Monday, October 19, 2026

The Virgin Media Email Situation

I came across some annoying news yesterday afternoon, while searching TAFKA Twitter.

It concerns Virgin Media and email. According to reports, the Internet Service Provider is transferring its active and legacy email services to a third party. 

That would have been okay for me. I would have accepted the move. However, there are costs involved.

There is a 99p transfer fee to shift over to Junara. Following that, Virgin Media broadband, landline or TV customers will get 12 months service for free. However, once that period expires, Junara will charge annual service costs. Those same reports suggest it'll be around £65 a year.

Keyboard

Upon reading the news, I immediately accessed some of my main online accounts and changed my email address.

As an NTL World customer since the early 2000s, I had used my @ntlworld.com email for some important accounts. For example - two separate banks, eBay and one betting firm I opened to place my first-ever online wager.

Fortunately, I used Hotmail for almost everything else. I didn't have much to change yesterday. With that said, I have sympathy for those who might have more online accounts with their Virgin Media (or legacy) email addresses as their first point of contact.

I am even late to the 'OMG, what is Virgin Media doing?' party. It looks like this story is at least one month old. Virgin Media must have emailed me about it on my NTL World account. Thus proving why I cannot justify putting down ££65 a year for an email service.

I rarely use it nowadays.

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Survivor Consensus Plays (And Non Play) For Week 6 2026

As I usually do on a Sunday morning, I checked in to see what the consensus has opted for in Circa Sports' NFL Survivor contests.

Today's browse resulted in a couple of surprises. I'll save the best (WORST!) for last.

To start, I noticed that the majority of selections have gone for the Los Angeles Rams to beat the Cardinals later today.

L.A. Rams are Week 6 Consensus Play in Circa Sports' Survivor 

901 people are on the Rams. I know this is a straight up contest, so all the Los Angeles team has to do is win, but they are coming off a Monday night game. I would have avoided it just by that alone. Add in the fixture went to overtime as well, I would have double faded them. 

As I mentioned on Friday, I'm opposing the Rams in the spread contest. The Cardinals are +12.5 road dogs. 

There are eight hundred and twenty-one players looking for the second-best picked side in Circa's contest: The New England Patriots. They're also at home. The Jets are their opposition. 

For what it's worth, my 'Survivor Leans' play - which appears in Taylor's Pro Football Gambling Annual - was Baltimore.  The Lamar Jackson-less Ravens are three-point road favourites to Cleveland. 


Grandissimo 'No Pick' in Week 6

The second surprising story, from this morning's observation of the Las Vegas sportsbook's contests, occurred when I checked in with Circa's Grandissimo consensus.

For those unaware, the Grandissimo is a survivor contest which demands a $100,000 entry fee. One heavy-hitter didn't make a pick.


I looked further into the story and it appears that the player's proxy - a person paid to make picks for absent entrants - didn't hand the selection in in time.

That's stunning. The baddest of bad beats if ever I saw one.

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Double Gaffes

Today's Wordle word is 'GAFFE'. I couldn't figure it out, when I played in the early hours of this morning, but - upon realising what the answer was - I rolled my eyes.

Typical. The word 'Gaffe' popped up mere hours after I found out I had made a couple of gaffes of my own.

My friend reached out yesterday evening and alerted to me to some mess ups I made in Taylor's Pro Football Gambling Annual.

Coincidentally, they both appeared in one section of the the chapter for this week's fixtures.

While writing about tomorrow's game between the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons, I wrote that the Ravens 'parted ways with Jim Harbaugh after eighteen seasons'.

Those who follow the NFL are sure to know exactly where the screw up is in that line. Jim Harbaugh was not a head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. That job was his brother's. Yep, I typed 'Jim' instead of 'John'.

There's no excuse. However, I think there could be a mild reason why Jim Harbaugh came out instead of his sibling. The new Ravens head coach - Jesse Minter - had worked under Jim at the University of Michigan and the Los Angeles Chargers between 2022 and 2025. It must have been a subconscious 'don't mention Jim' thing... which led to me mentioning Jim.

