WWE Superstars For Kids Charity Auction

wwe-org-header  Superstars for Kids

Now through April 8th the WWE is hosting the WWE Superstars for Kids Charity Auction benefitting Drew Brees’s Brees Dream Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs.  The auction features many unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences with WWE Superstars, celebrity entertainers, and international sports stars.

Some examples of what you can bid on in the

WWE Superstars for Kids auctions are:

  • Enjoy Lunch with WWE Legend Shawn Michaels & Receive a Backstage Tour of Monday Night Raw!
  • Serve as a brief case bearer for one of the 2014 Money in the Bank briefcase winners at the first WWE live event after Money in the Bank.
  • Bid to win the Ultimate Drew Brees New Orleans Saints home game package!
  • Enjoy lunch with celebrity Charlie Sheen on the set of his hit FX television series, Anger Management!

And many more.

For more information on the WWE Superstars for Kids auctions you can contact CharityBuzz at info@charitybuzz.com or (212) 243 3900.

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WWE App Review

WWE App

Are you a huge WWE fan and can’t stand to spend a minute away from all the action? Look no further than the WWE App. Available for both iOS and Android platforms, this app puts you the fan in charge. With breaking news, highlights from Raw, Smackdown, WWE PPV’s and the soon to come WWE Network you’ll never miss a beat of the action.

One of the coolest things in my opinion about the WWE App itself is that when any of the WWE televised events go to commercial break, you can continue to watch the match going on live when you switch over to the app. No longer do you have to worry about missing when your TV screen fades to black. Best of all, the WWE App let’s you in on exclusive backstage content that you won’t be able to see anywhere else.

Another great thing about the WWE app is the superstar profiles. Each of your favorite WWE Superstars from present and past are located on the app and on each of their bio pages their entrance music as well as tons of photo and video content from some of their greatest matches. It’s truly unbelievable how expansive the WWE library is. You can even relive classic matches like Andre the Giant vs. Hulk Hogan, all at your fingertips.

 

Superstars

 Arguably one of the best things about the app is the fact that the WWE has now given power back to its fans the WWE Universe. Often times during shows such as Raw and Smackdown, fans will be given the change to vote on the matches they want to see, making the show very interactive. For me as a lifelong fan, there’s truly nothing better than getting to influence a match because you know it’s what you and millions of other wrestling fans out there want to see.

 

My Universe Orlando

 

All in all, the WWE app is a must have for any wrestling fan whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting into wrestling for the first time. Be sure to download the WWE App in the App Store of your iOS device or the apps section of Google Play on your Android device. Also be sure to check out the brand new WWE Network, WWE’s new 24/7 HD programming network available for purchase through the WWE App on 2/24/14 for $9.99 a month.

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Looking Forward Through the Year

I thought I’d take this opportunity to share some of the things I am looking forward to this year as it is almost time to spring forward.

This year I am hoping to participate in at least one race per month, and doing more local races too. This weekend I will be walking the 5K for the Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World. Next weekend I will probably also walk the Best Damn Race 5K in downtown Orlando near Lake Eola. April I think will be the 5K that goes through Legoland and the rest of the year is up in the air.

Cinderella Royal Family 5K medal

Spring Training is about to shift into high gear. Teams are practicing and I’ve got tickets to see my Braves play the Cardinals at home next month. I hope to catch at least one other spring training game and to make it to Atlanta once this year.

The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is starting in a couple of weeks and this is always a fun special event. Last year I got to meet one of my HGTV personalities, David Bromstad. I look forward to trying to see him again this year and to try out some of the new food offerings.

I would love to get to Busch Gardens as it has been almost a year since I last visited, despite this being the closer theme park to where I live. I need my coaster fix and to feed some kangaroos too.

A first for me this year will be to visit Universal Studios Mardi Gras. I haven’t been to Universal since 1992 other than a few trips to City Walk over the past decade. I am long overdue and hope to finally get to taste butterbeer and maybe one of those giant donuts from the Simpsons.

Summer will bring the return of Summer Nightastic at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld, both of which are a lot of fun. I would like to get back to SeaWorld to see their Viva La Musica celebration.

Coming soon, hopefully, will be the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom. This new coaster will be something between the thrill level of the Barnstormer and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but with some dark ride elements I’m hoping similar to Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.

Late spring into summer brings the return of the beloved Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Last year I missed out on Hyperspace Hoopla in its entirety and I won’t let that happen again this year.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom I am looking forward to the new nighttime spectacular that should be arriving sometime this summer. I also really want Festival of the Lion King to come back soon, but I know it is still a few months off.

July will bring the WWE Raw live in Orlando from the Amway Center. I hope to see this and compare it to my recent experience for WWE Live.

