diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/models/trainer.py b/pytorch_lightning/models/trainer.py
index c1ba181f67..87767d7d59 100644
--- a/pytorch_lightning/models/trainer.py
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/models/trainer.py
@@ -266,10 +266,6 @@ class Trainer(TrainerIO):
                 if met_batch_limit:
                     break
 
-                # give model a chance to end epoch early
-                if self.model.should_stop_epoch(data_batch):
-                    break
-
                 # ---------------
                 # RUN TRAIN STEP
                 # ---------------
@@ -331,7 +327,9 @@ class Trainer(TrainerIO):
 
         # hook
         if self.__is_function_implemented('on_batch_start'):
-            self.model.on_batch_start()
+            response = self.model.on_batch_start()
+            if response == -1:
+                return
 
         if self.enable_tqdm:
             self.prog_bar.update(1)
diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/root_module/hooks.py b/pytorch_lightning/root_module/hooks.py
index 02471b2952..0d903f6627 100644
--- a/pytorch_lightning/root_module/hooks.py
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/root_module/hooks.py
@@ -19,5 +19,3 @@ class ModelHooks(torch.nn.Module):
     def on_post_performance_check(self):
         pass
 
-    def should_stop_epoch(self, data_batch):
-        return False