Time Limits in Matches

[jrush1978]

If its used consistently then yes. I remember times (obviously years ago) when all of a sudden randomly out of nowhere a time limit would be announced. That was basically advertising that the match was going to end in a draw and it usually did. But if they announced it all the time (across all shows) but only had it factor into the decision occasionally then I think it would be great.

[HeenanGorilla]

I agree that it had its place yesteryear...which is when I was a huge fan. Nowadays, I check out RAW when I remember, search high and low for relevant articles on this site--come up empty usually, and watch Wrestlemania and Royal Rumble each year.

The problem, as another poster eluded to, is the weekly matchups of top stars. Back in the 80s and early 90s, you had weekly programs full of stars squashing jobbers. This showed the stars' moves and fed storylines. Special Report and interview segments-- like Piper's Pit, Snake Pit, Funeral Parlor, Brother Love and the Barber Shop--were also used as vehicles to further feuds. There were also occassional Saturday Night Main Events, which always brought battles to a head. BUT, to see these guys get their hands on each other...you waited for the Big 4! And a one hour match--time limit included-- would be exciting because if you didnt have a winner, you had to wait MONTHS for another chance at them to resolve the issue. As a fan, you NEEDED a winner, or at least felt like you did.

Today, you have top guy vs. top guy almost EVERY WEEK. That, along with less meaningful title reigns, takes that element out of it. Why watch a one-hour title match on a PPV when there will probably be some sort of rematch tomorrow on RAW anyway? In the "good ol days", when your guy won a title on a PPV, you knew you usually had a while to enjoy his reign. Or if they lost, you were crushed because it would take a while to get it back--but that was great too! Now, you just wait a couple of days for the next "main event".

The show is 3 hours long and these main events start 5-10 mins before they go off the air...how good could it be?! You spend all night hyping a match that will, as mentioned, end in a run in or some lame ending. Thank God for DVDs and Coliseum Video. haha!

[ManureTheBear]

I would rather they not have time limits on each match, rather on certain occasions. They use time limits anyway, so it'll take some of the excitement away from the match, because you'll know beforehand.

[midgensa]

I am completely for time limits on matches.

I think without them we are doomed to endless run-ins and pointless tag-team matches (or the even more pointless six-man tag team match).

A time limit allows for the participants to battle to a draw and not hurt either one of them really. It also makes championship matches more intriguing because the champ knows he just has to last oh so long to get the win.

In the end ... if you want a "no time limit match" you can always throw it in there ... I mean this is all scripted anyways right?

[HBsam31]

I honestly think that time limits in matches could aid in helping guys get over. I used to get so mad when the heel champion would retain the title via the time limit each time he defended. The WCW TV title was very good for this. Everytime you thought the face would win the belt the time limit would expire. Implement it into today's WWE, and maybe just start with the US and IC title. Lets use Cesaro for example. Week after week he retains the US title because the time limit expires. Each week the fans hate him more and more for the way he keeps holding on to the belt. Then when he finally is beaten the guy that beats him is going to get an extreme pop. If they use that to their advantage I think it would be a good way to get new faces over. Sometimes I think the fans did feel short changed when the match ended in a time limit draw, but I think it was and could be again a great tool in the matches especially if they don't want either guy to lose.

[LascoX]

Like everyone else I would like to see them bring time limits back. It's another tool in the trick bag for the booker and adds a real feel to the event. Its one of the old school details that got lost along the way in the WWE as they streamlined thier product. There have been a ton of great matches that have been built around the time limit. It use to be common for matches to be 60 minutes and have best of 3 falls. That didnt mean the match had to run 60 minutes but it could and you had the posibilities of going to a last minute cliff hanger win or a draw with one fall each. The shorter time limits matches also gave stars time to heat up the rivelry without either one losing face. Instead of a run in to interfer for the save there would be a run in to pull the wrestlers apart after the time ran out.

[BC1978]

Originally Posted by MrMojoRisin

Yes they should be used. It's one of those little nuances that I miss from today's product.

I don't know if it works for Ryback/Punk though. For the main title, time limits were typically 60 minutes. Can you imagine Ryback trying to pull off a 60 minute broadway?

For smaller matches though, where you can use a 15-20 minute time limit, then absolutely both have the limit, and make use of it from time to time. For the big matches like a Ryback/Punk, have the limit, announce it, but leave it at that. It would at least give the match a little more of a big match feel.

I dont think you understand the concept of a time limit. It means the match can't go beyond 60 minutes. If Punk v. Ryback were set for a 60 min. time limit the match could end after 1 minute.

[BC1978]

Originally Posted by ManureTheBear

I would rather they not have time limits on each match, rather on certain occasions. They use time limits anyway, so it'll take some of the excitement away from the match, because you'll know beforehand.

You do realize the UFC and Boxing have time limits on Matches. UFC 3 Round Fight is 5 minutes a round.

Time limits just make the product appear more real. If used properly they dont give anything away. However if they spring up every now and then its a giveaway on how a match will end.

[enviousdominous]

Not having time limits means not having another excuse to screw you out of your ticket money.

I'd say that we need them only if the product was 100% genuine, like say the UFC. This way you get the most of the challenger instead of a cheap attempt to please both parties.

Imagine paying top dollar for front row seats to see a Bob Backlund vs Harley Race main event, a match advertised as one where only the true world's champion will emerge. It ends in a time limit draw, because this way neither person looks like less of a performer. Fuck the fans in other words, we want to look unbeatable in every match we're in.

Right now we have disqualifications and countouts for when Cena or Orton flat out refuse to put anyone else over. Both of which are complete bullshit when it comes to a PPV. If they granted them the option of time limit draws, that would be made the result of half the matches on the card.


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[enviousdominous]

I disagree with anyone who says that adding time limits will make the product seem more real. I think it would make it seem ten times as ridiculous.

Imagine being told that your match is set for twenty minutes. Obviously you would want to use strategy to win as soon as possible, while cardio training to endure physical exertion for that time period.

But you play by the rules of pro-wrestling. So you check your brain at the door and offer yourself to your opponent in ways that look fucking stupid to an actual wrestler.

I realize that its an art form based around the suspension of disbelief, certain things would wreck any perception of it being legit.

If you have two minutes left in your title match, you're not going to stall in a headlock or an armbar so you can relay the next few spots to your opponent. Any idiot would know better than to do what you're expected to do as a pro-wrestler.

If its just a show, they can finish it without a fucking stupid draw. Just make one arrogant jackass swallow his pride and lay the fuck down or tap out.


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