Television
Piledriver Controversy Reignites in WWE: A Shocking Return to a Banned Move
2024-11-09
In a surprising turn of events, the piledriver, a move long banned from WWE, has made a shocking comeback on the company's flagship show, "SmackDown." The controversial maneuver, which has a history of causing severe injuries, was executed by none other than Kevin Owens on the unsuspecting Randy Orton, leaving the WWE Universe and commentators alike in a state of disbelief.
Piledriver Pandemonium: A Dangerous Blast from the Past
The Shocking Incident
During a heated segment on "SmackDown," Kevin Owens, known for his intense and unpredictable in-ring style, delivered a devastating piledriver to Randy Orton, "The Viper." The move, which involves the wrestler lifting their opponent upside down and dropping them directly on their head, was met with immediate outrage from the commentary team, led by Michael Cole, who exclaimed, "What the hell is wrong with you?" Cole's reaction underscored the gravity of the situation, as the piledriver has long been considered a dangerous and life-threatening maneuver.The Piledriver's Checkered Past
The piledriver's history in WWE is a tumultuous one, marked by a series of horrific incidents that led to its eventual ban in the early 2000s. One of the most infamous cases occurred when Owen Hart delivered a piledriver to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, leaving the legendary wrestler temporarily paralyzed in the ring. This and other similar incidents prompted WWE to take decisive action, prohibiting the use of the piledriver, with only a select few wrestlers, such as The Undertaker and Kane, granted special permission to perform the move.The Lasting Impact of the Piledriver Ban
The piledriver ban has been in place for over a decade, with the last known instance of the move being used on WWE television occurring 11 years ago, when CM Punk executed it on John Cena. The decision to ban the piledriver was a clear indication of WWE's commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its performers, as the move had a long history of causing catastrophic injuries that could potentially end careers or even lives.The Aftermath and Implications
The aftermath of Owens' piledriver on Orton remains to be seen, as the WWE Universe waits with bated breath to learn the extent of Orton's injuries and the potential consequences for Owens' actions. The incident has reignited the debate surrounding the use of dangerous maneuvers in professional wrestling, with fans and industry experts alike questioning the wisdom of allowing such high-risk moves to be performed, even in the context of a scripted entertainment product.The Future of the Piledriver in WWE
The return of the piledriver on WWE television has raised questions about the company's stance on safety and the potential for a reevaluation of the ban. While the move's history of causing severe injuries may lead to further scrutiny and potential disciplinary action, the incident has also sparked discussions about the evolving nature of professional wrestling and the delicate balance between entertainment value and athlete safety.As the WWE Universe grapples with the implications of this shocking development, the future of the piledriver in the company's programming remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the controversy surrounding this banned move has once again thrust the issue of wrestler safety into the spotlight, underscoring the ongoing challenges and responsibilities that come with the world of professional wrestling.