The fights were very popular in the Cilwellian Republic, largely because they reflected the Cilwelli lifestyle. The Cilwelli believed that suffering was the only way to enter the afterlife. Therefore, the idea of a blood sport was generally praised. However, some Cilwellians, particularly upper class females, viewed the games as inhumane and tried to outlaw them. Despite their attempts, the gladiatorial games would remain a part of Cilwelli culture until the planet's destruction during the Yuuzhan Vong War.