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Wrestlemania XXIX Packages/Info Thread.

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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 576 ✭✭✭StoneColdFan


    The Shawn/Bret signing has now been moved to The Hotel Pennsylvania, and Ric Flair will also be signing at the hotel on Friday night between 6:30pm-8:30pm.

    happy I booked this hotel now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,143 ✭✭✭ciano316


    Anybody who got packages got any new information from the WWE??


  • Registered Users Posts: 348 ✭✭mikey13


    Nope shud we of done :confused:

    Ive seen on his twitter that J.R will be signing at the Wrestlemania Mega store on friday 1-3 and he will also be at the Saturday morning axxess.

    Jericho and Ryback have been added as VIP axxess and they go on sale today!


  • Registered Users Posts: 84 ✭✭ClassicsGuy


    NJTransit have just announced the train service for Wrestlemania 29 day:

    http://www.njtransit.com/sa/sa_servlet.srv...justmentId=9760
    NJ TRANSIT Offers Rail Shuttle Service to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania - Sunday, April 7, 2013
    March 21, 2013

    On Sunday, April 7, NJ TRANSIT will offer rail shuttle service to the Meadowlands for Wrestlemania.

    Service to MetLife Stadium will begin at 2:30 p.m. out of Hoboken (westbound). The last train from the Meadowlands Sports Complex to Hoboken (eastbound) will not depart Meadowlands Station any earlier than 12:40 a.m. The final Meadowlands-bound train will depart Secaucus at 7:43 p.m.

    View schedule: http://www.njtransit.com/AdminTemp/wrestlemania040713.pdf

    Customers travelling on NJ TRANSIT trains to the Meadowlands Sports Complex should purchase their round trip tickets from their originating station TO THE MEADOWLANDS SPORTS COMPLEX to avoid delays boarding trains. Tickets purchased on the train will include a $5 surcharge for each ticket.

    NJ TRANSIT offers Meadowlands online ticketing option where customers can purchase round-trip adult tickets from New York Penn Station to the Meadowlands Sport Complex ONLY. Up to eight tickets may be purchased in one transaction.

    Purchase online tickets HERE.

    Customers traveling to and from Hoboken on the following trains must change trains at Secaucus:

    Train 1981 (3:35 p.m. from Hoboken)
    Train 2003 (5:25 p.m. from Hoboken)
    Train 2015 (6:24 p.m. from Hoboken)

    Train 1948 (3:48 p.m. from Meadowlands)
    Train 2030 (9:55 p.m. from Meadowlands)
    Train 2042 (10:48 p.m. from Meadowlands)

    For further information, visit njtransit.com or wrestlemania.com. Call NJ TRANSIT Customer Service at (973) 275-5555.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 344 ✭✭Gambino Capo


    Hendo9 wrote: »
    So, so tempted to book a real last minute trip over!

    Any decent prices on flights? haha

    Feel the same way as its just a 3hr drive from Baltimore to NY/NJ. But I'll stay strong and stand by my decision to sit this one out. Was all set to go but my buddies couldn't get up the money to go. Did WM 23 & 26 solo and it was a blast believe me but these guys accompanied me to WMs 27 & 28 and each weekend at its respective time was the best weekend ever. Can't see going solo again.

    You guys that are going, have an awesome time and I guaran-damn-tee I'll see you all in NOLA for WM 30.



  • Registered Users Posts: 2 Keloms


    Is anyone still looking for a hotel? I have a reservation at the Grand Hyatt that came with my VIP travel package, but, I am no longer in need of it. I would be willing to sell the hotel accommodations and the mass transit travel pass for a big discount over the normal cost. The only thing is the name change has to be submitted to WWE by the 29th (Friday) so we would have to proceed quickly with it.

    If anyone is interested, let me know!


  • Registered Users Posts: 168 ✭✭Hendo9


    Keloms wrote: »
    Is anyone still looking for a hotel? I have a reservation at the Grand Hyatt that came with my VIP travel package, but, I am no longer in need of it. I would be willing to sell the hotel accommodations and the mass transit travel pass for a big discount over the normal cost. The only thing is the name change has to be submitted to WWE by the 29th (Friday) so we would have to proceed quickly with it.