Either way, that was one big:

Wordle Word from October 17th 2026

The second mess up was a simple typo. I can back it up. I wrote the Atlanta Falcons' head coach's name as 'Kevin Stevanski' when it's actually 'Kevin Stefanski'. I know that. I've written it the correct way at least two other times in the book. 

My friend suggested it was likely because the V and F are close to each other on the keyboard. That's a fair excuse. Still, it's an embarrassing:

Wordle Word from October 17th 2026

At least I haven't written 'San Francisco ho' as I did last year. 

Friday, October 16, 2026

Denver's Ugly OT Win And Picks For Rest Of Week 6

'That was an ugly win,' was the first thing I thought when the Denver Broncos scored an overtime field goal last night. As if to punctuate my opinion, Kirk Herbstreit said something along the lines of 'that wasn't pretty.'

Either way, it was a win. A win is a win is a win. And all that.

Playing Denver in football contest

I was happy with the result because I opted to take the Broncos +2.5 as one of the five selections in the spread contests I play in. I went against my rule of not taking a side in Thursday night games.

The reason why I opposed my self-appointed ruling is because of some of the things I liked about the game, when I researched it earlier this year.

Was Denver the correct play?

While writing Taylor's Pro Football Gambling Annual 2026, I found the Broncos had gone 14-9 overall and 7-4 at home against the spread whenever they've faced current Super Bowl Champions.

As well as that, I liked the fact that the bookies had cast Denver as home underdogs in a situation where they had a straight up home record of 8-2 (80%) against Seattle between 1995 and 2024.

Seattle .vs. Denver Head-to-Head Before 2025
Seahawks .vs. Broncos head-to-heads since 1995 (before last night's game)

Those home stats now obviously improve to 9-2 (90%) straight up at home against the Seahawks. Denver will now have a 1-0 (100%) record in the home underdogs section.

All of the information for that game, and every other fixture of the NFL's 2026 regular season, can be found in the latest edition of Taylor's Pro Football Gambling Annual.

The Remaining Week 6 NFL Contest Picks

For those interested to know, the other four selections in this week's entry are:

  • New York Giants +1: The Giants are 7-4 SU at home against the Saints
  • Arizona +12.5: Mainly a play on the double digits but also factoring in the Rams are coming off a Monday night overtime game and are facing a head coach who knows them well in Mike LaFleur. The Cardinals are also 15-10 (60%) ATS at the Rams. Eighteen of those games were as underdogs. They own an 11-7 (61%) record in covering from those meetings.
  • Las Vegas +5.5: Just like with the Cardinals, I'm fading the other team in Monday's OT game (Bills). 
  • Dallas +1.5: Another situational play. This time, I'm backing the Cowboys because they are returning to action following a Week 5 Thursday game. The Packers, on the other hand, beat their rivals - the Bears - on Sunday. The head-to-head history doesn't paint a good picture for the Cowboys, so this sure is a troublesome pick and one I wouldn't put real money on.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

A Ghostbusters Christmas

A little over a week ago, I came across a story - doing the rounds - which indicated that a new Ghostbusters movie was in the early stages of development.

Ohh, I thought. Especially after I saw its rumoured title.

Ghostbusters: Nightmare on 34th Street

I might be jumping to conclusions, but the subtitle teases the movie is set around Christmastime. To speculate further, that would make it eligible for A Diet of Christmas Films should the project progress 

It won't be the first Ghostbusters movie to have that time of the year as a setting. Kind of. The first sequel of the franchise was set during New Year's Eve celebrations with the team having to stop New York City from being overcome by slime with the help of.. the Statue of Liberty.

Ghostbusters II (1989)

If it goes ahead, Ghostbusters: Nightmare on 34th Street will be the sixth movie in the franchise. That number includes the female reboot from 2016. The most recent instalment - 2024's Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire - was not received well by many.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

'What's In The Tin?'

Take a look at this.

What's in the Can?

I'd like you to guess what it is in the tin.

I'll tell you further on down this post. No cheating!






Almost there!








If you had guessed cat food, you'd be VERY WRONG.

If your prediction happened to be tuna with mango and chilli, you are correct.

I had this intriguing food item yesterday evening after finding it whilst doing my online shop at Asda last week.

