"Game of Pretenders to the Throne"

Promotions are looking for ticket sellers. Teams want their guy on the poster. And the fighters? Many are building castles on sand—declaring themselves kings and queens without ever facing a worthy war. This isn't hate. This is an audit.

We're not here to name names or throw shade. We're here to ask the tough questions:

• What really makes a contender?

• Who's pushing the limits in training when the lights are off?

• Are local promotions rewarding popularity over performance?

• Are we creating champions—or just characters?