    If anyone is interested, let me know!

    have pmd you.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2 Keloms


    Pm answered!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,132 ✭✭✭Andy_rse


    Extremely jealous of all you getting ready to head out! This time last year I was waiting to board my plane to America. Best time of my life, if it's your first time you will love it, the whole weekend is really a wrestling fans dream!

    Enjoy yourselves!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭EdK


    Leaving on Sunday,can't wait to get to NYC so much on the agenda


  • Registered Users Posts: 84 ✭✭ClassicsGuy


    Might be a tad premature posting about this, but with the tragic passing of Reid Fliehr today (Ric's son), there might be a question mark over Ric Flair's participation at Axxess, specifically his VIP signing on Thursday night April 4th.

    I really can't see Flair doing appearances at this time, nor should he be expected to.

    R.I.P. Reid Fliehr.


  • Registered Users Posts: 348 ✭✭mikey13


    Might be a tad premature posting about this, but with the tragic passing of Reid Fliehr today (Ric's son), there might be a question mark over Ric Flair's participation at Axxess, specifically his VIP signing on Thursday night April 4th.

    I really can't see Flair doing appearances at this time, nor should he be expected to.

    R.I.P. Reid Fliehr.

    Yeah id be suprised if he still went ahead with it but im sure WWE would sort something out for people with tickets


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭EdK


    http://sportiseverything.com/2013/03/30/wrestlemania-weekend-preview/

    My brother will be blogging the trip this year


  • Registered Users Posts: 168 ✭✭Hendo9


    Dont suppose anyone knows of any decent RAW tickets for sale at a decent price?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭EdK


    Made it to NYC free upgrade on the way over but the bags didnt make it just yet, Couple of slices from 2 bros a little tv then bed


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  • Registered Users Posts: 27 Broooce


    Does anyone know what the Izod will charge for parking for Axxess and Raw? I note there is free parking at the MetLife to allow access to the WWE superstore, is the Izod walkable from there?

    Thanks


  • Registered Users Posts: 122 ✭✭Whole Show


    What happened to your bags Ed? Hope you have got them now ok?


  • Registered Users Posts: 84 ✭✭ClassicsGuy


    Several more events announced, including a press conference at Radio City Music Hall:
    WRESTLEMANIA® TAKES OVER NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY

    STAMFORD, Conn., April 1, 2013 – Fans from all 50 states and more than 30 countries will converge on the New York/New Jersey region for a week-long lineup of festivities in celebration of WrestleMania 29, taking place this Sunday, April 7 live on pay-per-view at 7 PM ET from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. WWE® will take over New York and New Jersey beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, April 2 with the following events:

    Empire State Building Lighting Photo Op – Tuesday, April 2, New York, NY
    WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Alberto del Rio, and his personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, will pose for photos on the Empire State Building’s world-famous 86th floor Observatory. On Sunday, April 7, the exterior lights of the Empire State Building, above the 72nd floor, will be lit in the WrestleMania logo colors of blue and yellow, starting at sunset through 2 AM ET the next day in honor of WrestleMania 29 which airs live on pay-per-view at 7 PM ET from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

    Military Meet & Greet – Wednesday, April 3, Lexington Avenue Armory
    WWE will hold a meet and greet reception for NY National Guard First Responders to 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy. WWE Superstars and Divas will participate in the event, sign autographs and take photos.

    Children’s Hospital Visits – Wednesday, April 3
    WWE Superstars, along with Elvis Duran, from Z-100’s Elvis Duran show, will visit St. Mary’s Hospital in Bayside. Also on Wednesday April 3, WWE Superstars and Divas will visit with patients at New York Presbyterian, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York City. On the other side of the Hudson River, WWE will visit children at Hackensack University Medical Center’s Don Imus Building and Goryeb Children’s Hospital at Morristown Medical Center.

    WrestleMania 29 Press Conference – Thursday, April 4, Radio City Music Hall
    Days before Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson defends the WWE Championship against John Cena at WrestleMania 29, the two celebrated icons will come face-to-face at Radio City Music Hall. The WrestleMania headliners will be joined by the biggest names in WWE to offer a preview of this year’s event. The press conference will also be streamed live on wwe.com, YouTube and Facebook.