Also in July will be the Destination D event at Walt Disney World for D23. I hope this is as fun if not more so than the event in 2011.

Of course the fall will bring back the International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot that this year is extended to even more of September. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts up again in September into October. November and December will see Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in the Magic Kingdom as well.

One of the things that is on the back burner, but I’m still trying to work into my schedule is a trip back to Disneyland sometime in the next few months or so. Also, a cruise, or two, will be happening this year!

 

What events are you looking forward to this year? Did I miss any of your favorites?

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WWE Live Orlando: A First Timer’s View

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. 😉

WWE Announcer R Truth entrance R Truth Fandango entrance R Truth making fun of Fandango Fandango IMG_6873 IMG_6877 IMG_6878 IMG_6897 IMG_6903 IMG_6907 IMG_6914 IMG_6927 IMG_6935 IMG_6941 IMG_6966 IMG_6967 IMG_6974 IMG_6985 IMG_6995 IMG_7000 IMG_7007 IMG_7013 IMG_7044 IMG_7057 IMG_7061 IMG_7065 IMG_7070 IMG_7073 IMG_7093 IMG_7099 IMG_7102 IMG_7118 IMG_7145 IMG_7166 IMG_7203 IMG_7209 IMG_7211 IMG_7218 IMG_7219 IMG_7221 IMG_7226 IMG_7234 IMG_7237 IMG_7238 IMG_7250 IMG_7257 IMG_7260 IMG_7265 IMG_7271 IMG_7281IMG_7620IMG_7503IMG_7774

 

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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Pick Six: Taking Kids To A Live WWE Event

WWE RAW

Having the opportunity to attend a live WWE event is really exciting for fans, but when WWE RAW came to the Amway Center we decided to take Zoe for her first live WWE Event!

This was the her first time going to a live WWE event of this scale, and there were some things that we prepared for as a family before arriving at the Amway Center and some things that happened during WWE RAW that we didn’t quite expect.

WWE RAW

For our Pick Six, I thought I would look at the six key things we did to help make sure that Zoe had a great time!

1. Getting to know the WWE Universe

I should start this post off by saying that we watch a LOT of WWE in our house!!! We have Monday Night dinners around watching WWE RAW with friends, we watch WWE Main Event and Smackdown, and even attend WWE NXT tapings at Full Sail.

However since a majority of the shows are on so late, we DVR them to watch together later as a family. That way if Zoe has any questions or if things get too intense we can take a break to talk about things.

WWE RAW
It’s good to know the entrances of the WWE Superstars, because there are a lot that include Pyro which can be startling if you aren’t expecting it.

We tend to talk a lot about our favorite WWE Superstars (she LOVES John Cena, Fandango and Summer Rae, and AJ Lee), and when we don’t have all the answers about them we visit their Bios on WWE.com for some extra fun!

WWE RAW
CM Punk

2. Choosing the right seats for YOU

There are so many different seating options at the Amway Center at so many price points, that it is important to do your homework about what you think you will want to be close to without breaking the bank.

WWE RAW

Do you want to be close to the action? Do you want to be close to the concourse in case you need to be close to restrooms and concessions? Is your sole focus budget? Are you looking for a unique experience?

We knew that we wanted seats that would allow us to be close to the action while not having too many stairs, and that is when the virtual tour of the Amway Center came in handy, and I absolutely suggest looking for resources like that when you are researching the venue.

3. Arriving at the venue

With WWE RAW starting at 7:30 pm we tried to make our day as normal as possible, but at the same time changed up a few things since we knew that we would be out so late.

Usually Zoe will come home and play before doing her homework, but on that night we gave her a snack and worked with her to get her right away to get her homework done.

WWE RAW
Outside of the Amway Center before WWE RAW.

We decided to head down to the Amway Center early to have dinner at the Magic Grill, which turned out to be one of the best decisions we made for the night!

WWE RAW

The Magic Grill is located on the corner of the Amway Center and opens a few hours before events, and it is great food at reasonable prices that is a great way to start getting your children adjusted to the excitement that surrounded WWE RAW.

4. Preparing for emotions…Is he really hurt?

While we talk to Zoe a lot about how while the action she would be seeing would be absolutely real, that the WWE Superstars were trained well and sometimes played up how ‘hurt’ they really were for the sake of show.

This was a sticky subject, because we didn’t want to ruin how ‘real’ the WWE Universe is to her while making sure she wasn’t fearful for her favorite Superstar’s well-being yet still acknowledging that it is a physical arena where injuries do happen.

We did have a moment during the John Cena/Damien Sandow match where the action got a little too intense for her, so we made sure to assure her that if John Cena was absolutely hurt that they would end the match and we also used it as a teachable moment to talk about how we deal with our emotions when we are scared and a little overwhelmed.

