How is the Pedigree Safer Than the Curbstomp?

Hi Scott,

I’m re-watching Wrestlemania 14 and I just saw HHH pedigree Owen Hart, and it got me thinking: How is the pedigree safer than the curbstomp? They’re both face-first bumps to the mat, and it seems a proper pedigree is even more dangerous because the arms are hooked, preventing the opponent from protecting his head with them. Especially the way Owen took it, it seems like there’s no protection. I just don’t understand how the curbstomp is any less safe.

​A couple of things on this:

1) The problem with the curb stomp wasn’t the safety to the wrestlers, because of course they’re taking their own bump anyway. The issue was that WWE didn’t want kids imitating the move for all kinds of reasons that I’m sure you can imagine yourself. It was basically a sponsor issue.

2) The Pedigree is super safe. Hunter is the guy taking all the impact with his knees while the head of the victim is about six inches away from hitting the mat if done right. Later on he got really lazy with it and just kind of let them do their own bump anyway, which makes it even safer. Also, Owen was kind of nuts with that shit. ​