    Superstars for Sandy Relief – Thursday, April 4, Cipriani Wall Street
    Entertainment powerhouse Sean “Diddy” Combs will co-host a Superstars for Sandy Relief (#STARS4SANDY) party with WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon and special guest Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at Cipriani Wall Street. On March 25, WWE kicked off the largest ever global online auction to benefit Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts in New York and New Jersey at www.Charitybuzz.com/WWE. The auction features unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences with WWE Superstars and other international sports and entertainment celebrities. During the Superstars for Sandy Relief party, a live auction will be led by sportscaster Joe Buck, where more incredible experiences will be made available for bidding. All proceeds will go to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.

    Be a STAR Anti-Bullying Rallies – Thursday, April 4 and Friday April, 5
    Be a STAR (Show Tolerance and Respect) was co-founded by The Creative Coalition and WWE in April 2011. WWE and The Creative Coalition will host anti-bullying rallies at New York and New Jersey schools. WWE will visit I.S. 51 Edwin Markham in Staten Island and Elliott School in Newark, NJ to deliver anti-bullying messages to more than 500 students. Also for the first time ever, WWE will host a Be a STAR rally at WrestleMania Axxess on Friday, April 5 at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ. Students from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manhattan and New Jersey will participate in the rally and attend WrestleMania Axxess.

    WrestleMania Axxess – Thursday, April 4 – Sunday, April 7, IZOD Center
    Get ready for a brand-new WWE fan experience when WrestleMania Axxess (#AXXESS) takes over IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J., from Thursday, April 4, to Sunday, April 7. This will be the first time in its history Axxess will be held inside an arena, giving fans the opportunity to see the full RAW stage on display during the event. This year, the WWE Universe will get unprecedented access to meet their favorite WWE Superstars, Divas and Legends, with more matches than ever before and interactive activities all throughout the arena.

    NYSE Closing Bell – Friday, April 5 – New York, NY
    WWE Superstar John Cena will ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange in recognition of WrestleMania 29 which airs live on pay-per-view from MetLife Stadium on Sunday, April 7 at 7PM ET. John Cena will be accompanied by executives from Susan G. Komen for the Cure and breast cancer survivors. Under Cena’s leadership, WWE worked to help raise $1 million dollars for breast cancer research and create awareness about the importance of early detection during breast cancer awareness month this past October.

    WrestleMania Reading Challenge – Friday April, 5 and Saturday, April 6
    On Friday, April 5, WWE, Pearson Foundation and We Give Books will host a reading celebration with students at Thomas G. Connors Elementary School in Hoboken, NJ. In addition to the reading celebration, the school will be the recipient of a book grant from the Pearson Foundation. As part of the WrestleMania Reading Challenge, a new digital reading platform was created this year in partnership with We Give Books. More than 25,000 students participated, reading over 110,000 books.

    The eighth annual WrestleMania Reading Challenge Finals will take place on Saturday, April 6 in the Aronow Theater at City College in New York City. More than 1,000 libraries from across the United States and Canada participated in this year’s WrestleMania Reading Challenge through the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association. Eighteen finalists will compete to win ringside seats to WrestleMania at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, April 7 at 7 PM ET.

    Make-A-Wish Pizza Party – Saturday, April 6, Liberty Science Center
    WWE Superstars John Cena, Santino Marella and R-Truth will host this year’s annual Make-A-Wish pizza party for more than 40 wish kids and their families from the United States, Belgium and Australia. As part of its 30-year partnership with Make-A-Wish, WWE is also hosting the wish children and their families at WrestleMania 29. This year’s pizza party will also help launch Make-A-Wish’s World Wish Day campaign to raise airline tickets, a critical wish resource, through cash and airline mile contributions during the month of April.

    WWE 2013 Hall of Fame Ceremony, Saturday, April 6, Madison Square Garden
    A capacity crowd will fill Madison Square Garden for the 2013 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (#WWEHOF). WWE Superstars and global celebrities will pay tribute to icons of the past including Bruno Sammartino, who will be inducted by Arnold Schwarzenegger; Bob Backlund, who will be inducted by Maria Menounos, Donald Trump, Mick Foley, Trish Stratus and Booker T.

