5 WWE superstars who almost died in the ring

In case you haven't heard, professional wrestling is fake. That's what every person who doesn't understand the business and the art would have you believe. But, there's a vast difference between fake and scripted. While the storylines are scripted, the risks that professional wrestlers undertake on a day to day basis is very very real.

In fact, there are instances where in-ring performers nearly left this world and can count themselves very lucky to still be amongst the world of the living. Today, we're here to relive these harrowing moments and celebrate the fact that these WWE superstars lived to tell the tale.

So, without any further ado, here is our list of 5 WWE superstars who almost died in the ring:

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#5) The Big Show

When you're someone the size of The Big Show, you expect him to be the one doing the damage rather than being on the receiving end of a devastating move. But, back when he was wrestling in WCW in 1998, he very nearly died during a match against Kevin Nash.

With Big Daddy Cool botching his signature Jackknife Powerbomb, Show landed square on his head. The impact nearly broke his neck - something that would have had catastrophic consequences for The World's Largest Athlete.

#4) Brock Lesnar

Botched moves are often the cause for serious injuries in professional wrestling but what makes this entry special is that Brock Lesnar's botch ended up doing maximum damage to him rather than his opponent.

During his epic Wrestlemania encounter against Kurt Angle, Lesnar stunned everyone when he took to the top rope in order to deliver a Shooting Star Press. Unfortunately, he botched the move and landed square on his head.

The Beast Incarnate was lucky to walk away with nothing more than a massive concussion rather than a broken neck. He still finished the match and picked up the win in the process, though.

#3) Mick Foley

This was not meant to happen

When people remember Mick Foley's iconic Hell in a Cell encounter against The Undertaker, the image seared into their brains is off Foley being thrown off the Cell and onto the announce table below. But, that spot was actually not the most devastating one of the match. That honour belongs to the sequence where Foley is Chokeslammed through the roof of the Cell.

In reality, the Cell was never meant to break and it is through sheer luck that Foley escaped with his life. The effects of that fall were evident for all to see with Mankind's tooth getting lodged in his nose.

#2) Jerry "The King" Lawler

This entry is a little bit of a cheat since it technically happened just outside the ring. Jerry "The King" Lawler - an integral part of the WWE's commentary team - found himself on death's doorstep when he suffered a serious heart attack live on air during an episode of Monday Night Raw.

It was only the quick actions of his broadcast colleague, Michael Cole, that saved Lawler's life. Cole, who was a heel at the time, was lauded for his key role in saving a life and instantly became a fan favourite - for a few months at least.

#1) Stone Cold Steve Austin

Everyone knows about this infamous incident. Stone Cold Steve Austin was facing off against the late Owen Hart when he suffered a broken neck due to a botched move from the younger Hart brother. It took years off his career and nearly killed him.

A botched Piledriver from Owen paralysed Austin temporarily and it is unbelievable that he was able to walk away from the match under his own power. This is probably the closest someone has come to death inside a WWE ring.