In a recent interview with Complex Sports, WWE superstar Seth Rollins shared some fascinating insights into his career, including the reason behind former Chairman Vince McMahon banning the Curb Stomp. This move has been a staple of Rollins’ arsenal since his early days in the company, and the ban has been a topic of discussion among fans for years.
The Reason Behind the Ban
According to Rollins, the Curb Stomp was banned due to concerns over the potential for serious injury to opponents. “When I first started using the Curb Stomp, it was a high-impact move, and there was a risk of concussions and other head injuries,” Rollins explained. “Vince was always about protecting the talent, and he wanted to make sure that we were all coming home healthy at the end of the night.”
Rollins acknowledged that the ban was a necessary measure, but also expressed his disappointment at losing the move from his repertoire. “It was a tough pill to swallow, but I understand where Vince was coming from,” he said. “I had to adapt and find new ways to finish off my opponents.”
Working with Vince McMahon and the Legacy of the Curb Stomp
During his time in WWE, Rollins had the opportunity to work closely with Vince McMahon, who was instrumental in shaping the company’s creative direction. According to Rollins, working with McMahon was a challenging but rewarding experience. “Vince was a demanding boss, but he was also a genius when it came to creating compelling storylines and characters,” Rollins said.
The Curb Stomp, in particular, was a key part of Rollins’ early success in WWE. The move became synonymous with his character, and it was often the move that sealed the deal for him in high-profile matches. “The Curb Stomp was more than just a move – it was a statement,” Rollins said. “It was a way for me to say, ‘I’m here to hurt you, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to win.'”
The Pedigree and Working with Triple H
In addition to discussing the Curb Stomp, Rollins also shared some insights into his working relationship with WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque. According to Rollins, Levesque was instrumental in helping him develop a new finishing move – the Pedigree. “Triple H was great to work with,” Rollins said. “He saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself at the time, and he helped me bring out a new side of my character.”
However, Rollins admitted that suggesting the Pedigree as his finishing move was not met with enthusiasm by Levesque. “Ah, it sucked! I was given a lot of pushback on that idea,” Rollins laughed. “But Triple H saw the potential in it, and he helped me make it work.”
Backstage Reaction to the Curb Stomp Ban
According to a WWE insider, the ban on the Curb Stomp was not universally accepted among the talent. “Some guys were upset about the ban, but Seth was one of the first to adapt and move on,” the source said. “He’s always been a pro about it, and he’s been open to finding new ways to finish off his opponents.”
The insider also revealed that the Curb Stomp ban had a ripple effect on the company’s creative direction. “It forced guys like Seth to think outside the box and come up with new moves and finishes,” the source said. “It was a challenge for everyone, but it ultimately made the product better.”
Conclusion
Seth Rollins’ interview with Complex Sports offers a fascinating glimpse into his career and the inner workings of WWE. The ban on the Curb Stomp may have been a setback for Rollins, but it also presented him with an opportunity to adapt and grow as a performer. As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the ring, fans can expect to see more innovative and exciting moves from the former WWE Champion.