WWE announces new tv series to air on Facebook ONLY

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWE</a> presents the Mixed Match Challenge tournament, airing LIVE exclusively on Facebook Watch! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWEMMC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWEMMC</a> <a href="https://t.co/eHsyDsoUhm">https://t.co/eHsyDsoUhm</a> <a href="https://t.co/gdPEueEB8C">pic.twitter.com/gdPEueEB8C</a></p>&mdash; WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/940944268759326721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Facebook and WWE today announced a new in-ring series, Mixed Match Challenge, that will stream live in the U.S. exclusively on Facebook on Tuesday nights beginning Jan.16 at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. The 12-episode series will air on Facebook Watch and feature WWE Superstars from both the Raw and SmackDown LIVE rosters competing in a single-elimination mixed tag-team tournament to win $100,000 to support the charity of their choice.


Each 20-minute episode will reflect a progressive approach to production, with elements optimized for mobile consumption, experimentation and social interaction, including the ability for the WWE Universe to engage with Superstars during the show. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to select matchups, match stipulations and more, on Facebook.


“As we continue to expand our strategic partnership with Facebook, this new series, Mixed Match Challenge, jointly reflects our innovative approach to content distribution and fan engagement,” said Michelle Wilson, WWE Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer. “This show will deliver the action and excitement our passionate fan base is accustomed to while offering new production elements and social experiences that only Facebook can provide.”


Mixed Match Challenge is a Raw vs. SmackDown LIVE tournament where male and female Superstars team up to determine which combination of strength, skill, athleticism and experience reigns supreme. Fans will have the opportunity to vote on Facebook for the final competitor from the Raw roster, as well as which tag team member of The New Day will be added to the SmackDown LIVE roster. Teams will be announced beginning Thursday, Jan. 4.


SmackDown LIVE:
Becky Lynch, Bobby Roode, Carmella, Charlotte Flair,Jimmy Uso, Lana, Naomi, Natalya, Rusev, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Fan Vote (A member of The New Day)


Monday Night Raw:
Alexa Bliss, Alicia Fox, Asuka, Bayley, Braun Strowman, Enzo Amore, Finn Balor, Goldust, Nia Jax, Sasha Banks, The Miz, Fan Vote (RAW Superstar)


Facebook Watch is a new platform for shows on Facebook where brands can build and engage with a community of fans. Facebook Watch is available on desktop, mobile and connected TV apps. Fans can follow Mixed Match Challenge to add episodes to their personal Watchlists.

[Anybody Thrilla]

...is Asuka's first losing effort going to be on this fucking show?

[Simple Fan]

Braun doesn't seem like a fit for something like this but I guess it's competition.

[Shisen Kopf]

This is stupid

[slik]

Tag team of Asuka/Braun will probably win and then donate the 100k to Conor's Cure

[Droford]

Rip 205 live

[Anybody Thrilla]

Rip 205 live

How do you figure?

[Droford]

At least no more "Survivor Series is the one night a year superstars from Raw and SD compete against each other"

[Shisen Kopf]

Rip 205 live

Wanna bet?

[Droford]

How do you figure?

This is on Tuesday at 10 which is 205 lives spot on the network

[Anybody Thrilla]

That is an awkward time slot, but I don't think 205 Live is in danger because of it.

[Droford]

Well either 205 live won't be live or this won't be live..

[Anybody Thrilla]

So fucking what?

[slik]

I wouldn't miss 205 if it went away...barely watch it as is and it's pretty boring most of the time when I do see it.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

That is an awkward time slot, but I don't think 205 Live is in danger because of it.

I can't believe I'll ever say these words, but Droford has a point.

If is is live, then it will take the place after Smackdown airs, which is what 205 Live does now. So where does 205 Live go?

[Shisen Kopf]

They need more battle royals not this crap. How the hell do you tape a show on Facebook?

[Anybody Thrilla]

I wouldn't miss 205 if it went away...barely watch it as is and it's pretty boring most of the time when I do see it.

They have some fire ass matches on there. I really don't see this MMC being any better.

[slik]

@Shisen Maybe they will develop a YouTube ONLY series for battle royals each week but you have to wear themed gear each week

Week 1: Surfer gear ONLY

[slik]

They have some fire ass matches on there. I really don't see this MMC being any better.

My guess is 205 airs after this - so they aren't competing w/ themselves on the Network - And/Or they tape it before SD airs.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

My guess is 205 airs after this - so they aren't competing w/ themselves on the Network - And/Or they tape it before SD airs.

