It's ironic that as popular as reality TV was during the past decade, more often than not, there wasn't necessarily much "reality" involved in those shows. More specifically, network reality shows are designed for ratings, not real-life content. Sure, there are elements of true events, but you never know when producers spin a scenario for added drama. For example, underrated legend, Lance Storm explained in-depth on a podcast, "Killing The Town" that his experience within the reality TV genre was less than favorable. "World of Hurt" was a reality show that aired in Canada for two seasons in 2011 and spotlighted the training process with Lance as a trainer for the aspiring grapplers. Storm, one of the most accomplished athletes of his generation, was so displeased with the attempts at manufactured drama that he declined to participate in the second season, which saw "Rowdy" Roddy Piper take over as a mentor on the show.
The idea to peek behind the curtain at the foundation of professional wrestling was popularized by WWE's Tough Enough in the early 2000s and allowed a main stream audience a glimpse at the very real process the new recruits endure to safely learn the maneuvers they later perform on television. But, even Tough Enough, as ground-breaking as it was at the time, didn't necessarily reflect the actual experience for new trainees. The majority of sports entertainment hopefuls don't get to step into a WWE ring the first time they enter the squared circle. In fact, a much more accurate description doesn't include an extensive facility or bright lights for TV cameras.
When professional wrestling veteran and video producer, JB Destiny set out to capture the effects of the popularity of women's wrestling, he wanted to document exactly how women were inspired to chase the dream of sports entertainment that might've seemed unobtainable in the past. With more opportunities for female athletes now than ever before, the "Go Big or Go Home" documentary chronicles the journey of a group of young women as they begin to learn the tedious process of landing on the canvas, as well as understanding the techniques used inside the ring ropes. Different from what Tough Enough brought viewers on MTV, this documentary provides an unfiltered look at the world of women's professional wrestling with a much more typical setting than was seen on television.
Less than thirty minutes outside of Pittsburgh, McKeesport, PA has featured independent wrestling for over two decades. Similar to many places within the original WWWF territory, the steel city has extensive wrestling history and a very dedicated fan base. For JB Destiny, the heyday of his career, which included a run as one of the best light heavyweights in the region in the late 1990s, was spent as a part of the Pro Wrestling Express:Fight Society, a group that has over twenty years of history. Several athletes, including Corey Graves learned their craft at the PWX training center so as a producer of several films, JB took his team to the school to document its current trainees.
A former school building converted into a wrestling venue, the two-story structure has a mixture of grittiness and glamor, as a combination of overhead ring lights illuminate the canvas while the painted cement floor is a remind of its blue collar status. Most of the time, PWX runs events every two weeks, and depending on the weather, can draw a good crowd from their very loyal fan base. When longtime ring announcer, Hank Hudson isn't projecting the bass in his voice to declare the winners of matches on Saturdays as the audience enthusiastically responses, the venue takes a much different tone during the week. Chants from an energized crowd are replaced with an echoing impact that reverberates off the textured walls of the wrestling arena as the trainees practice the proper way to land on the canvas. The current group of hopeful grapplers take turns completing various sequences under the watchful eye of longtime veteran and booker, Quinn Magnum, who is also one of the trainers at the school. With over twenty years of experience, Quinn provides some intriguing insight into what he considers the most important traits for potential trainees. A handful of current wrestlers also help with in-ring demonstrations before the trainees attempt new maneuvers.
The introduction of the ladies that pursue this venture is one of the most interesting aspects of this documentary, providing their background to allow for insight into what inspired them to become a wrestler. Without narration to influence the narrative, the viewers get the chance to decides for themselves who has a chance to make it to the big leagues and who is just a dreamer with an unrealistic goal. There's also a fascinating look at the intricate details that are involved in some of the most common wrestling sequences. As viewers watch the training sessions progress, WWE Hall of Famer, Tully Blanchard makes a cameo to express his thoughts on what it takes to be successful in the professional wrestling business.
It was very interesting to see the tryout for a young lady that appears to assume that learning the basics of the training process is as flawless as the matches that she watches on television. Within minutes, the hopeful learns the harsh reality that landing on the ridged canvas is a very difficult aspect of the industry. More than anything, this segment reiterates that physical toll it takes to learn proper technique and the determination required to be successful.
"Go Big or Go Home" is a direct look at the origins of a professional wrestler. The audiences that flock to arenas to see the major events with bight lights and pryo will be surprised to see the humble beginning of a career. If the trainees featured in this production make it to the national level of the business remains to be seen, but this documentary certainly provides intriguing insight for the start of a career in the professional wrestling industry.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Saturday, September 22, 2018
The Jon Jones decision
In just over a month, Jon Jones, the former UFC Light Heavyweight champion, will be eligible to compete again, which was announced earlier this week by USADA, determining that a 15-month retroactive suspension is appropriate for his second PED violation.
A second PED violation could lead to a 4-year suspension from competition so how exactly did Jon Jones get such a short ban from the sport?
The answer is sadly a combination of greed and corruption.
After years of rumors about some mixed martial arts fighters using performance enhancing substances, the UFC announced its testing program in association with USADA in 2015. Not surprisingly, there were more fighters flagged for potential violations since that time, and coincidentally, some fighters ability decreased significantly afterwards. For example, Johnny Hendricks, former contender in the welterweight division, went 1-6 in the octagon after the start of the USADA program in the UFC.
The anti-doping association can clearly be effective.
That's why this ruling for Jon Jones and the motivation behind is so puzzling. "Bones" Jones has made headlines throughout his entire career, starting with his victory against the legendary Shogun Rua in 2011 to claim the 205 LBS championship and become the youngest champion in the history of the organization. Since that time, "Bones" made headlines for all the wrong reasons and is arguably more well-known for his mishaps outside of the cage than his accomplishments in the sport. The first of his laundry list of legal problems was when he was arrested for DUI after he hit a pole in 2012. He tested positive for cocaine in an out-of-competition test prior to his fight against Daniel Cormier in early 2015. Just three months later, Jones was involved in a hit-and-run incident when he run a red light, hitting another car before he fled the scene of the accident. Drug paraphernalia was found in the car and he was eventually sentenced to probation for leaving the scene. The legal problems prompted UFC management to strip him of the light heavyweight title.
He finally returned to the octagon in April of 2016, defeating Ovince Saint Preux to claim an interim championship, setting up a unification fight against Cormier for UFC 200. Just a month before he was scheduled to compete again, "Bones" was cited for driving without a license, but that didn't affect his status to fight. However, a few days before UFC 200, it was announced that Jones tested positive for PEDs and the Cormier rematch was cancelled. Again, UFC brass stripped him of a championship.