    Empire State Building Lighting, Sunday, April 7, New York, NY
    In celebration of WrestleMania 29, the exterior lights of the Empire State Building, above the 72nd floor, will be lit in the WrestleMania logo colors of blue and yellow, starting at sunset through 2:00 AM ET the next day.

    WrestleMania 29, Sunday, April 7, MetLife Stadium
    More than 75,000 fans are expected to converge on MetLife Stadium for WrestleMania 29 (#WRESTLEMANIA). This year’s pop-culture extravaganza, which can be seen live on pay-per-view at 7 PM ET in more than 100 countries and 20 languages, will feature the highly anticipated re-match between The Rock and John Cena for the WWE Championship. The pay-per-view is available through cable, satellite or telco providers and on Xbox consoles and Samsung Smart TVs, inside “Xbox Live” and the Samsung “Smart Hub” respectively.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭EdK


    Whole Show wrote: »
    What happened to your bags Ed? Hope you have got them now ok?

    Don't know really we had 4 hour layover so there was plenty of time but we were told they were on next flight,they were at the hotel when we woke up though,thanks


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  • Registered Users Posts: 27 Broooce


    Driving from the Hampton Inn, Secaucus if anyone needs lifts to axxess and WM, if you do PM me


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 175 ✭✭mitchmeister


    Broooce wrote: »
    Driving from the Hampton Inn, Secaucus if anyone needs lifts to axxess and WM, if you do PM me

    I'm in the Hampton aswel brooce.... Where ya from and how many is in your party?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭EdK


    Went to Daily show laughed made some people laugh talked to Jon Stewart, good times!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,951 ✭✭✭Cherry_Cola


    Jetting off in the morning, will only get about 2-3 hours sleep. Looking forward to it now!


  • Registered Users Posts: 28 dtbDublin


    Hey, I'm in NYC now, staying at the Grand Hyatt (Platinum package hotel). The room keys have cool WM designs.

    I am going to Wrestlecon Saturday so don't need my Axxess tickets for Saturday (2 Kane VIP and 2 GA for the afternoon session).

    I have the GA tickets in hand and will collect Kane VIPs tonight.

    If anyone wants them and can meet at the Hyatt tonight after Axxess or tomorrow morning let me know.
    Looking to sell as pairs. Cost is the same as they would cost from Ticketmaster.

    Thanks.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 621 ✭✭✭rude awakening


    Just been to the first axxess session and boi did it suck. Alot of attractions taken away like undertakers graveyard., walking through the costumes etc. It came down to doing a lap of "the Point" and nothing more. There were autograph signings but usual midcard ones. We were in and out in abt 45 mins


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭EdK


    Back from Bret and Shawn signing way oversold and took way longer than advertised but everything happened and finally got to meet HBK so happy days


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,951 ✭✭✭Cherry_Cola


    Just been to the first axxess session and boi did it suck. Alot of attractions taken away like undertakers graveyard., walking through the costumes etc. It came down to doing a lap of "the Point" and nothing more. There were autograph signings but usual midcard ones. We were in and out in abt 45 mins

    Is there any chance of getting a photo with any of them or is it just autographs? Sounds a bit lacklustre alright.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭EdK


    Back from Supercard of Honor good show if not amazing glad for Jay Briscoe after all the years and the amateur look if Kevin Steen annoys me


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,951 ✭✭✭Cherry_Cola


    Just back from CZW there and it was fantastic Some crazy spots and possibly the bloodiest match ever in the main event! Axxess and Chikara now tomorrow, might drop into Dragon Gate at some point


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭EdK


    http://sportiseverything.com/2013/04/05/wrestlemania-blog-day-1/ Signing of a Lifetime Bret and Shawn

    http://sportiseverything.com/2013/04/06/wrestlemania-blog-day-2/ ROH Supercard of Honor VII

    My brothers blogs for the events

    Edit: http://sportiseverything.com/2013/04/07/wrestlemania-blog-day-3/ Wrestlecon and HOF

    Please excuse any typos they are usually written late and quite hurriedly on an uncooperative playbook


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 24,974 Mod ✭✭✭✭Loughc


    EdK wrote: »
    http://sportiseverything.com/2013/04/05/wrestlemania-blog-day-1/ Signing of a Lifetime Bret and Shawn

    http://sportiseverything.com/2013/04/06/wrestlemania-blog-day-2/ ROH Supercard of Honor VII

    My brothers blogs for the events

    Edit: http://sportiseverything.com/2013/04/07/wrestlemania-blog-day-3/ Wrestlecon and HOF

    Please excuse any typos they are usually written late and quite hurriedly on an uncooperative playbook

    Excellent blogs, I'm loving reading them looking forward to the main event one! :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 174 ✭✭lynnsback


    Have a great time, everyone! Fingers crossed that myself and the mister will be going next year.


