Guinness Farts

Issues w/ the review: * Destroys the flow of the match; constant stoppages & standing around (the list could very simply end right here); it’s embarrassing * Conditioning aspect is removed; this rewards the naturally gifted as opposed to the grinders * Changes how a wrestler would compete (e.g., a wrestler that is awarded a 3 PT TD will not necessarily wrestle all the way through a position if he feels safe where he is and has already secured points) * Alters the dramatic energy of the final moment; wrestler, coaches, & fan emotions/energy are all paused when the brick comes flying in; the official is on the phone as opposed to raising an excited competitor’s hand (I’m not a fan of over-the-top celebrations but the current disruption is lame) * Holding mats so that the same weight class is contested at the same time; I’m indifferent to this generally speaking – but not when the review is in play. Matches typically wrapped up at the same time before the review. Not now. Just an abundance of nervous pacing and waiting since an official is likely on the phone for at least one of the 8 mats in the lighter weight class (all to silence on the individual ESPN+ mats which foolishly did not have a single announcer present as they used to – an awful step backwards in coverage) Solution: * Remove the review entirely (which would get my vote); or, if absolutely needed… * New challenge rules to make them very few & far between: ^ Limit the number of challenges allowed ^ Drastically deter coaches from throwing the brick (e.g., a lost challenge results in 2 points for the opposing wrestler) ^ The review time-limit would need to be capped at no more than :30 (if more time is needed, it’s simply inconclusive & the call stands); any amount of time over :30 is unacceptable. I think the reality is that even if they were to achieve this – which is a compromise many don’t even want (including me) - we’d still be stuck w/ the follow-up effort to straighten out the clocks, audio/video issues, etc. It will still be a mess. ^ Consider an unsportsmanlike team point deduction for coaches that throw bricks in desperate attempts simply because they have one to burn (official discretion) My .02: I’m a life-long fan of the sport. The actual wrestling was excellent. Unless the review is wiped out or dramatically changed, though, I will be leaving it as a spectator - & I won’t be the only one.