What an absolutely fantastic night.
Where to begin....
Queued up at 5pm for the Fan Interaction event, wasn't sure what to expect with this. Turned out we were escorted in a group of us (prob 50-60 people) down loads of stairs, came out inside the arena (in the backstage bit behind the stage) to the sight of hundreds more, so God knows what door/doors they were directed through! The queueing part was a bit of a mess-up (rather then just one long line they were grouping people into small queues which seemed daft). Was waiting approx one hour to get to the front of the queue. Because of this, the security kept telling fans and wrestlers to hurry up as the doors were opening to general fans at 6pm. What we got for our money (£28.50) was a programme (£12 at the stands), and one autograph from each of the following:
Beer Money (both members)
Ric Flair
RVD
Mickey James
Rob Terry
Jeff Hardy
It felt kinda rushed (thanks to the security
), but what an amazing experience, never would have imagined getting autographs from the likes of Flair, Jeff & RVD (no disrespect but I was starting to think that it might be a letdown e.g. a few lower / mid-card wrestlers doing it). Would have been cool to have more time to get photos, other things signed etc (also gutted at Tara not been present
), but was worth the money IMO.
Had brilliant seats, was 2nd row from front + very close to the aisle. Can't really add much to Lister's review in terms of the matches (was particularly blown away by the Sabin v Kazarian match). All I can say is that it was a fantastic night's entertainment. All the wrestlers looked to be having fun and soaking up the atmosphere (Williams & Magnus seemed amazed by the football-style 'England England England.....' singing!), and felt like was part of something great but which could be even bigger with time and better booking / direction.
Realised last night that TNA has got absolutely everything that WWE has in terms of roster and talent / ability, so the potential really is there. Never thought I'd say this, but (as I mentioned to my mate last night) right now if I could only choose TNA or WWE to go to next year, I would choose the TNA event.
Superb night, can't speak highly enough of the experience, spent about £120 in total going and was worth every penny.
P.S. Will have to take your word for it re the women's match Lister, couldn't seem to take my eyes off the ref....
All three of them are even more gorgeous in real life.
P.P.S. Oh, and a really funny thing at the autograph sess - Van Dam quickly signed my programme 'RVD' (presumably to save time because of the hassle from security about hurrying the whole thing up). Flair noticed this and started laughing, then said something like "Hey I might do that, start signing everything as 'RF'". Van Dam replied "Yeah but people don't know you as RF!"
P.P.P.S At this moment I would say it is the most enjoyable wrestling event I have ever been too, hope there's many more to come TNA.
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