Role Model
06-05-2007, 04:05 PM
Source: Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter
World Wrestling Entertainment implemented a new policy during the middle of last month of not informing their referees of the finishes of matches ahead of time on house show cards. Right now, it is still in the experimental stages, but the finishes of all matches scheduled before intermissions at house shows will indefinitely take place without the referees knowing the planned finish.
The new policy adds a new variable of realism to matches as it forces workers to listen to the referee’s instructions (such as breaking a hold before five) or kicking out of pin attempts before the three count. Since the wrestlers know that the referees are unaware of the finish, they must work in a more convincing fashion and have to pay attention to avoid false finishes.
After the first two weekends of the new policy, there were no incidents of unplanned finishes taking place. "It keeps everyone on their toes," said one WWE backstage source. "There has been nothing bad said about it by anyone so far."
World Wrestling Entertainment implemented a new policy during the middle of last month of not informing their referees of the finishes of matches ahead of time on house show cards. Right now, it is still in the experimental stages, but the finishes of all matches scheduled before intermissions at house shows will indefinitely take place without the referees knowing the planned finish.
The new policy adds a new variable of realism to matches as it forces workers to listen to the referee’s instructions (such as breaking a hold before five) or kicking out of pin attempts before the three count. Since the wrestlers know that the referees are unaware of the finish, they must work in a more convincing fashion and have to pay attention to avoid false finishes.
After the first two weekends of the new policy, there were no incidents of unplanned finishes taking place. "It keeps everyone on their toes," said one WWE backstage source. "There has been nothing bad said about it by anyone so far."