Unlike other team-based sports, professional wrestling offers fans a more intimate, unpredictable experience filled with excitement and thrills. The appeal extends beyond the one-on-one action to speculation regarding where each match will go and who the next line-up will be. In fact, this is the exact reason sports bettors enjoy the hobby, as even bookmakers cannot accurately predict wrestling match outcomes. However, the introduction of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) in every sector begs the question of how it impacts sports betting. More specifically, how accurately can ML-powered systems actually predict wrestling outcomes?
To answer this, it is crucial to explore punters’ methods to bet on their favorite teams, including online sportsbooks and other iGaming platforms. Some players might opt for domestic options, while others research how to bet offshore. Compared to local sportsbooks, offshore sportsbooks not only allow players to bet with crypto but also enjoy live streaming and take advantage of promos. Additionally, (despite not being available with local sportsbooks), players gain access to better odds, bigger bonuses, and more freedom than most US-licensed sites. Regardless of the sports betting platform and niche wrestling markets, another critical factor to consider is the contrast between wrestling and traditional sports.
Writers, bookers, and creative teams predetermine the outcomes of each match, creating a unique hurdle when it comes to predictions. For one, the presence of kayfabe can make it difficult to decipher what comes next, as wrestlers’ actions oftentimes change on a whim. Booking decisions can change for many reasons, ranging from executive mandates to wrestlers’ injuries and fan reactions. Overall, matches are not won based on athletic prowess but rather to serve a long-standing narrative to keep fans hooked. However, professional bookmakers do (usually) have an edge, either in terms of insider insight or quick reaction times when news breaks.
Considering AI and ML, it is vital to understand that they use algorithms to study vast data sets, pick up patterns and trends, and make predictions. Many wrestling fans (and bookmakers) may have personal biases or make emotionally driven decisions, which is where ML gains the upper hand. A practical example of this would be how ML can look over years’ worth of wrestling content, analyze recurring narratives and trends, and come to a conclusion quickly. Even more, ML can do this with a neutral stance, making its decisions solely based on factual information from its findings.
Realistically, even the most devout fans cannot keep up with this feature, which is where AI and ML come out on top. AI and ML use data such as historical match results, wrestler statistics (title reigns or win/loss records), booking trends, fan reactions (social media), and character direction. This way, ML can accurately predict where a current narrative may lead, and which wrestler is set to win which match. Insider insight into such statistics on the part of bookmakers is great, but will the human element be able to keep up with machine-based predictions?
It could be argued that the human element is actually an AI and ML weakness, as the creative team behind wrestling is people, not machines. If there is a last-minute decision to push for a rookie or for Triple H to make a sudden appearance in a match, AI and ML cannot predict this. In fact, this plays into the idea of creative teams going for the most shocking developments, while AI will likely predict the most logical outcome (which is not always the case). Bookmakers might be able to guess a plot twist better than an AI model, as they can better pick up narrative trends and tropes. Ultimately, there is no way for AI to fully outsmart a bookie, as the two each serve a purpose and can (usually) accurately guess a potential outcome. They complement each other, in fact, and fans could benefit from using both options when it comes to placing wrestling bets.