  • Registered Users Posts: 108 ✭✭kwillcox


    After watching WM on TV this year i think the show was a bit of a let down. The stage looked great, hall of fame class was one of the best groups however the show was average.

    Punk vs Taker match of the night for sure. The other matches just seemed like a raw or smackdown just with more time, no real Holly **** moments.

    So annoyed they cancelled the 8 person tag. I feel so bad for all those 8 individuals, must have been so disappointing to know you were wrestling at Wrestlemania only to find out minutes before your match would be cancelled.

    Planning on going to WM 30 so hopefully it is a better show. Im sure the atmosphere and events in NYC were fun though. I look forward to hearing everyone's feedback for those who went this year.


  • Registered Users Posts: 168 ✭✭Hendo9


    Anyone got 2 RAW tickets for sale?

    Thanks


  • Registered Users Posts: 108 ✭✭kwillcox


    Can anyone tell me how the VIP experience where you got to go backstage at RAW and get a pic on the stage was????

    It seemed like a cool thing to do but haven't herd how it actually turned out. Would anyone recommend doing it for next year?


  • Registered Users Posts: 348 ✭✭mikey13


    Just got back! That was the best week of my life :D

    Coming back UNDERTAKER was in the airport and was standing next to us at one point!

    Raw was amazing! the Fandango chants started in the section i was in, there was a few Ipswitch fans next to me and a everton fans behind and all we did was shout random crap :p 'Wade Barrets Barmy Army' even got a 'Maggy Thatcher' chant going :p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭EdK




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,143 ✭✭✭ciano316


    Broooce wrote: »
    Driving from the Hampton Inn, Secaucus if anyone needs lifts to axxess and WM, if you do PM me

    If only I seen this days ago, I was only across the bridge in La Quinta I could of done with some lifts!! Especially back from Mania!!

    Just got home this morning, Great trip. Can't wait to go again next year.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,951 ✭✭✭Cherry_Cola


    Got home yesterday, had an absolute blast and will definitely make it a regular thing from now on I think.

    Wrestlecon was great too, hope they get it going next year too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭EdK


    Did anyone encounter that queue skipping wheelchair guy and his mom? If you have been to enough events you'll know them they obnoxiously push to the front of every line

    They blagged their way into Hogans morning session at Wrestlecon even though they had afternoon tickets,Was at BFG 10 and the guy completely lost it at Atlas security for calling them out for it,Screaming I'm disabled at the top of his lungs.

    Before anyone thinks I'm a dickhead I've seen people on crutches with feet turned the wrong way wait their turn in queues and would gladly let them skip but this mfer is sitting down FFs and his sense of entitlement really grinds my gears


  • Registered Users Posts: 348 ✭✭mikey13


    I didnt see the ones you were talking about but at one of the axxess sessions i went too there was a guy in a wheelchair and his girlfriend who decided to push into the que about halfway, didnt bother me that much because they were behind me but on the way to get into the que i had noticed a seperate que for the disabled but this guy decided to push is halfway back and slow the whole que down because I doubt his chair would of got round the maze of barriers put up to control the que. The guys girlfriend was rude anyway when pushing in and spent rest of the time sitting on his lap


  • Registered Users Posts: 122 ✭✭Whole Show


    Mania and Raw spoilers below.

    Also been home a few hours, say this every year but if you are ever on the fence of doing a Mania- do it. The whole experience does not beat it. This trip was different than previous Manias I have been too but thats pretty much due to the amount of things to do in New York combined with the usual large quantity of wrestling events.

