The isomerization of internal alkynes Ar1C≡CAr2 within the coordination environment of low‐valent half‐sandwich [Ru(dppe)Cp]+ complexes via a 1,2‐migration process affords vinylidene species [Ru{=C=C(Ar1)Ar2}(dppe)Cp]+. The rearrangement reactions of symmetrically and asymmetrically substituted substrates featuring different electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing groups and of varying steric bulk were modelled using density functional theory (DFT), and the conclusions supported by experimental observations. Examination of the reaction pathway and associated activation barriers reveal a high solvent dependency for the generation of the key intermediate species [Ru(dppe)Cp]+ from [RuCl(dppe)Cp] by Na+ induced halide abstraction , with the lattice enthalpy of the NaCl by‐product playing a critical role in the overall thermochemical balance of the reaction. The activation barriers associated with the reaction of [Ru(dppe)Cp]+ with Ar1C≡CAr2, and the relative energies of the alkyne complexes [Ru(h2‐Ar1C≡CAr2)(dppe)Cp]+, are sensitive to the electron density of the alkyne and conformational changes associated with the ‘bend‐back’ of the substrate. The latter differs by up to 66.1 kJ/mol, which in turn impacts the barrier height of the subsequent 1,2‐migration step . The relative importance of these factors is evinced by the successful rearrangement of the very sterically congested 1(9‐anthryl)‐2(9‐phenanthryl) acetylene into the fully characterized diaryl vinylidene complex, which was isolated in 89% yield.