WWE RAW
Zoe needed a little extra love when her favorite John Cena was having an intense match.

5. During WWE RAW

During the WWE RAW event, we knew that sitting for such a long period of time would be hard for Zoe so we tried to combat that as much as possible without having to leave the venue too often.

One thing we did was to take a few smaller breaks during matches or commercial breaks where we used the facilities, picked up some merchandise, and a quick snack.

WWE RAW

Another thing that we made sure that we did was to let her stand up to cheer and dance as much as she needed/wanted to do as long as it was appropriate to what was going on around her.

We were pleasantly surprised with how little we left the venue, because she was completely engaged with what was going on around her.

And honestly, how could you not be totally engaged when this was what was going on around you!!!

httpv://youtu.be/kaHvq-SgJPU

6. Being realistic about bedtimes

The biggest thing that we prepared for before going to see WWE RAW was just how long of a night attending a taping would be!

While WWE RAW is a live event that concludes around 11:00 pm, make sure you factor in extra time for walking to your car when you are looking at how long your children will need to be awake.

We started letting Zoe stay up a little later each night for a week, and we also had a super low key day before we arrived at the Amway Center.

Overall she did a great job knowing her limits, and she totally surprised us when she walked over to a couch in the box and fell asleep!

WWE RAW
Sleepy Zoe!

BONUS: Fun WWE Extras at live events

Before you get to the venue for your live WWE event, make sure you keep watch for things going on around the venue and an eye on the WWE Social Media Accounts (Twitter, Facebook, & Tout) for fun extras that will be going on before the event!

At the WWE RAW at the Amway Center, the WWE NXT Superstars and their belts were signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. It was so much fun and a great bonus to our evening!

WWE RAW
The WWE NXT Superstars and their belts! This was a huge highlight of our night!
WWE RAW
Zoe and her absolute favorite Emma!!!!

Also, make sure you download the WWE App on your phone for some fun extras, too!

I hope that these six ideas help you and your children have an amazing time at a live WWE event!!!

I would love to hear how you help your children be prepared for new experiences!

If you want more WWE coverage, we’ve posted a ton of great pictures on our Facebook page, make sure that you check out our WWE NXT posts, coverage of the new WWE Performance Center, and my experience at an Orlando Be a STAR Rally!

Disclaimer: Through a partnership WWE and the Amway Center, I received tickets to attend WWE RAW at the Amway Center. All thoughts, opinions, and fangirl moments are my own.

 

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Be a STAR Rally At Lake Nona Middle School

Yesterday I had the chance to attend a Be a STAR rally at Lake Nona Middle School, and to say it was a moving experience would be an understatement!

Be a STAR

Be a STAR (Show Tolerance And Respect) was founded by The Creative Coalition and WWE in April 2011 to help take action against bullying! Be a STAR has also created a partnership with 58 alliance members, including National Education Association Health Information Network (NEA HIN), GLAAD, STOMP Out Bullying, The Ad Council and the United Federation of Teachers all working together to get the message out!

The mission of Be a STAR is to ensure a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through grassroots efforts beginning with education and awareness. Be a STAR promotes positive methods of social interaction and encourages people to treat others as equals and with respect because everyone is a star in their own right.

What is truly amazing is that since it’s launch of the Be a STAR website over 30,000 people from all 50 US states and from 91 countries have taken the pledge to put an end bullying!

In addition to a free anti-bullying curriculum for teachers created by NEA HIN and True Educator, Inc., online resources for parents to help their children deal with bullying, and local Be a STAR chapters in schools and communities, two to three times a month WWE Superstars and Divas visit communities with celebrities and local officials to reinforce the Be a STAR message at rallies!

And these Be a STAR rallies truly drive home the message that everyone can do something to help put an end to bullying!

Yesterday it was an honor to watch as WWE Superstar Sheamus, WWE Diva Summer Rae, and NXT Superstar Xavier Woods addressed hundreds of 6th grade students at Lake Nona Middle School.

Be a STAR
WWE Superstar Sheamus, WWE Diva Summer Rae, and NXT Superstar Xavier Woods

The atmosphere of the rally was pretty awesome! Kids who were relieved to hear that they weren’t alone and had no reason to be ashamed of the bullying they had experienced, WWE talent that opened their hearts to share their own experiences, and a Lake Nona Middle School faculty and staff committed to making sure that their students had every tool they could give them to make sure that they were successful in a healthy learning environment.

Be a STAR
NXT Superstar Xavier Woods

As Xavier Woods spoke about the different kinds of bullying, it was eye-opening to see how many of these children had been affected by cyber-bullying…even on Instagram.