    I took of Tuesday, nice east flight and was only in customs and baggage for no more than 30 minutes, after a 2 and a half hour wait in Miami last year, I was relieved to say the least. That relief soon turned to frustration, The first few days of my journey I was staying in North Bergen(just outside of NYC in Jersey).The location was hampered by no public transport from the airport. Now I had heard stories of Taxi drivers not wanting to take people here from the airport, so I was relieved when a cabbie offered to take me. He said no more than $111, split between two I accepted that and Just wanted to get to the hotel. I nearly had a fit when he said $167 when we arrived at the hotel. Not happy but what can you do.

    A few hours settling in was killed and me and the other half hoped on the hotel shuttle for a trip into the city for Annie(not my choice but had to do something for her!), Horrendous traffic through the Lincoln Tunnell awaited, we just made it into times square at 6.55- 5 mins before doors closed for the show. The show itself was excellent which really suprised me. A few beers and a awesome burger in Ruby Tuesdays rounded of the night, Unfortunately the shuttle bus that arranged to pick us up never showed, so we had to get a bus at the amazingly confusing Port Authority Bus terminal to a location a 20 mins away from our hotel.

    Wednesday we headed for a full on NYC day, Real awesome day, We took in the sights of Times Square, Central Park, All the major shops, Looked around MSG, Ate some awesome food, Hit up the Empire state building- which was awesome. Drank a few more beers and even bumped into Jedward. A great day only to be greeted with more confusion at the bus station- sent to 4 different terminals at midnight is not a greta experience. It was bloody freezing on this day too.

    Thursday we shopped a bit more, ate at Forrest Gump shrimp and done the Statue of Liberty Boat Cruise- loved this and was well worth $25.
    About 4.45 the first wrestling part of the trip started, Headed to the Once in a lifetime signing for Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. It started at 6 but wanted to hit the que early as we had tickets for the Sandy Relief WWE VIP party Auction and Reception which started at 8.
    Had a good spot in the line, about 10 in, I reckon over a good thousand people were there for this. We enterted the ballroom for the signing as was told that Bret & Shawn would do the posed photo together first and then we would have to start the que once again for the autographs, So I got my picture done and took a seat ready to wait for the autographs. This line was slowly staggering along though, it was gone 7.15 and there was still hundreds and hundreds in the line, So we made the decision and left, Not happy about the organisation about this and was probabley the most poorly run signing of all time.
    Luckily the Sandy Relief signing made up for this, we hit the subway to Wall Street, Came out and immediately saw the Cipriani building where the event would take place. Purchased these tickets VIP for $150 and it was worth every penny. We were greeted with champagne, fancy food, long lounges decked out in WWE cushions, all in a fancy hall. It was an open bar so I pretty much took advantage of this drank lots of Vodka cocktails and Champagne. The wrestlers soon started walking down the Red Carpet and then enterted the main hall to mingle with the fans.
    I managed to meet Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston, Brodus Clay and R-Truth.
    We then went upstairs into the VIP lounge where I managed to meet Hornswoggle,Then spoke at length with Wade Barrett where we mainly talked about football matters. Met Kaitlyn, Chris Jericho- Real class act, The Miz and Maryse, Michael Hayes- decked out in vintage Hayes gear and with a nice young sort on his arm. Dolph Ziggler- Who was getting through the champagne, Ted Dibiase jnr, John Cena- Who had a security presence and didnt stay long but was cordial and was happy to pose for photos and have a quick chat with fans. Jerry Lawler who was telling me he is keen on getting back in the ring asap. Sheamus- Another class act and Linda Mcmahon who was quite easy to obtain.
    The Rock turned up but pretty much walked the carpet, done interviews and shot out the door. Shame as I thought the way the night was going there may of been a chance to meet him.
    The auction then started, when this ended HHH, Vince & Stephanie headed out the door. HHH and Vince did not stop for anyone but I managed to get a photo with Stephanie as she left, She was really nice and was pretty open to photo ops and talking to the fans all night.
    JBL turned up late and was the only person I saw all night that had a beer. He was a nice guy to meet and was in real good spirits.
    Managed to round the night of by meeting Layla, Lilian, Natalya and Alicia Fox. Only people I seemed to miss where Del Rio who was in conversation all night, The bellas and Mick Foley-whos daughters looked absolute stunning.
    Really loved this event, was a a great evening and pretty much all the wrestlers were very open into mingling with the fans, chatting and posing for pictures.
    And to round of the night managed to catch the shuttle back to the hotel rather than another trip to the bus station.

