UAL Contracts - What does it mean for MGC and Mayhem?

[mharrison]

With many of the elite pullers in the country likely to sign contracts with the UAL in the coming months, does this spell the end of pro tournaments not affiliated with the UAL? While this could potentially be a huge step forward towards legitimizing armwrestling as a viable spectator sport, it nearly monopolizes the pro playing field. One could argue that armwrestling has become stagnant, or even regressed, since the 80's, despite the advent information age and streaming video. With the UAL pumping money into their events, utilizing a smart business plan, and, most importantly, garnering exposure to the masses, the sport is on the brink of becoming something it hasn't been in nearly 30 years.

With that being said, if the two largest tournaments in Canada lose their top tier talent, they become stepping stone tournaments featuring those who don't wish to be a part of UAL, or amateurs and novice. It becomes harder to justify the cost and effort associated with putting on a larger tournament, especially in terms of sponsorship, if high level armwrestling is scarcely present. Now, there will be many pullers who will not sign contracts with UAL and don't intend to, but will there be enough? If you really want to measure yourself against the elite and the elite are all in the UAL, you don't have much of a choice.

What does everyone think? I'm at a cross roads here

[Andrew Grant]

I have mixed feelings about all this. Sad to think that some of our (Canada's) best will be barred from competing here.

[chrisgobby]

Too many sketchy details to hit panic button. Wealthy business men often have hidden agenda's. my $$ says Drenk is no different and the bottom will eventually fall out.

[Jeff Miller]

As first I was gung-ho UAL, but I can see if we lose 5 great pullers from Alberta, we will likely kill the sport in Alberta for the seasoned veterans. This makes me feel a bit down on the contracts, not to mention feeling like the UAL might be getting off on the wrong foot. However I do wish Robert success in the UAL; but now I see the balancing act of not killing the smaller promotions will be harder than ever with such a small talent pool to draw from. I think it'd be better for Canadians to pull pro events in their area (Western/Eastern Canada) on a regular basis rather than get stuck pulling at UAL-only events in the States (Unless your flights/hotels are covered by UAL, and you enjoy that level of commitment to one organization).

[mwiggins]

i highly doubt too many canadians are going to sign up to some company that just puts on tournys in the states, would be a different story if we all lived in california.

[Terry Palaschak]

My prediction would be under 3 pullers sign up.

[Mr. Espey]

Terry I am guessing they get way more than that.

[Jeff Miller]

We'll see how it plays out, but I would be interested in putting on a UAL sanctioned event in Alberta if it was feasible in the future at some point. For guys like you Ryan, I bet this could be an intriguing opportunity.

[Brian Kehler]

I think how many ppl they get from anywhere that isnt close by depends on whether flights/accommodations are paid for as part of the contract. That's the biggest limiting factor in why most people don't go anywhere. If you knew you'd get flown down to 12 tournaments a year in the states likely in locations where the weather is likely a lot nicer than Canadian winters it would be pretty appealing

[johnroberts]

So is the Espey Brzenk match in October cancelled because of Johns contract............................