Poll: British Escapists! You need this!

[Jamash]

Apart from being a poorly veiled attempt to deride British TV and culture, what is the point of this thread?

If you're such an aficionado of wrestling and British TV, then you'd be aware that The World of Sport, Japanese Pro Wrestling and most other, non-WWE wrestling is shown on British TV daily on The Wrestling Channel.

Having an entire channel dedicated to wrestling that constantly broadcasts wrestling is enough, but the fact that there's only one dedicated wrestling channel and it's shows aren't broadcast by the main TV stations speaks volumes about the popularity of such a niche form of entertainment.

If Pro-Wrestling was popular and good enough to be shown on the main channels then it would be, but it's not so it isn't.

At least the BBC recognises real Wrestling as a legitimate combat sport that exists:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/wrestling/default.stm

 

[Madaxeman101]

Wrestling really does nothing for me, black mirror however actually gets me slightly aroused thinking about how awesome it is.

This, if you replace 'aroused' with 'excited'.

The pig episode.. No, just no. It was too awkward.

Yea the pig episode was a bit grim :/

 

[SadakoMoose]

Apart from being a poorly veiled attempt to deride British TV and culture, what is the point of this thread?

If you're such an aficionado of wrestling and British TV, then you'd be aware that The World of Sport, Japanese Pro Wrestling and most other, non-WWE wrestling is shown on British TV daily on The Wrestling Channel.

Having an entire channel dedicated to wrestling that constantly broadcasts wrestling is enough, but the fact that there's only one dedicated wrestling channel and it's shows aren't broadcast by the main TV stations speaks volumes about the popularity of such a niche form of entertainment.

If Pro-Wrestling was popular and good enough to be shown on the main channels then it would be, but it's not so it isn't.

At least the BBC recognises real Wrestling as a legitimate combat sport that exists:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/wrestling/default.stm

It got renamed "The Fight Channel" and was then taken off the air.
Also, network executives are idiots that speak in business bibble...
"So if we can market share the demographic we can action real cohesion and network fortitude for our flagship front of new IP's. Oh, and more reality shows."

 

[Charli]

Um... I don't like TV much but there is not enough 'No' in me to fully express the amount of 'No' I wish to convey.

...No.

Also why bother with a poll if that's going to be it.

 

[Robert Ewing]

I. Hate. "Professional." Wrestling.

If I wanted to see two steroid junkies act out an intimidation, and then play fight while all oiled up and getting into provocative situations, with the crowd so brain dead they'd lose to Helen Keller in a game of mastermind mindlessly shouting 'kill him' while the wrestlers pretend to break each others legs, I'd go to my nearest S&M gay-bar.

In fact no, that's not fair on the gay-bar.

 

[SadakoMoose]

I. Hate. "Professional." Wrestling.

If I wanted to see two steroid junkies act out an intimidation, and then play fight while all oiled up and getting into provocative situations, with the crowd so brain dead they'd lose to Helen Keller in a game of mastermind mindlessly shouting 'kill him' while the wrestlers pretend to break each others legs, I'd go to my nearest S&M gay-bar.

In fact no, that's not fair on the gay-bar.

Wow...
It's like you've never seen a gay bar before...
Or a wrestling match...
Or watched any of the videos I posted, none of which include large 'roided up blokes, chants of "kill him", or even oil...
It's almost like your some kind of homophobe that just wandered into this thread, saw that it involved pro wrestling, and then clicked reply out of a hateful gut reaction.
This is EASILY the worst, most bile filled, post I have ever seen in my entire time on the Escapist...
Good Job!

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

Speaking as an American, the BBC is pretty much the only source of good (live action) TV left. If you really want to see some bad TV, come to America. If you want to see some formerly good TV that was ruined, in part, by pro wrestling, tune into the SyFy channel while you're here. It's not pretty.

 

[SadakoMoose]

Speaking as an American, the BBC is pretty much the only source of good (live action) TV left. If you really want to see some bad TV, come to America. If you want to see some formerly good TV that was ruined, in part, by pro wrestling, tune into the SyFy channel while you're here. It's not pretty.

I am an American, actually.
I wouldn't say that ECW/NXT/Smackdown really played all that much of a role in ruining SyFy, more so I would blame network mandates. Keep in mind, SyFy is owned by NBC Universal, and at the end of the day, network executives will usually pick statistics and buzzword and numbers over shows that fit the original focus of the network or carry some artistic merit. By and large, SyFy still shows programs that fit it's overall design. I think their real problem is a decline in show quality, as well as the overuse of those damn Original Movies.
But no, wrestling didn't ruin the network. It just rubbed the wrong fan boys the wrong way.

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

Speaking as an American, the BBC is pretty much the only source of good (live action) TV left. If you really want to see some bad TV, come to America. If you want to see some formerly good TV that was ruined, in part, by pro wrestling, tune into the SyFy channel while you're here. It's not pretty.

