The late Darren Drozdov, better known as Droz during his time in the professional wrestling world, was the victim of a botch that ended his in-ring career and changed the course of his life for good. The former NFL player briefly wrestled for ECW before joining the then-WWF in 1998. His career came to an abrupt, premature end when he suffered a severe neck injury that would paralyze him during a match with D’Lo Brown. The incident happened during a “WWF SmackDown” taping in October 1999.

Brown attempted a running powerbomb, but couldn’t get a good grip on Droz. The late star later said it was because he was wearing a loose shirt during the match. Droz wasn’t able to jump correctly to aid Brown in the powerbomb. He landed badly on his head and suffered two fractured vertebrae in his neck. He was immediately taken to an area hospital, where he underwent surgery to stabilize the pressure on his neck. Despite attempts during surgery and further extensive medical care, Droz would initially be quadriplegic with no movement below his neck, but would eventually gain movement in his upper body and arms.

Following his injury, Droz continued to work as a writer and WWE.com columnist. Later in life, he used a customized tank-like wheelchair that his college friend, and founder of Under Armour, Kevin Plank, designed and paid for. The late star repeatedly said prior to his passing in June 2023 that he didn’t blame Brown for the injury and he held no animosity toward him. Droz died of natural causes at the age of 54.