The Visionary opens up about Vince McMahon’s directive and Triple H’s reluctance
Summary
– Vince McMahon banned the Curb Stomp because he feared children would imitate it
– Rollins rejected a suggestion to use the frog splash to protect his body
– Triple H was initially hesitant to allow Rollins to adopt the Pedigree
Seth Rollins has provided new insight into the controversial decision to ban his signature Curb Stomp finisher, and during an appearance on Complex News with Becky Lynch, the former World Heavyweight Champion explained the reasoning given to him by Vince McMahon.
Rollins revealed that McMahon prohibited the move immediately after Rollins won his first WWE World Championship. The Chairman’s primary concern was that the maneuver was too easy for children to replicate at home. Rollins noted that he tried to argue that all wrestling moves carry risk, but he believes someone in management had specifically influenced McMahon on this issue.
When looking for a replacement, WWE officials suggested Rollins use a frog splash. He flatly refused, citing the long-term damage that doing the move nightly would cause to his knees and elbows.
Rollins eventually pivoted to the Pedigree, given his on-screen alliance with The Authority. He admitted that Triple H was initially hesitant to let him use the iconic finisher. Rollins joked that The Game likely hates it now because other wrestlers frequently kicked out of it, diluting its power, but acknowledged that the move had built-in equity that helped him at the time.
