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A QUICK GUIDE TO BETTING ON WRESTLING

Many people are confused when they learn that they are able to bet on wrestling events; after all, it’s all predetermined, isn’t it? While that is the fact, bookmakers still allow punters to lay down stakes for the biggest matches at the monthly pay per views. It may not be the most lucrative of markets, but it does present a chance for the most knowledgeable of wrestling fans to make a small income while watching their favourite superstars.

We are able to bet on wrestling since the winners are kept top secret with only the management of the company and the wrestlers themselves knowing the outcome of the match. For this reason, there have been examples down the years when the betting has been a lucrative option. The most immediate stand out occasion of this was the match-up between The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30. The Undertaker went into the match having been undefeated in all 21 previous bouts at the Show of Shows. This meant that the Deadman was the heavy favourite and Lesnar could have been a 30/1 shot with various bookmakers. The unimaginable happened, and Lesnar shocked the WWE Universe to end the streak. This remains the highest payout for any wrestling match in the WWE era.

What Wrestling Companies Can You Bet On?

The most prominent company that punters can lay a stake on is the WWE. This isn’t much surprise since this remains the most high profile company in the world and broadcasts over 500 events a year in around 150 countries. There have been pretenders to their throne with companies such as Impact Wrestling and TNA both going through phrases. However, over the coming year, there will be a significant push behind AEW, and with superstars like Chris Jericho, Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks they could present a real threat.

The recent All In event in Las Vegas for AEW was available for punters to bet on and with more upcoming shows on the horizon, punters should keep their eyes open for these markets. However, the WWE markets remain the most prominent and this will take years to change.

Most Popular WWE Events

Weekly shows such as Monday Night Raw and Smackdown Live have been stables of the television schedule for years now, but very rarely are punters able to place a stake on these events. This is because these shows are mainly there to build excitement for the upcoming PPV’s, which is where the rivalries reach fever pitch, and the biggest matches are contended. Here are a few of the most popular events.

WrestleMania

The most popular event of the whole year is WrestleMania. It is rare that somebody hasn’t watched at least one Mania in their lifetime and with some of the most famous superstars often appearing it is an enjoyable event. The matches at this PPV are mainly unique and can’t be seen at any other point of the year. Popular matches throughout the years include The Rock vs John Cena, Hulk Hogan vs The Rock and The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels.

The event is normally held in an American Football stadium in front of over 60,000 fans that have travelled the world to witness the show. WrestleMania is the biggest betting event of the year in the wresting markets.

Money in the Bank

One of the most fun PPV’s of the year sees seven wrestlers take part in a ladder match, with a briefcase hung in the air containing a contract for a future title opportunity. This is normally seen as the first PPV of the new WWE calendar, but that is often up for debate since there is no off-season in wrestling. The events matches are unpredictable, and a case can be made for any of the seven athletes to win. There have been shocking winners in the past and punters should always be aware of that.

Royal Rumble

Possibly the most unpredictable matches of the year involve 30 men, and 30 women compete in two separate Royal Rumble matches. The winner of these headlines WrestleMania and there is often a lot of comebacks and shock results in this match. Legends often return, and online forums are dominated by the discussion of who could possibly win the match. 

Other Wrestling Pay Per View Events

Date	Event
27th July	Smackville
10th August	NXT TakeOver: Toronto
11th August	SummerSlam
15th September	Clash of Champions
6th October	Hell in a Cell
1st November	TBA (Saudi Arabia event)
23rd November	NXT TakeOver: War Games
24th November	Survivor Series
15th December	TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs
26th January	Royal Rumble
5th April	WrestleMania 36

 

Betting Markets

The options for wrestling aren’t as wide as other sports that you’re able to bet on. But, regardless, there is endless fun to be had on the markets that are available. Here are some of the best wrestling betting markets for beginners:

Match Winner

The most popular way for punters to bet on upcoming wrestling events is to bet on who will win a particular match. The punter will be able to select either competitor and place their stake on who they believe will win. It is fairly simple, as if the person you have betted on is victorious in the match then the bet is a winning one. If your selection loses, then, you lose the stake. 

Royal Rumble Winner

Many bookmakers offer this market as an ante-post, and you can lay a stake on the next instalment as soon as the most recent WrestleMania has ended. The ante-post market could be the best way of getting the ultimate value as prices will be changing throughout the year. The introduction of the women’s Royal Rumble has also increased the number of chances that punters have of winning in this event.

Other Wrestling Betting Options

SkyBet are the leaders when it comes to betting options for wrestling fans. They have many ongoing options such as the ability for punters to lay a stake on the next champion of each of the nine main WWE titles. Along with this, the same bookmaker also allows punters to bet on what they believe will be the main event of the next WrestleMania. The options for this tend to change over the course of the year. But it always features a main star in the industry such as The Rock, Roman Reigns, Ronda Rousey or Brock Lesnar.

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