Mango is one of my favourite fruits. Tinned tuna is my favourite kind of 'fish food' as funny as that may come across. 

It was a perfect match. Throwing in chilli - one of my least liked food items - had the potential to ruin the experience. However, it didn't, In fact, I thought the kick - brought on by the chilli - was one of the most enjoyable parts of my evening meal.

I'm definitely going to buy another tin when I next order from Asda. There are other flavours in the range. They are:

  • Lemon and Thyme
  • Chilli and Garlic
  • Sun-dried Tomato

I might give the rest a test drive sometime in the near future.

These tuna cans might not be a new thing. I rarely venture further down the Asda page, when looking for tinned tuna. I often find what I want in the early results. These products are, as of the time of writing, on the sixth row. Hence why I have only become acquainted with their existence.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Halfway

Meet Me Halfway by The Black Eyed Peas

As of right now, I am halfway through the 2026 Booker Prize shortlist. 

I finished reading the third novel last night. The next one will be randomly selected sometime today.

The 'Booker Prize Marathon' post for this year will go live as soon as I've completed all six of the titles. However, I have a feeling I've read what will be the winner.

No spoilers.  Not yet, anyway.

We'll know for sure in twenty-seven days.

Monday, October 12, 2026

The Incident At Yorkshire Wildlife Park

I was stunned early on Saturday evening when I came across the footage of a man inside the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

I sensed it wasn't going to end well. For obvious reasons. My fears became a reality shortly after that when I caught the news an hour or so later.

Over the past couple of days, I've read some horrific takes by people on social media. Some claim the tiger should be put down. Then there are others calling the man names. 

In my opinion, the tiger did what is natural. It attacked what it considered to be its prey. As for the comments about the victim, the reasonable conclusion to make is he wouldn't have placed himself in a situation like that had they the capacity to judge the danger he was creating for himself. Empathy should be conveyed here. Not ridicule. 

It's a terrible situation for all involved.

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Eagles @ Jacksonville In London (Again!)

The Eagles versus Jaguars has just kicked off.

Jacksonville are the designated home team, but have been booed by the seemingly heavy Philadelphia fan contingent at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Looks like it's going to be one of those games. (I wrote that sentence before the fight thirteen seconds in).

I have Philadelphia to win straight up in the ESPN contest I play in each week. I've also selected them in ESPN's against the spread contest. They're +6.5 in that.

Philadelphia .vs. Jacksonville History

The Eagles are 5-3 (63%) straight up from all eight times they've played the Jags.

Philly are also 1-0 (100%) straight up and against the spread from their previous visit to London. Their opponents on that 2018 day? None other than this week's opponents.

Eagles' International Series History Ahead of 2026

The tables appear in my NFL handicapping book - Taylor's Pro Football Gambling Annual 2026. You can read more about it by following THIS LINK.

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Mike Ditka

I realised something yesterday.

Upon hearing that legendary NFL head coach - Mike Ditka - had passed away, I thought about what I would write about him in today's post.

It struck me - Mike Ditka is the first coach that I ever see win a Super Bowl. In fact, I would go so far as to say, Mike Ditka must be the first 'manager' I've ever seen win any sporting award.

I was very young when the 1985 Chicago Bears were doing the business. I didn't follow football (soccer!) much back then. I was still a few months away from from obsessing over the Mexico 1986 World Cup. Before that, the Bears won the Super Bowl.

As I was quite young, I obviously didn't 'watch' the Super Bowl XX win live. But, I kept up on the news thanks to frequently keeping up with the NFL through the Channel 4 coverage. 

I didn't really root much for a team back then. I enjoyed following the Bears' run to the Super Bowl thanks mainly to how much of an iconic star William 'The Refrigerator' Perry was back during my childhood. 

The Fridge scored a surprising touchdown during the Bears' Vince Lombardi Trophy win over the New England Patriots in that game. It was a shocking call because Perry's main position was in defence. He came in as fullback to add to what resulted in a 46-10 score.

The one-yard play was called by Ditka. 

