Sasha Banks' Backstabber reminds me of Carlito's painkiller abuse

[Reflection]

Do you remember an interview by Carlito's father on why his son was fired from the WWE? He stated that Carlito was fired due to "abuse of painkillers," and the main reason why he had to take those painkillers was because of the back pain he sustained as a result of continual use of his finisher- the Backstabber, which required him to take the weight of his opponents on his back and knees every time he performed it.
Here is a link to a transcript of the interview, if you are interested:

Spoiler

http://www.wrestlenewz.com/wwe-news/carlitos-father-reveals-why-his-son-was-fired-from-wwe

Now, when I watch Sasha Banks doing this move regularly, it makes me wonder if she too has to endure much pain every time she does the move.. and if it might shorten her WWE career in the future, one way or the other (more likely due to injury). Her opponents might not be as heavy as Carlito's, but she too isn't as strong or muscular as him.

So, what do you think? We have heard stories of wrestlers enduring the pain of certain moves or injuries, but not disclosing them out of fear of getting sidelined, or not changing the moves because the crowd loves it. Could Sasha be on that road too?

Also, if she drops the move, what other moves could be as cool a set-up, for the Bank Statement as the Backstabber is presently? I really cannot think of much in that regard, other than a move like Suicide Solution or Jarrett Stroke, that will land the opponent on her front, or as an innovative counter to another move, like AJ Lee often did with the Black Widow.

 

[Navi]

Isn't Jericho's Codebreaker sort of the same move, except he does it when his opponent face first. I'm not sure why Carlito's career ended, might have been the moves he did, but other's are doing similar moves and they're still around.

I guess time will tell with Banks if it's a dangerous move or not.

 

[Thejock83]

Carlito's painkiller abuse would be because he's a drug addict. His father's reasoning would be an excuse.

 

[GeneralKarim]

Jericho's CodeBreak is more his opponent just coming down between his legs in a more controlled fashion. The impact is not comparable. And now while the backstabber being an excuse is somewhat convinient, maybe it has some merit.

Al,so these are divas. They will not have long careers like those jadded 45 yo guys sticking around for too long. She will have an AJ Lee type run, like most of them and quit when she becomes known enough to venture into other, more interesting and rewarding stuff.

 

[MyndZero]

I don't think it will be a problem. Carlito's one had all the weight come down on him, and sure Sasha's is similar but they also roll off backwards, so if it's done in a consistent motion like she pulls back and they setup to roll backwards in the same motion I think there will be less strain on Sasha. Obviously won't be that smooth every time, but I think there is a big difference, but it may not be like that without having experience to tell if it is or not.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Carlito's painkiller abuse would be because he's a drug addict. His father's reasoning would be an excuse.

Sounds about right. Carliito' father didn't seem to mention anything about his son's physique going to hell as his attitude worsened, which also resulted in a lousy work ethic and a sloppy, lazy performance in the ring as time went on.

I also noted his father's remarking that Carlito was welcome to come back to WWE as soon as he sorted out his medication issues. So?

As it is, just having watched the Backstabber maneuver so many times, I doubt it had to do with Carlito's problem, nor do I think it will cause Sasha Banks much difficulty in the future. It looks like one of those moves that have great impact, yet seem relatively harmless to the person executing it.

But then, I'm not a pro wrestler and haven't executed a Backstabber on anyone recently.

Let Sasha tell us.

 

[ITrippedTheShockmaster]

FYI, Eddie Colon (formerly Primo, now Diego in Los Matadores) used the same move last night on Titus O'Neil in Los Matadores' win over the Prime Time Players.

So, apparently he doesn't mind his other son using it...

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I call bullshit on Carlos Colon's claims as they sound more like a father trying to come up with a viable excuse for his son than anything else. Here's one reason why it sounds like bullshit to me: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carly_Colón#/media/File:Carlito_in_August_2012-3.jpg

The pic was taken about 3 years ago, long after Carlito left WWE, and he's performing the move that his father claims is responsible for his abuse of painkillers. He's using the move on the indie scene and in WWC, so If it's so dangerous, then why's he still doing it? Carlito's drug use stems more from, if reports are accurate, a combination of laziness and a sense of entitlement.

When I look at the move, I don't see a whole helluva lot of impact to the back of the wrestler performing it. While there's certainly impact, given that you're landing on your back, it seems to me that moves like the body slam or suplex generate more impact to the back, at least in my eyes.

 

[Messiah]

It will probably shorten her WWE career but that's normal. These people are going to do moves and take risks that shorten their careers. She's a diva after all, most divas career's don't last very long, they only wrestle when their young and when they hit their 30's or late 20's they venture into other things, they might want to have a family, do acting or whatever. It's not like Sasha will be around for very long, maybe 5 year's before she try's something else. Most woman get sick of the business after a while.

 

[Navi]

It will probably shorten her WWE career but that's normal. These people are going to do moves and take risks that shorten their careers. She's a diva after all, most divas career's don't last very long, they only wrestle when their young and when they hit their 30's or late 20's they venture into other things, they might want to have a family, do acting or whatever. It's not like Sasha will be around for very long, maybe 5 year's before she try's something else. Most woman get sick of the business after a while.

The reason they don't stay around as long as the men do, is because once you've won the Diva's title a number of times, what else is there for them to do. Besides you can still have a child and come back later.

It's funny you mention Sasha Banks though. She might a little be different, she has a very famous cousin who could help her if she wants to branch out.

The men have a lot more they can go for within the company. They can start out going for either the IC or US titles and a chosen few work their way up to the World Title. Some might eventually form tag teams and try for those titles. And for some they will end up as fodder for the others.

Ultimately with the schedule and the amount of work these guys put in nowadays, I don't think any wrestler would have the longevity of a Ric Flair or Hogan.

 

[Honkey_Kong]

Addicts and their enablers will find excuses in anything for the addiction.

That being said, the weight difference between Carlito and his opponents vs Sasha and hers will make a big difference in how her body will deal with the bumps. Twice the weight = 4x the force. That plus basic genetics will come in to play in how her body will stand up to the pain.

Eventually, it's all going to catch up with her. I don't really know of anyone aside from Ric Flair and maybe Lawler that have gone through their whole careers without any nagging wrestling injuries.

But there is also the underlying problem with Carlito in that he got caught up in pain pills because he hurt. Without putting the guy in more pain, how do you remove the drugs? Surgery might be an option, but what are the success rates for his injuries? And how many times does he need to go under the knife? In his case, the drugs might be the more practical answer.

 

[Cats Pajamas]

Having never been trained to wrestle, it would be hard for me to argue with a guy who’s wrestled for 42 years and someone who is so close to Carlito and knows the ins and outs better than us fans. He made this statement soon after Carlito’s release but has the experience where he could probably smell bullshit if he didn’t think it was at least part of the problem.

I think his father oversimplified things as much as he thought it wouldn’t matter. Rather than being caused by repetitive use of a single move (even though he was using it against a whole lot of mammal), it’s probably a combination of that, the grueling work and travel schedule, the impact of several other wrestling maneuvers, perhaps a few bad landings, and then neglecting to do something about the pain. If ANY wrestler stated their back hurt like hell, I probably would believe them. Even Carlito, who’s attitude was complete shit towards the end of his run.

If it is unsafe to use on heavier people, let’s hope it’s a heck of a lot safer for her use. If it’s unsafe altogether, then let’s hope Steph is willing to protect her talent.