Update (11:59 p.m. Eastern): PWInsider has confirmed the story first reported by Fightful Select, also noting that those who violate these new protocols may be fined, with further details currently unavailable as of time of writing.
A new report from Fightful Select has indicated that some big changes are coming to AEW’s safety protocol, with a document being referenced that calls for bans on certain moves and actions, as well as others needing to be cleared by officials ahead of time.
According to the document, the following are banned outright: unprotected chair shots to the head, hits to the back of one’s head, buckle bombs, and blind moves backward into the turnbuckle.
In addition, performers will not be allowed to sell using “seizures or concussion responses,” nor can they spit, bleed or use weapons in the crowd, or physically interact or take food or drink from audience members.
Interactions that must be cleared ahead of time include spots/bumps on the apron and outside the ring, spots featuring tables, ladders, or chairs, dives outside the ring, piledrivers (and all variations), the use of ring steps or the commentary table, simulated choking or hanging, injury spots, brawling in the crowd, moments involving individuals aside from those actually competing in the match, and purposeful bleeding.
The report states that they have spoken with some in AEW who have confirmed the authenticity of the document, but others backstage have yet to see it. It appears the intention of the protocol is not only to increase safety for fans and AEW crew and performers, but to help prevent repetition of spots across the same show, as well as provide more authority to coaches behind the scenes.