As a result of the failed test, Jones was suspended for a year. When he finally returned to the cage for the Cormier rematch last year, he won the fight via a head kick in the third round and touted his redemption story during a post-fight interview. A few weeks later, it was revealed that Jones failed the post-fight drug test for PEDs. The contest was overturned to a no contest and he was stripped of the championship for the third time in his career.
The California State Athletic Commission hearing earlier this year did "Bones" no favors when he couldn't explain how an anabolic steroid got into his system and he admitted the he didn't complete the required online courses that USADA provides for athletes, but rather that his management did it for him. The commission stated that they would allow USADA to determine the penalty for Jones, which most expected to be at least a two-year ban and that was if the anti-doping association believed Jones' excuse that he unknowingly took the PED.
A tainted supplement is possible, but at this point in his career, Jon Jones doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt in these situations. The DUI and hit-and-run scenarios prove that he was reckless and irresponsible in the past. Perhaps, a contaminated supplement might happen once, but after a second failed PED test, does someone with the past of "Bones" Jones deserve the benefit of the doubt?
I usually wouldn't suggest a conspiracy theory, but something is corrupt about the 15-month retroactive ban that Jones was given for this violation. I'm not saying that the UFC was directly involved, but keep in mind, USADA was hired by the UFC so it certainly seems like there could be a conflict of interest when the anti-doping organization can make decisions that could directly impact the financial aspect of the company that hires them. As mentioned, Jones was suspended for a year after his initial failed test so how exactly did he only get an extra three months for a second violation? Other fighters that failed two tests were suspended for two years so how did Jon Jones get 15-months for the same violation?
The answer is probably that Jon Jones is a bigger name that can draw bigger money for everyone involved when he fights on pay-per-view so he was given a shorter ban to allow the UFC to generate revenue from his bouts. However, "Bones" Jones' status shouldn't affect his ban because a violation of the rules is a violation regardless of what fighter fails a test. Obviously, MMA is a very dangerous sport and failed PED tests should be taken very seriously by the UFC. Considering this was a USADA, not UFC decision, it would be reasonable,at this point to question the credibility of the anti-doping organization.
The guidelines for a second failed test suggest at least a ban of a few years from the sport. If Jon Jones fails another test, is it possible that USADA doesn't report it to allow the company that hired them to continue to cash-in on his fights?
It's completely possible that the UFC isn't involved in this corruption, but isn't it convenient that Jon Jones will be eligible to fight just a few months before Brock Lesnar is scheduled to return to the UFC? Remember, "Bones" said during a post-fight interview last year that he wanted to fight Lesnar, and despite Brock's confrontation with Daniel Cormier earlier this year, the general consensus is that Lesnar/Jones will draw more money. Who knows how Jon Jones was only given a 15-month suspension, but it's very disappointing to see that potential profits are the propriety instead of the credibility of the sport.
A second PED violation could lead to a 4-year suspension from competition so how exactly did Jon Jones get such a short ban from the sport?
The answer is sadly a combination of greed and corruption.
After years of rumors about some mixed martial arts fighters using performance enhancing substances, the UFC announced its testing program in association with USADA in 2015. Not surprisingly, there were more fighters flagged for potential violations since that time, and coincidentally, some fighters ability decreased significantly afterwards. For example, Johnny Hendricks, former contender in the welterweight division, went 1-6 in the octagon after the start of the USADA program in the UFC.
The anti-doping association can clearly be effective.
That's why this ruling for Jon Jones and the motivation behind is so puzzling. "Bones" Jones has made headlines throughout his entire career, starting with his victory against the legendary Shogun Rua in 2011 to claim the 205 LBS championship and become the youngest champion in the history of the organization. Since that time, "Bones" made headlines for all the wrong reasons and is arguably more well-known for his mishaps outside of the cage than his accomplishments in the sport. The first of his laundry list of legal problems was when he was arrested for DUI after he hit a pole in 2012. He tested positive for cocaine in an out-of-competition test prior to his fight against Daniel Cormier in early 2015. Just three months later, Jones was involved in a hit-and-run incident when he run a red light, hitting another car before he fled the scene of the accident. Drug paraphernalia was found in the car and he was eventually sentenced to probation for leaving the scene. The legal problems prompted UFC management to strip him of the light heavyweight title.
He finally returned to the octagon in April of 2016, defeating Ovince Saint Preux to claim an interim championship, setting up a unification fight against Cormier for UFC 200. Just a month before he was scheduled to compete again, "Bones" was cited for driving without a license, but that didn't affect his status to fight. However, a few days before UFC 200, it was announced that Jones tested positive for PEDs and the Cormier rematch was cancelled. Again, UFC brass stripped him of a championship.
As a result of the failed test, Jones was suspended for a year. When he finally returned to the cage for the Cormier rematch last year, he won the fight via a head kick in the third round and touted his redemption story during a post-fight interview. A few weeks later, it was revealed that Jones failed the post-fight drug test for PEDs. The contest was overturned to a no contest and he was stripped of the championship for the third time in his career.
The California State Athletic Commission hearing earlier this year did "Bones" no favors when he couldn't explain how an anabolic steroid got into his system and he admitted the he didn't complete the required online courses that USADA provides for athletes, but rather that his management did it for him. The commission stated that they would allow USADA to determine the penalty for Jones, which most expected to be at least a two-year ban and that was if the anti-doping association believed Jones' excuse that he unknowingly took the PED.
A tainted supplement is possible, but at this point in his career, Jon Jones doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt in these situations. The DUI and hit-and-run scenarios prove that he was reckless and irresponsible in the past. Perhaps, a contaminated supplement might happen once, but after a second failed PED test, does someone with the past of "Bones" Jones deserve the benefit of the doubt?
I usually wouldn't suggest a conspiracy theory, but something is corrupt about the 15-month retroactive ban that Jones was given for this violation. I'm not saying that the UFC was directly involved, but keep in mind, USADA was hired by the UFC so it certainly seems like there could be a conflict of interest when the anti-doping organization can make decisions that could directly impact the financial aspect of the company that hires them. As mentioned, Jones was suspended for a year after his initial failed test so how exactly did he only get an extra three months for a second violation? Other fighters that failed two tests were suspended for two years so how did Jon Jones get 15-months for the same violation?
The answer is probably that Jon Jones is a bigger name that can draw bigger money for everyone involved when he fights on pay-per-view so he was given a shorter ban to allow the UFC to generate revenue from his bouts. However, "Bones" Jones' status shouldn't affect his ban because a violation of the rules is a violation regardless of what fighter fails a test. Obviously, MMA is a very dangerous sport and failed PED tests should be taken very seriously by the UFC. Considering this was a USADA, not UFC decision, it would be reasonable,at this point to question the credibility of the anti-doping organization.
The guidelines for a second failed test suggest at least a ban of a few years from the sport. If Jon Jones fails another test, is it possible that USADA doesn't report it to allow the company that hired them to continue to cash-in on his fights?
