In pro wrestling's history, several moves have been restricted due to safety precautions over the years. These moves were banned after causing severe accidents, including several cases of concussion.
The WWE is the most popular wrestling promotion at present and of course, follows a storyline that is played out in the ring. The fact some moves cannot be incorporated even with prior planning demonstrates the fine margins of safety in the ring.
The most dangerous banned moves
WWE has banned the pile driver as a result of how dangerous the move is for the wrestler on the receiving end. If the neck is not tucked in correctly before performing the move then serious neck and spine damage can occur.
Although wrestling matches are thoroughly planned, it is too dangerous to prepare for such a move as the risk involved is simply too severe.
Steel chair shots are an example of a move that has been banned in its unprotected format with the move said to be accountable for concussions even when planned and aimed to not injure the wrestler on the receiving end of the strike.
Brock Lesnar taking multiple shots from the steel chair before unleashing 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚 on Roman Reigns 😳
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) December 18, 2021
📺 Make sure you watch the latest episode of #SmackDown on Catch Up.pic.twitter.com/lGqrJTIhre
Following the developments of sports science and brain research in the WWE, many more safety precautions have to be taken to safeguard against future harm to participants.
How do other sports rulings compare?
Mixed Martial Arts sports such as the UFC are seen by some as the most dangerous sport of all, yet they have far fewer rules. There are very few restrictions on where one person can hit another. MMA fighters leverage all limbs and body parts to defeat their opponents, leading to elbow throws and high-knee kicks to the face - this is part of the allure for spectators of the sport.
As a result of the UFC not being planned, the betting markets are much more unpredictable as any outcome could happen in reality, but in pro wrestling, we are watching a narrative play out that has been scripted.
The UFC's next big event is 281 this month with Israel Adesanya against Alex Pereira headlining the event with the former being the odds-on favourite at 4/7, but an upset is far from impossible.
The UFC certainly offers a more dangerous contest, but for wrestling fans, a carefully thought-out narrative is a much more exciting watch.
The added safety in wrestling due to the caution and planning applied to it is only a bonus also.
Shane 'The Hurricane' Helm's signature move the Vertebreaker was banned as it was an incredibly high-risk move due to Helm not being able to see his opponent when performing it and timing it to perfection was vital to avoid injury.
Opponents would often land head first from the move and so it had to be banned as spine and neck injuries were a huge possibility even if the timing was slightly off.
Are younger fans performing the moves at home?
Many moves are even banned not as a result of safety precautions for the competitors but for those watching at home.
A huge amount of young fans follow the WWE and are heavily influenced by their favourite stars in the promotion and may attempt to imitate their moves at home on other people.
Randy Orton's punt kick, in theory, was a move in which an opponent was kicked in the head, however, it was carefully planned out so that no contact was made.
However, Orton was asked to stop performing the move to avoid making a dangerous impression on fans watching at home as https://cultaholic.com/ describes.
An unhinged @RandyOrton brought the 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥 to @JohnCena on this day in 2009! pic.twitter.com/yKXUNuvs9g
— WWE (@WWE) October 25, 2022
Seth Rollins' curb stomp presented a similar issue as for a period it was banned due to Vince McMahon's fears that people could replicate the move and cause harm to people at home.
It is possible that younger fans of the sport we love to watch could imitate any move they see, but the WWE mustn't promote moves that pose a significant risk of harm to the person receiving the move.
Moves that have been forced into a change
Some moves have been adapted to abide by the rules made by the WWE.
Triple H's initial Pedigree move was banned as https://www.givemesport.com/ explains. The restricted move caused his competitor to hit the mat head-first which of course created a risk of serious injury.
He later altered the move meaning he would release his opponent earlier so less force would be applied and they would hit the mat with much-reduced impact.
This meant it was much easier for the wrestler on the receiving end to land arms-first, absorb the impact and protect their neck and spine in doing so.
The Brainbuster is another move that was adapted for safety reasons, it similarly involved a risk of injury to the head and neck.
The initial version involved landing with force on their neck and shoulders which created huge stress on the spine upon impact.
The newer version which the rules allow involves landing with less force on the back which reduces the chances of long-term injury being inflicted as a result of the move.
Overall pro wrestling has to constantly evolve, not just for entertainment but for the safety of participants and the audience at home, but it continues to be the breathtaking sport that we love and enjoy.
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