Author Topic: Wrestling Thread (AEW, NJPW, WWE, etc) (*) (Read 452560 times)

tubby · « **Reply #80 on:** June 20, 2019, 12:32:18 pm »

Why have BT picked them up now, that's such an odd move. WWE is at its lowest ebb in years.

gazzalfc · « **Reply #81 on:** June 20, 2019, 12:36:58 pm »

Quote from: tubby on June 20, 2019, 12:32:18 pm

Why have BT picked them up now, that's such an odd move. WWE is at its lowest ebb in years.

If they bid more than what SKY were offering then its a really stupid move. If SKY dropped them and BT have paid a small price then they are gambling on an upturn or an AEW/WWE Monday night wars.

My guess is that with them putting all WWE PPV events on BT Box office then they have overpaid and are aiming to recouping their costs

Tonyh8su · « **Reply #82 on:** June 20, 2019, 01:37:06 pm »

Quote from: gazzalfc on June 20, 2019, 11:23:56 am

UK wrestler Adrian 'Lionheart' McCallum has died aged 36

Worked for ICW and a few UK independents. Done a few dark matches for WWE and TNA during UK tours

Came on to post this as well. I found out yesterday and still shook from it. I didn't know Adrian personally but a mate of mine just worked him on Sunday which now turns out to be his last match.

His last tweet and liked tweet are harrowing stuff.

RIP.

paulrazor · « **Reply #83 on:** June 20, 2019, 02:37:59 pm »

Quote from: a little break on June 20, 2019, 01:37:06 pm

His last tweet and liked tweet are harrowing stuff.

RIP.

very ultimate warrior-esque that

Tonyh8su · « **Reply #84 on:** June 20, 2019, 07:20:03 pm »

Quote from: Hellrazor on June 20, 2019, 02:37:59 pm

very ultimate warrior-esque that

Kind of. Warrior didn't know his fate and, not to speculate, but it seems to be the opposite here. So sad.

my usenme changed? · « **Reply #85 on:** June 20, 2019, 09:51:26 pm »

I'm delighted tbf, I have BT sport and bar football I always think I wish they had something to make me tune in. WWE will deffo do that for me. As for the PPVs, plenty of places online for those anyway.

Barefoot Doctor · « **Reply #86 on:** June 21, 2019, 10:04:50 am »

One of the key advantages of Sky was that they showed highlights of Raw/Smackdown on Sky One - a channel you have to pay for, but one that's available in loads of households (certainly more than have Sky Sports). So it was a great way to bring in casual viewers, particularly kids, and then get them hooked.

Can BT Sport do something like that? You'd think that casual exposure is something WWE will want to continue, so they can continue to create new fans.

It's a tough nut to crack I think. Can't imagine very many people watch Raw/Smackdown live in the UK, so for most it's something they record and watch the next day. But how many people even do that, when you can immediately watch clips on YouTube? Reckon Sky have probably seen it's not worth the money anymore, while for BT it's more valuable because they need more content to drive subscriptions.

my usenme changed? · « **Reply #87 on:** June 21, 2019, 10:59:19 am »

Quote from: Barefoot Doctor on June 21, 2019, 10:04:50 am

One of the key advantages of Sky was that they showed highlights of Raw/Smackdown on Sky One - a channel you have to pay for, but one that's available in loads of households (certainly more than have Sky Sports). So it was a great way to bring in casual viewers, particularly kids, and then get them hooked.

Can BT Sport do something like that? You'd think that casual exposure is something WWE will want to continue, so they can continue to create new fans.

It's a tough nut to crack I think. Can't imagine very many people watch Raw/Smackdown live in the UK, so for most it's something they record and watch the next day. But how many people even do that, when you can immediately watch clips on YouTube? Reckon Sky have probably seen it's not worth the money anymore, while for BT it's more valuable because they need more content to drive subscriptions.