It's completely possible that the UFC isn't involved in this corruption, but isn't it convenient that Jon Jones will be eligible to fight just a few months before Brock Lesnar is scheduled to return to the UFC? Remember, "Bones" said during a post-fight interview last year that he wanted to fight Lesnar, and despite Brock's confrontation with Daniel Cormier earlier this year, the general consensus is that Lesnar/Jones will draw more money. Who knows how Jon Jones was only given a 15-month suspension, but it's very disappointing to see that potential profits are the propriety instead of the credibility of the sport.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
HIAC Review
After last weekend's HIAC pay-per-view, I wanted to wait until this week's television to write a review of the show and discuss the direction of the current product, mostly because a series of intriguing questions remain ahead of a pair of foreign shows scheduled for the WWE Network. First, it should be noted that this event will probably not get the praise it deserves because of the finish of the main event, but overall, this show was one of the best WWE PPVs of the year, as the event went over three and a half hours without dragging at any point during the production.
The opener of Randy Orton/Jeff Hardy was a brutal bout and the argument could be made that it should've closed the show, especially after the finish that was booked for the Universal title match. It was somewhat surprising to see Hardy take the bumps and the risk that he did here, simply because it was reported that he was dealing with a variety of injuries a few months ago and it was rumored that he would take time off. Granted, Hardy had his well-documented problems in the past, but even at 41 after over two decades of a high risk style, he can still go in the ring. However, considering the amount of previously mentioned injuries, you have to wonder, when will Hardy hang up the boots? On the flip side, the 38-year-old Orton worked a much safer style during his WWE career and despite a minor knee surgery this past spring, he appears to have at least another five years of his WWE career, assuming he wants to continue to compete. Usually, I don't question the effort of performers because they work a grueling schedule, but it certainly seems like Orton takes it to another level when he's motivated to do so. At various points in his career, his matches took a very repetitive, almost robotic pattern, but his performances go to another gear when he seems like he's invested in the angle. He's mentioned in interviews that he would rather work as a heel so maybe that's why this storyline with Hardy has worked so well. If this HIAC match is the conclusion of the feud, is it possible that Orton could move up the card for a possible feud against AJ Styles at some point for the title?
The Becky Lynch/Charlotte match was solid and showcased both women very well. The title win was needed because it validated Lynch's heel turn and solidifies her status on a different level as far as star power. Charlotte evolved as a performer during her time on the main roster and in many ways, she doesn't necessarily need the championship to maintain her spot as one of the featured women on the roster. More than anything, it was good to see Becky get this chance to flourish as a star because she was lost in the shuffle in recent years, but definitely has the skills to be a star in the division.
The Raw Tag Team title match was a great action-packed bout and underscores the fact that the WWE has some of the best in-ring talent currently on the roster of at least the past decade. I penned an article just a few weeks ago and explained that Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose deserve better than playing second fiddle to Roman Reigns for another Shield reunion in an attempt to camouflage the hostile reaction toward the Universal champion. This match is another example that Rollins and Ambrose could easily work the main event scene on Raw. A similar statement could be said about their opponents, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre, who have done very well as a team in recent months. Perhaps, it's as simple as Ziggler's history of concussions and management doesn't want to risk investing another main event run for him if another injury puts him on the shelf for an extended period, but he's absolutely one of the most solid performers on the roster. For McIntyre, it's quite remarkable that he went from being a comedy act to released from the company and he rejuvenated his career to return with the potential as a main event talent. More than anything, his time away from the WWE allowed him to develop an aggressive style and a more well-rounded persona that better suits the WWE main event scene. Make no mistake about it, this version of Drew McIntyre will be ready for a main event run when he gets the opportunity to challenge for the title.
Similar to the other championship matches on the card, Samoa Joe/AJ Styles was a good match-up that showcased both athletes. I'd say the argument could be made that this contest was actually better than their match at Summer Slam last month. Obviously, the finish was done to set up a rematch for the Super Showdown event in two weeks, but do these "extra" overseas events dilute the product? Granted, financially, these shows are worth millions of dollars and that will always be the top priority of a publicly-traded company, but from a booking perspective, management will run through more main event matches in a shorter time when these "super show" events are shoehorned between the usual pay-per-views. Furthermore, will there be a point when there are too many shows and too much content for WWE brass to book effectively?
The Daniel Bryan and Brie vs. Miz and Maryse seemed to be used as a way to set up the number one contendership match for the previously mentioned Super Showdown event. The actual match was okay, nothing spectacular, but nothing terrible. However, the bigger story is that Daniel Bryan was put in a match again where he loses to the Miz. Daniel Bryan returned to the ring just a few months ago and had all the momentum to be booked in the main event picture, but his star power has almost been minimized on Smackdown. The audience reaction is still there, but he has more or less resumed his status as floundering at the mid-card, or in this situation, being used to boost Miz. The storyline with the Miz peaked at Summer Slam, as the build up to the revenge, but Bryan was pinned. Maybe I'm being too pessimistic, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was used to put over Miz to set up a title shot against AJ Styles. Hopefully, there are better plans for Daniel Bryan because it would be extremely disappointing if management didn't fully capitalize on his popularity with the audience.
The Raw Women's title match was decent and Ronda continues to do well despite her inexperience in sports entertainment. However, the Alexa Bliss feud has more of less had its run on TV so it will be interesting to see how Ronda is booked going forward and who's the next challenger for the title.
The main event was decent, but the finish basically ruined the match. A non-finish in a HIAC match probably won't get over in any scenario, and if management didn't want to beat Braun then maybe they shouldn't have booked the match. Brock Lesnar's return was a surprise, mostly because it's well known that he's planning to fight in the UFC after his PED suspension expires at the end of the year. That said, Brock looked noticeably smaller since he had to enroll in the USADA testing pool to be eligible to fight again. As mentioned, these overseas shows are for major cash so Lesnar will work the next Saudi Arabia event strictly for the payday, not another run for the WWE. Rollins and Ziggler took risky bumps through tables during the match, a risk that was totally cheapened when they wrestled the next night on Raw. Too often, competitors take legitimately risky bumps and then the effectiveness of the spot is hindered when those athletes compete the next night. Why not get the most from the bump and allow the competitors to sell it?
Right now, the WWE product has set up well for the stadium show in Australia, but the major question is, will the results of the show have a direct impact on the storylines of each brand? Keep in mind, the Greatest Royal Rumble event after WM 34 was basically just a televised house show because nothing that impacted the direction of the product happened during the show. It will be interesting to see if there are any major title changes for the Australia show on the WWE Network.
