Robot Wars is a TV show that inspired a generation of engineers to take up the sport of "Robot Combat", but what drove success in the design of those competing? Looking at some famous matches and designs, this talk will break down the rock-paper-scissors of the sport, and try to provide an understanding of how this can help to educate a new generation of engineers today. Should the sport have a Meta, it will mean certain designs always win out over others - however should it not, then it may suggest it is not the design itself that determines success, but rather ones understanding of design.