Hi kids! Do you like violence? Wanna see me stick … Oops, sorry. Anyway, good news, bad news: Bad news: No OTN tomorrow. Why? Super long show. But mainly because: due to our UFC 300 trip next week (in case you missed it, we will be doing live shows from Vegas next Thursday AND Friday
EVERYONE - Were you aware that UFC SW Angela Hill is the granddaughter of Barney and Betty Hill who are known for their claim of being abducted by a UFO in New Hampshire in 1961. It was a huge story for its time and even had a book published about it, The Interupted Journey, and a television show made about it, The UFO Incident. Were you aware of this? I find this very interesting. What are your thoughts room? Believer?
What's your thought on Mark Coleman, if he's actually considered to present the BMF title at #UFC300 ? This can't be more appropriate, dude's a badass.
I heard you guys saying apex cards kill your souls and they do in fact do the same to me. The UFC did 43 events in 2023 17 of which took place in the apex. How many events would you like to see the UFC remove. Do you guys think major change is needed like 7+ events or just a few. Wondering because this is a massive issue currently in the UFC. I didn’t watch the rose vs ribas card, i decided to watch on my own time because these cards don’t deserve 6 straight hours. WE NEED CHANGE
Hello Ariel and crew! Long time listener first time commenter. I believe I can give you a partial answer to your question as to why people always mention that wrestling is fake.
A lot of people growing up in the 90s and early 00s believed wrestling to be real, and were devastated when they learnt that it was all scripted (me, I am one of those people). Whenever someone mentions wrestling, I know I've had that thought surface in my head, "You know it's fake right?" It's kind of a reflex reaction for me, though thankfully I have the decency to not put down someone else's interests.
I was hurt for a long time by finding out wrestling was fake, but I've learned that even if it is fake the wrestlers are still freak athletes that are capable of doing some insane shit. So I do have respect for that.
This isn't a question but I wanted to say something about Joaquin Buckley and get your thoughts.
Firstly, being invited onto your show 3 times already in his young career is a decent amount, complaining that you haven't reached out more is ridiculous. Like you say, his manager can pick up the phone if it really matters that much to him. I'm surprised he cares so much about being on the show given what he said about your character, so who is really the one using others for their own personal gain?
To be invited onto your show and say that you weaponise the fighters against the UFC is hugely disrespectful to your integrity as a journalist. Anyone who has followed you a long time knows you care deeply about the fighters, and yes you delve into the dramas because that's where the stories are. You are the best at what you do, the best at putting the fighters at ease, showing their personalities so we can rally behind them, the best at finding enticing stories so that we can get hyped for fights. You help to colour in this beautiful sport and we love you for it.
Joaquin's statements were unnecessary and thoughtless. He had no examples to hand, and if he knew anything about you at all, he would have known not to come at you like that without being prepared. He wasn't prepared so he just sounded bitter.
I am a huge UFC fan but to me being a UFC fan and an Ariel Helwani fan goes hand in hand because you make following the sport so much fun. It really got my back up that he would say something like that about you when you invited him onto your show.
I've been listening to you for 10+ years but this was my first question. You're a legend Ariel.
For the umpteenth time, a fighter accused you of being an instigator/sowing discord/creating drama etc. why do you think this is such a frequent and common claim that fighters make?
I attended UFC Atlantic City and had the immense pleasure of speaking with GC & Ric, being seated on the Floor Level, only several seats over to GC’s left. GC even approached me between fights to discuss how our bets were going thus far. We both got absolutely cooked, but those fellas made it all worth the while by generously donating their time and actively initiating in conversation. True mensches in every sense of the word!
Just wanted to tell you gents again how much I truly value your genuine interest & appreciation for your fans. Ariel, you’ve assembled quite an incredible team, ¡Viva Helwani!
Good Afternoon Ariel and crew, Here's you're soon to be weekly wrestling/WWE question.
With Wrestlemania coming closer and closer and with the final Monday night Raw airing before mania, we now know the entire card for both night 1 and night 2 of Wrestlemania.
My questions would be what is your level of excitement for both nights compared and the both days as a whole? How have you enjoyed the build and road to WrestleMania compared to other? What direction do you think the WWE will likely go to after Cody most likely wins the title? What fueds would you like to see next after these matches and if you had your say so how would you book the matches you're most excited for on the cards? It would be great to have the whole crews opinion on this.
- thanku best regards MATT SMITTY.
(P.S. will we ever get a fatal four way between ric, gc, frankie, and ariel?)