I am an American, actually.
I wouldn't say that ECW/NXT/Smackdown really played all that much of a role in ruining SyFy, more so I would blame network mandates. Keep in mind, SyFy is owned by NBC Universal, and at the end of the day, network executives will usually pick statistics and buzzword and numbers over shows that fit the original focus of the network or carry some artistic merit. By and large, SyFy still shows programs that fit it's overall design. I think their real problem is a decline in show quality, as well as the overuse of those damn Original Movies.
But no, wrestling didn't ruin the network. It just rubbed the wrong fan boys the wrong way.

Wrestling was a part of the executive meddling that ruined the network. It may be a symbol more than a direct cause, but it's a pretty darned good one.

Speaking as an American, the BBC is pretty much the only source of good (live action) TV left. If you really want to see some bad TV, come to America. If you want to see some formerly good TV that was ruined, in part, by pro wrestling, tune into the SyFy channel while you're here. It's not pretty.

don't be so hard on yourself. there are decent American shows. just not as many as the crap ones.

CSI Vs The Wire if you like.

besides i heard Game of Thrones is pretty good...not that any UK station has decided to buy it yet *mumble grumble*...

It's out there, but it's all either, like Game of Thrones, on premium channels that most people can't afford, or like The Wire, old and long since off the air. American TV got really dark and cynical in the aftermath of 9/11, and depressing cynical shows are pretty much all we have aside from mediocre sitcoms and obnoxious reality TV. At least the BBC has Doctor Who, various Gordon Ramsay shows [footnote]That man could make a show about watching paint dry, and find a way to make it entertaining[/footnote] and Top Gear -- and BBC America has Star Trek: The Next Generation, which is more than I can say for SyFy...

 

[franconbean]

TV mostly (But not completely) sucks. I watch occasionally for comedy panel shows such as "Would you lie to me?", "Have I got News for You" and, most notably "QI".
There's too much "reality TV" nowadays and more than enough soap operas to keep me disinterested. Professional Wrestling probably isn't going to change anything for me as far as TV is concerned.

I'm probably not going to actually set aside time for TV until the next Dr Who series airs.

 

[Limecake]

It's the same level of acting that a stunt man employs, sure I can admire it from a technical perspective, i.e., being able to do dangerous shit without breaking their own necks etc, but it's not something I would sit down and watch, and I certainly wouldn't laud them as talent deserving of recognition.

no it's not, first off let me preface this by saying I don't think wrestling is better than most TV shows, although it is more entertaining than a few.

The idea that wrestling is fake stems from the idea that the matches are pre-determined, while it's true that they are the actual wrestling is extremely physically involved and injuries are a common thing in wrestling.

the kayfabe (the idea that wrestlers need to 'stay in character') only makes some of these matches even more memorable. It's not uncommon for a wrestler to be injured during a match, but finish the match anyway.

not to mention these people wrestle roughly 5-6 times a week, they may only be actor's but they are some of the hardest working actor's around.

if you're not into it that's fine, just don't assume these guys have an easy job.

Where does Canada Stand? Pfft.

Canada loves them some wrestling, heck some of the biggest wrestlers of all time are from Canada.

and in this case wrestling actually is better than most of our Cancon shows(~40% Canadian content in broadcasting)

except Mr. D and Trailer park boys. Those shows are gold.

 

[king_katchit]

STOP THE CHAIRS!

The best thing about that clip is that even though the chair was thrown from the crowd, Terry Funk still sells the move... What a pro.

Man, wasn't ECW great?
It's even where Christopher Daniels made his US tv debut!

I also did not remember Chris Daniels having hair... I just assumed he was born that way!

 

[SadakoMoose]

STOP THE CHAIRS!

The best thing about that clip is that even though the chair was thrown from the crowd, Terry Funk still sells the move... What a pro.

Man, wasn't ECW great?
It's even where Christopher Daniels made his US tv debut!

I also did not remember Chris Daniels having hair... I just assumed he was born that way!

Yea, some of his Chicago stuff has him looking a bit like Nicholas Cage in the opening scene of face/off, with a collar and everything.
BTW, here are two other surprising ECW matches:

Also:

 

[winginson]

I don't want to watch talent shows or pro wrestling.

We need more Charlie Brooker's something-wipes with Bob Stanhope.

 

[EscapeGoat_v1legacy]

Well, I admire your passion OP, and you have my respect for your pure undiluted hatred of reality television, but I'm afraid on the whole I must disagree with you. While the addition of British wrestling to the mainstream television schedule might appeal to you, I don't feel it would add anything (other than the obvious influx of men and women throwing each other around, gross exaggeration intended) to what we watch. I certainly disagree with your summary of British television being nothing more than quote:

Singing contests judged by Stock Aitken Waterman leftovers?
Public gawping fests where the most "talented" person is the one who gets the most likes on Facebook?
Celebrity Meltdown fiesta?
A show about a group of middle aged men gawking about cars like teenagers?

