5 times real-life death and tragedy rocked WWE

#3 9/11 terrorist attacks

WWE stood tall after 9/11

Arguably no global terrorist attack has dominated the headlines more than the horrific events of September 11, 2001.

That morning, a series of hijacked passenger planes were intentionally crashed into significant landmarks across the United States of America, including the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Virginia. Another was said to have been crash-landed by passengers on board. The attacks caused some 25,000 injuries and, sadly, almost 3,000 deaths.

Just two nights later, WWE was due to televise its major weekly program, SmackDown. Rather than cancel or postpone the event due to the tragedy, the company pressed ahead and amassed the first significant gathering of people at an event since the disaster.

WWE stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock joined officials, and stood for a tribute at the start of the show and aired their own personal thoughts throughout. Vince McMahon said: "Our nation's leaders have encouraged us to return to living our lives the way we normally do...the American way. Make no mistake about the message this public assembly is sending to terrorism tonight...we will not live our lives in fear!"