Why one wrestling move is banned in many rings

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The piledriver is a high-stakes maneuver that can end a career in seconds. While intended to drive an opponent head-first into the mat, a single mistake can lead to permanent paralysis. This dangerous technique is so controversial that it is banned in several major wrestling promotions and even certain states.

The piledriver is a professional wrestling maneuver where a wrestler turns their opponent upside-down and drops them into a sitting or kneeling position, driving the opponent's head toward the mat. The name is borrowed from heavy construction equipment used to drive foundation supports into the ground. While a correctly executed move involves tucking the opponent's head securely between the wrestler's legs to prevent impact, any error in positioning can result in the recipient landing directly on the top of their head.

The inherent danger of the move is highlighted by the injury to Stone Cold Steve Austin at the 1997 SummerSlam event. During a match against Owen Hart, a botched reverse piledriver caused Austin to land on his head, jamming his neck and causing temporary paralysis. This injury eventually led to Austin undergoing neck fusion surgery in 1999 and his eventual retirement from the ring in April 2003 after doctors warned of permanent disability.

Because of these risks, the move is strictly regulated. The WWE officially banned the piledriver in 2000, granting exceptions only to experienced wrestlers like The Undertaker and Kane, who use the kneeling belly-to-belly variant known as the Tombstone. In other jurisdictions, the move is also restricted; it is an automatic disqualification in Mexico and the state of Tennessee, and can lead to fines in parts of the United Kingdom. In mixed martial arts, it is considered a foul under the Unified Rules.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

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