONE COLD TRUTH AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD IN TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK New York.10/29/2003. / 2003 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY - ZUMAmk1_ Jan 1 2011 New York New York U S K33792RM WWE Superstar Stone Cold Steve Austin Signs copies of His New Book The Stone Cold Truth AT Planet Hollywood in Times Square New York New York 10 29 2003 2003 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY ZUMAmk1_
Jan. 1, 2011 - New York, New York, U.S. - K33792RM.WWE SUPERSTAR STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN SIGNS COPIES OF HIS NEW BOOK THE STONE COLD TRUTH AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD IN TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK New York.10/29/2003. / 2003 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY - ZUMAmk1_ Jan 1 2011 New York New York U S K33792RM WWE Superstar Stone Cold Steve Austin Signs copies of His New Book The Stone Cold Truth AT Planet Hollywood in Times Square New York New York 10 29 2003 2003 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY ZUMAmk1_
Steve Austin’s Neck Injury 1997
On August 3, 1997, Austin suffered a broken neck at the WWF SummerSlam. That injury even caused him temporary paralysis. That happened after a botched sit-out tombstone piledriver from Owen Hart.
However, he still stood up, rolled up Hart, and won the Intercontinental Championship for the first time. While he continued to fight, many believe the injury played a major role in his early retirement.
Steve Austin’s Neck Injury During 1999
At WrestleMania 14, he defeated Shawn Michaels and earned his 1st WWE title. That win also marked the start of the famous Attitude Era in WWE. Despite a career-threatening neck injury, he continued his on-screen feud with Vince McMahon and other champions, including The Undertaker and The Rock.
Later in 1999, Austin began wearing knee braces, and his neck continued to pose many challenges. Before the 1999 Survivor Series, the star was written off TV after a storyline in which he was “run over by a car.” However, in reality, he needed urgent neck surgery, and WWE used the false storyline to justify his absence.
Steve Austin’s Back Injury During the 2001 Match With Booker T
During Austin's 2001 debut at the King of the Ring pay-per-view, he was attacked by Booker T, who slammed Austin through an announce table.
This move was very intense and caused Austin to fracture 3 transverse processes in his back. Despite this serious injury, he did not take immediate time off and managed the pain for the whole year.
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Written by
Supradeep Dutta
Edited by
Ashvinkumar Patil