Louisiana Boxing and Wrestling Commission Have Banned This Popular ‘Move’

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Professional wrestling is very popular in Louisiana and when a show happens in the "Bayou State" it must follow some strict guidelines that are set by the Boxing and Wrestling Commission.

The safety of wrestlers and fans is the primary concern of the commission and that is why there are rules set in place.

Having grown up watching professional wrestling, I was not aware that each state has its own guidelines for when shows happen within its jurisdiction, but after a friend informed me of rules they have to follow when putting on shows in Louisiiana, I decided to Google some of the rules and few may surprise you.

For example, the Louisiana Boxing and Wrestling Commission does not allow professional wrestlers, "to intentionally force opponents out of the ring or over the top rope."

In addition to that rule, chair shots to the head, diving headbutts, and some holds that could cause neck or spinal injuries, are also prohibited in the ring.

The one move that caught me by surprise that is not allowed in wrestling rings in Louisiana is the pile driver. Wrestlers are not allowed to invert their opponent and drop them on their head. Again, this rule is in place to protect the wrestlers, and to avoid serious injuries to the head or neck region.

Something else that I found when researching what is banned in Louisiana from professional wrestling matches or shows is blood. The entertainers are not allowed to intentionally "blade" themselves to bleed.

Now, being that pro wrestling is a contact sport, things can happen in the ring that may cause a wrestler to bleed, and if it happens intentionally no rule has been violated.

Disclaimer, the commission will often allow wrestlers with large promotions, like WWE, to perform these dangerous moves (which are prohibited) in the ring because of the amount of training they've undergone with their respective employers.

Let me note here that many of the major pro wrestling companies have taken it upon themselves to ban dangerous moves (many that were mentioned above) after wrestlers were either seriously injured or even paralyzed in the ring.

So, the next time you attend an independent wrestling show in Louisiana watch and see if you notice if any of the moves mentioned above are used, and if so, they may be in violation of state rules or regulations for such shows.