(Here are all the matches on both nights in no particular, no need to read them all on air this is just to show you all the matches lol)
-The Rock & Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins
-WWE Women’s World Championship Match: Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch
-World Intercontinental Championship Match: Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
-Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match: Finn Balor & Damian Priest vs. DIY vs. Awesome Truth vs. The New Day vs. New Catch Republic vs. Austin Theory & Grayson Waller
-Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
-Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. Dominik Mysterio & Santos Escobar
-Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair & Naomi vs. Asuka, Kairi Sane, & Dakota Kai
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes
-World Heavyweight Championship Match: Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre
-WWE United States Championship Match: Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens
-WWE Women’s Championship Match: IYO SKY vs. Bayley
-Philadelphia Street Fight: Bobby Lashley & Street Profits vs. Karrion Kross & Authors of Pain
Hey Ariel and crew appreciate all the content you guys put together it helps us get through the work weeks . My question is what fight do you think the ufc will be putting into the UFC Hall of Fame this year? Thanks and safe travels to Vegas
Everyone wants Belal to get his title shot now when he is nearly 36 years of age. Is there anyone who thinks that this title fight with Leon would be competitive? Why does UFC do this to some of their fighters? Why can’t they release them if they don’t think much of them?
AM I THE ONLY ONE PAYING ATTENTION? Ariel its no secret you have been a long time criticizer of UFC Apex Shows. My question is why you dont have the same energy towards these substacked PFL shows. (; *like that pun?* YOU KNOW YOURSELF!!! These things area lamer than the Apex shows. I mean Im here watching the PFL Texas show with some solid talent yet Ide rather be watching rose namajunas vs amanda ribas again. I mean my goodness inbetween each match there is a 5 minute Idle period where the viewer is just lost, i mean ide rather watch a commercial.
The ufc can have 100 people come out to the apex and have a better product than pfl in an amphitheater with 1,000 people. That IS WILD
Ariel Helwani, how dare you not answer my question for 3 weeks, never mind the fact you have 100+ other qu’s to get through every Wednesday. Never mind you’ve picked plenty questions from your boy in the past, you should pick my question every week & twice on Wednesdays!!! Just playing of course. Thought I’d do my favourite Joaquin Buckley impression. That weirdo ironically called you “Hel-whinny” then proceeds to cry for 20mins about nothing. I commend how you handled it & quite frankly, you did not need to apologise. That was a slimy, disrespectful move from him. Let’s be honest, if it’s just about “using fighters” for hype & click, you ain’t having Joaquin Buckley on the show that’s for sure. And even the fact he admits if fighters simply answer questions honestly, they’ll “get in trouble with who we work for” speaks volumes. Keep doing what you do, I love this damn show. Much love, your boy Abay ✌🏾
EVERYONE - Were you aware that UFC SW Angela Hill is the granddaughter of Barney and Betty Hill who are known for their claim of being abducted by a UFO in New Hampshire in 1961. It was a huge story for its time and even had a book published about it, The Interupted Journey, and a television show made about it, The UFO Incident. Were you aware of this? I find this very interesting. What are your thoughts room? Believer?
Hi Ariel,
Aren't you worried about Conor's state? Looks like he has been hitting the slopes a lot lately.
Kinika Ariel and crew 🖐
What's your thought on Mark Coleman, if he's actually considered to present the BMF title at #UFC300 ? This can't be more appropriate, dude's a badass.
Much love 🫶
what’s up ariel and crew
I heard you guys saying apex cards kill your souls and they do in fact do the same to me. The UFC did 43 events in 2023 17 of which took place in the apex. How many events would you like to see the UFC remove. Do you guys think major change is needed like 7+ events or just a few. Wondering because this is a massive issue currently in the UFC. I didn’t watch the rose vs ribas card, i decided to watch on my own time because these cards don’t deserve 6 straight hours. WE NEED CHANGE
Thank you all From your man Ryder
Hello Ariel and crew! Long time listener first time commenter. I believe I can give you a partial answer to your question as to why people always mention that wrestling is fake.
A lot of people growing up in the 90s and early 00s believed wrestling to be real, and were devastated when they learnt that it was all scripted (me, I am one of those people). Whenever someone mentions wrestling, I know I've had that thought surface in my head, "You know it's fake right?" It's kind of a reflex reaction for me, though thankfully I have the decency to not put down someone else's interests.
I was hurt for a long time by finding out wrestling was fake, but I've learned that even if it is fake the wrestlers are still freak athletes that are capable of doing some insane shit. So I do have respect for that.
Question about Joaquin Buckley
Hi Ariel,
This isn't a question but I wanted to say something about Joaquin Buckley and get your thoughts.
Firstly, being invited onto your show 3 times already in his young career is a decent amount, complaining that you haven't reached out more is ridiculous. Like you say, his manager can pick up the phone if it really matters that much to him. I'm surprised he cares so much about being on the show given what he said about your character, so who is really the one using others for their own personal gain?
To be invited onto your show and say that you weaponise the fighters against the UFC is hugely disrespectful to your integrity as a journalist. Anyone who has followed you a long time knows you care deeply about the fighters, and yes you delve into the dramas because that's where the stories are. You are the best at what you do, the best at putting the fighters at ease, showing their personalities so we can rally behind them, the best at finding enticing stories so that we can get hyped for fights. You help to colour in this beautiful sport and we love you for it.
Joaquin's statements were unnecessary and thoughtless. He had no examples to hand, and if he knew anything about you at all, he would have known not to come at you like that without being prepared. He wasn't prepared so he just sounded bitter.