Friday, October 09, 2026

Yet Another McDonald's World Menu Heist Post

On September 23rd, I wrote a post about the return of McDonald's World Menu Heist promotion and mentioned the global restaurant brand had introduced a couple of new burgers. In the post, I wrote about trying out Canada's Maple and Cheddar Chicken and noted I would try the Big Rosti when I next ordered.

Well, it's time to deliver the promise...

McDonald's Big Rosti (Germany)

The Big Rosti burger is inspired by Germany. It contains a British and Irish beef patty layered with a potato rosti (obviously!), streaky bacon, a cheese slice, creamy bacconnaise and cheese sauces inside a glazed bun.

McDonald's Big Rosti Burger Box (Germany)

I had asked a friend from Germany if one of these burgers is available on the menus in his country. I was told it might be a special item which appears around Oktoberfest. 

As for the UK rendition - it was okay. I found mine to be a bit messy (as you'll be able to see below). Not that that's a complaint. I enjoyed it. But that's all. The potato rosti sure did make it stand out from other limited edition burgers from McDonald's but it isn't enough to make me want to go out of my way to buy should it appear again in future.

McDonald's Big Rosti Burger (Germany)

McDonald's Guava X Sprite Zero (India)

I didn't feel compelled to try the Guava X Sprite Zero drink with September's order. 

I don't find guava to be an enjoyable flavour of fruit and I'm not keen on Sprite Zero. Having both in a collaboration made me doubly disinterested in trying the drink. However, I thought 'I may as well' while choosing the refreshment part of the Big Rosti meal.

The Guava Sprite is meant to represent McDonald's restaurants from India. I initially surmised that the reason why may be because guavas originated from that part of the world. They, in fact, don't. According to my research, the fruit comes from the Americas.

McDonald's Guava X Sprite Zero (India)

My instincts turned out correct. I didn't enjoy the drink. It teased refreshment at first, but I was then struck by the sandpaper-like scratch down the back of my throat. This is the sensation I always get from drinking Ginger Beer. If you know, you know.

McDonald's Szechuan Dip (China)

Another item I had close to zero interest in last month was the Szechuan dip which represents McDonald's China.

I suspected it would be somewhat spicy so passed. However, just like with the Sprite, I concluded 'I may as well' and added the dip to the order.

The sauce was initially used to dip my fries and mac & cheese triangles in. I am pleased to confirm it wasn't spicy at all. It was more like soy sauce.

McDonald's Szechuan Dip (China)

Off all the items I ordered for this post, I found the Szechuan dip to be the most pleasing. I suppose that's because I had the lowest of expectations. It sure did surprise me.

McDonald's World Menu Heist Meal

I ended up dipping the burger into the sauce. That's how much I wanted to experience it.

So, to close, I urge you to simply buy whatever you want for yourself. What ever you do - you must try the dip!

Thursday, October 08, 2026

Goodreads Upgrades Its Ratings System

I received an email from Goodreads yesterday with some brilliant news.

The social media website for bookworms has upgraded the way people can rate books once they've finished reading them.

Before now, the way to grade a title is to give them between one and five stars. There was no option which allowed readers to, for example, give a book three-and-a-half stars. That's no longer an issue. We can now do that.

It's not just halves that can be given out. It's also possible to give quarters.

Here's a clip showing how it's possible.

This obviously makes it easier for me when it comes to sorting out the books on the Booker Prize shortlist. In the past, I had to point out which - of at least two novels with identical star ratings - was superior. 

I faced a similar situation earlier this week reading the 2026 shortlisted titles.

Wednesday, October 07, 2026

I Try Surreal's KFCereal

I've just had KFC for breakfast.

Yes, you read that right. I've just had KFC for breakfast. Not in the way you're imagining it, though.

First, I should back track.

A few weeks ago, I came across a post on TAFKA Twitter which showed a box of breakfast cereal with the KFC logo. 

'Okay,' I thought. 'You have my attention.'

A Surreal purchase and delivery

The cereal is made by a UK company named Surreal. It produces healthy breakfast products made with high protein and low sugar content. I browsed the website and found the KFC cereal for £6. It was an instant purchase.

