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Post by Anthony Edens on Mar 12, 2010 10:24:23 GMT -5
I've been around and exposed to this sport since 2004 and I feel that the sport is more exciting today than it has been in 6 years. We have Engin and Neil hosting top notch events. Don and Pete have excellent supermatches every few months. WAF Worlds is in the U.S. ROTN is amazing. There are 3-5 times as many tournaments as there were 6 years ago. John Brzenk is actually being challenged. The "top dog" in our sport has just "lost" (I know it wasn't a pin) to someone who wasn't supposed to have a chance. Tell me what you think. Oh yeah, we have at least a half dozen "mini Travis Bagents" in our sport now. (guys who aren't afraid to tell you how good they are and then go back it up) One other thing, look at the guys who are coming out of retirement-David Randall, Gary Goodridge, Jerry Cadorette
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Post by Anthony Edens on Mar 12, 2010 11:02:44 GMT -5
I think the biggest thing is change. IMO-the lack of change in results/outcomes is the reason armwrestling is not a mainstream, highly sponsored sport. For 25 years you knew John Brzenk was gonna win. How many times could you watch the same thing? (The second reason is that matches typically last 2 seconds. You have all the hype and a minute worth of getting their grip and then it's all over in less than a second.) Does anyone know what kind of ratings ABC had when they used to show armwrestling on Wide World of Sports? Sadly, I think the only way armwrestling could be more entertaining is to follow the WWE model. You have to create story lines with lots of drama and animosity. Think about when you've brought your wife to a tournament. Mine was bored out of her mind except when Travis Bagent started his talk and literally scared his opponent into false starting twice-they never pulled and it was easily the most exciting moment of the entire tournament.
Just my thoughts. I would like to see a weekly/monthly reality series on armwrestling Gary. Wish you could make it happen.
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Post by Karen Bean on Mar 12, 2010 11:13:44 GMT -5
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Post by Arturo Garcia on Mar 12, 2010 11:17:44 GMT -5
I can sit and watch John win in 2 seconds all day long. Also, not all of his matches are so quick, they usually are when he pulls 198# in the USA or 209 class internationally... but when he pulls heavier people he's had some awesome matches that aren't as quick (with Ferit, Pushkar, etc.) When I first found out about armwrestling I saw it on ESPN several years ago, and I liked that they showed the competitors being interviewed, just like they did in Over The Top when Stallone talks about turning his baseball cap backwards and Bull Hurley talking about 1st place (I think), etc. I remember, I think, Mike Selearis from that tourney talking about Bill Sinks having "the hand of a heavyweight", and Travis was there talking his usual stuff about Christian Binnie. I had no idea about AW as a sport when I caught that on TV but I was hooked, I liked it. I think Todd Hutchings was there too and liked it when he spoke. I liked it when everyone spoke, that's a very interesting part, to show them speaking and maybe a few flashbacks of previous matches... this makes it much more interesting for the viewer than just watching the actual tournament matches and nothing else. Of course this all applies to watching it on TV where all this can be arranged, if you attend a tourney personally as a spectator you should already have fun being able to talk to some of the pros, etc.
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Post by Max Moore on Mar 12, 2010 12:58:34 GMT -5
i think its def better than when i started 3 years ago. more tournaments, more pullers, new faces, old ones comin back, drama, huge events, new promoters and associations, etc......
i like what neil is doin alot. he seems to focus more on great matches rather than just big names. and i hope the man does it BIIIIGGGG! ;D
good luck neil, and all others that are bringin it on,
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Post by Shawn Lattimer on Mar 12, 2010 13:00:30 GMT -5
I haven't been around long-----but I voted for best in 10 years just based on what I have seen/read. It will just keep getting better now that I'm here.....LOL!!!
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Post by Max Moore on Mar 12, 2010 13:17:23 GMT -5
I haven't been around long-----but I voted for best in 10 years just based on what I have seen/read. It will just keep getting better now that I'm here.....LOL!!! speakin of doin it BIIIIGGGG! lol Shawn you gnna be hell on wheels bro!