Be a STAR
WWE Diva Summer Rae

Summer Rae shared how she felt when she was teased about being ‘too skinny’ while her friends were bystanders who would just watch it happen instead of speaking up out of fear. She also reinforced to the audience that while she plays a not-so-nice character in the ring, that she does not think that is the right way to treat others and that they should act like the person Summer Rae and not her on-air persona.

Be a STAR
WWE Superstar Sheamus

Then Sheamus took to the podium with cheers that were heard clear across town! Sheamus really hit home that even at his size, he was often bullied. Sheamus also spoke about not blaming yourself for being a target of bullies, and that through understanding and action we can all help put an end to bullying.

And among chants of Don’t be a bully, be a STAR the rally was over.

It was really nice to overhear the students talking about what they had just experienced and things they personally wanted to change as I waited for my chance to talk to Sheamus, Summer Rae, and Xavier Woods.

This was Summer Rae’s first Be a STAR rally, and she was really excited to have the opportunity to participate and make a difference!

Be a STAR

It was an important message for us today that speaking up and not being a bystander is very, very important! When kids are a bystander and say ‘I didn’t see it so I wasn’t a bully’, it’s helping show that it’s just as bad.

Xavier Woods really got the crowd pumped up and ready to hear his experiences when he was cyber bullied.

I did well in school, studied all the time, I was into comic books and video games, and I was the definition of a nerd. And people called me that in a derogatory sense, and so I think that the biggest thing for me besides the cyber-bullying was just completely cutting people off, blocking them, deleting messages, and ignoring them completely was being okay with myself. So once I accepted this is me, this is who I am, I don’t care what anybody thinks that was the last thing I had to get over before I was done with bullying.

Sheamus is a Be a STAR veteran, and I wanted to know if any of the children had ever reached out to him after speaking at a Be a STAR rally.

Be a STAR

It happens all the time. I get a lot of tweets from kids who have realized they were being bullies and why and now they’ve stopped and even kids who found the courage to speak up and help. They tell me stories and send me pictures.. They tell me how they felt hearing that even I have been bullied, and it is just wonderful knowing that I have helped make a difference to hopefully stop bullying.

People often ask my why I am such a huge WWE fan who wants to share my enthusiasm, and quite honestly this is a big reason why. The WWE has shown a dedication to help end bullying through education, resources, and reinforcement from the WWE Superstars and Divas who truly speak from their heart to these children!

I am also asking you to please help to spread the Be a STAR message! Find them on Facebook & Twitter, take action & the pledge to Be a STAR, and help make our communities and schools a better place!

Be a STAR

 

 

 

 

 

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WWE RAW At The Amway Center

Amway Center

Finally! WWE Raw has come back to Orlando!!!

WWE Monday Night Raw returns to Orlando for the first time in three years visiting the Amway Center on October 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale September 14 at 10 a.m. Tickets start at $15.

WHAT:          WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

WHEN:          MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013 | 7:30 P.M.

WHERE:       AMWAY CENTER | ORLANDO, FLORIDA

ON SALE:     SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 | 10 A.M.

See your favorite WWE Superstars live including:

  • WWE Champion Randy Orton
  • Heavyweight Champion Alberto del Rio
  • WWE COO Triple H
  • Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel & Paul Heyman
  • United States Champion Dean Ambrose of The Shield
  • Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns of The Shield
  • Daniel Bryan
  • CM Punk
  • The Big Show
  • Mark Henry

Many more of your favorites will be added.  Card is subject to change. Visit http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw for more information.

TICKETS$15$25, $35, $50 & $95 – Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase Box Office  Amway Center box office, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com.  All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.  All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges.  For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office).  The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue. 

ABOUT AMWAY CENTER

The Orlando Magic served as the developer of the Amway Center, which hosts major national events, concerts and family shows.  Opened in the fall of 2010, the facility is owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community. The Amway Center was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Amway Center was recently honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and named SportsBusiness Journal’s 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Amway Center, visit www.amwaycenter.com.

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WWE NXT Seating Options At Full Sail

The next WWE NXT Full Sail taping takes place on August 22nd, and once again we’ll be there live to share all of the exciting action with you.

WWE NXT
This picture of the WWE NXT set up in the Full Sail Live venue was take from General Admission section.

However, before we do that one of the things we’d like to share with you if you are deciding to attend is your options for seating. While there are only two types of seating at the arena itself, it is very important that you pick seating option which is right for you as your experience could depend on it.

WWE NXT Full Sail
Here is a look at the seating diagram for Full Sail Live for WWE NXT tapings. The General Admission seating are located in the black areas, the gold areas are gold circle seats, and the grey areas are the ramp to and the ring itself.