A few days later, the parcel arrived at my door. Inside was the box of cereal (obviously!) but also a cool bit of marketing - a chicken themed newspaper named The Breakfast Times.

Surreal KFCereal

Looks brilliant, doesn't it?

It took me a few days to actually open the cereal itself because I had a plan.

To have the authentic KFCereal experience, I had to try the cereal with real KFC gravy. I ordered a small tub, with yesterday's lunch and kept it until this morning.

Tasting Surreal's KFCereal for the first time


Upon opening the cereal bag, I took a sniff. The first thing I thought was 'it smells a bit like the Walkers crisps from the KFC promotion' 

Surreal KFCereal

As you can see above, the cereal looks just like.. well, just like regular breakfast cereal. It didn't with my next act:

Surreal KFCereal

After heating the gravy for a minute (with a thirty second stir session in-between!), I poured it on top of my breakfast.

It felt peculiar to have a breakfast cereal with a chicken flavouring. On top of that, it was also off-putting to have the cereal with gravy instead of milk.

Double Discombobulation.

I didn't count how many spoonfuls I had. I suppose I had enough to forget how many. However, I reached a point of realisation where I noticed the gravy had made the breakfast too seasoned for my liking. The spiciness forced me to tap out earlier than anticipated.

Plan B is to try this cereal the old fashioned way.

Would I buy KFCereal again?


To be frank, I consider KFCereal for what it is: a gimmick. It is a brilliant one at that. However, I don't believe I'll ever go out of my way to buy it in the future. I certainly won't try original KFC gravy with it again. On a plus side, the Surreal-KFC collaboration introduced me to Surreal's products. I notice one of their cereals is peanut butter flavoured. Regular visitors will know how much I love both Reese's and Aldi's peanut butter breakfast offerings, so I plan to at least give Surreal's version a try.

Until then, I'm going to battle away at this box of KFCereal. 

With milk.

Surreal KFCereal

Tuesday, October 06, 2026

A Posthumous Double For October 6

It had only been a few days ago since I read a press release stating that Jeffrey Archer's upcoming book - Adam & Eve - would be his last.

The famed author was set to retire at the age of eighty-six once the book came out today.

It didn't end that way.

Stunned. That's how I felt when I read the news report of Archer's death last night. Mere hours before the book went live.

Jeffrey Archer - Adam & Eve

In one day, or rather: hours, Adam & Eve became a posthumous novel. Coincidentally, it's the second title of a deceased writer to be published today.

Also on the shelves is third book in The Talisman series by Stephen King and Peter Straub. The latter passed away a little over four years ago leaving King with enough notes to finish off Other Worlds Than These.

Other Worlds Than These - King and Straub

My copy arrived this morning. I'll get to it as soon as I've finished getting through the Booker Prize shortlist (Update: I'm currently on the third of six books in the marathon).

Monday, October 05, 2026

Meeting My Uncle Again

I met my uncle for the first time since 2002 in the early hours of this morning.

I genuinely cannot recall a time, since he passed away in 2003, when I've dreamt about him. 

He was selling vacuum cleaners of all things. Not exactly. He was actually selling videos (video cassettes at that!) showing his technique of selling vacuums.

Just like in real life, he gave me some sound advice. I know it was all my subconscious creating the dream, but I choose to believe he really did come to see me.

It sure was good to catch up with him.

Sunday, October 04, 2026

A £1 Punt (For One Reason, And One Reason Only)

I was just looking through my emails and came across one from Bet365 for today's NFL games.

They were offering some special prices for the Colts versus Commanders from Tottenham, which kicks off at 2:30pm BST. 

One stood out only because of what they called the bet builder.

It's Daniel Jones themed and requires the following:

  1. Indianapolis to win straight up
  2. Jones to have 275+ passing yards
  3. Jones 3+ passing touchdowns
They're offering 10/1.

I like two of the three. However, they've named it 'Indiana Jones' and - seeing as I'm wearing my Daniel Jones 'Indiana Jones' t-shirt today - I am obliged to whack £1 on. 

Only £1!

The selection I can't see coming in is number three. There's guaranteed to be some rushing touchdowns - for both sides - on today's play sheets. 

