Wrestling fans, buckle up! Some of the most legendary WWE moments in history were literally milliseconds away from being completely erased from existence.
These jaw-dropping near-misses will make you appreciate your favorite wrestling memories like never before.
1. The Undertaker’s WrestleMania Streak: A Miracle Survival
Imagine the most iconic wrestling streak in history almost getting derailed before it even began.
The Undertaker’s legendary WrestleMania undefeated run was hanging by a thread during his early years.
What most fans don’t know is that Vince McMahon was incredibly close to scrapping The Undertaker’s entire character multiple times.
During the early 1990s, when the wrestling world was filled with cartoonish characters, The Undertaker’s dark, supernatural persona seemed like a massive risk.
Multiple WWE executives believed the character was too niche and would never connect with mainstream audiences.
In fact, during a pivotal meeting, McMahon was just seconds away from completely reimagining The Undertaker as a more traditional wrestler.
The turning point came when Mark Calaway (The Undertaker) passionately argued for the character’s unique potential.
His conviction was so powerful that McMahon decided to give the gimmick one more chance.
Little did anyone know that this split-second decision would create one of the most legendary characters in wrestling history.
2. Stone Cold’s Near-Total Career Destruction
Steve Austin’s journey to becoming “Stone Cold” was anything but smooth. Before his iconic persona, WWE (then WWF) almost completely buried his potential.
After being fired from WCW, Austin arrived at WWE as Brian Pillman’s tag team partner. However, management saw him as just another generic wrestler.
In a shocking twist, Vince McMahon was moments away from releasing Austin entirely. During a critical performance evaluation, Austin was considered too bland and lacking the “it” factor.
The wrestling world was seconds away from losing one of its most revolutionary performers. The game-changer? Austin’s unfiltered promo skills and raw charisma.
When given a microphone during what was essentially his last chance, he delivered a performance so electrifying that McMahon immediately saw his potential. That single moment saved an entire wrestling legacy.
3. The Rock’s Hollywood Dreams Almost Killed His Wrestling Career
Before becoming a global movie superstar, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was fighting for his wrestling survival. Hard to believe, right? WWE creative team was seriously considering releasing him due to his lukewarm initial reception as a babyface.
The Rocky Maivia character was universally disliked by fans. Crowds would literally chant “Die, Rocky, Die!” during his matches. McMahon and top executives were mere moments away from giving up on Johnson completely. They believed he was too green and lacked the necessary charisma to become a top-tier performer.
The transformation happened when The Rock embraced his natural personality.
By turning heel and developing the cocky, trash-talking persona we now know and love, he saved his entire wrestling career.
One attitude adjustment prevented wrestling from losing one of its most significant icons.
4. CM Punk’s Pipe Bomb: A Moment of Rebellion
CM Punk’s legendary “pipe bomb” promo was seconds away from getting completely shut down.
What appeared to be an unscripted rant was actually a carefully negotiated moment that could have been killed at any second.
Vince McMahon was standing backstage, ready to cut the mic if Punk deviated too far from the agreed script.
The entire wrestling world was on the edge of its seat, with producers and executives holding their breath. One wrong word could have ended the entire segment and potentially Punk’s career.
Punk’s ability to walk the razor-thin line between reality and fiction created one of the most memorable moments in modern wrestling history.
The promo was so compelling that it blurred the lines between scripted entertainment and genuine emotion.
5. Mick Foley’s Insane Hell in a Cell: Surviving the Impossible
Mick Foley’s legendary Hell in a Cell match with The Undertaker is stuff of wrestling folklore. What most fans don’t realize is how close this match came to never happening – or worse, ending in a tragic accident.
During the now-famous spot where Foley was thrown off the top of the cell, everything could have gone catastrophically wrong.
The height, the positioning, and the sheer physical risk meant that one miscalculation could have resulted in severe, life-altering injuries or worse.
The fact that Foley not only survived but continued the match is a testament to his incredible toughness and the split-second precision of both performers. Wrestling nearly lost one of its most daring performers in that single moment.
Additional Mind-Blowing Near Misses
- John Cena’s Potential Release: WWE considered firing Cena multiple times before his rise to superstardom.
- Brock Lesnar’s WWE Exit: His sudden departure could have permanently derailed his wrestling legacy.
- Kane’s Character Transformation: The Big Red Machine was seconds away from being a forgettable generic wrestler.
The Moments That Defined Wrestling History
These near-misses remind us that wrestling’s greatest moments are often the result of split-second decisions, raw talent, and incredible luck. Each of these performers was moments away from fading into obscurity, yet they transformed wrestling forever.
Wrestling isn’t just about scripted matches – it’s about stories of survival, reinvention, and pushing beyond perceived limitations. These moments prove that in the world of professional wrestling, anything can happen.
Your Turn, Wrestling Fans!
Which of these near-miss moments shocked you the most? Drop a comment below and let us know!
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