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Lore Feed
The botch that changed a career

Steve Austin Breaks His Neck (1997)

August 3, 1997 SummerSlam East Rutherford, New Jersey

At SummerSlam 1997, Steve Austin faced Owen Hart for the Intercontinental Championship. A mistimed sit-out piledriver landed Austin on the crown of his head, compressing his neck and leaving him temporarily unable to move. Austin recovered enough to roll Hart up for the win, but the injury changed the shape of his career.

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What happened

The spot was an accident. Owen Hart was a careful, skilled worker, and the timing of a single move went wrong in a way that could have ended much worse. Austin lay motionless before managing a slow rollup to finish the match and claim the title.

The injury left Austin with lasting neck problems that shortened his in-ring prime and eventually forced his retirement after WrestleMania X-Seven in 2001. He adapted his style to protect his neck while becoming the biggest star of the Attitude Era.

Owen Hart died in a separate in-ring accident in 1999. Wrestle Lore documents his career on his memorial profile.

Wrestlers in this moment

FAQ

How did Steve Austin break his neck?
At SummerSlam 1997, Owen Hart delivered a sit-out piledriver that landed Austin on the top of his head, compressing his neck and briefly paralyzing him. It was an accident, not intentional.
Did Steve Austin still win the match?
Yes. Despite the injury, Austin recovered enough to roll Owen Hart up for the pin and win the Intercontinental Championship.
How did the injury affect Austin's career?
The neck injury caused lasting damage that shortened Austin's in-ring prime and contributed to his retirement after WrestleMania X-Seven in 2001. He adjusted his wrestling style to protect his neck while remaining the top star of the era.