Physical Danger

Physical Danger

Let's talk about the unavoidable: injuries. Accidents happen. Take the 1998 "Hell in a Cell" match when one wrestler dropped from a steel cage onto the ring and everyone in the arena thought he had died (source).

Don't worry though. It was just a concussion, dislocated jaw, dislocated shoulder, bruised kidney, gashed lip, and two broken teeth (source). Just your average, everyday workplace injuries.

And there are still plenty of out-of-ring ways that you can end your life prematurely in this line of work. Between 1997 and 2003, sixty-five wrestlers died from heart attacks, steroid abuse, and other causes directly related to wrestling (source). Even if you stay really clean, high blood pressure is rampant and your heart takes a beating (like every other inch of your body).

Oh, and the blood? That's real. Most pro wrestlers store little blades in their gloves that they use to knick themselves on the forehead (source). Pro wrestlers call it "juice." We call it "painful."

Bottom line: If you're squeamish or protective about your health, this is not the career for you.