7 Shocking Times WWE Revived Banned Moves
4. Piledriver
Reports at the time suggested that Vince McMahon was said to be furious when CM Punk and John Cena stepped through the curtain following their legendarily fantastic 2013 Monday Night Raw main event.
Adding incredible drama to a closing stretch of their winner-goes-to-WrestleMania classic , Punk drove 'The Champ's bulky head and neck into the canvas with a Jerry Lawler-sized piledriver. It was shocking by design both in context of the match and for those who were aware of its outlawed status.
Even 'The King' himself had reverted to his fist drop finisher after the move was shelved in 2000, so an appearance of the deadly hold was an additional surprise coming from a performer not famed for his use of it.
Despite contravening a long-held law, neither man was ultimately punished beyond their post-match reprimand. The move featured in selected highlight packages of the clash too, implying that the Chairman was aware how powerful the spot was within the body of the battle.
Ironically, a hurricanrana from Cena that led directly to the finish appeared far more dangerous. Punk's head slammed the mat with a snap, but 'Big Match John' continued to pepper his major matches with the move.