The Deadliest (and Most Banned) Move in Wrestling History

The Tombstone Piledriver is one of the most legendary—and controversial—finishing moves in wrestling. When The Undertaker plants an opponent head-first into the mat, the crowd loses its mind. But where did this move come from? Why is it so dangerous? And why do some wrestlers refuse to ever take it?

Let’s dig into the shocking truth behind wrestling’s most feared maneuver.

1. Who REALLY Invented the Tombstone?

The Move That Predates The Undertaker

Contrary to popular belief, The Undertaker didn’t create the Tombstone.

Original Piledriver: Invented in the 1930s-40s, used as a basic wrestling move.

First "Tombstone" Version: Bruiser Brody (1980s) used a kneeling piledriver, but it wasn’t called "Tombstone."

The Undertaker’s Twist: Taker made it slow, dramatic, and terrifying—turning it into WWE’s most protected finisher.

Fun Fact: "Dr. Death" Steve Williams used a standing tombstone in Japan before Taker popularized it in WWE.

2. Why the Tombstone is SO Dangerous

The Move That Can Paralyze (or Worse)

The Tombstone looks brutal—because it is. Here’s why:

Head & Neck Compression: The opponent’s skull is driven straight down, risking spinal damage.

No Real Control: Unlike a suplex, the taker (no pun intended) can’t fully protect the opponent’s neck.

Botch Risks: If the wrestler slips, the opponent lands directly on their head (see: Owen Hart’s infamous botch on Stone Cold).

The Ugly Truth: WWE banned most piledrivers—but Taker’s Tombstone got a special exception because of his skill.

3. The Undertaker’s Secret to Making It Safe(ish)

How Taker Avoided Killing His Opponents

Despite the risks, The Undertaker rarely injured anyone with the Tombstone. His secrets:

The "Knee Catch": Taker lands on his knees first, absorbing most of the impact.

Head Protection: He cups the back of their head, preventing whiplash.

Trusted Opponents Only: He never gave it to rookies or unsafe workers.

Did You Know? Kane’s Tombstone was even safer—he held opponents higher to reduce impact.

4. The Most Devastating Tombstones in History

When the Move Actually Looked Like Murder

Not all Tombstones are equal. These were career-defining moments:

Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 25) – The "Hell in a Cell" Tombstone that almost killed HBK.

Undertaker vs. Mankind (King of the Ring 1998) – The second Tombstone after the infamous Hell in a Cell fall.

Kane Chokeslams Shane McMahon, Then Tombstones Him (Unforgiven 2003) – Most brutal "double finisher" ever.

Honorable Mention: When Taker gave Vince McMahon a Tombstone at WrestleMania 34—at age 73!

5. WWE’s Piledriver Ban… Except for Taker & Kane

Why Nobody Else is Allowed to Use It

In the early 2000s, WWE banned piledrivers due to concussion lawsuits and risk of paralysis.

Only Exceptions:

Undertaker (grandfathered in)

Kane (same deal)

CM Punk (briefly allowed in 2013, but rarely used it)

Modern WWE: Even top stars like Seth Rollins aren’t allowed to use piledrivers.

The Irony: Independent wrestlers still use piledrivers—but WWE treats them like nuclear weapons.

6. The Future of the Tombstone: Will It Die with The Undertaker?

Is This the End of Wrestling’s Most Iconic Finisher?

Undertaker is retired.

Kane is in politics.

WWE won’t train new wrestlers to use it.

Will It Return? Maybe—if Bron Breakker or another "next Taker" gets permission. But for now, the Tombstone is a relic of the past.

Final Verdict: The Tombstone’s Legacy

✅ The most feared finisher in WWE history.

✅ A move so dangerous, only two men were trusted with it.

❌ Probably never coming back in modern WWE.

Last Question: Should WWE bring back the piledriver? Or is it too risky?

What Do YOU Think?

Who took the best Tombstone ever?

Should younger wrestlers be allowed to use it?

What’s the most brutal piledriver you’ve seen OUTSIDE WWE?

Sound off in the comments! 💀