The first type of seating which you can purchase for just $10 is what is known as GA or (General Admission) seating.  These seats that line the walls of the arena not only provide an excellent view of the ring but the entrance ramp as well. One thing we should mention about these seats is that they are bleacher style seating so you will want to make sure that you arrive early to the Full Sail Live venue so that you can grab the seat of your choice. Also, make sure that you’re comfortable with sitting for long periods of time as many of the tapings can last up to four hours in length.

WWE NXT
This was our view from General Admission Section 101. It was a great view of Sheamus & Luke Harper!

The second type of seating that you can purchase, which are my own personal favorite, are what is known as “Gold Circle” seating. For $15 you can purchase these tickets that not only give you access to ringside seating, but also give you the ability to pick your seat before even entering the arena itself so you won’t have to worry about arriving early to grab a seat. The true advantage of purchasing these types of seats is that they are both comfortable and extremely close to the action. The only real decision you have to make is whether you want to sit ringside or entrance side. I have found the entrance side to be the best choice for me not only because you get to be on TV, but because it gives you the best view of the superstars themselves and they love to interact with you as they make their way down to enter the ring.

WWE NXT
This was our view of the ramp from Gold Circle Seating in Section 105. This is Bray Wyatt  #FollowTheBuzzards

For more information on how you can attend a WWE NXT Taping please be sure to visit their ticketing website which will show you a complete seating chart of the Full Sail Live Arena.

WWE NXT
Make sure that you also follow @WWENXT & use the #NXTFullSail for chances to win prizes and extra info

Also, be sure to join us at the next Full Sail taping featuring WWE Superstar Mark Henry and many more of your NXT favorites.

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WWE Performance Center Grand Opening

WWE Performance Center Grand Opening

Last Thursday the WWE celebrated the grand opening of it’s new state-of-the-art training facility in Orlando, the WWE Performance Center. 26,000 square feet in size, the WWE Performance Center is not only one of the largest facilities of its kind, but it’s also currently the only facility of its kind.

 WWE Performance Center

Filled with seven training rings, world-class strength and conditioning programs, and a cutting-edge edit and production facility, the WWE Performance Center is sure to become a home away from home for many of the WWE’s superstars of the future.

WWE Performance Center

WWE Performance Center

WWE Performance Center 

During the grand opening, we were fortunate enough to be able to take a tour of the facility lead by Paul Levesque (Triple H) and his wife Stephanie McMahon. Needless to say we were more than impressed. The WWE spared no expense when it came to building the facility spending just over 3.5 million dollars to put in some of the most advanced equipment in the sports entertainment industry today.

 WWE Performance Center

WWE Performance Center

One thing that particularly caught our attention was the promo room along with editing and production suites that the NXT Superstars had available to them.

 WWE Performance Center

One of the things that seem to be getting better year after year is the WWE’s production value and the variety of talent they are able to bring forward. Broadcasting in full HD across the globe in over 150 countries, the WWE certainly knows how to keep their fans coming back on a weekly basis. Now, with the WWE Performance Center readily available to developmental talent, they will finally have a place where they can work on their craft through character development, promo cutting, and on-camera performances all in one place.

 WWE Performance Center

Not only will it be simple for the talent to use, but they will also have the opportunity to send their works in progress over to the WWE headquarters for review by executives of the WWE with a simple touch of a button, something that could not be done before. This will not only aid the NXT talent in perfecting their on-screen personas, but it will almost make scouting future talent for the WWE much easier as the executives can look in live to the performance center at any time.

httpv://youtu.be/0BGe6mwx10g

Just as important as it is for these superstars of the future to be able develop themselves as a character, it is also of great importance that they remain in peak physical condition as the business can be very physically demanding. With a 5,500 square foot strength and conditioning room and one of the best-in-class sports medicine facilities, not only will the talent have access to full-time athletic trainers and physical therapists when training, but they will also have some of the most cutting edge strength and conditioning equipment right at their fingertips. This will help to ensure that the athletes are not only remaining in peak condition, but it will also help to prevent many possible future in-ring injuries.

 WWE Performance Center

WWE Performance Center

As Paul Levesque said during the event “Talent is the WWE’s only natural resource and without it we have absolutely nothing.” The opening of this training facility is not only a tremendous milestone for the company, but it also solidifies the WWE’s commitment to providing top-notch superstars for years to come.

WWE Performance Center

 WWE Performance Center

WWE Performance Center

WWE Performance Center

As a big wrestling fan myself, I could not be any happier with the direction the WWE is going with it’s NXT developmental brand as it expands by leaps and bounds and I greatly look forward to see what type of talent this facility will be able to produce in the future.

