AEW have sent out a document to AEW talent regarding certain spots that are banned within the company.
AEW’s in ring content has been a source of criticism for many in the wrestling business, with former talent and fans alike expressing concern over some of the spots that make it into AEW matches.
Fightful Select have now reported a full list of spots that will require approval going forward in AEW.
“- 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”
Fightful Select
The document also listed spots and moves that are now outright banned in the promotion.
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.
Fightful Select
The outlet also reported reactions to the new document.
One talent we spoke to said they believe this is a good move and will help streamline the show, avoid repeat spots and moves in general, and make more of the athletic spots that talent are capable of. It is also expected to help instill some authority to the coaches, and help production prepare for spots. We’ll be asking more talent about their reactions as they become aware of it, but most we’ve heard from agreed it was a necessary “tightening of the screws” as the company grows.
Fightful Select
We will have to wait and see how this changes AEW’s in ring content in the future.
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