Very good point. I don't actually watch Raw/SD, every Tuesday/Wednesday morning I read the bleacher report live blog of what happened and and watch the top 10 recap of what happened on YouTube. Still pleased its moving though.

paulrazor · « **Reply #88 on:** June 21, 2019, 11:52:16 am »

dailymotion is very good for finding hidden gems

Barefoot Doctor · « **Reply #89 on:** June 21, 2019, 12:11:43 pm »

Quote from: my usenme changed? on June 21, 2019, 10:59:19 am

Very good point. I don't actually watch Raw/SD, every Tuesday/Wednesday morning I read the bleacher report live blog of what happened and and watch the top 10 recap of what happened on YouTube. Still pleased its moving though.

Apparently they tweaked things in the US recently, putting all the clips up on YouTube after the show was over instead of uploading throughout, with the intention of encouraging more people to watch live. Not sure if it's made a difference.

my usenme changed? · « **Reply #90 on:** June 21, 2019, 02:46:55 pm »

Quote from: Barefoot Doctor on June 21, 2019, 12:11:43 pm

Apparently they tweaked things in the US recently, putting all the clips up on YouTube after the show was over instead of uploading throughout, with the intention of encouraging more people to watch live. Not sure if it's made a difference.

Can understand that tbf, though its no issue for me coming from Ireland. When I add up all the WWE YouTube content I've watched over the last few months it probably equates to more than spent watching their PPV's! To be honest, unless they improve the quality of their flagship shows, I doubt I will be watching it for long once it moves to BT. Especially if AEW are on ITV (and if its a better watch of course).

Something Worse · « **Reply #91 on:** June 21, 2019, 03:49:17 pm »

The 24/7 title and the IIconics backstage stuff are the only good things in wrestling now anyway, nobody needs to watch the shows.

tubby · « **Reply #92 on:** June 21, 2019, 04:04:52 pm »

Love the IIconics.

Something Worse · « **Reply #93 on:** June 21, 2019, 04:22:54 pm »

Quote from: tubby on June 21, 2019, 04:04:52 pm

Love the IIconics.

HEY KAYLA

my usenme changed? · « **Reply #94 on:** June 21, 2019, 04:34:09 pm »

Quote from: Claus on June 21, 2019, 03:49:17 pm

The 24/7 title and the IIconics backstage stuff are the only good things in wrestling now anyway, nobody needs to watch the shows.

Its just what they do with the IIconics in ring is the problem. They hyped the tag titles like mad and when they put them on them, fine, give them a shot. But Christ they literally lost every match for two months while Billie Kay shrieked at referees. Killed the titles totally, there isnt even challengers for them now.

gerrardisgod · « **Reply #95 on:** June 21, 2019, 04:40:42 pm »

Whatever happened to Paige’s new tag team?

tubby · « **Reply #96 on:** June 21, 2019, 05:11:56 pm »

Quote from: gerrardisgod on June 21, 2019, 04:40:42 pm

Whatever happened to Paige’s new tag team?

Taking the tag belts in Tokyo (before losing them again straight after). Kairi's character work/autism is on point in this promo with everyone's favourite tag team.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/98i6xNfPK8Q" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/98i6xNfPK8Q</a>

Something Worse · « **Reply #97 on:** June 21, 2019, 05:22:43 pm »

Quote from: my usenme changed? on June 21, 2019, 04:34:09 pm

Its just what they do with the IIconics in ring is the problem. They hyped the tag titles like mad and when they put them on them, fine, give them a shot. But Christ they literally lost every match for two months while Billie Kay shrieked at referees. Killed the titles totally, there isnt even challengers for them now.

Seems like a reach. If they wanted to, they could have those titles main event next year's Mania.

Tonyh8su · « **Reply #98 on:** June 22, 2019, 08:03:54 pm »

Quote from: Claus on June 21, 2019, 03:49:17 pm

The 24/7 title and the IIconics backstage stuff are the only good things in WWE now anyway, nobody needs to watch the shows.

I’ve just fixed that for you there mate.