The opener of Randy Orton/Jeff Hardy was a brutal bout and the argument could be made that it should've closed the show, especially after the finish that was booked for the Universal title match. It was somewhat surprising to see Hardy take the bumps and the risk that he did here, simply because it was reported that he was dealing with a variety of injuries a few months ago and it was rumored that he would take time off. Granted, Hardy had his well-documented problems in the past, but even at 41 after over two decades of a high risk style, he can still go in the ring. However, considering the amount of previously mentioned injuries, you have to wonder, when will Hardy hang up the boots? On the flip side, the 38-year-old Orton worked a much safer style during his WWE career and despite a minor knee surgery this past spring, he appears to have at least another five years of his WWE career, assuming he wants to continue to compete. Usually, I don't question the effort of performers because they work a grueling schedule, but it certainly seems like Orton takes it to another level when he's motivated to do so. At various points in his career, his matches took a very repetitive, almost robotic pattern, but his performances go to another gear when he seems like he's invested in the angle. He's mentioned in interviews that he would rather work as a heel so maybe that's why this storyline with Hardy has worked so well. If this HIAC match is the conclusion of the feud, is it possible that Orton could move up the card for a possible feud against AJ Styles at some point for the title?
The Becky Lynch/Charlotte match was solid and showcased both women very well. The title win was needed because it validated Lynch's heel turn and solidifies her status on a different level as far as star power. Charlotte evolved as a performer during her time on the main roster and in many ways, she doesn't necessarily need the championship to maintain her spot as one of the featured women on the roster. More than anything, it was good to see Becky get this chance to flourish as a star because she was lost in the shuffle in recent years, but definitely has the skills to be a star in the division.
The Raw Tag Team title match was a great action-packed bout and underscores the fact that the WWE has some of the best in-ring talent currently on the roster of at least the past decade. I penned an article just a few weeks ago and explained that Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose deserve better than playing second fiddle to Roman Reigns for another Shield reunion in an attempt to camouflage the hostile reaction toward the Universal champion. This match is another example that Rollins and Ambrose could easily work the main event scene on Raw. A similar statement could be said about their opponents, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre, who have done very well as a team in recent months. Perhaps, it's as simple as Ziggler's history of concussions and management doesn't want to risk investing another main event run for him if another injury puts him on the shelf for an extended period, but he's absolutely one of the most solid performers on the roster. For McIntyre, it's quite remarkable that he went from being a comedy act to released from the company and he rejuvenated his career to return with the potential as a main event talent. More than anything, his time away from the WWE allowed him to develop an aggressive style and a more well-rounded persona that better suits the WWE main event scene. Make no mistake about it, this version of Drew McIntyre will be ready for a main event run when he gets the opportunity to challenge for the title.
Similar to the other championship matches on the card, Samoa Joe/AJ Styles was a good match-up that showcased both athletes. I'd say the argument could be made that this contest was actually better than their match at Summer Slam last month. Obviously, the finish was done to set up a rematch for the Super Showdown event in two weeks, but do these "extra" overseas events dilute the product? Granted, financially, these shows are worth millions of dollars and that will always be the top priority of a publicly-traded company, but from a booking perspective, management will run through more main event matches in a shorter time when these "super show" events are shoehorned between the usual pay-per-views. Furthermore, will there be a point when there are too many shows and too much content for WWE brass to book effectively?
The Daniel Bryan and Brie vs. Miz and Maryse seemed to be used as a way to set up the number one contendership match for the previously mentioned Super Showdown event. The actual match was okay, nothing spectacular, but nothing terrible. However, the bigger story is that Daniel Bryan was put in a match again where he loses to the Miz. Daniel Bryan returned to the ring just a few months ago and had all the momentum to be booked in the main event picture, but his star power has almost been minimized on Smackdown. The audience reaction is still there, but he has more or less resumed his status as floundering at the mid-card, or in this situation, being used to boost Miz. The storyline with the Miz peaked at Summer Slam, as the build up to the revenge, but Bryan was pinned. Maybe I'm being too pessimistic, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was used to put over Miz to set up a title shot against AJ Styles. Hopefully, there are better plans for Daniel Bryan because it would be extremely disappointing if management didn't fully capitalize on his popularity with the audience.
The Raw Women's title match was decent and Ronda continues to do well despite her inexperience in sports entertainment. However, the Alexa Bliss feud has more of less had its run on TV so it will be interesting to see how Ronda is booked going forward and who's the next challenger for the title.
The main event was decent, but the finish basically ruined the match. A non-finish in a HIAC match probably won't get over in any scenario, and if management didn't want to beat Braun then maybe they shouldn't have booked the match. Brock Lesnar's return was a surprise, mostly because it's well known that he's planning to fight in the UFC after his PED suspension expires at the end of the year. That said, Brock looked noticeably smaller since he had to enroll in the USADA testing pool to be eligible to fight again. As mentioned, these overseas shows are for major cash so Lesnar will work the next Saudi Arabia event strictly for the payday, not another run for the WWE. Rollins and Ziggler took risky bumps through tables during the match, a risk that was totally cheapened when they wrestled the next night on Raw. Too often, competitors take legitimately risky bumps and then the effectiveness of the spot is hindered when those athletes compete the next night. Why not get the most from the bump and allow the competitors to sell it?
Right now, the WWE product has set up well for the stadium show in Australia, but the major question is, will the results of the show have a direct impact on the storylines of each brand? Keep in mind, the Greatest Royal Rumble event after WM 34 was basically just a televised house show because nothing that impacted the direction of the product happened during the show. It will be interesting to see if there are any major title changes for the Australia show on the WWE Network.
Friday, September 14, 2018
The Canelo vs. Triple G rematch
Tomorrow night's middleweight super fight will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV for a rematch a year in the making when Saul "Canelo" Alvarez squares off with Gennady Golovkin. Originally scheduled for Cinco De Mayo, the second meeting of the popular fighters will now take place on Mexican independence day.
Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez is arguably the most popular fighter in the sport today, but a pair of positive steroid tests and a six month suspension that delayed this rematch has cast some doubt on his standing among boxing fans. Despite the diehard dedication from the Latino fan base, he has something to prove ahead of this contest. Golovkin, a power puncher with a Hispanic-inspired style from trainer Abel Sanchez, is actually a slight favorite to win this weekend in Las Vegas.
Clearly, Alvarez, a protege of the legendary Oscar De La Hoya, must show the boxing world that his success in the ring was legitimate, not the result of enhancement substances. The 28-year-old might define his legacy with this performance.
Canelo claimed that the previously mentioned failed tests and suspension resulted from tainted meat, a common occurrence for athletes that train in Mexico and China. On the surface, it makes sense, but Alvarez looked noticeable smaller at today's weigh-in than he did for the original contest against Triple G.
The Mexican legacy in boxing built by names like Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Julio Cesar Chavez was admired by the Hispanic fans because of the iron will they displayed. Passion and heart, not PEDs defines the Hispanic boxing culture. Canelo could sour much of his fan base if he doesn't appear to be competitive against Golovkin, which would create questions about totality of his success as a pro.
