Why Does WWE Censor Chair Shots?

Learn why WWE censors chair shots in this blog post. We’ll explore the reasons behind the decision and whether or not it’s the right call for the company.

WWE’s history of censorship

WWE has a long history of censorship, dating back to the early days of the company. One of the most infamous examples is the company’s decision to censor chair shots to the head. The reason for this is that WWE wanted to avoid any potential lawsuits that could arise from concussions.

The Attitude Era

In the late 1990s, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) began a program of edgier, more adult-themed programming that would come to be known as the “Attitude Era.” This new style of WWF programming featured more violence, profanity, and sexual content than had been seen before in professional wrestling.

One of the most controversial elements of the Attitude Era was the use of chair shots to the head, which are now banned in WWE. Chair shots were used frequently in WWF programming during this time, often as a way to end a match or create a shocking moment.

While chair shots are now banned in WWE, they were not always seen as dangerous or controversial. In fact, it wasn’t until after several high-profile injuries and even a death that WWE began to re-think its use of chair shots.

In 2001, WWF performer Owen Hart fell to his death while performing a stunt that involved him being lowered from the rafters of arena. This tragic event led to increased scrutiny of WWE’s use of stunts and pyrotechnics, and showed how dangerous professional wrestling can be.

Later that year, another WCW performer named Chris Benoit killed his wife and son before taking his own life. An investigation into Benoit’s death revealed that he had suffered from severe brain damage, which was likely caused by repeated head trauma. This tragedy led WWE to ban chair shots to the head, as well as other dangerous stunts and maneuvers.

The Ruthless Aggression Era

WWE’s long history of censorship can be traced back to the early 2000s, when the company was in the midst of the Ruthless Aggression Era. At that time, WWE was trying to project a more mature image and move away from the cartoonish Attitude Era. In order to do that, they began censoring content that they felt was too graphic or violent.

One of the most notable examples of this censorship was the banning of chair shots to the head. WWE had always been networks like ABC and NBC, which were much stricter when it came to violence. So when WWE started airing its programming on these networks, they had to make some changes.

Chair shots to the head were a staple of professional wrestling for years, but WWE decided to ban them in order to adhere to network standards. This decision was met with mixed reactions from fans. Some understood WWE’s decision, while others felt like it took away from the realism of the product.

In recent years, WWE has been more lenient with its censorship. Chair shots to the head are once again allowed, and there is more violence overall on WWE programming. However, there are still some things that are off-limits, such as blood and hardcore weapon shots.

Why WWE censors chair shots

WWE has been known to censor chair shots to the head ever since the death of Owen Hart. While WWE does not outright ban chair shots, they are very rare to see on WWE programming. There are a few reasons why WWE may censor chair shots.

To protect the athletes

WWE has been criticized in the past for being too violent, and while the company has toned down the bloodshed in recent years, there are still plenty of hardcore fans who crave brutal action. One of the most popular (and controversial) elements of WWE programming is the use of chairs as weapons, and while these shots look incredibly painful, they are usually censored by the WWE editing team.

So why does WWE censor chair shots? The simple answer is that it’s to protect the athletes. Chair shots to the head can be extremely dangerous, and while WWE wants its athletes to put on a great show, they also want them to be safe.

There have been a few instances where chair shots have gone too far and resulted in serious injuries (most notably when Brock Lesnar broke Hardcore Holly’s neck with a stiff shot), so it’s understandable why WWE would want to err on the side of caution.

While some fans may not like seeing chair shots censored, it’s ultimately in the best interest of the athletes and the company.

To avoid negative publicity

WWE has been increasingly censoring chair shots to the head in recent years, much to the chagrin of fans who grew up watching the Attitude Era. While it’s easy to assume that WWE is simply trying to be more family friendly, that’s not actually the case.

According to former WWE writer Jimmy Jacobs, WWE is censoring chair shots because they are worried about negative publicity. Jacobs said that WWE officials are worried about concussion lawsuits and don’t want to give critics any ammunition.

It’s a shame that WWE is self-censoring in this way, as chair shots can be some of the most exciting moments in a match. However, it’s understandable why WWE would want to avoid any potential legal trouble.

The impact of censorship

WWE has been criticized in the past for censoring certain aspects of their programming, specifically chair shots to the head. This type of censorship takes away from the realism of the matches and leaves the fans wondering why WWE doesn’t want them to see certain things.

On the athletes

While opponents of WWE’s current policy on chair shots argue that the company is effectively neutering its product and making it less entertaining, WWE officials maintain that they are merely trying to protect their athletes from serious injury.

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has stated on numerous occasions that the company does not want to be known for injuring its performers, and thus, WWE has made a concerted effort in recent years to cut down on the number of chair shots its athletes take.

While some have argue that this policy is a case of WWE caving to political correctness, others have praised the company for taking steps to protect its athletes. In any case, it appears that WWE is unlikely to change its policy on chair shots anytime soon.

On the fans

When WWE began censoring chair shots to the head, many fans were outraged. They felt that WWE was making the product softer and less enjoyable to watch.

Some even went as far as to say that WWE was hypocrites because they would preach about concussion awareness while still showing wrestlers taking chair shots to the head.

WWE did receive a lot of backlash from the fans when they began censoring chair shots, but they have stood by their decision.

WWE’s changing attitude

WWE has always been known for its edgy and controversial content. But in recent years, the company has been toning down its product. One of the most notable changes has been the censorship of chair shots to the head. So why has WWE changed its attitude?

The return of the Attitude Era

In the late 1990s, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) began a shift in its programming content. The company began to produce more mature and edgy programming, which came to be known as the “Attitude Era.” This era was marked by more risque storylines and language, and an increased focus on violence.

One of the most controversial aspects of this era was the use of chair shots to the head. Chair shots are a wrestling move in which a wrestler hits another wrestler with a chair. These shots were used frequently during the Attitude Era, and were often very brutal, resulting in serious injury.

In recent years, WWE has moved away from this type of content. The company now has a PG rating, and chair shots to the head are no longer permitted. There are several reasons for this change, including WWE’s efforts to become more family friendly and concerns about concussions and other head injuries.

The rise of independent wrestling

The WWE’s monopoly on wrestling entertainment has been challenged in recent years by the rise of independent wrestling. Independent promotions like Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, ROH, and PWG offer a more pure form of wrestling that often harkens back to the days of territories. These companies often don’t have the same censorship rules as the WWE, which allows them to get away with more edgy content. This has led to a change in the WWE’s attitude towards censorship, as they don’t want to be seen as being too soft compared to their competition.