WWE Smackdown: In Person This Time!

Last night I attended the WWE Smackdown event in Johnson City TN thanks to my awesome friend Dale Epperson.  The seats were amazing; 7 rows back from ring side, and free to boot thanks to his Dad.

I had an awesome time, which can usually be expected of any live sporting event, but if you know me then you know I'm not really the professional wrestling type.  I haven't really followed it since I was little kid when Hulk Hogan and Sergeant Slaughter could be listed as some of my heroes.  I followed it some in the 90's when the Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin were huge but it kinda fizzled out after that.

So going in I wasn't sure what to expect, but regardless of what anyone says about "fake fighting" these athletes were really great entertainers.  They're some phenomenal athletes as well.  Yeah the punches are fake, but I can't do an effin flip from a turn buckle and not seriously injure myself or someone else, can you?  Hell I can't even do a flip to begin with!

You gotta love anything that gets crowd going and encourages some participation.  Being a part of a stadium full of completely fired up people was pretty uplifting.  The only thing that sucked was that we were totally pumped up after the event but had nothing left to do but drive home at that point.

So at the end of it all, I'm not really a huge wrestling fan but I can certainly understand it's appeal and I'm definitely looking forward to attending another event.  I had a blast!  I highly recommend it if you're the type of person that can suspend their disbelief for an evening and allow yourself to be transformed back into your 12 year old self again.

On a final note, I completely understand the appeal for the WWE Divas now.  That match was a feast of eye candy to say the least.

Now for some pictures.  Please excuse the cruddy quality, I'm in serious need of a new phone: