8 Big Concerns Raised By WWE's Injury Crisis

7. WWE's "Safe" Working Style

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WWE.com

WWE's in-ring restrictions are legion.

Piledrivers, apron brainbusters, back drop drivers, and other gratuitous head-drops are banned, as are risky top-rope moves like the Shooting Star Press (unless you're Shane McMahon, apparently). Blading? Absolutely not. Unprotected chairshots? Get out of here.

All of these things were outlawed in the name of safety, and it's hard to argue with WWE's stance. There's absolutely no need for performers to take such risks on mainstream television, and while matches often feel diluted, conforming to a PG-friendly style has been an objective financial success for the company.

... but is it actually working? WWE's injury problems suggests that no, it isn't.

We're not arguing for a switch to a stiffer, more impactful philosophy, but something's got to give. This company's injury list rarely drops below double figures. 'Soft' it may be, but the WWE style still hurts dozens of performers each year, and while some can be written off as freak accidents, it's impossible to apply that argument to this many individual cases.

WWE's intentions are noble, but it's tough to say they've been effective when so many performers are sidelined at once, though it's hard to see how they could possibly tone it down further.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.