Abstract: This article reviews the current status on the dynamic behavior of highly stressed rocks under disturbances. Firstly, the experimental apparatus, methods, and theories related to the disturbance dynamics of deep, high-stress rock are reviewed, followed by the introduction of scholars’ research on deep rock deformation and failure from an energy perspective. Subsequently, with a backdrop of high-stress phenomena in deep hard rock, such as rock bursts and core disking, we delve into the current state of research on rock microstructure analysis and residual stresses from the perspective of studying the energy storage mechanisms in rocks. Thereafter, the current state of research on the mechanical response and the energy dissipation of highly stressed rock formations is briefly retrospected. Finally, the insufficient aspects in the current research on the disturbance and failure mechanisms in deep, highly stressed rock formations are summarized, and prospects for future research are provided. This work provides new avenues for the research on the mechanical response and damage-fracture mechanisms of rocks under high-stress conditions.