Was Gladiatorial Combat More Corographed and Stage Managed?

We know they were popular because there are amphitheatres, which are structures specifically designed to house this kind of activity. And these are very big, very expensive structures that require a heavy commitment. They wouldn't commit those kinds of resources if they didn't anticipate a really positive response from the general popa. Was gladiatorial combat more corographed and stage managed, perhaps like we might see professional wrestling to day? Well, we've spoken, obviously, about this side of spectacle and obviously an element of popularity. Were they the most popular a over time? Clearly, other sorts of events, i'm thinking specifically of chariot racing, were popular at the same time.