AEW and Other Companies Allowing Blading

[Ishmeal Loves Kaseyhausen]

I'm fine with it as long as everyone is regularly tested and it isn't overused. For the story they were telling it was perfect.

[Pushed to the Moon]

May 27, 2019 6:10:21 GMT -5 Bad Moon said:

My main issue with blading is that it looks unrealistic. Noone in a real fight has ever bled from the middle of their forehead. Fake blood capsules resulting in blood from the mouth and nose aren't just safer, they also look better.
If you can achieve a better effect at less risk to yourself, blading is just stupid.

I don't like blading but to be fair don't they tend to bleed in the middle of their head after a chair or ring bell shot etc or banging their head into something that actually hit that area rather than "real fight" things like punches?

[Deleted]

May 27, 2019 3:36:32 GMT -5 Magnus the Magnificent said:

It just looks fake as f***, and is a real "suspension of disbelief"-killer.

I think it depends on how and when its used. Sure, somebody bleeding like that in a meaningless match from a punch or something is ridiculous. But, in the Cody/Dustin match, from a drop toe hold into an exposed turnbuckle? I’d find it harder to suspend my disbelief if it DIDNT bust him open.

Seriously - I’m not on the WWE is dead train, but I can’t tell you how many matches I’ve completely lost interest in because they feature the trademark PG WWE spot of edge of the chair shot to the gut, chair shot to the back. That stuff it’s where it starts feeling too choreographed and becomes a chore to watch, in my mind.

[Prince Petty]

I don't like it, and never have. I won't deny that it has resulted in iconic moments, but that doesn't mean it's something that should be used in the present day.

As shown with Dustin, it's so easy for even experienced bladers to get it wrong, and cut too deeply. If that had been any worse, they might have had to stop the match, which would have been awful for the PPV and for AEW as a nascent company. Why risk that?

Then you come to the risks for performers - blood loss, scarring, the chance of transmitting blood diseases. I just don't see how it's worth it.

As I've said, if something happens the hard way, and the performers can use that, then brilliant. Omega's bloody nose, Becky's bloody nose and cut eye really worked. But I think they worked better than blading, because it looked natural, like someone who has been in a fight.

[Dang!]

I agree. Blading and ultraviolent shit is not for me. It might be the only thing WWE does better right now. You can easily fake brutality without actually making someone bleed.

[Dang!]

May 27, 2019 6:10:21 GMT -5 Bad Moon said:

My main issue with blading is that it looks unrealistic. Noone in a real fight has ever bled from the middle of their forehead. Fake blood capsules resulting in blood from the mouth and nose aren't just safer, they also look better.
If you can achieve a better effect at less risk to yourself, blading is just stupid.

Did Kenny Omega get busted open by accident or did he use blood capsules?

[TGM]

I am a fan of blood in pro wrestling as long as every precaution available is taken.

[Kayfabe]

I assume it will only be saved for major shows that call for it.

[Convoy]

On this topic, I was listening to the post-show media availability from Jericho and Cody. The latter specifically mentioned that both himself and Tony Khan have already discussed that, in terms of blood/violence/middle fingers/etc., PPVs would be "a step beyond" their TV product. Not that they will always have a bloody war featured, but that they would have the freedom to do so if the stories called for it.

More interesting is that Cody also mentioned that he and Tony have discussed "a PPV itself that's another step up" which I took to mean an occasional ultraviolent/hardcore show once a year. He also said they would definitely not have a PPV every month once their weekly two-hour TV starts.

[This Player Hating Mothman]

I think Cody/Dustin needed the blood and the way it was supposed to be a send-up to their father made it a special occasion. I can accept it there and hope it's not anywhere near a regular thing that can be on the table.

[Deleted]

I think blading is fine, but only under certain criteria:

1. Testing for everyone. Works for the NSAC, NYSAC, etc for anything else. Testing for blood-borne pathogens should be mandatory anyway, because hardways can and do happen.

2. Real medical staff are always on hand

3. If you blade, there should be a mandatory time period between the bladejob and wrestling again. Serves two purposes, gives your body time to heal, plus it helps sell the brutality of the bladejob.

4. Don't tap the well too often. Once or twice a year. Period.

[Deleted]

I legit can’t watch the Cody/Dustin match. I’m not afraid of blood or anything, but I just think it’s so unnecessary and dangerous. I think blading should be completely eradicated from wrestling honestly.

[tartsonawire]

I've never been a fan of blading anyway, so I'm good with banning it. That said, I do think everyone should still be subject to regular blood tests, since accidents can and do happen.

[Deleted]

I love blading when it has context and reason behind it and LU was brilliant with this balance , every single moment and match that involved blood was to ehance the story going on whethere it be a vingette or match and never just to do it.

[markymark]

Blading is fine when it makes sense storytelling wise, its not cool when its forced like TNA 2007-2011 when they had Abyss, Flair bleed 24/7.

[Cyno]

I was okay with it during the Cody vs. Dustin match when it was clear that Dustin got medical attention immediately after it. That said, it's not something I'm fond of and while I don't mind seeing it once in a blue moon, I'd prefer not to see it often. Basically, I don't want to see anything like Ric Flair with how often he donned the crimson mask.

And obviously no one with any blood-transmitted diseases (especially hepatitis) should be allowed anywhere near a razor.

[Toilet Paper Roll]

I grew up on 80s WWF so I didn’t see much blood unless I got my hands on a VHS from back in the day.

It’s always cool as a reason to think someone is dangerously in peril. But it got ridiculous eventually. Especially with ECW where guys would blade immediately.

[Deleted]

I'm absolutely in favor of blood still being used if it's both done rarely, and also is completely at the discretion of the guys involved in the feud to decide that they want to do it to improve how their match gets over with the crowd (in other words, not the promoter instructing them to do it).

[Johnny]

IMO there's no place for people purposely cutting themselves for the sake of entertainment in 2019.