Rollins’ Stomp Banned, Steals Pedigree in WWE Shake-up
Seth Rollins' signature Curb Stomp was famously banned by Vince McMahon, forcing the superstar to find a new finisher. He ultimately adopted Triple H's iconic Pedigree, a move he strategically secured permission for from McMahon.
Seth Rollins’ Signature Move Outlawed, Pivots to Triple H’s Finisher
In a surprising turn of events that sent ripples through the WWE Universe, Seth Rollins found his iconic Curb Stomp banned by none other than Vince McMahon. The move, a cornerstone of Rollins’ arsenal and a devastating finisher that helped propel him to world championship status, was abruptly removed from his repertoire. But as one door closed, another, albeit borrowed, opened, leading Rollins to adopt Triple H’s legendary Pedigree.
The Banning of the Stomp
The decision to ban the Curb Stomp, a move synonymous with Rollins’ aggressive in-ring persona, came with little immediate explanation. “He banned it. I don’t know what somebody… I’ve been doing it for years,” Rollins recounted, expressing his bewilderment. The prevailing theory, as Rollins speculates, suggests that McMahon’s decision may have stemmed from external influences.
I think what happened and I don’t have confirmation. He watched the Today Show. He sees the stomp. He sees people referring it to the curb stomp. Somebody in his inner circle said, ‘Hm Vince, I don’t know about that move. I think it might be a little too dangerous. There might be a connotation to it.’ And I’m like, ‘Brother, we’ve been doing it for years, right? It’s pro wrestling. None of it is… You can call it something else if you want. I didn’t come up with the name.’
Despite the lack of a concrete reason at the time, McMahon ultimately decided to move in a different direction. “We’re going to find something else, you know, equally as good and uh equally as uh, you know, devastating. But uh I think we’re going to go in a different direction,” was the message relayed to Rollins. This left the then-World Champion without a finishing move, a precarious position that lasted for a couple of months.
A Borrowed Legacy: The Pedigree Arrives
With his signature move gone and a void in his offensive strategy, Rollins looked for a new way to end matches. The opportunity arose when Triple H, Rollins’ on-screen mentor and a WWE legend, was largely out of active competition. Rollins, who was considered Triple H’s protege, saw an opening.
The situation was further complicated by the potential reaction from Triple H himself. “If I asked Triple H if I can use the pedigree, I feel like he’s going to say no. He’s the only person who’d ever use it, right?” Rollins mused. Instead, he opted for a strategic approach involving McMahon.
Rollins devised a plan: ask Vince McMahon for permission to use the Pedigree, anticipating that McMahon would grant it, perhaps to spite his son-in-law, Triple H. “I’ll ask Vince about it. And then I know Vince will say yes just to spite Triple H. And Triple H can’t say nothing about it,” Rollins explained his calculated move. The logic was sound: he was a heel, Triple H was his mentor, and it presented a way to carry on the legacy of the move.
McMahon’s Approval and the Fallout
Vince McMahon indeed gave his approval. Whether this was due to a genuine liking for the idea or a strategic power play against Triple H remains a subject of speculation for Rollins. “Whether he did it cuz he liked it or just to take a shot at his son-in-law, I don’t know. But either way, it was it was uh it worked,” Rollins stated.
The adoption of the Pedigree was a significant shift for Rollins. It not only provided him with a proven, devastating finisher but also symbolically linked him to one of WWE’s most influential figures. The move proved effective, and Rollins continued to use it, solidifying his position as a top contender and a formidable force in WWE. This strategic maneuver underscored Rollins’ cunning and adaptability within the complex landscape of professional wrestling, showcasing his ability to navigate backstage politics and reinvent his in-ring presentation when necessary.
The era of the Curb Stomp being banned and the subsequent adoption of the Pedigree marked a pivotal moment in Seth Rollins’ career, demonstrating his resilience and ingenuity in the face of creative challenges. The story highlights the intricate dynamics within WWE, where decisions about in-ring action can be influenced by personal relationships and strategic maneuvering.
Source: Seth Rollins’ Curb Stomp Banned & Stealing Triple H’s The Pedigree I CLUB SHAY SHAY (YouTube)





