Piledrivers have been banned in World Wrestling Entertainment for decades, but for the first time in 11 years, Kevin Owens busted one out and “injured” Randy Orton on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown.
After brawling with each other at WWE Crown Jewel this past Saturday, The Viper went to the ring on SmackDown to call out Owens, hoping to settle the score. Despite officials trying to step in to prevent them from fighting, they not only went at it, but Owens hit the devastating maneuver on his former friend.
Though common in All Elite Wrestling, this was the first time a piledriver was used in a WWE match since CM Punk and John Cena on a February 2013 episode of Monday Night RAW. For the purposes of the storyline, Orton was carted out on a stretcher and placed in an ambulance, selling the risky nature of the move and illustrating how dangerous it can be.
This is a side of Randy Orton that we haven't seen in a long time… and we love it! 🐍🔥#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/vJb0aS55rN
— WWE (@WWE) November 9, 2024
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A PILEDRIVER???
Kevin Owens what is wrong with you??? Absolutely disgusting. This has gone too far. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/488iJjmLbV
— WWE (@WWE) November 9, 2024
What do you think of the piledriver angle? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