Aside from the perception of Alvarez, there will undoubtedly be speculation about the judges if the bout goes to the scorecards. As was witnessed last year, the original Triple G/Canelo fight went to a controversial draw after Adalaide Bryd scored only two rounds for Golovkin, a notion that only reiterated the corruption that plagued boxing for decades. As I wrote at the time, Adalaide Bryd should never judge a fight of any importance ever again.
Assuming twilight zone judging can be avoided, this should be another top notch, hard-hitting prize fight. Based on the initial contest, how Alvarez handles the pressure from Triple G seems to be the key. On paper, Canelo has the skills to win, countering the aggressive opponent, but if he can generate offense through the pressure remains to be seen. The iron-chinned Golovkin will take a punch to land one and was able to throw Alvarez off his usual game plan. Regardless of the corrupt score, the original fight was razor-close and the rematch will probably yield another evenly-matched bout.
As mentioned, Alvarez denied the PED use, but even if it's legitimate, he does go into the rematch noticeably smaller than he was a year ago so will that affect his ability to withstand the offense of his opponent?
It's a tough call and that's what makes the fight so intriguing to fans. Again, stylistically, Canelo should be able to carefully counter punch the overly aggressive Golovkin, but that didn't happen in their first meeting. Instead, the younger fighter was pushed to his limit and didn't keep up with the offense of Triple G for at least half of the contest.
During the weigh-ins earlier today, Alvarez seemed agitated during the face-off, is that an indication that the pressure might get to him?
At 36, Gennady Golovkin is almost certainly at the latter stages of his professional career and is still regarded as one of, if not the most dangerous puncher in the sport. With a record of 38-0-1, the native of Kazakhstan opted to stay busy after the Canelo fight in May was cancelled, knocking out Vanes Martirosyan on Cinco De Mayo instead in just two rounds. Different from Canelo, Triple G didn't receive notoriety from the American audience until later in his career, but he can definitely cement his legacy if he's victorious against one of the most popular stars of the past several years.
It can't be understated how important this bout is to the career of Canelo, as a win validates his status, while a loss could further question it after the failed PED tests. After 49 wins and only one blemish on his record, a loss to Floyd Mayweather in 2013, Alvarez could etch his name into the history books among the Mexican legends previously mentioned before he hangs up his gloves. On the flip side, a defeat could impact the narrative of Alvarez as an athlete that needed PEDs to be successful.
As mentioned, to pick a winner, especially after how close the initial fight was, is really a toss up. However, I will pick Gennady Golovkin to get the win, mostly because Canelo Alvarez didn't seem focused at the weigh-ins. I'd guess that Triple G will land punches early that throw Alvarez off his game plan and will impact the later rounds of the fight. More than anything, let's hope that corrupt judges aren't a factor in the rematch.
Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez is arguably the most popular fighter in the sport today, but a pair of positive steroid tests and a six month suspension that delayed this rematch has cast some doubt on his standing among boxing fans. Despite the diehard dedication from the Latino fan base, he has something to prove ahead of this contest. Golovkin, a power puncher with a Hispanic-inspired style from trainer Abel Sanchez, is actually a slight favorite to win this weekend in Las Vegas.
Clearly, Alvarez, a protege of the legendary Oscar De La Hoya, must show the boxing world that his success in the ring was legitimate, not the result of enhancement substances. The 28-year-old might define his legacy with this performance.
Canelo claimed that the previously mentioned failed tests and suspension resulted from tainted meat, a common occurrence for athletes that train in Mexico and China. On the surface, it makes sense, but Alvarez looked noticeable smaller at today's weigh-in than he did for the original contest against Triple G.
The Mexican legacy in boxing built by names like Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Julio Cesar Chavez was admired by the Hispanic fans because of the iron will they displayed. Passion and heart, not PEDs defines the Hispanic boxing culture. Canelo could sour much of his fan base if he doesn't appear to be competitive against Golovkin, which would create questions about totality of his success as a pro.
Aside from the perception of Alvarez, there will undoubtedly be speculation about the judges if the bout goes to the scorecards. As was witnessed last year, the original Triple G/Canelo fight went to a controversial draw after Adalaide Bryd scored only two rounds for Golovkin, a notion that only reiterated the corruption that plagued boxing for decades. As I wrote at the time, Adalaide Bryd should never judge a fight of any importance ever again.
Assuming twilight zone judging can be avoided, this should be another top notch, hard-hitting prize fight. Based on the initial contest, how Alvarez handles the pressure from Triple G seems to be the key. On paper, Canelo has the skills to win, countering the aggressive opponent, but if he can generate offense through the pressure remains to be seen. The iron-chinned Golovkin will take a punch to land one and was able to throw Alvarez off his usual game plan. Regardless of the corrupt score, the original fight was razor-close and the rematch will probably yield another evenly-matched bout.
As mentioned, Alvarez denied the PED use, but even if it's legitimate, he does go into the rematch noticeably smaller than he was a year ago so will that affect his ability to withstand the offense of his opponent?
It's a tough call and that's what makes the fight so intriguing to fans. Again, stylistically, Canelo should be able to carefully counter punch the overly aggressive Golovkin, but that didn't happen in their first meeting. Instead, the younger fighter was pushed to his limit and didn't keep up with the offense of Triple G for at least half of the contest.
During the weigh-ins earlier today, Alvarez seemed agitated during the face-off, is that an indication that the pressure might get to him?
At 36, Gennady Golovkin is almost certainly at the latter stages of his professional career and is still regarded as one of, if not the most dangerous puncher in the sport. With a record of 38-0-1, the native of Kazakhstan opted to stay busy after the Canelo fight in May was cancelled, knocking out Vanes Martirosyan on Cinco De Mayo instead in just two rounds. Different from Canelo, Triple G didn't receive notoriety from the American audience until later in his career, but he can definitely cement his legacy if he's victorious against one of the most popular stars of the past several years.
It can't be understated how important this bout is to the career of Canelo, as a win validates his status, while a loss could further question it after the failed PED tests. After 49 wins and only one blemish on his record, a loss to Floyd Mayweather in 2013, Alvarez could etch his name into the history books among the Mexican legends previously mentioned before he hangs up his gloves. On the flip side, a defeat could impact the narrative of Alvarez as an athlete that needed PEDs to be successful.
As mentioned, to pick a winner, especially after how close the initial fight was, is really a toss up. However, I will pick Gennady Golovkin to get the win, mostly because Canelo Alvarez didn't seem focused at the weigh-ins. I'd guess that Triple G will land punches early that throw Alvarez off his game plan and will impact the later rounds of the fight. More than anything, let's hope that corrupt judges aren't a factor in the rematch.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Pittsburgh Lucha Fiesta
When an athlete holds ten championships simultaneously, it certainly makes a statement about their status as the standard within their industry. For Yoshihiro Asai, the man known literally around the globe as Ultimo Dragon, he was one of the benchmarks and one of the most influential of the cruiser weight style that has become such a common fixture of the industry today. For over three decades, Ultimo Dragon has been one of the most respected figures in the sport, working for major promotions in Japan, the United States, and Mexico throughout his tenure in the business.