WWE Performance Center

WWE Performance Center

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Tips To Know: Attending A NXT TAPING

Coming up on July 11th at Full Sail University, WWE NXT returns for what is shaping up to be yet another great night of wrestling featuring many of your favorite NXT superstars as well as appearances by WWE Superstars Dolph Ziggler and the current WWE Diva’s Champion, AJ Lee.

WWE NXT

I have had some amazing experiences attending NXTmyself, however, in this post I wanted to take the time to give both first timers and other NXT fans some tips and hints about attending future NXT events.

WWE NXT

One tip that I cannot stress enough is to buy your tickets for the event early. Tickets typically go on sale on the NXT ticketing website the day after the last NXT taping at Full Sail University has taken place and the best seats will often sell out quickly. However, if you are lucky enough to be at the Full Sail taping, tickets for the next NXT event go on sale directly after the show, giving you a bit of a jump start over those not in attendance. Seats are available for as little as $10 which enables you to access GA bleacher seating around the Full Sail Live arena. If you want to sit ringside, for $5 more you can purchase what is known as Gold Circle seating which brings you even closer to the action.

WWE NXT
John Cena at WWE NXT

Another tip is to arrive early to the events. If you purchased tickets via will call, the line typically begins to form a few hours before to get into the arena so you want to make sure you grab your tickets early enough to get a good spot in line. In past events, we have made a point of arriving not later than 4:30pm as doors typically open around 5:45 pm with the show itself starting at 6:30 pm. By arriving early, not only will you not have to worry about rushing to find seats but also you’ll avoid any last-minute traffic coming into the event.

WWE NXT

One last tip I have when attending NXT tapings is to make sure you follow WWE NXT on Twitter and Instagram as they constantly keep you up to date with any promotions, pre-sale codes and contests that may be going on during the show. Currently, NXT is holding an Instagram contest where if you dress up as your favorite NXT or WWE Superstar/Diva and then post a photo to Instagram with the name of the superstar, your twitter handle and the hashtag #NXTInstaSLAM you could win an exclusive meet-and-greet with a WWE Superstar before the 7/11 NXT TV Taping at Full Sail University. Entries must be submitted by 7/10 at 11:59 pm EST so be sure to enter as soon as possible!

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For further questions about attending any of the WWE NXT Full Sail Live Tapings, please feel free to comment below or be sure to check out my past post about my own personal NXT experience.

WWE NXT

DON’T Forget!

WWE Performance Center
Triple H, his trusty sledgehammer, and several NXT performers helped in their own special way with the creation of the WWE Performance Center!

The WWE Performance Center opens next week, and we’ll be there covering the action! Until then, don’t forget to check out our video of the WWE Performance Center Announcement!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVKKmt2zSvU

 

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Attending WWE NXT At Full Sail University

The last WWE Live event has come and gone at the Amway Center and suddenly you find yourself craving even more of the non-stop action that only professional wrestling can provide. Why wait another year for the next WWE Live event to return to Orlando when all the action is closer than you think?

Back in 2012, the WWE and Full Sail University in Winter Park entered a partnership that would bring the WWE’s developmental program WWE NXT to Full Sail’s campus for live tapings on select Thursday nights.

WWE NXT

Recently I was able to attend one of these tapings and being a big wrestling fan myself, I was interested to see what kind of experience the WWE could bring to a considerably smaller venue as compared to that of a large arena. Needless to say I was more than impressed!

Walking into the Full Sail Live Venue, one of the first things I noticed was how close all of the seats were to the in-ring action. With a capacity of 500, no seat was a bad seat.  In fact, the seats were so close that you could actually hear the wrestlers interacting with the crowd, something that is often missed when attending live events.

WWE NXT

Another pleasant surprise was the fact that at many of these tapings the WWE will often showcase some of your favorite WWE Superstars such as Alberto Del Rio, CM Punk, Damien Sandow, and even Chris Jericho. On the night I went we had an extremely surprise visit from none other than the WWE Champion himself, John Cena.

WWE NXT
John Cena at WWE NXT

One last thing I really loved about attending the WWE NXT taping was how excited the fans were to be there. Even though NXT is the company’s proving ground for future talent, the crowd was still loud as ever. This was great not only for the wrestlers as they often feed of the energy of the crowd, but it also made for a very fun night as well.

httpv://youtu.be/1G7fmw2vs4A

If you would like to attend a future WWE NXT event, make sure to visit their website and follow NXT on Twitter (@WWENXT) for updates on upcoming tapings at Full Sail University.

