5 WWE Superstars whose careers ended through injuries

Despite the scripted nature of professional wrestling, WWE Superstars are constantly in harm's way. They put their bodies on the line every time they set foot inside the ring. An improperly executed maneuver could lead to severe injury or even death.

Even if it isn't a significant injury, there's a lot of wear and tear on performers' bodies, potentially affecting their life post-retirement. Due to the grueling nature of the industry, professional wrestlers are often forced to retire untimely.

Here are five WWE Superstars whose careers ended through injury:

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#5 Two-time WWE Tag Team Champion Tyson Kidd

During his WWE career, Tyson Kidd established himself as one of the best in-ring workers in the company. He initially made waves as a member of The Hart Dynasty alongside Natalya and David Hart Smith. The promising stable even featured in Bret Hart's match against Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 26.

Once the Hart Dynasty ran its course, Kidd spent the next few years in the mid-cards. Despite being a talented wrestler with a great mind for the business, he just didn't receive his break.

The tide finally turned in 2014 when Kidd joined forces with Cesaro. They hit it off instantly, becoming one of the most entertaining acts on WWE television. While their matches were terrific, the two stars' personalities helped them connect with the audience.

Unfortunately, just as his career took off, Kidd suffered a devastating spinal injury during a dark match against Samoa Joe on June 1, 2015.

The injury eventually forced the former WWE Tag Team Champion to hang up his boots. He went on to join WWE as a full-time producer.

#4 Two-time WWE Divas Champion Paige

After a neck surgery that kept her out for over a year, Paige returned to WWE RAW in November 2017 as the heel leader of Absolution, which also consisted of Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. The trio made an immediate impact, laying out Sasha Banks, Mickie James, Bayley, and Alexa Bliss.

Absolution drew comparisons to The Shield and was expected to receive a big push. However, Paige suffered another neck injury after taking a kick from Sasha Banks at a live event. The match was halted immediately, and the former Divas Champion was subsequently stopped from wrestling at any upcoming shows.

Paige announced her in-ring retirement on the RAW after WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans, the same venue as her main roster debut four years ago.

However, she later resurfaced as the SmackDown general manager and the manager of Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane). Paige's latest WWE appearance came ahead of WrestleMania 36 when she announced the match for then-SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley at the pay-per-view.

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#3 Current WWE commentator Corey Graves

Before he became a commentator, Corey Graves was an aspiring professional wrestler. He was one of the brightest stars of NXT before an injury derailed his career. At Full Sail, Graves worked with big names such as Seth Rollins, Neville, and Sami Zayn.

A section of WWE Universe believed Graves was on the verge of becoming a tattooed antihero like CM Punk. Those dreams were shattered when the Pittsburgh native was forced to retire from in-ring competition in 2014 after multiple concussions.

However, Graves soon joined WWE as a commentator and is currently working on RAW.

#2 WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart

Following his controversial WWE exit, Bret Hart had an underwhelming run with WCW. Even though he was one of the hottest commodities in professional wrestling following the Montreal Screwjob, Eric Bischoff couldn't utilize Hart.

The ongoing storylines took precedence over the former WWE Champion, who found himself in the doldrums. After winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship for the first time, Hart defended the title against Goldberg at Starrcade in 1999.

During the bout, Hart took a stiff kick to the head that left him with a severe concussion. While he wrestled a few more times, The 'Excellence of Execution' was left with post-concussion syndrome due to the injuries and was forced to retire.

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#1 WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin

Stone Cold Steve Austin won the Intercontinental Championship from Owen Hart at SummerSlam in 1997, but his victory came at a price. Hart miscued a Tombstone Piledriver and spiked Austin's head on the canvas, seriously damaging his neck.

While the 'Texas Rattlesnake' reached unprecedented levels of popularity in the following years, he suffered from neck problems throughout his career. As the injuries piled up, Austin quietly retired from professional wrestling after facing The Rock at WrestleMania 19.

Over the years, there has been speculation about Austin returning to the ring for one last match. However, he has resisted the urge and chosen to stay retired.