Aside from his in-ring ability that inspired a generation of athletes through television, Ultimo has trained several notable names both in Mexico and Japan. He also promoted events through various incarnations of his Toryumon group in various countries. Quite simply, Ultimo Dragon contributed to the genre in almost every way possible, earning a stellar reputation among his peers and fans. While most American fans might know him from his late 90s run in World Championship Wrestling, the creator of the Asai moonsault is undoubtedly a worldwide star in professional wrestling.
This Sunday, Ultimo Dragon will return to America for a very rare appearance at a very unique event. "Lucha Fiesta Pittsburgh" is set to bring several stars of lucha libre to Beechview, a cultural neighborhood located on the city's south side. Las Palmas, an authentic Mexican supermarket, will host the event under a festival style pavilion, creating a unique atmosphere for the special event.
Sam Adonis, brother of WWE's Corey Graves and a star in the CMLL promotion, one of the most storied wrestling organizations in the world, is a native of western Pennsylvania. Adonis, who also had several successful tours of England and a trip to All Japan in recent years, is very enthusiastic about his return to his hometown for what many expect to be a very memorable event.
Aside from his in-ring ability that inspired a generation of athletes through television, Ultimo has trained several notable names both in Mexico and Japan. He also promoted events through various incarnations of his Toryumon group in various countries. Quite simply, Ultimo Dragon contributed to the genre in almost every way possible, earning a stellar reputation among his peers and fans. While most American fans might know him from his late 90s run in World Championship Wrestling, the creator of the Asai moonsault is undoubtedly a worldwide star in professional wrestling.
This Sunday, Ultimo Dragon will return to America for a very rare appearance at a very unique event. "Lucha Fiesta Pittsburgh" is set to bring several stars of lucha libre to Beechview, a cultural neighborhood located on the city's south side. Las Palmas, an authentic Mexican supermarket, will host the event under a festival style pavilion, creating a unique atmosphere for the special event.
Sam Adonis, brother of WWE's Corey Graves and a star in the CMLL promotion, one of the most storied wrestling organizations in the world, is a native of western Pennsylvania. Adonis, who also had several successful tours of England and a trip to All Japan in recent years, is very enthusiastic about his return to his hometown for what many expect to be a very memorable event.
Friday, September 7, 2018
Why did Braun Strowman turn heel?
Almost six months ago, Braun Strowman was arguably the most over performer on the WWE roster. He had such a crowd response that many fans suggested that he, not Roman Reigns, should've worked the main event of Wrestlemania in April. Eventually, Braun tagged with Nicholas, a young fan from the audience to win the tag titles that were vacated, making the lame segment even more pointless than it was at the actual event. Quite simply, Braun, despite his popularity, was given nothing worthwhile for an angle at the biggest show of the year.
Since that time, Strowman continued his run as a popular monster on Raw, working with Kevin Owens in recent months, and the Canadian grappler made him look great in the process. Braun was able to maintain his aura as a monster while being a fan favorite, which is a credit to his ability to portray the character. Regardless of being overlooked for WM, it was great to see that he was booked for an angle that further established his character, and his money in the bank win gave fans hope of something fresh during the stale Brock Lesnar/Roman Reigns match-up at Summer Slam.
So, why did Braun, one of the most popular characters on WWE programming turn heel recently on Raw?
The scenario around the Lesnar/Reigns was booked very carefully, and the show went off the air directly after the conclusion of the match to reduce the perception of another Roman rejection. As I wrote in an article previously, management invested a hefty amount of cash and TV time into Brock Lesnar to get Roman Reigns over. More specifically, for a year prior to WM, nobody kicked out of the F5 so that "big dawg" Roman could be the one to kick out of it at the biggest event on the WWE calendar. As we saw, the build up for another Wrestlemania moment for Reigns still didn't get him over, and surprisingly, Lesnar pinned him, which I wrote was a mistake because that was the peak of the feud. The follow-up at the Saudi Arabia show and even the match at Summer Slam yielded diminished returns because the angle for the previous year was designed to peak at WM.
With the amount of money Brock was paid and the possible angles for championships on TV that were sacrificed because of his limited scheduled, there was no way that management wasn't going to book the moment they wanted for Roman Reigns. That win was the payoff to the Lesnar investment, regardless of if that return justified Lesnar's payoffs or not. Nobody else but Roman was going to be the one to dethrone Brock before his exit.
The sum total of that situation is also why Braun Strowman turned heel, he was in the position to take the spotlight away from Reigns, and if that happened, the entire build with the Lesnar payoff would be wasted. Vince McMahon didn't build up Brock for Roman to slay him just for Reigns to have a short run as the Universal champion so Braun was turned heel to keep the focus on Reigns. When the narrative is framed with Strowman as the heel, it gives an excuse as to why Reigns is the top baby face in the company.
I've said it before and I will say it again, Vince McMahon owns sports entertainment in the United States and if he says fans will watch Roman Reigns then they will watch it. I also mentioned before that Vince doesn't care if fans pay to cheer or pay to boo, as long as they buy tickets and network subscriptions. Vince wants Roman Reigns to be the top star so he will have that spot. It doesn't matter how many times the Roman push hinders the progress of other stars or the other options that might provide better TV on a weekly basis.
Keep in mind, it's no coincidence that The Shield was reunited right after Reigns won the championship because his time in the stable was the only time in his career that he was truly over with the audience. Obviously, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose get better crowd reactions so Roman won't get the hostile response when he makes an entrance with them. Quite frankly, both Rollins and Ambrose deserve better than playing second fiddle to Roman to camouflage the crowd's hostility toward him. Ambrose just returned from injury, a chance for him to get a fresh start away from the "sitcom crazy" persona that ultimately limited his character. Ambrose made a return with a more edgier presentation, but his time in the Shield attire again puts him back to square one in some ways. Seth Rollins is arguably the best in-ring performer on the WWE roster and could be used as one of the cornerstones of the Raw brand. Instead, this is the second time that the stable was reunited as a way to try to protect Roman from the crowd hostility. Should the potential of both of the other members of the Shield be sacrificed for Reigns?
Speaking of potential, what about Braun Strowman's status?