Something Worse · « **Reply #99 on:** June 22, 2019, 08:05:24 pm »

Quote from: a little break on June 22, 2019, 08:03:54 pm

I’ve just fixed that for you there mate.

All other wrestling is lame, sorry fella.

my usenme changed? · « **Reply #100 on:** June 23, 2019, 11:53:11 pm »

Isn’t there a PPV tonight?

OsirisMVZ · « **Reply #101 on:** June 24, 2019, 12:09:27 am »

Quote from: my usenme changed? on June 23, 2019, 11:53:11 pm

Isn’t there a PPV tonight?

There is, WWE Stomping Grounds. It's in a venue that holds 20k and the word going round was that something like 66% of tickets were still available a week ago.

Baron Corbin in the main event might explain that.

The entire cameraside of the arena is blocked off omg
https://twitter.com/TravisKauth/status/1142911425746104320

Something Worse · « **Reply #102 on:** June 24, 2019, 02:40:26 am »

I mean it's in Spokane, but bask in your moment pal. You've earned it.

my usenme changed? · « **Reply #103 on:** June 24, 2019, 09:33:05 am »

Quote from: OsirisMVZ on June 24, 2019, 12:09:27 am

There is, WWE Stomping Grounds. It's in a venue that holds 20k and the word going round was that something like 66% of tickets were still available a week ago.

Baron Corbin in the main event might explain that.

The entire cameraside of the arena is blocked off omg
https://twitter.com/TravisKauth/status/1142911425746104320

Not good. I watched the opening match before I went to sleep and I thought it was as quite a noisy crowd, especially compared to how flat WWE audiences usually are. maybe a smaller number is better for the atmosphere??

OsirisMVZ · « **Reply #104 on:** June 24, 2019, 09:36:28 am »

Quote from: Claus on June 24, 2019, 02:40:26 am

I mean it's in Spokane, but bask in your moment pal. You've earned it.

Just seen there isn't even one professional sports team that currently plays there, wtf were they thinking booking it in that venue. Embarrassment all around!

gazzalfc · « **Reply #105 on:** June 25, 2019, 01:52:39 pm »

Vince playing every single card he knows and the deck is starting to run dry.

All for Taker making as much money as he can. He's already sold out his legacy laying down for Lesnar at WM. Might as well get as much as he can to pay for his future health.

But anyone from the outside looking in on this industry right now almost must feel sorry for WWE talent.

If you're a star at WWE there is no way you're signing beyond 2020 unless you're on a fuckload of money.

OsirisMVZ · « **Reply #106 on:** June 25, 2019, 03:22:23 pm »

Quote from: gazzalfc on June 25, 2019, 01:52:39 pm

If you're a star at WWE there is no way you're signing beyond 2020 unless you're on a fuckload of money.

I read that opening developmental contract offers for them now were for a minimum of 5 years, which is nuts and only marks-in-training would sign.

tubby · « **Reply #107 on:** June 25, 2019, 05:21:22 pm »

Seth needs to stop letting Becky on his Twitter.

Something Worse · « **Reply #108 on:** June 25, 2019, 05:50:26 pm »

Quote from: tubby on June 25, 2019, 05:21:22 pm

Seth needs to stop letting Becky on his Twitter.

The most shocking thing about that whole thing was seeing how many people think Will Ospreay is good at pro wrestling.

The sport has been completely taken over by the artless.

OsirisMVZ · « **Reply #109 on:** June 25, 2019, 06:31:29 pm »

the last thread got deleted because of your baiting, so why are you continuing

Something Worse · « **Reply #110 on:** June 25, 2019, 06:59:26 pm »

Quote from: OsirisMVZ on June 25, 2019, 06:31:29 pm

the last thread got deleted because of your baiting, so why are you continuing

It got deleted because someone is a snitch, wonder who that could be?

Also "not having the exact same opinion as you" =/= baiting. You liking Will Ospreay doesn't mean it's the one and only opinion that's valid.