Yeah, it's only 20 minutes long, so they might just do 205 after that... Then the dark match for the love crowd after that.

Those poor Smackdown crowds. No wonder not many people show up

[Anybody Thrilla]

If Raw is 3 hours to be at live, might as well be that long for Smackdown too.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

They still tape Main Event before Raw apparently. Wow.

There's an extra hour.

[Cool King]

The 12-episode series will air on Facebook Watch and feature WWE Superstars from both the Raw and SmackDown LIVE rosters competing in a single-elimination mixed tag-team tournament to win $100,000 to support Connor's Cure.

I fixed it for you.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Let's not forget Susan G. Komen or the Ultimate Warrior thing.

[slik]

Really hope Michael Cole is not on commentary or Byron Saxton...feel like both would 'turn off' people from watching

[Lock Jaw]

Should do a mixed commentary and have Renee Young there

[Cool King]

Or bring back Lita so she can relive those Heat days.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I think Coach is free now too.

[Cool King]

Well, it's just got to happen now then.

Coach & Lita for the commentary team.

[Emperor Smeat]

Sounds like a way better version of the NXT seasonal era.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Please please please please please please please please please please <br>Let <a href="https://twitter.com/itsBayleyWWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@itsBayleyWWE</a> be my partner in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWEMMC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWEMMC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWE</a> <a href="https://t.co/xZ6SCdniMe">pic.twitter.com/xZ6SCdniMe</a></p>&mdash; Finn Bálor Forever (@FinnBalor) <a href="https://twitter.com/FinnBalor/status/940962748627898372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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[slik]

https://www.cnet.com/news/wwes-new-show-is-exclusive-to-facebook-watch/



"We believe WWE is being significantly underpaid in its current Raw/SmackDown deal," media analyst Brendan Ross wrote in a BITG report back in June, according to Decider. USA is estimated to pay WWE $140 million per year for 260 hours of television, while Ross estimated a deal with Facebook, or competitors like Twitter and Amazon, could be worth around $400 million.

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol:

If anything WWE got more than they should have because of how bad the tv deal has been for USA Network in regards to ad fees until recently and them covering all the costs to make Smackdown a live show.

[Lock Jaw]

I hope Rusev and Lana team up and Rusev yells at Lana to CRUSH

[Lock Jaw]

My Smackdown parings:

Becky Lynch and Shinsuke Nakamura
Carmella and Bobby Roode
Charlotte Flair and Big E
Lana and Rusev
Jimmy Uso and Naomi
Natalya and Sami Zayn


My RAW pairings:

Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman
Alicia Fox and Goldust
Asuka and Samoa Joe
Bayley and The Miz
Nia Jax and Enzo Amore
Sasha Banks and Finn Balor

[Lock Jaw]

http://68.media.tumblr.com/be9800fa1ee065e78a6a07e66d674372/tumblr_n79znqQbrk1tc8g96o2_500.gif
http://38.media.tumblr.com/6ca4d27e67db47e6bfeb10e17350a35f/tumblr_n79znqQbrk1tc8g96o1_500.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/jpl5PW6HhKqfS/source.gif

[KIRA]

So in lieu of my fantasy to see Miz get kicked in the face by Nakamura I will gladly substitue Asuka to be the one to Kick Miz's fucking face off

[Frank Drebin]

They still tape Main Event before Raw apparently. Wow.

There's an extra hour.

I memba going to the last raw before mania and they had dark matches and NxT (you know, when it wasn't it's own brand and it sucked) before hand, then did matches for Smackdown after since it was mania week and SD wasn't going to be taped on tues. Then after all that, like over 4.5 hours, they had an 8 man tag main event dark match.

[Frank Drebin]

I have no idea what the hell this thing is or what the purpose of it will be, but some of the best shows WWE has put on in this modern era has been when no one knows wtf is going on and creative freedom can be a larger part of the show. So I'm all for...uh....this thing.

[DAMN iNATOR]

They need more battle royals not this crap. How the hell do you tape a show on Facebook?

VHS...DUH!

[DAMN iNATOR]

I have no idea what the hell this thing is or what the purpose of it will be, but some of the best shows WWE has put on in this modern era has been when no one knows wtf is going on and creative freedom can be a larger part of the show. So I'm all for...uh....this thing.

I think it's supposed to be a tourney comprised of all "mixed" or intergender matches from the description and title of the show.

[Danny Electric]

Hate the name but will have an open mind, as has been said before don't see them messing up the aura around Braun or Asuka being defeated on a charity show.