Tickets sell for as low as $10 and if you would like to sit ringside you can purchase Gold Circle tickets for $15. All ticket sales go towards a WWE sponsored Full Sail scholarship fund which the organization has already been fortunate enough to have donated two $10,000 scholarships to some extremely hard working students.

The next phase of the WWE NXT and Full Sail Partnership kicks off this summer with the opening of the WWE Performance Center! We are really excited about it opening!

httpv://youtu.be/QVKKmt2zSvU

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New WWE Performance Center Opening Summer 2013 In Orlando

                                            WWE Performance Center                                   

New WWE Performance Center Opening

 

This summer a state-of the-art WWE Performance Center will open, and will serve as home to WWE’s talent development system, recently re-branded NXT®. We were beyond thrilled to attend the Press Conference and to be able to tour the still under construction Center.

httpv://youtu.be/QVKKmt2zSvU

WWE Performance Center
The First Floor Plan of the New WWE Performance Center

Once complete, the Performance Center will be 26,000 square-feet of world class training facility featuring seven training rings, a world-class strength and conditioning program, and a cutting-edge editing and production facility focused on creating ‘Bulletproof’ athletes from the inside out.

WWE Performance Center

On our tour of the WWE Performance Center, led by Paul “Triple H®” Levesque, we got a great sense of how the Center will operate once it is opened this summer.

WWE Performance Center
Triple H and Governor Scott greeting us before the Tour of the Center

The all-new Performance Center will give WWE the ability to train more potential performers than ever before through a comprehensive program including in-ring training, physical preparedness, and character development.

WWE Performance Center

The new center will be the training ground for talent that includes former professional and collegiate athletes, Olympians, and entertainers, and will offer a best-in-class sports medicine program creating a central location for all WWE talent to receive the best care both in and out of the ring.

WWE Performance Center

The sports medicine aspect of the Performance Center will be a great asset, as it will allow doctors and trainers to work hand in hand to create stronger athletes whose health is comprehensively documented. This is especially important with rehabilitation from injuries and treatment of any future injuries.

WWE Performance Center

WWE Performance Center

But the highlight of the WWE Performance Center is the Training Room! This room will will feature 7 rings that will be outfitted with the same lights and equipment used for the taping of WWE Programs.

It was clear to see that the WWE Performance Center has been created to mold the next generation of WWE Superstars into complete and ‘Bulletproof’ packages. As a fan, I have to say that it was really exciting to see the care and thought that has gone into the design of the WWE Performance Center!

Not only is the creation of this Center beneficial to the future of the WWE, but it will also be contributing to the local economy as well.

WWE Performance Center
Governor Rick Scott

“Our economy has created nearly 300,000 new private sector jobs in just over two years, meaning that thousands of Florida families now have the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” said Governor Rick Scott. “WWE could have chosen anywhere in the world to house this new global performance center – and they chose the Sunshine State. Today’s announcement that WWE will create nearly 100 more jobs for families in Central Florida is further proof that everything we do is geared towards job creation and its working.”

WWE Performance Center
Governor Scott awarded Triple H and WWE a Florida award for Business

“We are so excited that WWE has chosen to establish its training and talent development operations in Central Florida,” said Teresa Jacobs, Mayor of Orange County. “In addition to strengthening our burgeoning entertainment production industry, the WWE Performance Center brings high-value jobs, capital investment and continued economic expansion to our area.”

Today’s announcement solidifies WWE’s presence in Orlando and evolves WWE’s partnership with Full Sail University.

WWE Performance Center
Triple H spoke about the importance of the WWE’s Partnership with Full Sail University for the future growth of the company.

Last year, WWE and Full Sail announced an innovative partnership that moved live tapings of WWE NXT series, WWE’s weekly one-hour show that broadcasts on WWE.com and in more than 60 countries worldwide, to Full Sail Live, the university’s state-of-the-art performance venue.

The partnership, which created a new student scholarship fund, also allows students of the university’s entertainment-focused degree programs, including Film, Show Production, Digital Arts and Design, Internet Marketing and Entertainment Business, and to gain real-world experience alongside WWE production staff during WWE NXT tapings.

WWE Performance Center
I got to meet some of talented NXT talent.

“The WWE Performance Center and our partnership with Full Sail University are critical to the future of our company,” said Paul “Triple H®” Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events, WWE. “Orlando is now the home to the next generation of WWE Superstars.”

WWE Performance Center
Triple H, his trusty sledgehammer, and several NXT performers helped in their own special way with the creation of the WWE Performance Center!

“Collaborating with WWE has elevated the education experience here at Full Sail University by creating many opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience by being mentored by some of the best minds in the entertainment production industry,” said Garry Jones, President of Full Sail University. “We are excited to welcome WWE to the neighborhood and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this evolving partnership.”