He's objectively bad at the basics of pro wrestling, but people suddenly don't care. The amount of vitriol Hogan used to get for his no-selling (and Warrior come to think of it), and now Ospreay does it and it's celebrated!? He doesn't sell, he doesn't even "fake fight", he just performs an elaborate dance recital and people lap it up. It's awful, he's awful and pro wrestling is awful as a result of that "style" becoming more popular.

I've been a good boy · « **Reply #111 on:** June 25, 2019, 08:05:14 pm »

Baron Corbin main eventing again? I see Vince is definitely listening to the fans.

Something Worse · « **Reply #112 on:** June 25, 2019, 08:07:25 pm »

Quote from: King.Keita on June 25, 2019, 08:05:14 pm

Baron Corbin main eventing again? I see Vince is definitely listening to the fans.

They should really start booing someone else, he's about the only guy in the sport who gets heat.

OsirisMVZ · « **Reply #113 on:** June 25, 2019, 09:32:24 pm »

you know what, its not worth it.

-

In more relevant news the WWE PPV Stomping Grounds from Sunday night had 4k-4.5k paid tickets sold in a 20k venue, and Raw last night had 3.5k. The ratings are always bad and going worse but when no one is turning up to see your product with their own eyes, that's another revenue stream they really can't afford to miss out on. Wonder what they'll do, if anything. Apparently Meltzer is going to have pull out the history books to find the last Raw that had ticket sales that low.

please, I have my reasons for it but... · « **Reply #114 on:** June 25, 2019, 10:52:10 pm »

Quote from: Claus on June 25, 2019, 05:50:26 pm

The most shocking thing about that whole thing was seeing how many people think Will Ospreay is good at pro wrestling.

The sport has been completely taken over by the artless.

People like you are part of the reason why WWE sucks so much. Enjoy playing the violin while the Titanic is sinking.

Something Worse · « **Reply #115 on:** June 25, 2019, 11:12:49 pm »

Quote from: please, I have my reasons for it but... on June 25, 2019, 10:52:10 pm

People like you are part of the reason why WWE sucks so much. Enjoy playing the violin while the Titanic is sinking.

You think WWE would be good if I liked Will Ospreay?

please, I have my reasons for it but... · « **Reply #116 on:** June 25, 2019, 11:41:58 pm »

Quote from: Claus on June 25, 2019, 11:12:49 pm

You think WWE would be good if I liked Will Ospreay?

No, but putting every shit WWE gives out on a pedestal is not good.

Also how many Will Ospreay matches have you watched?

Something Worse · « **Reply #117 on:** June 26, 2019, 12:04:27 am »

Quote from: please, I have my reasons for it but... on June 25, 2019, 11:41:58 pm

No, but putting every shit WWE gives out on a pedestal is not good.

Also how many Will Ospreay matches have you watched?

I don't watch WWE, nor do I defend it. But it seems there are two sides in this thread: "everything outside WWE is amazing and I'm going to be upset if you criticize it" and "WWE fan". Pointing out that WWE is an incredibly well run business and that AEW has a long way to go isn't defending WWE. Nor is disliking Will Ospreay and that entire style of wrestling.

I've seen a handful of Ospreay matches, they were all terrible. I've seen countless Ospreay gifs, and it's gotten worse. If that's what you like, then more power to you I guess, but I'm allowed to criticize him and AEW and Cody and whoever else I want. You and Osiris need to chill the fuck out and stop being so emotionally involved that an offhand comment directed at neither of you causes such a reaction. It's Evertonian at best.

Barefoot Doctor · « **Reply #118 on:** June 26, 2019, 08:45:26 am »

Apparently Vince's latest directive is that there shouldn't be wrestling during commercial breaks. Which is why we're now seeing loads of 2 out of 3 Falls matches on TV (two last night on Smackdown). They can still have long matches on TV, but they go to break between falls. That's going to wear thin fast.

gazzalfc · « **Reply #119 on:** June 26, 2019, 09:37:59 am »

It's the new 'Tag team match playa'