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Post by Jerry Cadorette on Mar 12, 2010 13:44:22 GMT -5
I think with the evolution of the internet, it has grown the sport bigger and better. The help of ArmTV has also made it more interesting, and easier to follow. Never before have we been able to see the actual matches of a tourny that happened on saturday the very next day. So with this we are able to be much more involved, and also able to follow someone much easier as well. And as for me, I never retired, just took some time off, but I would like to see how Gary is going to do, being gone as long as he has been, it should be interesting.
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Post by TK on Mar 12, 2010 14:00:29 GMT -5
ANTHONY,
YOU ARE RIGHT, IT HAS GROWN SO MUCH IN THE 5 YEARS I'VE BEEN IN IT. THOSE ESPN VIDEOS OF RON BATH, BAGENT & BINNIE CATAPULTED THE SPORT INTO A WHIRLWIND. IN MY STATE THERE WERE ONLY 2 TOURNEYS A YEAR...NOW THIS YEAR THERE'S POSSIBLY 6 TO 7 IN MY STATE ALONE.....IT REALLY DOESN'T REQUIRE A WHOLE HELLUVA LOT OF TRAVELING TO GO PULL ANYMORE. I'M 10 TIMES MORE EXCITED ABOUT IT NOW THAN 5 YEARS AGO.
GREAT THREAD AND HOPE TO SEE YA'LL IN ACTION SOON!
T/K
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Post by Eric Roussin on Mar 12, 2010 15:58:35 GMT -5
I am not sure if armwrestling is bigger or more exciting now than ever before. I do think there are more tournaments and tournament promoters nowadays, but I think cases can be made that excitement levels were high in many different years. For instance, take a look at some of the significant events that have taken place over the past 6 years: December 2003 - Travis Bagent shocks the world by beating Alexey Voevoda in the Worlds super-heavy-weight right hand final. In 2003, Alexey was being billed as virtually unbeatable with the right arm at the time. ArmTV and Pulling John film the action.
2004 - ArmTV launches.
- The Northeast Board launches and quickly becomes the number one site for armwrestling debate and communications.
- Travis Bagent organizes a 171 pound round robin supermatch between Crazy George, Vepkia Samkaradze, and Andreas Rundstrom at the Big Arm Classic. The match ends in controversy over a rule interpretation – Crazy George and Vepkia split the cash. This event is considered by some as the catalyst for the popularity of big money supermatches which continue to be popular throughout the remainder of the decade.
- 1st edition of Ultimate Armwrestling in Las Vegas, which emerges as the biggest pro/am event in North America during the middle of the decade.
- John Brzenk goes undefeated for the second year in a row in the John Brzenk Challenge, pulling ~100 people each time.
- 1st edition of Superstar Showdown, in which Devon Larratt pulls Marcio Barboza and John Brzenk right handed for the first time.
- The most hyped Zloty tournament ever takes place, with many of the top Americans heading overseas to compete. The tournament ends up featuring as the climax of Pulling John. Alexey Voevoda dominates and soon after retires from the sport.
2005 - Armwrestling returns to American television (2004 Unified Nationals).
- The biggest North American pro tournament of the decade takes place – Ultimate Armwrestling II in Las Vegas (featured on The Best Damn Sports Show Period) – Todd Hutchings gets a win on John Brzenk in the 198 class, something that no sub-200 pound puller had been able to do in close to 20 years.
- Superstar Showdown II is held featuring probably the most staked 198 class of the decade. John Brzenk easily takes the class.
- The first NAA event is held, featuring the classic $15,000 Travis Bagent-Jerry Cadorette supermatch – Jerry wins 3-1. A great supermatch card becomes a defining characteristic of all NAA events to follow.
2006 - The Triple Crown is introduced, adding interest and encouraging attendance at all three US national events. Cobra Rhodes is the inaugural winner.
- John Brzenk beats Farid Usmanov in the Ultimate Armwrestling III heavyweight final, the hard way (in a hook).
- Michael Todd beats Marcio Barboza 3-2 right handed at an NAA event, elevating his status as one of the countries best heavyweights.
- The Mike Gould Classic features the classic first Devon Larratt-Ron Bath supermatch. Devon wins 3-1.