[Bad News Gertner]

Curt Hawkins HAS to be voted in

[Simple Fan]

Curt Hawkins HAS to be voted in

And teamed with Asuka, a streak will end one way or another.

[Bad News Gertner]

Boom. Book it.

[Black Widow]

This is Dumb as Fuck!

[Emperor Smeat]

Seems the voting for this show likely is going to be rigged since the WWE accidentally revealed who the mystery star from RAW will be in a recent poll.

WWE has a new poll asking fans which brand has the stronger roster of Superstars competing in the new Mixed Match Challenge series that will premiere on Facebook Watch in January. As of this writing, 60% voted for RAW (RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss, Alicia Fox, Asuka, Bayley, Braun Strowman, WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore, Finn Balor, Goldust, Nia Jax, Sasha Banks, The Miz, Samoa Joe) while the rest voted for SmackDown (Becky Lynch, Bobby Roode, Carmella, SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair, SmackDown Tag Team Champion Jimmy Uso, Lana, Naomi, Natalya, Rusev, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, and a Final Fan Vote to select a member of The New Day).

It's worth noting that the WWE website lists Samoa Joe, and no "Final Fan Vote" option, for the RAW brand but he was not announced earlier. It looks like they may have spoiled the "Final Fan Vote" for RAW, indicating that some of the voting in this competition is rigged.

[Droford]

And teamed with Asuka, a streak will end one way or another.

That's what has to happen. And he just stands inn the corner and lets her beat everyone

[Simple Fan]

That's what has to happen. And he just stands inn the corner and lets her beat everyone

Until the finals and he tags in for the glory and ends up losing. Then gets his ass kicked by Asuka in the true finals of the Mixed Match Challenge with an intetgender match. Too bad we thought of it and it won't happen.

[ClockShot]

20 minutes? Mixed tag team matches? Facebook live? $100k prize to charity?

Sounds dumb. Like WWE wants to get in on all those contests celebrities have and whoever wins donates said money to charity.

Braun doesn't seem like a fit for something like this but I guess it's competition.

"I'VE GOT BETTER THINGS TO DO!"

[Nicky Fives]

http://68.media.tumblr.com/be9800fa1ee065e78a6a07e66d674372/tumblr_n79znqQbrk1tc8g96o2_500.gif
http://38.media.tumblr.com/6ca4d27e67db47e6bfeb10e17350a35f/tumblr_n79znqQbrk1tc8g96o1_500.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/jpl5PW6HhKqfS/source.gif

Seems like your winners to me....

[Big Vic]

Who would win in a tag team match?

Roman/Asuka or Brock Lesnar/Stephanie McMahon

[Theo Dious]

After seeing the Cenas vs the Mizes at Wrestlemania my main concern here is a simple doubt that WWE can pull off mixed matches at all.

[Destor]

After seeing the Cenas vs the Mizes at Wrestlemania my main concern here is a simple doubt that WWE can pull off mixed matches at all.You see one bad match and you question everyone else on the roster?

[Lock Jaw]

I'm excited for anything that gives the ladies more time and spotlight

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

You see one bad match and you question everyone else on the roster?

TYPICAL FUCKING INTERNET FAN

[OwenHartFan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWE</a> presents the Mixed Match Challenge tournament, airing LIVE exclusively on Facebook Watch! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWEMMC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWEMMC</a> <a href="https://t.co/eHsyDsoUhm">https://t.co/eHsyDsoUhm</a> <a href="https://t.co/gdPEueEB8C">pic.twitter.com/gdPEueEB8C</a></p>&mdash; WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/940944268759326721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Not a bad idea. It's different and unique.

Could be a decent way to get male wrestlers over by pairing them up with hot female wrestlers.

[Cool King]

Curt Hawkins HAS to be voted in

https://s8.postimg.org/f1dwl9b1h/ezgif-4-868e7dcb97.gif

[#BROKEN Hasney]

The matches will likely suck, but these dumb skits are fun.

https://image.ibb.co/jJzEs6/Smart_Select_GIF_2017_12_18_13_51_05.gif

[Lock Jaw]

My dream team of Braun/Bliss is a reality

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uq8LjvbtdTk" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LgcEEDEeA4E" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Other announced Teams:

Bobby Roode & Charlotte
Finn Balor & Sasha Banks
Rusev & Lana
Jimmy Uso & Naomi
Nia Jax & Apollo Cruise

[Mr. Nerfect]

Braun Strowman and Alexa Bliss actually make an adorable team.

