20 extremely painful injuries that almost killed WWE wrestlers (With Pictures)

11. Shawn Michaels Powers Through a Severe Back Injury

At the Royal Rumble event in 1998, Shawn Michaels and Undertaker had a much-anticipated match that almost ended Michaels’ career. For years, Michaels had suffered from back troubles, but all of this came to a head during a casket match with Undertaker. As he was tossed from the ring, Michaels hit his back on the casket. To viewers, it didn’t look like much, but the results were devastating; Michaels ended up with one crushed disc and two herniated discs, an excruciating injury. He continued to finish the match without showing signs of pain, performed in one more match at a different event, and then retired. He did return to the ring after his retirement for one last memorable run in WWE.