    Friday we checked out the hotel and headed for the travel package hotel the Hyatt in New York. Had Axxess in the evening, normally I overcrowd these weekend with Axxess sessions but every year there seems to be more and more people and more and more waiting around, so we just went the Friday and Sunday before Mania, which I think worked alot better as it wasnt overkill. It was packed and took a while to get my head around the new layout, This year all the signing started from inside the concourse and some headed into booths set up in the arena.
    We hit a line early on and Managed to get Harley Race, best result of this was one of the staff giving us a sheet of who would been at the 2nd 2 hour slot. Met Larry Zbysko who I was suprised to see there and then we got Sika. We then started for Aksana but knew 3MB were after and thats who we ended up with. Session rounded off with meeting Terry Funk. So overall a fruitfull sessions. Didnt really think much of the memrobilia stands or the exhibits this year but how awesome was that Andre statue.

    Saturday was spent at Wrestlecon, Managed to meet UKFF member Heel section on the train by luck and we shared a cab to the convention. Ticket pick up was pretty easy. The Con was probabley the thing that got me most excited about the Mania weekend and it totally lived up to the hype, Wrestlers everywhere and tons of cool merchandise. Id imagine alot of dollars were made at this event.
    I met Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Kelly Kelly, Beth Phoenix, Million Dollar Man, Maria, Kevin Nash, John Morrison, Jimmy Snuka, Bob Orton, Brutus Beefcake, Titio Santana, Lex Luger, Iron Sheik, Jushin Liger, Hurricane, Molly, Euegene, Goldust, Boogeyman and Kharma.
    Meeting Hogan was absolutley awesome, greeteed you with a handshake and seemed generally happy to be there,.
    Angle looked completley out of it, although I did read he was sick. RVD was really funny, Boogeyman and Goldust were having tons of fun and I managed to several pictures with these two as they kept gatecrashing my photos.
    Alot of the handlers were great taking pictures while you talked to the talent aswell as the photo op.
    Busiest lines of the weekend where definately for Bret, His line was long all weekend.

    Hit up an exspensive NYC resturant before the Hall of fame which put a big dent in the wallett.
    The Hall of fame was a unique experience, had goosebumps finally attending a event at MSG. Was awesome sitting there thinking about all the great moments that had happened in the building.
    Always love the wrestlers coming out at the beginning.
    Foley was awesome, it was such a a well put speech and was entertaining throughout, Foley dropping the elbow on Jericho was priceless, Foley is a great public speaker and this was maybe by fav speech in recent years.
    Trish was good too, The first time booing her husband was slightly amusing the several rounds of booing after were not, I was actually cringing and Didnt know who I felt sorry more for Trish or Ron.
    This was a hour and a half into the event by the time Booker came on and I could feel the crowd starting to get restless and vent their chants.
    Booker was decent but at this stage I was questioning whether they should of spread some of these biggish names out on to other years.
    Maria M did go on too long IMO, Backland was nuts and cut the 2nd best speech of the night for me in a weird way. Thought it was odd Vince coming out onto the stage hurrying him along.
    Trump got completley abused by the crowd, worst than any other celeb induction.
    Luckily the fans were respectful to both Arnie and Bruno and luckily Bruno cut a nice shortish speech which was just aswell at gone 11 0 clock at night and 3 hours of speeches.
    Was definately a great class, with lots of good and bad from the speeches and crowd reactions.

    Sunday morning was spent at the con cleaning up by meeting The Ultimate Warrior, Lita, Sabu, William Regal, Bobby Heenan and Mickie James.
    Warrior was so nice and personal with his fans, Lita was excellent too, Mickie was a nice as ever, It was so sad to see Bobby Heenan, I got him to sign my WWE ency but passed up on a photo. Regal was probabley my fav meet of the weekend, another absolute class act and shared a few stories with me from when he wrestled in Slough.
    Will be interesting to see who Wrestlecon brings in next year to try and top this weekend.
    Got a cab over to axxess, this session was probabley even more packed than Friday, I met Conor O Brien walking around the concourse, hit a short que for Curt Hawkins, Managed to get Sin Cara before he switched and then met Christian which was over a hour que but at leats you got to sit in your seat while queing this year and watch some cool NXT action.

