WWE announce United Kingdom Championship. Tournament in January

http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-united-kingdom-championship-tournament/article/wwe-united-kingdom-championship-tournament

They all look ridiculous

The Apprentice just gets weirder and weirder!

Panicking after ITV started to move into wrestling again.

Do you think ITV box office may pick up some UK wrestling PPV's in 2017?

Paul Mac 6CW wrote:Do you think ITV box office may pick up some UK wrestling PPV's in 2017?

If they keep WoS running would it not be counter productive spending money on it then asking people to watch the competition?

I still can't believe they think world of sport is competition

TNA drew bigger ratings in the UK than WWE on Challenge, WoS can draw even more on ITV

It may be seen as competition or it may be seen as tapping into a potential growing market, if WoS draws old fans out that could be huge

On the flip side WoS could introduce fans to a new world and saturate the market cutting into WWEs profits

I don't think it has the potential. They never lost out on anything to TNA, and we're a small part of their business in many ways.

Their concern on terrestrial is pointless, if they want to be on Sky then they can't be desperate for a huge share of audience

The thing they're most bothered about is the talent, not ratings or market share. They think ITV can offer UK stars better deals, if not money, then in perks such as free healthcare etc and more downside guarantees. They will be using this title as a way of enticing UK talent to choose WWE, banking on the prestige and the fact that the talent will have dreamed about working for WWE. 

They shouldn't be viewing ITV as competition, I doubt World of Sport is going to get off of the ground and I then doubt that it has enough pull to stop any UK stars jumping ship if WWE came calling.

Again though, why? They aren't taking the best uk talent anyway

UK is a growing market for the company especially the tours and mostly the Network

The talent wouldn't be exclusive to ITV and WoS, so not only would you have ITVs deep pockets they'd be earning elsewhere. It drives up the cost to WWE if they try to sign them plus if you have guys like Grado getting over on primetime terrestrial tv, fans may check out TNA or the other promotions the talent works for. If they spend more time and money on them thats less for WWE

The cost now is low to stop them before they start plus it has other benefits

Raw gets 150k viewers in the UK
WOS has the potential to get in the 1-3m viewers being on ITV

That's why their scared.

Plus that Sky pay a lot for their coverage of WWE and that's going to effect what they pay when their deal comes up again more then being on the network.

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:Again though, why? They aren't taking the best uk talent anyway

I agree. 

I'm just saying that's what their perspective is. It's not that they necessarily want the UK talent, they just want to be able to get them if they want to.

I think WWE just want to be in a position where they can sign anybody they want to, which is the case basically, but they're worried about their position. Especially as indies have started to be able to pay better and now ITV have entered the market. 

I just think people are seriously overestimating how well WoS will do. I suspect if it was a regular thing it wouldn't do particularly great and it certainly won't take away interest in WWE, the same way TNA didn't.

WWE should be using WoS as a good thing, if there is a lot of interest in it, it could drive up interest in wrestling generally and as the big player, that is good for WWE. They are still the main thing people think of when people think of wrestling and a casual fan isn't going to care about the difference, they see WoS and enjoy it, they'll want to watch more wrestling and wrestling is WWE for most people.

Nigel McGuiness will be on commentary with Michael Cole for this.

Can I just add that I think the belt looks amazing?

Also, whos all there? I recognize Trent Seven, Wolfgang, Pete Dunn and Joseph Connors.

Crimey wrote:
I just think people are seriously overestimating how well WoS will do. I suspect if it was a regular thing it wouldn't do particularly great and it certainly won't take away interest in WWE, the same way TNA didn't.

I think you are underestimating it, they have spent money on it with a view to it becoming a regular thing. Jim Ros on his podcast mentioned ITV are liking the look of what they are seeing and its tested well so far and it looks to be just what ratings it draws deciding whether it goes forward or not

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:
I just think people are seriously overestimating how well WoS will do. I suspect if it was a regular thing it wouldn't do particularly great and it certainly won't take away interest in WWE, the same way TNA didn't.

I think you are underestimating it, they have spent money on it with a view to it becoming a regular thing. Jim Ros on his podcast mentioned ITV are liking the look of what they are seeing and its tested well so far and it looks to be just what ratings it draws deciding whether it goes forward or not

I'd be shocked if it gets more than one series.

Crimey wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:
I just think people are seriously overestimating how well WoS will do. I suspect if it was a regular thing it wouldn't do particularly great and it certainly won't take away interest in WWE, the same way TNA didn't.

I think you are underestimating it, they have spent money on it with a view to it becoming a regular thing. Jim Ros on his podcast mentioned ITV are liking the look of what they are seeing and its tested well so far and it looks to be just what ratings it draws deciding whether it goes forward or not

I'd be shocked if it gets more than one series.

Based on?

Joseph Conners is in. Awesome

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:
I just think people are seriously overestimating how well WoS will do. I suspect if it was a regular thing it wouldn't do particularly great and it certainly won't take away interest in WWE, the same way TNA didn't.

I think you are underestimating it, they have spent money on it with a view to it becoming a regular thing. Jim Ros on his podcast mentioned ITV are liking the look of what they are seeing and its tested well so far and it looks to be just what ratings it draws deciding whether it goes forward or not

I'd be shocked if it gets more than one series.

Based on?

The quality is supposed to be really poor. I feel wrestling is more popular as a live event than it is as a TV show. It's hard to judge the success of the live shows and equate that to people will also sit down and watch a weekly wrestling program.

Crimey wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:
I just think people are seriously overestimating how well WoS will do. I suspect if it was a regular thing it wouldn't do particularly great and it certainly won't take away interest in WWE, the same way TNA didn't.

I think you are underestimating it, they have spent money on it with a view to it becoming a regular thing. Jim Ros on his podcast mentioned ITV are liking the look of what they are seeing and its tested well so far and it looks to be just what ratings it draws deciding whether it goes forward or not

I'd be shocked if it gets more than one series.

Based on?

The quality is supposed to be really poor. I feel wrestling is more popular as a live event than it is as a TV show. It's hard to judge the success of the live shows and equate that to people will also sit down and watch a weekly wrestling program.

Yet it apparently has translated well in the finished tv product and they had plenty of time to edit it into a more polished product and one ITV are apparently keen on

This is something I foresaw about 5 years ago and I'm sure if I hunt enough I'll find posts about it, I felt that with the success of FCW at the time and with the plan to form their own Network that it would've made sense to create their own territories, some in America, one in Canada, one in Mexico, one in Japan, one in the UK and maybe another within Europe.

It makes perfect sense, I feel this is the tip of the iceberg, over the next 5 years I can see more of these braches of WWE opening in different Countries and for the WWE to create their very own territory system - and through the WWE Network we'll be able to watch guys go from Territory to territory before they make their way to the WWE.

This could be the early 80s all over again when Vince bought out the territories in the US except Vince can now do it Worldwide

I've seen rumours that WWE have been tieing British guys to low downside, around 12k was the figure I saw quoted, retainer contracts

It means they are prohibited from working for select promotions, presumably those like New Japan, TNA and ROH that could offer them long term contracts that would make the unobtainable by WWE at least in the short term

I thought it was weird but if they're planning to roll out something UK centric it would make sense

Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate are 2 I've read have allegedly taken the deals

Awesome news.

Dr Gregory House MD wrote:I've seen rumours that WWE have been tieing British guys to low downside, around 12k was the figure I saw quoted, retainer contracts

It means they are prohibited from working for select promotions, presumably those like New Japan, TNA and ROH that could offer them long term contracts that would make the unobtainable by WWE at least in the short term

I thought it was weird but if they're planning to roll out something UK centric it would make sense

Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate are 2 I've read have allegedly taken the deals

That sounds like a pretty good deal, around £250 a week on top of all other local bookings and possibly a day job, that security could even mean guys might pick and choose when to work instead of having to work every date offered

Apparently William Regal told Adam Pacitti of WCPW that the wrestlers will still be allowed to perform for other companies and that this isnt a response to World of Sport returning and has been in the pipeline for some time. Just waiting on the video to be posted to their YouTube.

NickisBHAFC wrote:Awesome news.

Not really, whilst Regal has said it won't, this looks likely to be an attempt to kill off the indie scene. Considering how much you like Progress and all that these days, this is not a good thing for them at all. They're going to suck up all the talent.

Kay Fabe wrote:This is something I foresaw about 5 years ago and I'm sure if I hunt enough I'll find posts about it, I felt that with the success of FCW at the time and with the plan to form their own Network that it would've made sense to create their own territories, some in America, one in Canada, one in Mexico, one in Japan, one in the UK and maybe another within Europe.

It makes perfect sense, I feel this is the tip of the iceberg, over the next 5 years I can see more of these braches of WWE opening in different Countries and for the WWE to create their very own territory system - and through the WWE Network we'll be able to watch guys go from Territory to territory before they make their way to the WWE.

