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WWE superstars prepare and get primed for matches that they are scheduled in. They train all week to be in peak condition for when it is their turn to put on a showcase for the WWE Universe.
In some very rare instances, WWE has booked superstars to be intentionally injured and taken out of matches. Usually this is done, as they have something else planned that would aid with current storylines. For the superstars involved, they just end up being a small part of the jigsaw.
That being said, let's take a look at five superstars who were intentionally injured before matches.
#5. Sabu was taken out of the ECW Title Elimination Chamber at WWE's ECW December to Dismember
ECW legend Sabu was booked for a huge ECW Championship Elimination Chamber match. The match took place at the infamous December to Dismember pay-per-view in December 2006. The event, overall, is considered one of the worst pay-per-views ever produced.
For Sabu, he was placed against CM Punk, Rob Van Dam, Test, The Big Show and eventual winner Bobby Lashley. Prior to the match, backstage, Sabu was taken out and considered unable to compete in the match. He was replaced by Hardcore Holly.
The fans in attendance responded very negatively to the segment and began to chant "bulls**t!" The WWE Universe had already grown tired of the show, and this particular moment just added salt to the wound.
Paul Heyman, who was responsible for assisting with booking for the brand, was relieved of his duties after the event. He clashed with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon about the direction the show should have gone in. Paul had pleaded for Sabu to be in the match, because it suited his style.
Paul Heyman also did not agree with Bobby Lashley being the winner of the match:
"I thought the undercard was horrible. He believed that the design of the show itself was meaningless. I felt that the design of the entire show, the appearance of the event was a disappointment. I also believed that we weren't doing any favors for Bobby Lashley for the way he was going to win the title. Lashley winning the title, especially if you eliminate RVD and CM Punk so early in the fight, it was bypassing Van Dam and CM Punk. Van Dam was the nostalgic favorite, Punk was the guy that all the people supported and wanted to see steal the victory." Paul Heyman said (h/t Super Luchas)
It was a sour night all round, and one that the WWE Universe were happy to forget, and also Sabu.
#4. Test was intentionally taken out before his entrance into the WWE Royal Rumble Match in 2004
The WWE Royal Rumble match in 2004 saw the road to the iconic WrestleMania 20 begin. It featured 30 star-studded superstars looking to earn a world title match at the show of shows. Test was due to enter the match entering at #21.
As his music played in the arena, he didn't make an appearance. A camera was shown running through the corridor finding Test laid out unconscious. Off-screen, Eric Bischoff pointed to someone to "get out there" and take his spot. Mick Foley revealed himself taking Test's place. He entered the match to further his critically-acclaimed feud with Randy Orton.
#3. Lana was taken out of the Women's Royal Rumble match in 2019
The Women's Royal Rumble match saw Becky Lynch punch her ticket for a title match for WrestleMania. Initially, Becky was not in the match, in fact she was defeated earlier in the night by Asuka, missing out on winning the SmackDown Women's Title.
Lana had been due to enter the match at #28, but limped out down the ramp after suffering an ankle injury during the pre-show. When it became clear Lana was unable to compete, Becky Lynch made her way down. WWE producer Finlay, after much deliberation, allowed Becky to take Lana's place. The rest is history.
#2. CM Punk was taken out before his World Title defense at WWE Unforgiven 2008
Heading into the WWE Unforgiven pay-per-view in 2008, CM Punk was the reigning World Heavyweight Champion. He was due to defend his title against four other challengers in a Championship Scramble match.
On the night of the event, CM Punk was viciously attacked by Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Ted Dibiase Jr. and Manu. Orton delivered The Punt to Punk, ultimately rendering him unable to compete. Chris Jericho took Punk's place, and Y2J walked out the new champion.
It left a sour taste in the WWE Universe's mouth in the way WWE treated CM Punk this particular night.
#1. Stone Cold Steve Austin was ran over and taken out of his upcoming WWE Championship match in 1999
A huge match was booked for the Survivor Series pay-per-view in 1999. Triple H vs. The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWE Championship - a breathtaking match pitting the Attitude Era's best against each other.
At the time, Austin was due neck surgery and had so WWE hadto write The Texas Rattlesnake off television. WWE devised a plan by having Stone Cold run over by by a car. He was ultimately replaced by The Big Show, who went on to win the gold.