Yes, these are major features of British television, and yes, these (Top Gear notwithstanding, in my opinion) are some of the worst pieces of entertainment that the brain-numb masses happily consume in vast quantities, regardless of the mediocrity of it all. However, to summarise British television as just this is to ignore the incredible works we Brits have produced, a large number of which have already been mentioned in this thread. Just because these aren't constantly portrayed in the rest of the media doesn't mean they are any less well-regarded than the other shows (although they are probably, criminally, underwatched). The best side of modern British television is the satire, the biting drama, beautiful documentaries and masterful writing. It's influenced as much by typical British self-deprecation and cynicism as it is by our passion for life and art. To deny us this by calling British television overtaken by the repugnant disease of reality television shows bad form at best, and ignorance at worst.

I wholeheartedly agree that these types of shows are detrimental to our television, and should be shunted to the sidelines as much as possible, if not removed altogether to make way for more of the wonderful British programmes. In that, your view is admirable. However, I'm not certain the introduction of British pro wrestling is the way to do this. As a sport, it's fallen from favour as a rule - clearly shown by its place in the "Indy" circuit. With it's re-introduction to British television, I fail to see how it would make a big enough splash and turn enough gazes as to help our television schedules. Perhaps it would be better served by more impressive and widespread advertising or Internet and radio streaming? I don't know. But, I don't think a television introduction would help clear our schedule of reality television or help British pro wrestling gain a bigger fanbase - at least, not without serious positive propaganda.

Still, bless you OP for giving me a thread I honestly cared enough about to comment on properly.

 

[ClockworkPenguin]

We already have the three best sports shows in the world. They are, in order of greatness:
1. Match of the Day
2. Channel 5 cricket
3. F1

 

[SadakoMoose]

Well, I admire your passion OP, and you have my respect for your pure undiluted hatred of reality television, but I'm afraid on the whole I must disagree with you. While the addition of British wrestling to the mainstream television schedule might appeal to you, I don't feel it would add anything (other than the obvious influx of men and women throwing each other around, gross exaggeration intended) to what we watch. I certainly disagree with your summary of British television being nothing more than quote:

Singing contests judged by Stock Aitken Waterman leftovers?
Public gawping fests where the most "talented" person is the one who gets the most likes on Facebook?
Celebrity Meltdown fiesta?
A show about a group of middle aged men gawking about cars like teenagers?

Yes, these are major features of British television, and yes, these (Top Gear notwithstanding, in my opinion) are some of the worst pieces of entertainment that the brain-numb masses happily consume in vast quantities, regardless of the mediocrity of it all. However, to summarise British television as just this is to ignore the incredible works we Brits have produced, a large number of which have already been mentioned in this thread. Just because these aren't constantly portrayed in the rest of the media doesn't mean they are any less well-regarded than the other shows (although they are probably, criminally, underwatched). The best side of modern British television is the satire, the biting drama, beautiful documentaries and masterful writing. It's influenced as much by typical British self-deprecation and cynicism as it is by our passion for life and art. To deny us this by calling British television overtaken by the repugnant disease of reality television shows bad form at best, and ignorance at worst.

I wholeheartedly agree that these types of shows are detrimental to our television, and should be shunted to the sidelines as much as possible, if not removed altogether to make way for more of the wonderful British programmes. In that, your view is admirable. However, I'm not certain the introduction of British pro wrestling is the way to do this. As a sport, it's fallen from favour as a rule - clearly shown by its place in the "Indy" circuit. With it's re-introduction to British television, I fail to see how it would make a big enough splash and turn enough gazes as to help our television schedules. Perhaps it would be better served by more impressive and widespread advertising or Internet and radio streaming? I don't know. But, I don't think a television introduction would help clear our schedule of reality television or help British pro wrestling gain a bigger fanbase - at least, not without serious positive propaganda.

Still, bless you OP for giving me a thread I honestly cared enough about to comment on properly.

Well, that's right when you get down to it.
What British Pro Wrestling needs right now is attention. Sure, EVENTUALLY tv will be an outmoded medium, but for now it's the big cheese. What you describe in paragraph 2 is really what I want. I think that it COULD be a fresh shot in the arm, IF promoted right.
And I would love to be the guy to do that promoting.
We're living on a world stage. Soon, nothing in our media will exist in a vacuum. I just don't want Britain to get left out of "The World Ring" when the time comes.
Besides, it's a fertile market with a HUGE and potent talent pool.

 

[SadakoMoose]

Doctor Who...I would say more on that but to be honest it's reached the point that the mere mention of the words Doctor Who sends shivers down my spine.

Wrestling will not beat Doctor Who I'm afraid.

Dude, how were you even allowed to join the escapist?
Isn't, like, everyone on this board required to like Dr. Who?
It's the law, right?

 

[Generalissimo]

i'm sorry mate. but we just don't like wrestling over here.

we have manlier sports, like cricket :3

anyway. you're attempts to advertise are admirable, but insufficient to wow the UK audience.

 

[SadakoMoose]

i'm sorry mate. but we just don't like wrestling over here.

we have manlier sports, like cricket :3

anyway. you're attempts to advertise are admirable, but insufficient to wow the UK audience.

Hey, your sig's attempt to make me press that damn button are inadequate too, but you don't see me...Oh wait, I just did...
Oh hey, here's a clip (because I dole these out like candy):