Professional wrestling and mixed martial arts have always had different approaches to blood in their respective sports. While the WWE has historically used it as a tool for storytelling, UFC has implemented strict regulations on its use due to safety concerns. However, since their merger in 2016, there have been noticeable changes in both companies’ policies towards blood. In this blog post, we’ll explore how these policies have evolved and their reasons. So sit back, and let’s take a closer look at how the worlds of professional wrestling and MMA are adapting to changing times!
WWE’s policy on blood
The WWE has a long history of using blood to add drama and excitement to their matches. In the past, wrestlers were not only allowed but often encouraged to bleed during matches to tell a more compelling story. Blood was an essential part of the spectacle, with fans cheering on their favorite wrestler as they battled through injury.
However, over time, safety concerns began to arise. Using razor blades or other sharp objects to draw blood became increasingly risky for the performer and the audience. In response, WWE started implementing stricter policies around blood usage in the early 2000s.
Today, bleeding is strictly prohibited without prior approval from medical personnel and management. This means that if a wrestler wants to include blood in their match, they must first receive clearance from a doctor and have it approved by higher-ups within the organization.
While some fans may miss the days when blood was used more liberally in WWE matches, these new regulations prioritize safety for everyone involved – performers and spectators alike.
UFC’s policy on blood
In combat sports, blood is often seen as a sign of toughness and resilience. However, there has been increasing concern over the potential health risks associated with cuts and open wounds in recent years.
UFC’s policy on blood has evolved significantly since its early days. At first, fighters were allowed to continue competing even if they had sustained significant cuts or lacerations. This led to brutal and bloody fights that were difficult for many fans to watch.
However, as UFC grew in popularity and began attracting more mainstream attention, the organization started taking a more cautious approach to fighter safety. Today, all fighters are subject to pre-fight medical checks. A ringside physician must clear any fighter who sustains a cut during the competition before being allowed back into the fight.
Additionally, the referee may stop the fight altogether if a cut is deemed too severe or dangerous for continued competition. While this can sometimes lead to disappointing outcomes for fans who want non-stop action from start to finish of each match-up, it ultimately leads towards more excellent fighter safety, which should always take priority over everything else in combat sports like this one.
How the policies have changed since the merger
Since WWE’s merger with UFC, blood policies have undergone significant changes. Before the merger, WWE had a strict no-blood policy due to concerns about injuries and potential lawsuits. However, in UFC, it was common for fighters to bleed during matches.
After the merger, WWE began implementing more lenient policies on blood. They allowed wrestlers to use fake blood or props like glass or blades to simulate bleeding during matches. This change helped create a more dramatic and realistic feel for fans watching at home.
But even with these new allowances, there are still limits that wrestlers must adhere to when it comes to bleeding. Wrestlers need approval from medical staff before they can use fake blood or props in their matches. Additionally, medical professionals must deal with any real injuries resulting from bleeding immediately.
The policy changes reflect how WWE has adapted its approach since joining forces with UFC. Allowing some instances of simulated bloodshed while maintaining strict safety protocols and guidelines around natural injury management and prevention measures ensures that both fans’ experiences remain thrilling without risking performers’ health unnecessarily.
The reasons for the changes
The changes in WWE’s policy on blood after the merger with UFC have been significant over the last few years. One of the main reasons for these changes is concerns about athlete safety and wellness.
Injuries sustained in professional wrestling can be severe, and many risks are associated with bleeding during a match. The WWE has implemented strict guidelines to ensure that wrestlers who sustain injuries do not continue performing if they risk further damage.
Another reason for the change is related to image and perception. The WWE wants to maintain its family-friendly reputation, which means avoiding excessive violence or gore during matches. This is particularly important as they expand their audience globally, where different cultures have varying attitudes towards such content.
Technological advancements have allowed WWE to create more realistic-looking fake blood without putting performers at risk of serious injury – something considered essential before technology improved significantly.
Since merging with UFC, the shift in policies regarding blood by WWE has been driven by a desire to prioritize performer safety while maintaining its brand image as an entertainment company rather than a combat sports organization.
How the fans have reacted
The fans of WWE and UFC have always been passionate about their respective sports. When the two merged, it was bound to create a stir among the fans. One central area that has changed since the merger is the policy on blood.
Fans have had mixed reactions to this change in policy. While some appreciate the move towards a safer environment for wrestlers and fighters, others feel that it takes away from the authenticity of matches.
For many fans, seeing blood during a match was integral to their experience. It added drama and excitement to what they were watching. Without it, they feel like something is missing.
On the other hand, some fans are relieved that there will be less risk of serious injury for performers in both organizations. They understand this is essential to ensure longevity for those who put their bodies on the line every time they step into the ring or octagon.
While opinions may differ among fans, one thing remains clear – everyone wants to see great matches and performances without risking anyone’s health or safety in doing so.
Conclusion
The change in WWE’s policy on blood since the UFC merger has been significant. The shift towards a more family-friendly product has resulted in less bloodshed and fewer hardcore matches. While some fans miss the old days of extreme violence and gore, WWE seems committed to appealing to a broader audience.
The recent pandemic may have also affected these changes, as live crowds are no longer present at events. Without the immediate feedback of fan reactions, it is easier for WWE to focus on producing content that will appeal to its larger TV audience.
As the world continues to evolve, so does professional wrestling. It will be interesting to see how the policies around blood continue to develop over time and whether or not WWE will ever fully embrace its violent past again.
