Owen Hart was responsible for breaking Stone Cold Steve Austin's neck during their Intercontinental Championship match at SummerSlam 1997.
The Incident at SummerSlam 1997
The pivotal moment occurred when Owen Hart executed a piledriver on Stone Cold Steve Austin. Due to a miscalculation or a slip, Austin's head was too low, and he landed directly on the top of his head instead of his shoulders, causing a serious injury.
Despite being briefly paralyzed and suffering immense pain, Austin managed to roll up Hart for a pinfall victory, showcasing his incredible toughness. He then had to be helped out of the arena by referees.
Key Details of the Injury
| Injured Wrestler | Stone Cold Steve Austin |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Owen Hart |
| Event | SummerSlam 1997 |
| Injuring Move | Piledriver |
| Result | Fractured C4 and C5 vertebrae in his neck |
Long-Term Impact on Stone Cold's Career
The neck injury was a career-altering event for Stone Cold Steve Austin. While he continued to wrestle and became arguably the biggest star in professional wrestling history following the incident, the injury significantly limited his in-ring style and led to chronic pain.
- Modified In-Ring Style: Post-injury, Austin had to adapt his wrestling style to protect his neck, relying more on strikes and brawling rather than high-impact moves.
- Forced Retirement: The cumulative effect of the injury and the demands of his career ultimately forced Austin into an early retirement from full-time competition in 2003.
Despite the severity of the injury, Austin's resilience and determination allowed him to overcome it and solidify his legacy as a true icon of sports entertainment. The incident remains one of the most infamous and impactful moments in professional wrestling history, highlighting the inherent risks involved in the sport.
