Phil Taylor is keen to see a new tournament format introduced to darts. The 16-time world champion believes the current schedule offers too little variety, and is therefore open to the idea of a so-called Darts Royal Rumble. Two-time world champion Adrian Lewis is also enthusiastic about the concept, which takes inspiration from the famous event staged by American wrestling organisation WWE.

The proposal emerged after the Netflix show Beat Luke Littler aired, with the world number one taking on several challengers. Participants had the chance to win a huge £501,000 prize by beating Littler in a single leg of 501.

Fallon Sherrock was the one who managed it. ‘The Queen of the Palace’ became the first player to take a leg off Littler during the show and went home with the top prize.

The show’s success has sparked discussion among darts fans about new formats. One proposal is a tournament modelled on the Royal Rumble from professional wrestling.

“It’s starting to get a bit boring”

Taylor was asked by talkSPORT about the idea of a Darts Royal Rumble. The Stoke-on-Trent player responded positively. “Yes, good idea,” Taylor said when asked whether Netflix should organise such an event.

‘The Power’ believes the sport could do with some fresh ideas. He feels the current schedule offers too little variety. “Something new because it is getting a little bit boring at the minute. Just the same thing, 501, 501, 501,” the Englishman said.

Phil Taylor will soon team up with Adrian Lewis in a pairs tournament at MODUS

Taylor sees particular potential in the element of surprise offered by the proposed format. Thirty players would take part, with the order in which they compete kept secret until the event begins.

A new opponent would appear after each leg. The winner would stay on and face the next challenger. The tournament would continue until only one player remained. "Then the MC introducing everybody so that would be different. I’d enjoy that myself. Don’t tell anybody what the draw is," Taylor continued.

Taylor jokes about Luke Littler

Adrian Lewis, world champion in 2011 and 2012, then asked his former England teammate whether he would want to take part in such a match himself.

Taylor replied with a nod to the wrestling version of the event. “I'd throw him (Littler) off the stage,” joked the 16-time world champion.