AJ Lee was accidentally taken out by Big Show 14 years ago on SmackDown!

Fourteen years ago on WWE SmackDown!, a brief, chaotic moment unfolded that fans still talk about today—when AJ Lee was accidentally taken out by Big Show. It wasn’t a planned storyline twist or a dramatic angle written into the script. Instead, it was one of those unpredictable in-ring incidents that remind everyone just how dangerous the world of professional wrestling can be, even when things aren’t supposed to go wrong.
At the time, AJ Lee was still early in her WWE career, gradually carving out a place for herself in a division that was often overlooked. She was known for her infectious energy, expressive personality, and fearless approach despite her smaller frame. Big Show, on the other hand, was already an established giant—one of the most physically imposing figures WWE had ever seen. When someone of his size moves at full speed, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
During the segment, chaos erupted as Big Show got involved, and in the middle of the action, AJ found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. A sudden movement, a mistimed step, and she was knocked down hard. The impact was unintentional, but it was jarring enough that fans immediately sensed something wasn’t right. Commentary shifted tone, and concern replaced spectacle as attention turned to AJ’s condition.
Thankfully, AJ Lee was able to recover, and the incident did not derail her career. In fact, looking back now, it stands as a reminder of her toughness and resilience. Wrestling is choreographed, but it is far from fake. One small miscalculation—especially when sharing the ring with a seven-foot, 400-plus-pound athlete—can lead to real consequences.
What makes this moment even more significant is how AJ’s career unfolded afterward. She would go on to redefine what it meant to be a WWE Divas Champion, bringing depth, character-driven storytelling, and unmatched charisma to the women’s division. Her legacy as one of the most influential female performers in WWE history makes that early-career scare feel like just another obstacle she overcame on her path to greatness.
Fourteen years later, fans don’t remember the incident because of injury or controversy—but because it highlights the risks performers take every single night. AJ Lee walked away stronger, Big Show carried on as the dominant force he always was, and SmackDown! added another unforgettable moment to its long history. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments in wrestling are the ones no one ever planned.