What can I tell you about our night in the presence of hulking, sweaty men in skinny trousers and tight shorts hurling themselves around (and often far beyond) a ring, surrounded by crowds going cray-cray?
Reader, it was a blast.
If anybody had told me three years ago that one day I would attend a WWE Live event, I would have chuckled long and hard. But last Monday I found myself at the O2 Arena watching WWE RAW London with the Mister and two very excited boys. Ok, excited is an understatement. My boys were PUMPED.
Aside from football, WWE is what the babes eat, sleep and breathe. It wasn’t all that long ago that then 5-year-old Jed told travel magazine Suitcases & Strollers that his dream holiday would be (and I quote) ‘go to America and buy some WWE tickets’.
We spent most of Easter holidays counting down to RAW and finally the big day came.
The evening began at the WWE RAW VIP party where we mingled with the likes of Lethal Bizzle, Harry Potter actors James Phelps and Matt Dave Lewis, and footie veteran Rio Ferdinand.
Ezra and Jed looked a little too edible next to WWE superstar Ryback.
This is Ryback later. His catchphrase is ‘Feed me more!’
Down in the arena, the pre-show had lots of men and women leaping in and out of the ring. I couldn’t make head nor tail of what was happening but I was soon too high off all the testosterone flying about to care.
With the kids between us, the Babe Papa and I spent much of the night grinning across at each other. If we’d been sitting closer, we’d have slapped high fives. Probably a couple of chest bumps. It was that kind of scene.
When the main event started, and we heard the signature tune of John Cena, the entire arena leapt to its feet. Even I was excited, after all he’s one of the wrestlers whose toy figures I’ve come to accept as part of our family (the boys own 5 Cenas between them).
The babes were slightly thrown by shouts of ‘John Cena Sucks’ ringing out (there’s a Cena backlash among some wrestling fans, don’t ask me why) but this didn’t take any of the magic away as Cena crushed his opponent in true ‘You Can’t See Me’ style.
Everybody knows the shows are scripted, but the athleticism and charisma of these performers is undeniable. Watching them live gives you a new-found appreciation for their physical prowess. I found myself gasping and covering my eyes as elbows hit chests, and skulls met fists.
It was sweet to see the boys’ faces light up as superstar after superstar burst forth: Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Roman Reigns, Sheamus, big bad Kane and current WWE World Heavyweight Champ Seth Rollins (the hottie below).
Tag team Lucha Dragons somersaulted and high-kicked their way into my heart. I also enjoyed the Divas session with TV stars the Bella Twins, and the acrobatic Naomi turning ‘heel’ (baddie) against UK dazzler Paige without breaking a fingernail.
There’s a panto meets comic book superhero element to WWE that’s huge fun for grown-ups and kids alike. And the combo of loud music (ear defenders are a good idea for little ones), powerhouse energy and passionate fans is electrifying. If your boy or girl loves wrestling, I urge you to take them to a live show.
Many thanks to Joel of WWE for inviting us. It’s amazing to see your kids’ dreams come true — even if those dreams come with eye-popping biceps and ‘don’t try this at home’ body slams!
Babes Review
Ezra, age 9
‘WWE RAW Live was really hyper and when everyone came out, everyone either booed or cheered really loud. I found it really funny when Randy Orton threw Seth Rollins over a chair. And I was really annoyed with the fans singing ‘John Cena Sucks’. It was an amazing experience and lots of fun as well. My favourite moment was when Randy Orton won on a two on one match against Tyson Kidd and Cesaro! And it was awesome when Daniel Bryan came and everyone was chanting ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’
Jed, age 6
‘I felt very happy going to WWE. I was most looking forward to seeing John Cena. My best bit was when Randy Orton RKO’d Tyson Kidd in mid-air and pinned him 1, 2, 3 and he didn’t kick out. I liked when John Cena won against Bad News Barrett in a United States championship match.’
Visit wwe.com
Photos 7 and 9 via WWE and O2 Arena. All other pictures captured via my iPhone.
Oh my gosh, take me now. I bet you’d never think you’d read/hear me say that right? I want sweaty men in shorts in my life and remind me to tell you a little story about Rio F when we next meet! This is brilliant, favourite bit is reading your mini bloggers’ reviews, get them a blog and pronto and just look at them on the red carpet. Please link this up to #brilliantblogposts, LOVE it xx
Haha thanks Vicki, I honestly had so much fun, it really is pure entertainment and an unforgettable experience for the boys. Actually not only did they add their own blog reviews, Ezra was also crucial in helping me edit the post with his WWE knowledge (for instance, I spelled Sheamus wrong at first). I will link up for sure x
I never thought I would say this but I want to go now! It sounds SO fun. And those little faces and expressions are priceless. Love the boys reviews too.
OMG! This is just amazing. I can imagine both boys must have been so happy. As a mum of two girls this is definitely out of my zone, but I know who would be crazy about going! Hubby keeps on saying maybe one day we have a boy…. if we did, I am sure this would be one of his dream too!
Great to see your boys reviews too xxx I have set up Isabelle’s blog, but still working on the design. Our children are the next generations of bloggers!
Nomita, I gotta tell ya, it was an awesome night out. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the boys are still telling their mates about the experience!
Hehe Mirka never say never, I could imagine you with a little boy ;-) Isabelle would actually enjoy this as well, I was surprised by what a big female fan base they have. The boys do enjoy reviewing, we are certainly raising bloggers, can’t wait to see what they come up with in the future! x
When I was 15 I was the BIGGEST wrestling fan. It was called WWF then and was back in the days of Hulk Hogan, and Andre the Giant (but my favourite was Brutus the Barber Beefcake). Now I’m slightly obsessed with the Bella Twins and the rest of the Divas. Did Paige perform when you went?? Tell me, TELL ME!! ;) x
That’s brilliant, I really didn’t know WWE had so many female fans until recently and then seeing loads of them at the live show. I love that name Brutus the Barber Beefcake (Ezra says he knows him)! I mainly remember Andre the Giant from the film The Princess Bridge to be honest but everyone knows Hulk Hogan. Yes Paige actually won the Divas battle, until Naomi suddenly sprang up during her interview and knocked Paige to the ground in what I’ve learned is a ‘heel’ move. All very fascinating to learn about this world! x
It sounds like you and your family had a fabulous time! We watched the London O2 event on TV here in the U.S. The O2 was sold out! That is a lot of people! We have been to a few live events so I know there is a lot of excitement at a live event. I’m with you, I have no idea why people chant that negative statement about John Cena, he is my favorite. The place always comes alive when his music begins.
Hi Shirley, we had a ball! The place was totally packed, I don’t think I’ve seen the arena that full and I’ve watched a few shows there. In fact we had a comedy moment when my husband reminded me the last time we were there was to watch Leonard Cohen. Talk about contrast ;-) I suspect the Cena haters just do it for a kick. I swear there wasn’t a single person in their seats when he came on stage, even I was buzzing!
Hi,
How did you get tickets? And an invit to the pre-show party. Thanks
Hi Benjamin, thanks for your enquiry, I got tickets and pre-show party access via a press invitation. All the best!
Ok thanks!! Glad you and your family enjoyed it. Good to see they are changing peoples perception of what wrestling is, especially attending a live event.
Really annoys me when people just write it off as fake, but still spend loads of money abd time on the cinema, theatre, circus or spend hours watching soaps/dramas, when wwe is combination of all those things and probably even more ‘real’ as its the smae guys goung out there performing night after night doing thier own stunts, promo work etc.
Nothing beats watching it live.