This heel turn halted his status as one of the top baby face characters on Raw so where does he go after this MITB cash-in? Either he wins the belt to justify the heel turn or he doesn't and won't have much direction after that. Again, this heel turn was done so that Braun didn't overshadow Reigns as the top baby face on Raw, which makes sense because management wants Roman at the top spot. On the flip side, is a performer really over if these type of decisions have to be made to avoid rejection from the audience. With as over as Braun was, there wasn't necessarily any reason to turn him heel other than WWE's corporate agenda. That being said, most of the criticism is moot because with TV deal worth a combined $2.5 billion in 2019, the company is playing with house money in many respects for the next five years. Still, it's somewhat disappointing that Braun's chance to be a top star as the champion will be traded for another Reigns title run.
Since that time, Strowman continued his run as a popular monster on Raw, working with Kevin Owens in recent months, and the Canadian grappler made him look great in the process. Braun was able to maintain his aura as a monster while being a fan favorite, which is a credit to his ability to portray the character. Regardless of being overlooked for WM, it was great to see that he was booked for an angle that further established his character, and his money in the bank win gave fans hope of something fresh during the stale Brock Lesnar/Roman Reigns match-up at Summer Slam.
So, why did Braun, one of the most popular characters on WWE programming turn heel recently on Raw?
The scenario around the Lesnar/Reigns was booked very carefully, and the show went off the air directly after the conclusion of the match to reduce the perception of another Roman rejection. As I wrote in an article previously, management invested a hefty amount of cash and TV time into Brock Lesnar to get Roman Reigns over. More specifically, for a year prior to WM, nobody kicked out of the F5 so that "big dawg" Roman could be the one to kick out of it at the biggest event on the WWE calendar. As we saw, the build up for another Wrestlemania moment for Reigns still didn't get him over, and surprisingly, Lesnar pinned him, which I wrote was a mistake because that was the peak of the feud. The follow-up at the Saudi Arabia show and even the match at Summer Slam yielded diminished returns because the angle for the previous year was designed to peak at WM.
With the amount of money Brock was paid and the possible angles for championships on TV that were sacrificed because of his limited scheduled, there was no way that management wasn't going to book the moment they wanted for Roman Reigns. That win was the payoff to the Lesnar investment, regardless of if that return justified Lesnar's payoffs or not. Nobody else but Roman was going to be the one to dethrone Brock before his exit.
The sum total of that situation is also why Braun Strowman turned heel, he was in the position to take the spotlight away from Reigns, and if that happened, the entire build with the Lesnar payoff would be wasted. Vince McMahon didn't build up Brock for Roman to slay him just for Reigns to have a short run as the Universal champion so Braun was turned heel to keep the focus on Reigns. When the narrative is framed with Strowman as the heel, it gives an excuse as to why Reigns is the top baby face in the company.
I've said it before and I will say it again, Vince McMahon owns sports entertainment in the United States and if he says fans will watch Roman Reigns then they will watch it. I also mentioned before that Vince doesn't care if fans pay to cheer or pay to boo, as long as they buy tickets and network subscriptions. Vince wants Roman Reigns to be the top star so he will have that spot. It doesn't matter how many times the Roman push hinders the progress of other stars or the other options that might provide better TV on a weekly basis.
Keep in mind, it's no coincidence that The Shield was reunited right after Reigns won the championship because his time in the stable was the only time in his career that he was truly over with the audience. Obviously, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose get better crowd reactions so Roman won't get the hostile response when he makes an entrance with them. Quite frankly, both Rollins and Ambrose deserve better than playing second fiddle to Roman to camouflage the crowd's hostility toward him. Ambrose just returned from injury, a chance for him to get a fresh start away from the "sitcom crazy" persona that ultimately limited his character. Ambrose made a return with a more edgier presentation, but his time in the Shield attire again puts him back to square one in some ways. Seth Rollins is arguably the best in-ring performer on the WWE roster and could be used as one of the cornerstones of the Raw brand. Instead, this is the second time that the stable was reunited as a way to try to protect Roman from the crowd hostility. Should the potential of both of the other members of the Shield be sacrificed for Reigns?
Speaking of potential, what about Braun Strowman's status?
This heel turn halted his status as one of the top baby face characters on Raw so where does he go after this MITB cash-in? Either he wins the belt to justify the heel turn or he doesn't and won't have much direction after that. Again, this heel turn was done so that Braun didn't overshadow Reigns as the top baby face on Raw, which makes sense because management wants Roman at the top spot. On the flip side, is a performer really over if these type of decisions have to be made to avoid rejection from the audience. With as over as Braun was, there wasn't necessarily any reason to turn him heel other than WWE's corporate agenda. That being said, most of the criticism is moot because with TV deal worth a combined $2.5 billion in 2019, the company is playing with house money in many respects for the next five years. Still, it's somewhat disappointing that Braun's chance to be a top star as the champion will be traded for another Reigns title run.
Monday, September 3, 2018
UFC 228
This weekend's UFC 228 event will be held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas and despite featuring two championship bouts on the card, there's very little buzz ahead of this pay-per-view. The reasons for that seems to be a combination of factors around the show.
Tyron Woodley, the current UFC Welterweight champion, was scheduled to defend his title against former interim titleholder, Colby Covington, who defeated Rafel Dos Anjos just a few months ago for the belt at UFC 225. Covington, who does a cheap imitation of Conor McGregor to attempt to get attention, required nasal surgery and declined the unification contest. That prompted UFC officials to strip him of the interim status, making the entire title fight against Dos Anjos rather pointless.
The cancellation led to the announcement that undefeated British fighter, Darren Till will challenge Woodley for the championship in Dallas. So, why does this event lack hype?
Despite the unblemished record of 17-0-1, Till doesn't bring much name value to the table, fighting four of his six UFC bouts on their Fight Pass streaming service, which brings the least amount of exposure of the current broadcast formats of the organization. He also missed weight twice in his UFC run, including his most recent bout against Stephen Thompson in May, which saw him win a very controversial decision. The Thompson contest was broadcast on Fox Sports 1, an outlet that gave Till the most TV exposure of his career and he didn't necessarily deliver a thrilling performance that justifies a title shot.
Aside from a lack of mainstream exposure, even diehard fans know that this title fight won't be secure until Darren Till makes weight this Friday. Without much name value, the intrigue of an undefeated competitor challenging for the belt is the only major selling point of the main event for UFC 228. Assuming that Till can properly cut weight this week, the flip side of this scenario is that he has an opportunity to use this platform of a pay-per-view main event to truly make a name for himself. Keep in mind, the UFC inked a deal with ESPN for their next TV contract for next year so that outlet will cover the sport closely to build a foundation for the launch in 2019. If Till KOs the welterweight champion, the highlight could be used for him to become more well-known to casual fans.
On the other side of the cage, Tyron Woodley, even as the current Welterweight champion, has yet to really reach the level of notoriety of most UFC champions. Woodley was outspoken about his discontent with the lack of promotional efforts from the company, and he might have a point, depending on someone's perspective, but the fact remains that for whatever reasons, he doesn't have a level of popularity that sells a considerable amount of pay-per-views, which is still the most important revenue stream for the MMA league.
