AEW Issues Banned Move List

AEW gave their wrestlers the ability to “play their own music,” but some of those songs can be dangerous. Now, AEW is making sure that risks can be limited from now on.

Sean Sapp reported behind Fightful’s paywall that a document circulated internally within AEW that outlines some upcoming changes aimed at ensuring the safety of performers and fans. It is worth mentioning that although several individuals within the company have confirmed the document’s authenticity, there are several talents who claim they have not yet seen it.

The document reveals that the AEW medical team, coaches, and referees have collaborated to develop protocols focused on safeguarding the well-being of talent, staff, crew, and fans. It emphasizes the inherent risks associated with professional wrestling but also emphasizes the company’s commitment to minimizing those risks while preserving the quality of talent’s performances and their creative freedom.

Specifically, a document was sent out that outright banned unprotected chair shots to the head, shots to the back of the head, buckle bombs and blind moves backwards into the turnbuckle, fencing responses (unnatural position of arms following a concussion), seizure sells, spitting, bleeding in the crowd, weapons or projectiles in the crowd, taking drinks or food from guests in the crowd, or physical contact with the crowd. We’re told that nothing with blood on it should be thrown into the crowd.

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This will affect the offense of a few wrestlers, but largely buckle bombs and attacks of the like seem to be the only ones not allowed. However, there have been several instances of bleeding wrestlers in the crowd, and MJF has been known for his physical interactions with fans, as has Bryan Danielson for seizure-esque sells.

There was also a group of spots that was much more broad that was listed, but are still permitted. However, they must be approved by medical, and the coaches assigned to the match. It was noted that the list was not a comprehensive one and could be adjusted by medical, legal and coaching staff. When approved, the moves are to be performed in accordance with safety protocols in place.

Below is a list verbatim from the document of moves that need to be approved by a coach:

“- Spots and bumps on the ring apron and outside

– Table/ladder/chair spots in and out of the ring (Only allowed with padding)

Any elevated spots outside of the barricades (dives and ladder spots on stage, around the arena, and other places outside of the ring)

– All piledriver/tombstone variations, including: sit down drivers, inverted/poison hurricarana and vertebreakers

– High-risk dives or top rope moves (450, 630, double moonsaults, SSP, etc.) Intentional bleeding (of any sort, not just blading)

– Throwing people into/through/over ring steps, commentary table, bell table, or guardrails/barricades Weapon usage:

– Chairs, pipes, kendo sticks, hammers, ring bells, bats, chains, etc. Title belts

– Thumbtacks, skewers, barbed wire, and other sharp/puncturing objects o Powders, aerosol sprays, or liquids

– Throwing any weapons or objects- chairs, etc.

– Choking/strangling with hands or a weapon or hanging spots

– Injury spots or angles, whether or not medical is involved/called to the ring

– Any physicality in the crowd or crowd brawling

– Any physicality involving referees, managers, extras, celebrities, or special guests”

According to the document, parties need to be informed in advance when trying “creative stunts and spots” to ensure they can be executed safely. The document encourages talent to consult with coaches, talent relations, the medical team, or legal department as early as possible for any actions that require such planning.

It was also reported that one of the talents who expressed their support for this initiative, believing that it will enhance the efficiency of the show, prevent repetitive spots and moves, and allow the talent to showcase their athletic abilities more effectively. Additionally, it is anticipated that this approach will empower the coaches, while enabling the production team to adequately prepare for the planned spots.

It was also noted that, “the most we’ve heard from agreed it was a necessary “tightening of the screws” as the company grows.” We will have to see what happens from this point on.

For more on this story, and everything else in the pro wrestling world, stay tuned with us here at Ringside News.