This could be the early 80s all over again when Vince bought out the territories in the US except Vince can now do it Worldwide

Meltzer is now reporting that this is the plan.

On reflection, Yesterday I was happy about this, but now I'm finding myself agreeing with Crimey

A weekly WWE UK show is going to look and feel nothing like a UK show. The U.K. Style will be completely crippled by the PG requirements of the Network. And if WWE take all of the UK's top talent for this show it will be a massive backwards step for the industry.

I think we can only hope that the viewers reject this and it goes away. For the good of the industry here.

As a WCPW fan I'm worried.

As a WCPW fan you shouldn't be worried as they splash the cash on imports. Other British wrestling fans shouldn't be worried either as there will be more names stepping into the void.

Using Trent Seven as an example, him being in this WWE UK Show would not stop him wrestling for Progress and ICW. Much like Grado being in TNA doesn't stop him wrestling for ICW. Much like Will Ospreay being in New Japan doesn't stop him wrestling for Progress and RevPro. There are more examples too.

It doesn't stop them yet, while this is just a one off tournament.

Once the weekly show kicks off - I would imagine that thise wrestlers will eventually be contracted exclusively to WWE.

Also, what would any affiliation with WWE do to those foreign imports in WCPW? Would they put the pressure on WCPW not to use Alberto Del Rio for instance? Or Kurt Angle?

This has got 'Triple H' plan all over it. Its been Triple H who has been working with indy feds like Evolve and ICW and keeping relations sweet. Its been Triple H whos sent scouts all over the world to look for NXT talent. IF this is a Triple H venture then theres no doubt in my mind its not going to turn into a conglomerate that swallows up the talent and kills off the UK scene. I think its going to be another fed where guys can come and go, work when they want, and gives them more exposure directly to WWE. Vince McMahon couldnt give two tosses about what happens outside of WWE, he doesnt even pay much attention to NXT.

Triple H is a pro wrestling guy.
Vince McMahon is a WWE & Vince McMahon guy.

If wrestlers leave British indies to go to WWE then other wrestlers take their place. Same if they leave to join WWE UK.

Also imports that work for ROH or TNA or New Japan or Lucha Underground will have zero affiliation to WWE.

I think it's a short term boom and long term worry.

I think people are being very naive if they don't think that this plan ends with WWE getting all the talent. They are keeping it sweet at the moment because that makes it easier to move into these territories and talent share. Then when they have a good enough footing, they'll swallow it whole. Even bigger companies like ROH are struggling to keep their talent locked down from the lure of WWE, so smaller companies have no chance.

WWE's end goal in all of this will be that they ARE the indie scene. All roads lead back to the WWE and they will be able to have brands like NXT touring the globe. This is not good for smaller wrestling companies and whilst other wrestlers take their place, it's a dangerous precedent to set. 

WWE historically has not talent shared, whilst TNA, ROH and NJPW all have done. That's not going to change, look back at the US, there used to be territories with several top companies, now there is one top company. They swallowed their competition in the US by being aggressive and they're going to try and do the same now worldwide. 

Whilst you can replace talents in the British promotions, can they do this quick enough? WWE is signing everybody they can get their hands on. 

I find it really strange that fans of independent wrestling don't see this for the great big warning sign that it is. WWE isn't interesting in helping wrestling, they're only interested in BEING wrestling.

Crimey, are you on glue?

Crimey wrote:I think people are being very naive if they don't think that this plan ends with WWE getting all the talent. They are keeping it sweet at the moment because that makes it easier to move into these territories and talent share. Then when they have a good enough footing, they'll swallow it whole. Even bigger companies like ROH are struggling to keep their talent locked down from the lure of WWE, so smaller companies have no chance.

ROH aren't struggling to keep talent, they are choosing not to resign talent when WWE come in. They are choosing to let the established talent leave instead of giving them a pay rise and focusing on creating new stars

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:I think people are being very naive if they don't think that this plan ends with WWE getting all the talent. They are keeping it sweet at the moment because that makes it easier to move into these territories and talent share. Then when they have a good enough footing, they'll swallow it whole. Even bigger companies like ROH are struggling to keep their talent locked down from the lure of WWE, so smaller companies have no chance.

ROH aren't struggling to keep talent, they are choosing not to resign talent when WWE come in. They are choosing to let the established talent leave instead of giving them a pay rise and focusing on creating new stars

That's the same thing...