[Lock Jaw]

The Miz & Asuka

and

Goldust & Alicia Fox

are both confirmed

[Ezra]

http://68.media.tumblr.com/be9800fa1ee065e78a6a07e66d674372/tumblr_n79znqQbrk1tc8g96o2_500.gif
http://38.media.tumblr.com/6ca4d27e67db47e6bfeb10e17350a35f/tumblr_n79znqQbrk1tc8g96o1_500.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/jpl5PW6HhKqfS/source.gif

What a lucky man.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Is this a tournament, or is it just a series of matches? Does anybody care?

[Anybody Thrilla]

I'd watch it if it were on the Network.

[Lock Jaw]

I care.

[Danny Electric]

Bayley and Elias are a team, was going to be Samoa Joe but he's injured.

[XL]

They should make/should have made this WWE’s answer to the G1.

[Stickman]

Pretty sure I will not watch any of this.

[Lock Jaw]

Some of the teams are weird in terms of face/heel.

Like why is Nattie with Nakamura or Carmella with Big E and Becky Lynch with Sami Zayn?

[Evil Vito]

Holy shit, they actually ARE having everyone have a specific charity they're representing despite it being a predetermined contest.

Americares helps save lives and improve health for people affected by poverty or disaster.
Represented by: Elias & Bayley

Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides the resources needed to enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Represented by: Jimmy Uso & Naomi

Connor’s Cure raises awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research, in partnership with The V Foundation and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Represented by: Braun Strowman & Alexa Bliss

Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation initiative, inspires and connects girls globally through its leadership program that positions girls to be changemakers in their communities.
Represented by: Bobby Roode & Charlotte Flair

Global Citizen encourages the collective actions of people around the world with the goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030.
Represented by: Rusev & Lana

Hire Heroes USA empowers U.S. military members, veterans and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce.
Represented by: Alicia Fox & Goldust

KaBOOM! is dedicated to making sure all kids get the childhood they deserve through great, safe places to play.
Represented by: Big E & Carmella

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Represented by: Shinsuke Nakamura & Natalya

Rescue Dogs Rock is an animal rescue organization whose goal is to provide homeless, neglected or abused dogs the medical care they need and the loving home they deserve.
Represented by: The Miz & Asuka

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first and works toward the day when no children suffer from preventable causes. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States.
Represented by: Sami Zayn & Becky Lynch

Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to empower people with intellectual disabilities.
Represented by: Finn Bálor & Sasha Banks

Susan G. Komen’s mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.
Represented by: Apollo Crews & Nia Jax

Braun and Alexa winning is confirmed.

[Simple Fan]

Probably in hope that fans will donate to their favorite teams charity.

[#1-norm-fan]

After seeing the brackets, it looks like Miz and Asuka are gonna beat Braun and Alexa in the 2nd round, Braun and Alexa are gonna get voted back in "by the fans" and then they're gonna get their win back in the finals.

[Evil Vito]

Okay so apparently each charity is getting $10k and the winning team is getting $100k.

That's better than just saying "hey here's 9 charities we've already decided are getting precisely dick"

[owenbrown]

outcome still pretty obvious though

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Okay so apparently each charity is getting $10k and the winning team is getting $100k.

That's better than just saying "hey here's 9 charities we've already decided are getting precisely dick"

Except for the publicity the charities will get too being shown in WWE and Facebook

[Mr. Nerfect]

The face/heel mismatches are annoying.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

The face/heel mismatches are annoying.

Brand Sumpremacy is above heel face lines.

[#1-norm-fan]

It's not for brand supremacy. It's for charity.

#STDCorrection

[#1-norm-fan]

The face/heel mismatches are annoying.

I do like the idea of Miz and Asuka though. Mainly because it could work out well for both of them. Miz being cocky and acting like he's doing something as Asuka wins every match for the team because she's a badass. Then when they lose in the finals because of Miz she can kick his obnoxious face in.

That being said, the fact that Asuka's first loss is probably gonna be in this thing is retarded.

[Mr. Nerfect]

It is, but it's not like her win-loss record was going to segue into anything crucial on the main roster.

[Frank Drebin]

They were going blow their load on it in some terrible way anyway. Like when Charlotte had never lost at a ppv, then she just does randomly at one rather than building it up and making a big deal of it when she actually does lose.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah, exactly. I don't really have high hopes for anyone to be booked fortunately.

[Ruien]

This seems fun. No idea if I will remember to watch it but it's more BRAUN which is a good thing.