Chair shots to the head were a major part of professional wrestling for many years, especially during the Attitude Era when they were commonly used in matches to heighten drama. However, after the tragic death of Chris Benoit and the increased awareness of CTE and concussions, WWE shifted its policies significantly. One of the key changes was banning chair shots to the head to prioritize wrestler safety and health.
In an interview segment from the Mr. McMahon docuseries on Netflix, The Undertaker shared his initial displeasure with the decision to ban chair shots to the head. Being an old-school performer, he expressed how important these chair shots were in storytelling within the wrestling ring.
I was pissed. How are you going to take away the chair shot? Its a staple of our industry. We use chairs to help tell our story. However, he admitted that it was ultimately the right decision, especially considering WWEs move to become a publicly traded company and their increasing focus on health and safety. It was what was best for business, The Undertaker added.
Chair shots to the head have been phased out in favor of safer alternatives as WWE continues to evolve its practices to safeguard its talent. The shift marked a critical point in the companys approach to head trauma and wrestler welfare.
The Mr. McMahon series has been a significant success for Netflix, staying in the Top 10 most-watched shows from September 30 to October 6, 2024. With 3.4 million views and 19.5 million hours watched during that period, the series is also appearing in the Top 10 across 25 countries. This comes after a strong debut where it racked up 4.9 million views in its first week.
The series popularity reflects the enduring interest in Vince McMahons larger-than-life persona and his pivotal role in shaping modern professional wrestling. As the world continues to examine the controversial aspects of McMahons career, the success of the docuseries underscores WWEs profound impact on popular culture.
What do you think of WWEs ban on chair shots to the head? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