Crimey wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:I think people are being very naive if they don't think that this plan ends with WWE getting all the talent. They are keeping it sweet at the moment because that makes it easier to move into these territories and talent share. Then when they have a good enough footing, they'll swallow it whole. Even bigger companies like ROH are struggling to keep their talent locked down from the lure of WWE, so smaller companies have no chance.

ROH aren't struggling to keep talent, they are choosing not to resign talent when WWE come in. They are choosing to let the established talent leave instead of giving them a pay rise and focusing on creating new stars

That's the same thing...

No its not, they can easily afford to retain the talent but are choosing not to offer contracts other than a few exceptions, The Young Bucks being the perfect example

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:I think people are being very naive if they don't think that this plan ends with WWE getting all the talent. They are keeping it sweet at the moment because that makes it easier to move into these territories and talent share. Then when they have a good enough footing, they'll swallow it whole. Even bigger companies like ROH are struggling to keep their talent locked down from the lure of WWE, so smaller companies have no chance.

ROH aren't struggling to keep talent, they are choosing not to resign talent when WWE come in. They are choosing to let the established talent leave instead of giving them a pay rise and focusing on creating new stars

That's the same thing...

No its not, they can easily afford to retain the talent but are choosing not to offer contracts other than a few exceptions, The Young Bucks being the perfect example

I'm not saying that these smaller companies are going to be out-muscled financially (which they definitely can be). The lure of WWE is much more than just money. Unfortunately for the smaller companies, no child who dreams of being a wrestler, dreams of wrestling for ROH or Progress, they dream about WWE. That's how WWE can get what they want. It's more than just a financial offer.

Crimey wrote:
I find it really strange that fans of independent wrestling don't see this for the great big warning sign that it is. WWE isn't interesting in helping wrestling, they're only interested in BEING wrestling.

Marky wrote:Crimey, are you on glue?

I think this line of Crimey's is what me and a few others are warning of. They want to deplete, punish, destroy.

We've got almost mini-territories going on on their own Network. Your weekly TV, your indy type NXT, more with 205, British scene here. More women and now a Women's Rumble, with designs for a CWC type tournament. They're looking at that Asian market too, which is why I am so confident in the future's of Nakamura, Asuka and still Itami.

This all comes after they had plans to host other companies on the Network. That seems unlikely, so they go ahead and try create their own instead.

Crimey wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Crimey wrote:I think people are being very naive if they don't think that this plan ends with WWE getting all the talent. They are keeping it sweet at the moment because that makes it easier to move into these territories and talent share. Then when they have a good enough footing, they'll swallow it whole. Even bigger companies like ROH are struggling to keep their talent locked down from the lure of WWE, so smaller companies have no chance.

ROH aren't struggling to keep talent, they are choosing not to resign talent when WWE come in. They are choosing to let the established talent leave instead of giving them a pay rise and focusing on creating new stars

That's the same thing...

No its not, they can easily afford to retain the talent but are choosing not to offer contracts other than a few exceptions, The Young Bucks being the perfect example

I'm not saying that these smaller companies are going to be out-muscled financially (which they definitely can be). The lure of WWE is much more than just money. Unfortunately for the smaller companies, no child who dreams of being a wrestler, dreams of wrestling for ROH or Progress, they dream about WWE. That's how WWE can get what they want. It's more than just a financial offer.

Yes and no, some guys also dream of working for the likes of NJPW too and want to accomplish that.

There are plenty of guys turning down WWE all the time so its not a huge change for them, don't forget ROH and the like have gone through this kind of thing before. Some promotions may suffer down the food chain or they could all adapt

There are plenty of guys that got chewed out WWE who found they can make a good amount of money outside of it as well as growing their name further. And I would imagine the misuse of talent in WWE is not going to stop anytime soon

It's started already

Joseph Conners
Pete Dunne
Tyler Bate
Trent Seven

Will no longer be working with WCPW

Electric Demon wrote:It's started already

Joseph Conners
Pete Dunne
Tyler Bate
Trent Seven

Will no longer be working with WCPW

I thought they would still be able to perform for WCPW but WWE would get priority over bookings?

I think that's more to do with What Culture constantly berating WWE

I know Trent, Tyler and Peter are still in Progress and other places.

Marky wrote:I think that's more to do with What Culture constantly berating WWE

I know Trent, Tyler and Peter are still in Progress and other places.

I'm sure that's absolutely the reason

But its still evidence of WWE using their clout to bully the marketplace - and if you think that won't increase beyond What Culture then you're being naïve

Anyone with a TV Deal or broadcasting over the net won't be allowed to use them apparently.