Woodley won the belt via first round KO against Robbie Lawler in mid-2016 before he fought the previously mentioned Thompson in a contest that went to a draw in November of that year. He went on to beat Thompson in the rematch just a few months later, and then defended his title against Damien Maia for a decision victory in July of last year. A shoulder injury from that bout required surgery and put him on the shelf for an extended period of time. Woodley hasn't fought in over a year, and competed only twice in 2016 and 2017 respectively. It's a harsh reality, but Woodley has simply been off the radar of MMA fans for much of the time that he has been the 170 LBS champion.
The outside factor of the scenario ahead of UFC 228 is the return of Conor McGregor to the octagon for the first time in nearly two years next month against the dangerous Lightweight champion, Khabib Murmagomedov. The brash Irishman won that championship the last time he was in the cage when he KO'ed Eddie Alvarez and then took his name value from the UFC's marketing plan to cash in to fight Floyd Mayweather for a rumored $100 million last year. McGregor was stopped in the 10th round, but it was about the payday, not the victory. The boxing venture and a lack of an indication of when he would defend either championship forced UFC management to strip him of both the featherweight and lightweight belts before he defended either title. Since his record-setting boxing match, Conor made headlines for all the wrong reasons in April when he threw a dolly at the window of a bus that transported fighters on the UFC 223 card. Supposedly, animosity between McGregor's fight team and Khabib caused the altercation. A few fighters on the bus were injured from the shattered glass and McGregor was arrested.
About a month ago, Conor's lawyer reached a plea agreement that ordered him to do community service and attend anger management. After the legal debacle was resolved, it was announced that he will fight Khabib for the 155 LBS championship at UFC 229 in October. Where this can affect the Woodley vs. Till event is that the audience might simply decide to wait a month to spend $65 for an MMA pay-per-view to see the return of the controversial McGregor to the octagon.
Again, it's a harsh reality, but does a main event with a lesser-known champion scheduled to fight a challenger that might not make weight really justify the price tag for the pay-per-view? Granted, not every event can be historic, but there should be a standard for what is considered a PPV quality card, and without a solid under card, UFC 228 just doesn't have the bouts to draw fans to spend the money order the event. If I had to guess, I'd say that UFC 228 will generate a buy rate of roughly 120,000 for the event, but more than anything, this scenario is a major example of the lack of star power for the product.
Tyron Woodley, the current UFC Welterweight champion, was scheduled to defend his title against former interim titleholder, Colby Covington, who defeated Rafel Dos Anjos just a few months ago for the belt at UFC 225. Covington, who does a cheap imitation of Conor McGregor to attempt to get attention, required nasal surgery and declined the unification contest. That prompted UFC officials to strip him of the interim status, making the entire title fight against Dos Anjos rather pointless.
The cancellation led to the announcement that undefeated British fighter, Darren Till will challenge Woodley for the championship in Dallas. So, why does this event lack hype?
Despite the unblemished record of 17-0-1, Till doesn't bring much name value to the table, fighting four of his six UFC bouts on their Fight Pass streaming service, which brings the least amount of exposure of the current broadcast formats of the organization. He also missed weight twice in his UFC run, including his most recent bout against Stephen Thompson in May, which saw him win a very controversial decision. The Thompson contest was broadcast on Fox Sports 1, an outlet that gave Till the most TV exposure of his career and he didn't necessarily deliver a thrilling performance that justifies a title shot.
Aside from a lack of mainstream exposure, even diehard fans know that this title fight won't be secure until Darren Till makes weight this Friday. Without much name value, the intrigue of an undefeated competitor challenging for the belt is the only major selling point of the main event for UFC 228. Assuming that Till can properly cut weight this week, the flip side of this scenario is that he has an opportunity to use this platform of a pay-per-view main event to truly make a name for himself. Keep in mind, the UFC inked a deal with ESPN for their next TV contract for next year so that outlet will cover the sport closely to build a foundation for the launch in 2019. If Till KOs the welterweight champion, the highlight could be used for him to become more well-known to casual fans.
On the other side of the cage, Tyron Woodley, even as the current Welterweight champion, has yet to really reach the level of notoriety of most UFC champions. Woodley was outspoken about his discontent with the lack of promotional efforts from the company, and he might have a point, depending on someone's perspective, but the fact remains that for whatever reasons, he doesn't have a level of popularity that sells a considerable amount of pay-per-views, which is still the most important revenue stream for the MMA league.
Woodley won the belt via first round KO against Robbie Lawler in mid-2016 before he fought the previously mentioned Thompson in a contest that went to a draw in November of that year. He went on to beat Thompson in the rematch just a few months later, and then defended his title against Damien Maia for a decision victory in July of last year. A shoulder injury from that bout required surgery and put him on the shelf for an extended period of time. Woodley hasn't fought in over a year, and competed only twice in 2016 and 2017 respectively. It's a harsh reality, but Woodley has simply been off the radar of MMA fans for much of the time that he has been the 170 LBS champion.
The outside factor of the scenario ahead of UFC 228 is the return of Conor McGregor to the octagon for the first time in nearly two years next month against the dangerous Lightweight champion, Khabib Murmagomedov. The brash Irishman won that championship the last time he was in the cage when he KO'ed Eddie Alvarez and then took his name value from the UFC's marketing plan to cash in to fight Floyd Mayweather for a rumored $100 million last year. McGregor was stopped in the 10th round, but it was about the payday, not the victory. The boxing venture and a lack of an indication of when he would defend either championship forced UFC management to strip him of both the featherweight and lightweight belts before he defended either title. Since his record-setting boxing match, Conor made headlines for all the wrong reasons in April when he threw a dolly at the window of a bus that transported fighters on the UFC 223 card. Supposedly, animosity between McGregor's fight team and Khabib caused the altercation. A few fighters on the bus were injured from the shattered glass and McGregor was arrested.
About a month ago, Conor's lawyer reached a plea agreement that ordered him to do community service and attend anger management. After the legal debacle was resolved, it was announced that he will fight Khabib for the 155 LBS championship at UFC 229 in October. Where this can affect the Woodley vs. Till event is that the audience might simply decide to wait a month to spend $65 for an MMA pay-per-view to see the return of the controversial McGregor to the octagon.
Again, it's a harsh reality, but does a main event with a lesser-known champion scheduled to fight a challenger that might not make weight really justify the price tag for the pay-per-view? Granted, not every event can be historic, but there should be a standard for what is considered a PPV quality card, and without a solid under card, UFC 228 just doesn't have the bouts to draw fans to spend the money order the event. If I had to guess, I'd say that UFC 228 will generate a buy rate of roughly 120,000 for the event, but more than anything, this scenario is a major example of the lack of star power for the product.
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