WWE Performance Center

It was beyond an honor to be able to tour the facility, meet members of the WWE and Full Sail teams, and as a fan it was great to hear the enthusiasm that Governor Scott & Mayor Jacobs have for this partnership and its expansion in the future!

WWE Performance Center
This is my total Fan-Girl moment!

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 150 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Miami, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

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Weekly Review – Our Week On The Go October 1-5, 2012

Weekly Review – Our Week On The Go October 1-5, 2012

Weekly Review time!!! This past week here at On the Go has been crazy busy, but a total blast!!!

Now it’s time to look back at all that happened October 1st – 5th!!!

Let’s Go!

Happy 30th Birthday EPCOT!!! I took a look back at my first visit to EPCOT Center in 1986 with some quality Fisher Price Camera Pictures of some of my favorite rides!

EPCOT30 Weekly Review
I think everyone who rode Horizons has this memory planted in their minds.

It’s after midnight, and Cinderella Diamond Edition is out on BluRay! I review this stunning and chocked full of Extras DVD Release. Even if you already own Cinderella, I would run out and get Cinderella Diamond Edition!!!

Cinderella Diamond Edition Weekly Review
Cinderella Diamond Edition Available on October 2, 2012

The Orlando Home Show was this weekend, and it was full of great ideas for your home and the fabulous Mark Brunetz was there, too!!!

Orlando Home Show Weekly Review
Orlando Home Show – October 5-7, 2012

Disney Interactive has launched a Daily Shot with Ali Wentworth App! Fans of Popular Newsy Web Series Daily Shot with Ali Wentworth Can Now Get Their Daily Cup of News and Laughter to Go with the Daily Shot App!

Daily Shot Weekly Review
Daily Shot Now Available in the App Store!

Wordless Wednesday took us to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Lobby of the Tower Hotel.

Wordless Wednesday Weekly Review
Wordless Wednesday – Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Tower of Terror

LEGOLAND Florida is Celebrating their First Birthday with tons of great savings and prizes for Florida Residents on October 15th!

LEGOLAND Florida Birthday Celebration Weekly Review
LEGOLAND Florida Birthday Celebration Will Be Full Of Prizes, Savings, and Fun!

Aurora and I had the unique opportunity to see another side of Titanic: The Experience, and it was a ghostly good time!

Titanic the Experience Weekly Review
Titanic: The Experience

Betsy took us along for another look at the Art of Animation Resort, because since all of the sections of the Resort have opened she has some new favorite details!

Art of Animation Resort Weekly Review
Loyal Order of the Lugnuts

Heather Thomson, from the hit Bravo show the Real Housewives of New York, will be speaking on October 21st during the Women for Israel Breakfast at the Hilton Orlando to benefit the Jewish National Fund.

Heather Thomson Weekly Review

And we ended the week with some news that made this WWE FanGirl get excited, WWE NXT is going to be at Full Sail Live! On October 11th!

WWE NXT Weekly Review
WWE NXT is taping at Full Sail Live! on October 11th! Photo Courtesy of Central FL Top 5!!!

Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!! We’ll be looking at some fun activities at SeaWorld Orlando, the Richard Petty Experience, some Food and Wine Festival Fun, and more!

And now for the shameless plugs…

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And if you don’t already, follow us on Twitter!

 

 

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WWE NXT Coming To Full Sail University With Tag Team Champions Kane And Daniel Bryan

WWE NXT Coming to Full Sail Live on October 11, 2012!

WWE Tag Team Champions Kane and Daniel Bryan, will continue their unique form of therapy in the ring during the October 11, 2012 WWE NXT event at Full Sail Live!  The stunning WWE Divas will be on hand, and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross will call all of the in-ring action!

WWE Tickets:
FREE to students, 2 tickets maximum, w/Full Sail I.D. (Limited Supply)
$5.00 for Full Sail Staff w/Full Sail I.D.
$10.00 for General Admission tickets

WWE NXT
WWE NXT – Photo Courtesy of @CentralFLTop5 Central FL Top 5

 

WWE / NXT Live Event
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Full Sail Live at Full Sail Studios
141 University Park Dr., Winter Park, FL 32792
Doors 5:45 p.m.
Event 6:30 p.m.

WWE and Full Sail University will be videotaping this event.

During the WWE NXT event, a selection of local area specialty food trucks will be on site, so come hungry, as the Food Truck service begins at 5:00pm.

Future Event Tickets:


Tickets for the next scheduled WWE/NXT live event will go on sale immediately following the conclusion of this event.

Event specific WWE / NXT T-Shirts will be available at each event.  Proceeds from ticket and t-shirt contributions benefit the Full Sail / WWE Scholarship Fund

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