Daniel Jones Bet Builder for Colts .vs. Commanders

Saturday, October 03, 2026

Colts -4 Against The Commanders - Has It Lost Value?

I see the Indianapolis Colts are now four-point favourites to beat the Washington Commanders when they meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

That's a big drop considering the designated visiting team (they're both visitors imo!) were written up as +1.5 road dogs when early lines were published in May.

Checking in with what I wrote in Taylor's Pro Football Gambling Annual, if I had a fiver to bet on this game right now, I'd pass.

Indianapolis Colts .vs. Washington Commanders Recent Betting History

The previous eight meetings clearly favoured the Colts straight up. They have a win-loss of 5-3 (63%) in that category. They would have been a perfect punt as +1.5 dogs. Now, as four-point chalk? Not so much.

Value gone.

The last time the Colts played in London


I also have a dreadful memory of the last time Indianapolis played in London. I had them backed as a pick 'em against the Jaguars.

The Wembley Stadium game, which 'celebrated' its tenth anniversary yesterday, ended with Jacksonville 30-27 winners. 

It's safe to conclude with one assurance: I'm not taking the Colts. With that said, I don't find Washington +4 an appealing counter.

Daniels ruled out for London clash


Commanders' quarterback, Jayden Daniels, has been ruled out for a second straight week after dislocating his elbow against Dallas in Week 2.

A Marcus Mariota led Commanders upset the current Super Bowl champions last weekend. The 33-31 win over the Seahawks saw Washington +8.5 cover in the Beat the Champs betting angle. However, per the very same system, this week's game places the Commanders in the fade/come down spot.

For a more extensive look at this weekend's slate of games, and every other game for the remainder of the 2026 season, check out Taylor's Pro Football Gambling Annual.

Friday, October 02, 2026

Tomorrow's College Games (Updated)

Barring a late miracle, which is me deciding to ante up to buy a DAZN NCAA Football subscription,  I won't be able to catch the Oklahoma Sooners' visit to the Texas Longhorns tomorrow.

I've checked the menu of games available to Disney Plus customers and it's not on there.

That's a shame, I would have enjoyed being able to watch that game at 8:30pm BST. It would have been perfect because I will, for the first time this season, get to watch Notre Dame. Their game begins at 5pm for me.

Notre Dame @ North Carolina (Disney Plus)

The Fighting Irish, who are ranked third, head to North Carolina to take on Bill Belichick's Tar Heels. 

I've checked out the spread and total for the match I plan to watch. The visitors are -21.5 favourites. Those looking to bet on the Over-Under will find the totals line set at 46.5.

After last week's mess up, I don't intend to use the spreadsheet to place any bets. In fact, I don't intend to place any wagers at all. 

3/10 UPDATE - I was listening to a radio show last night and they mentioned Texas is on a bye this week. The Oklahoma game is on October 10th. First, what a rookie mistake by yours truly to not look at the dates when I asked Google for the next Texas game. Second, I’ll keep an eye on the Disney Plus menu for next week’s slate. I could very well get to see this one after all. Albeit a week later than I expected ha!

Thursday, October 01, 2026

"Isn't It Too Early For Greggs Festive Bakes?"

I was browsing the news this morning, and came across an article about Greggs' Christmas menu.

'BAKE OFF,' exclaimed the article's headline. 'Greggs reveals Christmas menu launching TODAY - as it brings back pigs in blankets'.

Isn't it too early for Greggs Festive Bakes?

That was my thought upon seeing the teasing headline and its deck. After all, it is October 1st. Greggs usually brings out the main part of its Christmas special shortly after Halloween. Or am I mistaken?

Turns out my guess was correct. There seems to only be a limited amount of Christmas items launched today. Most are of the sweet variety. As the news website pointed out - there are pots of pigs in blankets available for those looking for a Greggs snack.

Something stood out in my browse through today's updated menu.

Greggs Sweet Mince Pie Roll (Christmas 2026)


New to this year's range is a Sweet Mince Pie Roll.

Inside Greggs' Sweet Mince Pie Roll

The product contains 'sweet mincemeat, made from vine fruits, Bramley apples and candied orange and lemon peel' inside puffed pastry dusted with icing sugar.

