Author: Today in Pro Wrestling History: On March 16th, 1994, in Munich, Germany, a gruesome incident occurred in the ring involving Cactus Jack, Mick Foley’s persona, and Big Van Vader.
During a match, Cactus Jack executed a ‘hangman spot’ where he got entangled in the ropes. However, the ropes were actually elevator cables wrapped in rubber, which are far less forgiving than traditional wrestling ropes.
Today In Pro Wrestling History (March 16th): Mick Foley Lends an Ear
This unfortunate setup led to a shocking accident. As Jack struggled to free himself, the circulation to his brain was restricted, and in the process of extricating himself, 2/3 of his ear was gruesomely torn off. Remarkably, the referee managed to retrieve the severed ear and preserve it on ice.
Following this incident, Foley underwent surgery to reattach the cartilage to his head, setting the stage for a possible full ear reconstruction.
This event became one of the most infamous and talked-about moments in professional wrestling history, further cementing Mick Foley’s reputation for enduring extreme physical tolls in his matches.
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- Mick Foley | How I Lost My Ear in Germany
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