Chelsea Green, known for her cooperative attitude in WWE creative storylines, made an unexpected stand during a defining moment in December 2024. As she prepared to become the first-ever Women’s United States Champion, she pushed back against the creative team’s request to use Hulk Hogan’s legacy finisher, insisting on preserving the authenticity of her victory.
Green has traditionally embraced WWE’s sometimes outlandish or comedic booking decisions, often accepting losses and unconventional storylines without resistance. However, when the stakes involved making history, she refused to compromise her signature move to protect the integrity of her win and connection with fans.
Refusing the Iconic Leg Drop: Preserving Her Identity in the Ring
At WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, Chelsea Green defeated Michin to capture the inaugural Women’s United States Championship. This milestone was highlighted on the Netflix docuseries WWE Unreal, which gave viewers insight into the backstage creative process of this historic event.
The WWE creative team proposed that Green use Hulk Hogan’s famous second-rope leg drop as her finishing move to win the title, rather than her own finisher, the Unpretty-Her. This suggestion sparked a significant disagreement between Green and WWE producer Shane Helms.
“Wait, I’m pinning with a leg drop? We went back and forth talking about the leg drop and whether we were still gonna keep that in. No, I’ve never done a leg drop off the second rope. I know, but it was in the middle of the match. Like, I’ll do it, but I’ve never jumped off the rope like that before. [After hitting a leg drop during rehearsal] Oh my god, yeah, I f***** peed myself. Why not the finish? Why not the Unpretty-Her?” — Chelsea Green
Green admitted she was willing to attempt the move during rehearsals but felt uneasy using such a risky and unfamiliar maneuver in a high-pressure match. She explained that this championship opportunity was too significant to risk losing the uniqueness of the moment by borrowing another wrestler’s iconic finishing move.
“I’m not one to argue about finishes or what creative wants for me—I just do it. But every now and then there’s a moment I need to fight for, and the leg drop… that was never gonna happen. I’m not gonna lie, I feel some sort of way about it not being my finish. It feels so weird it not being my move. Because I never win. So to then have this moment that’s gonna go down in history—what? How could I use someone else’s move, not mine? I was always going to use the Unpretty-Her. To think I’d use anything other than my finisher? No way.” — Chelsea Green
Her refusal prevailed, allowing her to finish the match with her own distinctive maneuver, the Unpretty-Her, firmly etching the victory as a genuinely personal achievement.
Behind the Scenes of WWE’s Summer Spectacle and Hall of Fame Challenges
While Chelsea Green’s victory was a defining moment, WWE has been preparing a massive buildup for SummerSlam 2024. The company plans extended Countdown shows, aiming to heighten anticipation and draw fan attention well ahead of the event.
Meanwhile, a WWE Hall of Famer has spoken publicly about a significant roadblock preventing their return to the ring. Although eager to come back, this obstacle remains unresolved, leaving fans wondering when a reunion might happen.
Reactions and Revelations from WWE Legends and Stars
Triple H recently disclosed John Cena’s true reaction when informed about the controversial decision to turn Cena heel in WWE, shedding light on candid backstage moments. Meanwhile, a WWE star surprised fans by finally admitting he was the mysterious El Grande Americano, ending years of speculation.
WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart shared his shock over Hulk Hogan’s death, describing how Hogan’s condition appeared positive just the day before the announcement. This revelation added a layer of emotional weight to the wrestling community’s ongoing mourning.
Shifts in Leadership and Creative Tensions Among WWE Talent
On WWE RAW, Seth Rollins was recently replaced as faction leader by a former champion, signaling a notable shift in storyline direction. Additionally, the director of the Netflix docuseries WWE Unreal expressed hopes that revealing behind-the-scenes content will increase viewership and fan engagement with WWE.
Tensions were also reported between WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Triple H, with the executive having to intervene firmly to maintain order, emphasizing the pressure and intensity among top-tier talent.
Significance of Chelsea Green’s Creative Defiance and Its Future Impact
Chelsea Green’s refusal to compromise on which finisher to use during her historic title win highlights the complex relationship between WWE talent and the company’s creative direction. Her insistence on using her own move reflects a desire for authenticity and control over her legacy amidst a wrestling world that often emphasizes larger-than-life personas and established legends.
This moment may inspire other WWE performers to voice their opinions more assertively when it comes to defining key career milestones, potentially shifting how creative decisions are negotiated behind the scenes. Green’s victory, with her own finisher, not only honored her individuality but also set a precedent for wrestlers seeking to preserve their personal identity within WWE’s storytelling framework.
With major events like SummerSlam on the horizon, the company’s willingness to balance creative vision with talent input could become even more critical in shaping fan-favorite moments and historic wins like Chelsea Green’s groundbreaking championship accomplishment.