- The NAL puts on its inaugural event. The tournament format, combined with expected television coverage, renews excitement in the sport and attracts many semi-retired pullers to start competing again.
2007 - Gary Roberts rolls out the Ruler of the Nation series of events. Cash events are held across the country, and Gary teams up with Don Fritsche to put on the biggest cash event of the year – the ROTN Finals.
- The Mohegan Sun event is televised and receives considerable airplay.
2008 - Devon Larratt beats Travis Bagent 5-1 and John Brzenk 6-0 with the right. In doing so, he claims the #1 world ranking.
- Armwrestling starts to be televised on a weekly basis on Eurosport, thanks to Neil Pickup’s efforts.
- Denis Cyplenkov seems to appear out of nowhere and is immediately one of the top pullers in the world.
2009 - The inaugural World Challenge, the most prestigious pro event for female armwrestlers, is held.
- The Top Roll series of events introduces title belts and great supermatch action.
- Arsen Liliev beats Travis Bagent 6-0 in a right handed supermatch and establishes himself as one of the very best armwrestlers in the world.
- Brent Rakers becomes the first person two in the Triple Crown twice, by winning 6 consecutive national titles with the right arm.
- Rustam Babayev takes second in the overall class at the Nemiroff World Cup – an unbelievable achievement for such a light puller.
2010 - Crazy George wins the Arnolds for the 8th year in a row.
- The Mike Gould Classic looks to be the biggest one yet, with one of the strongest heavyweight classes including the return of Gary Goodridge.
A lot more significant and exciting events have taken place during this time, these are just a few that come to mind. There's always something to be excited about.
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Post by Arturo Garcia on Mar 12, 2010 16:24:50 GMT -5
Eric, since you have always done rankings and stuff, maybe you know the answer to something that's got me curious: Did Todd Hutchings and John Brzenk pull more matches? How did they go?
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Post by Eric Roussin on Mar 12, 2010 16:36:40 GMT -5
Todd pulled John at the Superstar Showdown II (2005) at 198 in the finals. John won quickly.
They also pulled in the finals of the 2006 Mohegan Sun PAC World Championships in the 242 class. John won, but I can't recall if Todd was able to put up much of a fight.
I'm not sure if they pulled elsewhere.
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Post by John Wilson on Mar 12, 2010 17:05:28 GMT -5
I agree with Jerry. The internet has made a HUGE impact and the value of ArmTV can't be overstated. The concept of getting to watch whole events from across the country in near-real-time is a revelation. As a training tool it is beyond my wildest dreams.
What TK said is totally true. Back when you had to send out flyers it would have been useless trying to put on an event on short notice. Now all you have to do is post it and you can drum up some buzz in just a few weeks time and get people from out of state.
Coming back last year, I have to say ArmTV and this message board have changed things dramatically.
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Post by John Parton on Mar 12, 2010 17:58:01 GMT -5
Some of the things happening are great with Engin, Neil, Hollywood and others. However despite the fact that sports and fitness are at an all time high we don't seem to be pulling down the money (relatively speaking) that could be won in the 70s and 80s. There were a number of tournaments back then where someone could win $1000 or more, at a time when cars cost a quarter of what they do now as well as gas or plane fares. And while I agree that a good sotry line and backround would be a boon for television, I disagree that we should go the way of WWE. We want everyone to know that we are the REAL THING and not a bunch of hype. My young friend Mke Todd doesn't go around disrespecting everyone, but puts his show into the match and is Neils most popular draw. John with his mild manner continues to be the most popular because of his performance. I am not in anyway speaking against Travis we have been and continue to be friends. But Travis's hype isn't just a show, that is his real personality. If others were trying to fake hype it just wouldn't be the same. Showing the world the difference in our characters, but our singular passion continues to be my push for true reality TV, not some fake show
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Post by Pete & Tim on Mar 12, 2010 18:12:55 GMT -5
I am not sure if armwrestling is bigger or more exciting now than ever before. I do think there are more tournaments and tournament promoters nowadays, but I think cases can be made that excitement levels were high in many different years. For instance, take a look at some of the significant events that have taken place over the past 6 years: December 2003 - Travis Bagent shocks the world by beating Alexey Voevoda in the Worlds super-heavy-weight right hand final. In 2003, Alexey was being billed as virtually unbeatable with the right arm at the time. ArmTV and Pulling John film the action.
