You never know what you might see when you watch All Elite Wrestling as the talent that competes in the ring are known for pushing their creativity to the limit, but it seems that the company is making some changes.
Fightful Select is reporting that a document was sent out within AEW recently that outlines some changes being made in regards to performer and fan safety. It was also noted that multiple people in the company confirmed the document is legitimate, but numerous talent have said that they haven’t seen it yet.
Protocols were developed by the AEW medical team, coaches and referees in an effort to protect the talent, staff, crew and fans. The document states that while there are always risks in pro wrestling the idea is to minimize the risk without compromising talent’s performances and creativity.
A document was sent out banning unprotected chair shots to the head, shots to the back of the head, buckle bombs, 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. It was also noted that nothing with blood on it should be thrown into the crowd.
There was also a list of spots that are still permitted, but must be approved by medical and coaches assigned to the match. The list is said to be not comprehensive and could be adjusted by medical, legal and coaching staff. The list includes the following:
– 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
The document also noted that providing necessary parties with notice to plan “creative stunts and spots” would be helpful so that they can be done safely.
One talent who spoke on the subject noted that they thought this was a good move as it will help streamline the show and avoid spots and moves being repeated. The new guidelines are also expected to give some authority to the coaches and help production prepare for spots.
