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The piledriver, a move allegedly received by referee Gerardo Germán Pineda, known as "El Búho", before he passed away in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, is one of the holds that WWE has restricted due to the risk of causing serious head and spinal cord injuries.
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However, it is not the only dangerous move that the American company has banned or limited throughout its history.
Here we tell you about seven of these moves, what they consist of, and why they have raised concerns about the safety of the wrestlers.
1. Punt Kick
The Punt Kick, one of Randy Orton's signature moves, consists of delivering a kick to the opponent's head.
According to Fandom Wire, this move was banned after Orton struck Vince McMahon, former boss of the WWE, during an episode of RAW in 2009, causing him a concussion.
Although the blow was part of the show, Orton reportedly did not gauge his strength when executing it.
2. Vertebreaker
The Vertebreaker is a hold that, if executed incorrectly, can cause serious injuries to the opponent's spine.
This move was developed by the Japanese wrestler Megumi Kudo during the 90s.
According to FandomWire, it consists of a variation of the spiked double underhook facebuster, but executed from behind instead of the front.
In the year 2000, the WWE banned this move, considering it dangerous for the wrestlers' necks, heads, and spines.
3. Shooting Star Press
The Shooting Star Press was temporarily restricted by the WWE after Brock Lesnar failed to execute it and landed on his head, which caused him a cerebral contusion.
This move consists of jumping from the ropes and performing a backflip before landing on the opponent.
4. Burning Hammer
Although it is not confirmed that the Burning Hammer is completely banned in the WWE, it is considered a dangerous move that has been executed on very few occasions inside the ring.
According to Screen Rant, it was invented by the Japanese wrestler Kotetsu Yamamoto and popularized by Kenta Kobashi.
This hold consists of lifting the opponent and executing a drop that can put their head and neck at risk.
5. Diving Headbutt
The Diving Headbutt consists of launching oneself from the ropes and striking the opponent with the head.
This move was restricted by the WWE after the double homicide and suicide committed by wrestler Chris Benoit.
After his death, studies performed on his brain revealed that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disease associated with repeated blows to the head throughout his career.
6. Muscle Buster
The Muscle Buster is a move that, according to WatchMojo, consists of a "vertical suplex that ends with the opponent's head and shoulders slamming into the mat".
This hold was invented by wrestler Killer Karl Kox in the 50s and has since been used by different wrestlers.
However, the WWE also restricted it for a time due to the risk of head injuries.
7. Piledriver
The Piledriver consists of placing the opponent headfirst and executing a drop to the mat, either from a seated or kneeling position, according to Wrestling Inc.
The WWE banned this move in the year 2000 due to the risk of serious head and neck injuries to the wrestlers.
However, according to Sport Bible, the piledriver has been executed on a few occasions since its ban, such as during the matchup between CM Punk and John Cena on RAW in 2013.
One of the most well-known precedents occurred in 1997, when Stone Cold Steve Austin suffered a spinal cord injury and temporary paralysis after receiving this move.
[Publicidad]