2004 - ArmTV launches.
- The Northeast Board launches and quickly becomes the number one site for armwrestling debate and communications.
- Travis Bagent organizes a 171 pound round robin supermatch between Crazy George, Vepkia Samkaradze, and Andreas Rundstrom at the Big Arm Classic. The match ends in controversy over a rule interpretation – Crazy George and Vepkia split the cash. This event is considered by some as the catalyst for the popularity of big money supermatches which continue to be popular throughout the remainder of the decade.
- 1st edition of Ultimate Armwrestling in Las Vegas, which emerges as the biggest pro/am event in North America during the middle of the decade.
- John Brzenk goes undefeated for the second year in a row in the John Brzenk Challenge, pulling ~100 people each time.
- 1st edition of Superstar Showdown, in which Devon Larratt pulls Marcio Barboza and John Brzenk right handed for the first time.
- The most hyped Zloty tournament ever takes place, with many of the top Americans heading overseas to compete. The tournament ends up featuring as the climax of Pulling John. Alexey Voevoda dominates and soon after retires from the sport.
2005 - Armwrestling returns to American television (2004 Unified Nationals).
- The biggest North American pro tournament of the decade takes place – Ultimate Armwrestling II in Las Vegas (featured on The Best Damn Sports Show Period) – Todd Hutchings gets a win on John Brzenk in the 198 class, something that no sub-200 pound puller had been able to do in close to 20 years.
- Superstar Showdown II is held featuring probably the most staked 198 class of the decade. John Brzenk easily takes the class.
- The first NAA event is held, featuring the classic $15,000 Travis Bagent-Jerry Cadorette supermatch – Jerry wins 3-1. A great supermatch card becomes a defining characteristic of all NAA events to follow.
2006 - The Triple Crown is introduced, adding interest and encouraging attendance at all three US national events. Cobra Rhodes is the inaugural winner.
- John Brzenk beats Farid Usmanov in the Ultimate Armwrestling III heavyweight final, the hard way (in a hook).
- Michael Todd beats Marcio Barboza 3-2 right handed at an NAA event, elevating his status as one of the countries best heavyweights.
- The Mike Gould Classic features the classic first Devon Larratt-Ron Bath supermatch. Devon wins 3-1.
- The NAL puts on its inaugural event. The tournament format, combined with expected television coverage, renews excitement in the sport and attracts many semi-retired pullers to start competing again.
2007 - Gary Roberts rolls out the Ruler of the Nation series of events. Cash events are held across the country, and Gary teams up with Don Fritsche to put on the biggest cash event of the year – the ROTN Finals.
- The Mohegan Sun event is televised and receives considerable airplay.
2008 - Devon Larratt beats Travis Bagent 5-1 and John Brzenk 6-0 with the right. In doing so, he claims the #1 world ranking.
- Armwrestling starts to be televised on a weekly basis on Eurosport, thanks to Neil Pickup’s efforts.
- Denis Cyplenkov seems to appear out of nowhere and is immediately one of the top pullers in the world.
2009 - The inaugural World Challenge, the most prestigious pro event for female armwrestlers, is held.
- The Top Roll series of events introduces title belts and great supermatch action.
- Arsen Liliev beats Travis Bagent 6-0 in a right handed supermatch and establishes himself as one of the very best armwrestlers in the world.
- Brent Rakers becomes the first person two in the Triple Crown twice, by winning 6 consecutive national titles with the right arm.
- Rustam Babayev takes second in the overall class at the Nemiroff World Cup – an unbelievable achievement for such a light puller.
2010 - Crazy George wins the Arnolds for the 8th year in a row.
- The Mike Gould Classic looks to be the biggest one yet, with one of the strongest heavyweight classes including the return of Gary Goodridge.
A lot more significant and exciting events have taken place during this time, these are just a few that come to mind. There's always something to be excited about. Amazing list. Glad the NAA could be a part of it. Does seem tho that after 2007 it kinda slowed down in excitement.
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