I am a huge UFC fan but to me being a UFC fan and an Ariel Helwani fan goes hand in hand because you make following the sport so much fun. It really got my back up that he would say something like that about you when you invited him onto your show.
I've been listening to you for 10+ years but this was my first question. You're a legend Ariel.
From Richard, UK
What’s on your Mount Rushmore of pro wrestling catch phrases?
F the haters we love the pro wrestling chat (it’s still real to us😭)
AH + Crew,
What's the plans for the show during the Summer Olympic games?
Much love,
Louis
Hi Ariel and MMA Hour Crew,
My question today…was the Becky Lynch/Rhea Ripley scuffle a work or was it a work?
Thanks for all that you do,
Brandon
Ariel,
For the umpteenth time, a fighter accused you of being an instigator/sowing discord/creating drama etc. why do you think this is such a frequent and common claim that fighters make?
LEEEEEEEROOOOOY JEEEEENKIIIINS
Hola Ariel & The Crew!
I attended UFC Atlantic City and had the immense pleasure of speaking with GC & Ric, being seated on the Floor Level, only several seats over to GC’s left. GC even approached me between fights to discuss how our bets were going thus far. We both got absolutely cooked, but those fellas made it all worth the while by generously donating their time and actively initiating in conversation. True mensches in every sense of the word!
Just wanted to tell you gents again how much I truly value your genuine interest & appreciation for your fans. Ariel, you’ve assembled quite an incredible team, ¡Viva Helwani!
- Justin (Jamaica, Queens)
Good Afternoon Ariel and crew, Here's you're soon to be weekly wrestling/WWE question.
With Wrestlemania coming closer and closer and with the final Monday night Raw airing before mania, we now know the entire card for both night 1 and night 2 of Wrestlemania.
My questions would be what is your level of excitement for both nights compared and the both days as a whole? How have you enjoyed the build and road to WrestleMania compared to other? What direction do you think the WWE will likely go to after Cody most likely wins the title? What fueds would you like to see next after these matches and if you had your say so how would you book the matches you're most excited for on the cards? It would be great to have the whole crews opinion on this.
- thanku best regards MATT SMITTY.
(P.S. will we ever get a fatal four way between ric, gc, frankie, and ariel?)
(Here are all the matches on both nights in no particular, no need to read them all on air this is just to show you all the matches lol)
-The Rock & Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins
-WWE Women’s World Championship Match: Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch
-World Intercontinental Championship Match: Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
-Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match: Finn Balor & Damian Priest vs. DIY vs. Awesome Truth vs. The New Day vs. New Catch Republic vs. Austin Theory & Grayson Waller
-Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
-Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. Dominik Mysterio & Santos Escobar
-Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair & Naomi vs. Asuka, Kairi Sane, & Dakota Kai
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes
-World Heavyweight Championship Match: Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre
-WWE United States Championship Match: Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens
-WWE Women’s Championship Match: IYO SKY vs. Bayley
-Philadelphia Street Fight: Bobby Lashley & Street Profits vs. Karrion Kross & Authors of Pain
-LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
Hey Ariel and crew appreciate all the content you guys put together it helps us get through the work weeks . My question is what fight do you think the ufc will be putting into the UFC Hall of Fame this year? Thanks and safe travels to Vegas
Everyone wants Belal to get his title shot now when he is nearly 36 years of age. Is there anyone who thinks that this title fight with Leon would be competitive? Why does UFC do this to some of their fighters? Why can’t they release them if they don’t think much of them?
AM I THE ONLY ONE PAYING ATTENTION? Ariel its no secret you have been a long time criticizer of UFC Apex Shows. My question is why you dont have the same energy towards these substacked PFL shows. (; *like that pun?* YOU KNOW YOURSELF!!! These things area lamer than the Apex shows. I mean Im here watching the PFL Texas show with some solid talent yet Ide rather be watching rose namajunas vs amanda ribas again. I mean my goodness inbetween each match there is a 5 minute Idle period where the viewer is just lost, i mean ide rather watch a commercial.
The ufc can have 100 people come out to the apex and have a better product than pfl in an amphitheater with 1,000 people. That IS WILD
Ariel Helwani, how dare you not answer my question for 3 weeks, never mind the fact you have 100+ other qu’s to get through every Wednesday. Never mind you’ve picked plenty questions from your boy in the past, you should pick my question every week & twice on Wednesdays!!! Just playing of course. Thought I’d do my favourite Joaquin Buckley impression. That weirdo ironically called you “Hel-whinny” then proceeds to cry for 20mins about nothing. I commend how you handled it & quite frankly, you did not need to apologise. That was a slimy, disrespectful move from him. Let’s be honest, if it’s just about “using fighters” for hype & click, you ain’t having Joaquin Buckley on the show that’s for sure. And even the fact he admits if fighters simply answer questions honestly, they’ll “get in trouble with who we work for” speaks volumes. Keep doing what you do, I love this damn show. Much love, your boy Abay ✌🏾