In the world of professional wrestling, moves are not just physical actions; they are the building blocks of storytelling, the defining moments that captivate audiences. Wrestlers spend years honing their craft, conditioning their bodies to perform feats that seem impossible to the untrained eye. The moves they execute are not just flashy displays of athleticism; they are the physical embodiment of their dedication and skill.
However, not all wrestling moves are created equal. Some carry a significant risk of injury, even when performed by the most skilled and experienced wrestlers. These are the moves that promoters often ban, recognizing the potential for serious harm. Despite these bans, accidents can still happen, and wrestlers can still find themselves on the receiving end of a dangerous maneuver.
Piledriver: The Spine-Crunching Move
One such move is the piledriver, credited to “Wild” Bill Longson. This move sees a wrestler hoist an opponent upside down and spike them on the mat, potentially compressing the opponent’s spine by dropping them on their head. Due to its risks, the piledriver is banned in many territories, leading to disqualifications and fines. Notable incidents include Jerry Lawler performing the move on Andy Kaufman in 1982, and Owen Hart using a variant on Steve Austin in 1997, which left Austin temporarily immobile. The move was banned by the WWF in 2000, except for two wrestlers (likely The Undertaker and Kane) who were deemed skilled enough to perform it safely.
Curb Stomp: Banned for a Reason
Another dangerous move is the curb stomp, innovated by Naomichi Marufuji. This move involves the user running towards a staggered opponent and driving their head into the ground with their foot. This move has been responsible for numerous concussions and head injuries, leading to its banning in many promotions. Seth Rollins adopted this move and used it as his finisher, but it was banned due to concerns about head trauma and potential lawsuits from children imitating the move. The ban was lifted in 2018, and the move was renamed “The Stomp” to avoid its criminal connotations.
Moonsault: A High-Risk Maneuver
The moonsault is another move that carries a significant risk of injury. It was invented by Mando Guerrero. This move sees a wrestler execute a backflip onto their opponent, often from the top rope. While visually impressive, this move can be extremely dangerous. Hayabusa botched the move and landed on his head, leaving him wheelchair-bound for most of his life. Chris Jericho, who popularized the move in the US as the Lionsault, nearly suffered a similar fate but was saved by Curt Hennig. Indie wrestler Charade also suffered a fractured skull from a failed moonsault.
Punt Kick: A Devastating Move
The punt kick is a move that sees a wrestler kick their opponent in the head while they are on the ground. This move has been responsible for numerous concussions and head injuries, leading to it being banned in 2012 due to head trauma concerns. Despite these bans, some wrestlers such as Randy Orton have continued to use the move after getting it unbanned and using it extensively in recent years.
Diving Headbutt: A Legacy of Injuries
It is a move that sees a wrestler dive headfirst onto their opponent. The move is credited to Harley Race, and is a dangerous move that has caused head and spinal trauma for many wrestlers. Dynamite Kid, Chris Benoit, Bryan Danielson, and Tomoaki Honma are among the wrestlers who have suffered injuries from performing this move, leading to its banning in many promotions. Despite the risks, some wrestlers, like Kurt Angle, dispute claims about the move’s liability for head trauma.
Kaira’s Insight:
The world of professional wrestling is a unique blend of athleticism, storytelling, and showmanship. However, it’s crucial to remember that the stunts and maneuvers seen in the ring come with real risks. The physical toll on wrestlers’ bodies can be immense, and the consequences of performing dangerous moves can be life-altering. It’s a reminder that the entertainment we enjoy often comes at a high cost for those who perform it. As fans, it’s important to appreciate the dedication and skill of these athletes while also acknowledging the risks they take every time they step into the ring.
