Credit: WWE.com
Stepping inside a WWE ring involves far more than athleticism and showmanship it often involves real physical danger. Among the most shocking injuries endured by WWE Superstars are those involving lost teeth, moments that leave a lasting impression on fans worldwide. From brutal blows to unexpected accidents, these incidents reveal the fierce reality behind the polished spectacle of professional wrestling.
The Painful Reality Behind the Smiles
WWE Superstars are known for their dazzling entrances and million-dollar smiles, but the intensity of the sport means teeth can sometimes pay a high price. Whether from direct punches, strikes with foreign objects, or hard landings, tooth injuries have become a notable, if unfortunate, part of WWE history.
A WWE insider shared, “Losing a tooth in the ring isn’t something you prepare for, but it happens more often than fans realize. After all, it’s a high-risk environment where the physicality is real despite the scripted outcomes.”
Cesaro’s Harrowing Turnbuckle Collision
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One of the most harrowing incidents occurred in 2017 when Cesaro was involved in a tag-team match at WWE No Mercy. During the contest, Cesaro was slammed hard into the turnbuckles. The impact caused his front teeth to be driven upward into his gums, creating a graphic and painful injury that required extensive dental work. Since then, he has taken no chances, always wearing a mouthguard to protect his teeth during performances a practice that continues to this day.
Natalya’s Front Teeth Loss at a Live Event
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In 2016, Natalya made headlines for one of the most severe tooth injuries in WWE history during a live event match against Carmella and Alexa Bliss. She lost her two front teeth an injury that was impossible to avoid in the heat of a competitive bout. Defying the damage, Natalya finished the match, exemplifying the resilience expected of WWE talent. She later underwent emergency dental work, posting a lighthearted selfie with her new teeth and showing the toughness beneath her trademark smile.
Sources close to Natalya revealed, “She’s a true professional. Losing teeth mid-match is brutal, but Natalya’s commitment to the fans and performance never wavers.”
Neville’s Backstage Incident Amplifies the Brutality
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Not all dental injuries happen during matches themselves. WWE’s Neville suffered the loss of his front teeth in a backstage segment when Brodus Clay assaulted him. This pre-taped moment was meant to underscore Clay’s brute strength and helped build a storyline around Neville’s injury. After this incident, Neville was often seen wearing a mouthguard, highlighting how even scripted segments can lead to genuine physical consequences.
Charlotte Flair’s Unseen Injury Revealed by Fans
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Charlotte Flair endured a similar fate at a WWE Live Event in Oberhausen, Germany, when Carmella reportedly caused significant dental damage during their match. Flair later disclosed to fans that she had “lost her teeth,” rendering her unable to take a selfie with a fan who requested one. The injury led to missed live and televised events as Charlotte underwent dental repairs, emphasizing that even top-tier stars are not immune to such knocks.
The Iconic Jeff Hardy Tooth Loss
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During WWE Payback in 2017, Jeff Hardy’s renowned toughness was on full display when he lost a tooth after a brutal Brogue Kick from Sheamus. Known for pushing his body to extremes, Hardy took the injury in stride, famously posing for photos with his gap-toothed grin shortly after. Despite the pain, Jeff’s resilience symbolized the physical sacrifices wrestlers make to entertain.
The Legend of Mick Foley’s Toothless Battles
Mick Foley, one of WWE’s toughest legends, has also suffered dental damage multiple times during his career. His hardcore, risk-taking style inevitably led to lost teeth amidst some of the most brutal matches ever seen in WWE history. Foley’s experiences remind fans of the gritty realities that often accompany professional wrestling’s storytelling.
Cody Rhodes and the Royal Rumble Tooth Incident
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At the 2024 Royal Rumble, Cody Rhodes, known as The American Nightmare, made headlines amid rumors that he lost a tooth during the match. Reports surfaced suggesting a tooth fell onto the mat following a hard hit, but WWE insiders clarified the object was more likely a piece of apple spit out by fellow wrestler Carlito during a spot demonstrating how rumors can blur the line between spectacle and reality. Still, the incident spotlighted the very real risks wrestlers like Rhodes face, especially as he moves toward the WrestleMania 40 main event.
Why Teeth Injuries Matter in WWE
Tooth injuries remind us that behind the choreographed sequences and rehearsed dialogue, WWE Superstars sacrifice their bodies for entertainment. These moments of pain contribute to the authenticity fans crave, yet they also highlight the need for safety protocols such as mouthguards and immediate medical attention.
A WWE medical advisor shared, “Dental injuries, though common, require quick treatment to prevent long-term damage. Wrestlers often delay care to finish matches, but the company has been focusing more on protecting Superstars amid evolving awareness about athlete health.”