Recently, I attended my first WWE event at the Amway Center in Orlando. Maybe I should start at the beginning with my journey into the wrestling world. I never really watched wrestling growing up, and have to admit I always thought it was kind of stupid. Granted, this is coming from someone who watched General Hospital religiously for 18 years before giving it up, so my opinion might be slightly skewed. Of course I was peripherally aware of names like Hulk Hogan, Sgt. Slaughter, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Jake the Snake Roberts, Andre the Giant and several others, but I never once in my life watched wrestling … that is until July of 2010.
It was my acquaintance Tom’s birthday (he’s one of those guys, like Harry from “When Harry Met Sally,” who doesn’t think men and women can be friends), where the party was going to be wrestling themed that I got my first introduction to WWE. I’ve been “ruined” ever since. Our friend Scarlett mentioned her favorite wrestler was Randy Orton, Tom’s was CM Punk, a few others voiced their opinions, but I decided to wait to see the guys before I chose a favorite. Eventually, my attention was brought to the tv and on screen was Randy Orton, The Viper, The Apex Predator. I was immediately captivated.
Here we are a little over three and a half years later and I’ve spent countless hours watching WWE wrestling events, pay per views, even bought Randy Orton’s dvd, Evolution of a Predator. I have been given shirts, action figures, souvenir cups, but now it was time to attend my first real live WWE event where I’d see my favorite wrestler in person!
I really didn’t know what to expect other than some of the lineup thanks to the WWE app. The stage is setup similarly to how it looks on tv for Raw or Smackdown, but on a bit smaller scale since there are no cameras. The ring appeared smaller in person than I expected even though I was in some pretty sweet seats in the first section off the floor. I liked that I didn’t know all the wrestlers that were going to be there so there were some surprise elements, which I’ve come to expect in some capacity from the tv shows. The thing I think that was the biggest difference aside from there not being commentators, was the lack of talking from the wrestlers. I am used to the smacktalk between the competitors or promoters or whomever shows up and grabs a mic, and I have to say I kind of missed it.
I would love to go back to another WWE Live event to see some of my other favorites that were at another event that night. It was still fantastic to see Randy Orton, John Cena, Kane, the Big Show and many others up close and in person. I’d highly recommend checking out a live event if they come to a town near year. Or, if you’re here in the area, check out the NXT facilities and tapings at Full Sail University. I hope I can catch a live taping of Raw when they come back this summer. In the meantime, at least I have a few pictures of Randy and some others to tide me over. 😉
httpv://youtu.be/5LHRaTSFU7s
Have you ever been to a WWE event? It is so much fun to see these athletes entertain in person! Their acrobatic stunts and feats of strength are even more incredible up close. If you get a chance make sure to catch the next WWE event in your area or even on tv! Let me know, was your favorite wrestler there?
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