I bought one shortly after reading the article. Mine was really nice. It slightly reminds me of McDonald's Festive Pie, but felt more decadent even if it doesn't have custard inside.

It's something I will try again whenever I next buy lunch (or dinner!) from Greggs. I suppose that'll be whenever the company brings out the Festive Bake for Christmas 2026.

Other items on Greggs' early Christmas menu

As well as the Sweet Mince Pie Roll and pot of pigs in blankets, Greggs customers can also find mince pies, Christmas fruit cake slices and caramel shortbreads on the Christmas range.

They've joined some of the products available for the Halloween and November 5th seasons. For example, there's a pumpkin-shaped chocolate biscuit and 'Bonfire Toffee' muffins. 

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Another Wrestling Question On Pointless

'They had a question about your wrestlers on Pointless this evening'

That was what one of my friends told me last night. I had to investigate immediately.

As I suspect some are aware, but some might not be, Pointless is a weekday evening game show on BBC One. The best way I can describe it is it's like a reverse Family Feud/Fortunes in that one hundred people have been asked the same questions. The aim in Pointless is for the quizzers to give answers that score the lowest amount of points. That's either by giving an answer not many of the 100 polled have given or - even better - a response no one has offered. The latter would be  'pointless'.

The couple who make it to the final round then get to answer a final question and hope that one of their three responses is pointless.

Pointless' WrestleMania-themed Question

Last night's finalists were given a choice of answering a question about 'Wrestling'. One of the categories was 'WrestleMania Main Eventers'. They had to give three names of people who starred in the closing match of any of the past forty-one WrestleManias. For what it's worth, and it is worth a lot to me (but that's another story!), they could have given any of the names who have headlined the Saturday night cards of two-night Manias. 

WrestleMania on Pointless (29th September 2026)

After conferring for their allotted one minute, the ladies opted to go with Jake Paul, The Undertaker and 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin as their three answers.

WrestleMania on Pointless (29th September 2026)

Jake Paul was an incorrect answer because he has never main evented a WrestleMania. Neither has his brother, Logan, who is the WWE star in the family.

The Undertaker, regarded as one of the main characters in WrestleMania history due to his lengthy undefeated streak, was not a pointless answer. Eleven members of the panel knew him.

Of the three names given, and considering he's arguably one of the biggest names in modern wrestling history, I expected Steve Austin to get the majority of points. Surprisingly, only one of the one hundred pollsters gave Austin as an answer.

ONE!!

As the contestants were making their selections, I wrote three answers of my own down. I went with Mr T (headlined the first WrestleMania alongside Hulk Hogan against 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper and 'Mr Wonderful' Paul Orndorff), Sid Justice (main evented WrestleMania VIII and XIII) and 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted Dibiase (WrestleMania IV).

Some WrestleMania-themed Pointless Answers


Once we knew the contestants had failed to find a pointless answer, Michael Ball - who was sat in the researchers' seat (or whatever it's called!) - showed a few of the pointless answers on the screen. Andre the Giant (WrestleMania III), Becky Lynch (WrestleMania XXXV), Kurt Angle (WrestleMania XIX) and Shawn Michaels (WrestleManias XII, XIV, XX and XXIII) were highlighted. However, Ball ran off a list of other names like Bianca Belair (Saturday of Mania XXXVII) and Ronda Rousey (WrestleMania XXXV). He also named all three of my selections and botched the pronunciation of 'Dibiase' as he did so. Fair. I'm sure I would have done the same had that name been new to me.

WrestleMania on Pointless (29th September 2026)

Wrestling questions have featured on Pointless a few times over the years. Most have been resulted in a lot of British wrestlers from history being acknowledged. 

The only Brit who would have been a correct answer, for last night's question, would have been Drew McIntyre. 

The Scot was in the main event of WrestleMania XXXVI, which was held inside WWE's Performance Center during the Pandemic. McIntyre won the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar in the main event but also defended the strap, with a win over The Big Show, in a dark match immediately afterwards.

Curiosity has me wondering if McIntyre was a pointless answer or not. That's something I'm going to try and find out.

Stay tuned.