    Headed over to the Metlife, Superstore was very busy and sold out of several items, I couldnt get the WM shirt with the card on the back but did pick up a hoodie, Rock/Cena shirt, Rock, Punk and HOF t shirts.

    Had a excellent seat, 5th row behind the commentators, dont think ill ever get better seats than this, the set up was very impressive. The section I was in was pretty quiet, not helped by 2 rows of celebs and more than likely people with more money than sense who didnt seem to be into anything bar John Cena.
    I didnt like the fact we got no America the beautiful, The rain at the start of the show probabley didnt get me into the start of Mania as I have had in previous years.
    Miz/Barret was decent.
    6 man was good but not nowhere near as good as other Sheild PPV matches.
    Henry/Ryback sucked and the finish made no sense.
    Really like The Rock & Cena promos but like others I was dissapointed with lack of backstage skits and Mania special entrances.
    Tag match the crowd finally came to live, Jericho/Fandango was sloppy for me.
    Puff Daddy was alright from a live experience but was nowhere near as good as Flo Rida last year.
    Del Rio/Swagger was dissapointing, the whole crowd wanted the Ziggler cash in on this show.
    Taker/Punk was awesome, MOTY candidate for me, just a great usual Undertaker Mania match and great usual big PPV outing for Punk. Punks entrance was awesome.
    I kinda liked HHH/Brock I guess, need to watch this one back, End sequence was really good and had me doubting if HHH was actually gonna win .
    Suprised by the quickness of Rock & Cenas entrances, Early stages this was dull but I was glued by the end of the match and several near falls had me thinking it was over. I didnt like the hugging end and the difference with the buzz from leaving the Sunlife last year to the people rushing to the exits this year was a massive contrast.
    Guy took ages before he clipped my chair off, how did he think people were gonna take their chairs.
    Coming out was pretty long and got back in the hotel about 1.30

    Monday was spent shopping followed by Raw.
    Not much to say apart from how incredible it was to be a part of this crowd, the Mania after Raw has pretty much come to be unmissable. Ive never had so much fun as the Raw after Mania last year, The first hour bar Cena and Bryan I thought was a bit dull but after Ziggler cashed in the crowd pretty much exploded. The chants in the Sheamus/Orton match will live with me forever. The rest of the show from reactions, To Taker, To Rybacks turn and the Fandango sing along was just unreal.

    Absolute loved this trip, my feet ache, my wallett aches more but it was totally worth it. Im doubtful that Ill be in New Orleans next year, I feel a bit burnt out from these trips now, especially after this one and the last 2 Mania locations, bar a absolute supercard it will be very hard to top as a week goes.


  • Registered Users Posts: 69 ✭✭A.B. Dangerously


    mikey13 wrote: »
    Just got back! That was the best week of my life :D

    Coming back UNDERTAKER was in the airport and was standing next to us at one point!

    Raw was amazing! the Fandango chants started in the section i was in, there was a few Ipswitch fans next to me and a everton fans behind and all we did was shout random crap :p 'Wade Barrets Barmy Army' even got a 'Maggy Thatcher' chant going :p

    Mate, I was the Ipswich fan (my friend's a Cardiff fan). Were you the Scottish guy next to me? So random that we are both on this board and sat by each other at RAW but didnt know!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,143 ✭✭✭ciano316


    Mate, I was the Ipswich fan (my friend's a Cardiff fan). Were you the Scottish guy next to me? So random that we are both on this board and sat by each other at RAW but didnt know!

    I was sitting behind you's at RAW beside the asian lad that you's knew if you remember that, well your mate who was wearing the cardiff jersey was talking to him or maybe it was you!! Who was wearing the blue jersey?


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  • Registered Users Posts: 69 ✭✭A.B. Dangerously


    ciano316 wrote: »
    I was sitting behind you's at RAW beside the asian lad that you's knew if you remember that, well your mate who was wearing the cardiff jersey was talking to him or maybe it was you!! Who was wearing the blue jersey?

    I don't remember the Asian lad behind me. Do you mean the Japanese guy with glasses in the section next to us a few rows back? I was talking to absolutely everyone. We were both in Blue Jerseys. Mine was the Ipswich one with Lev 7 on the back and his didn't have anything on the back. He was on the one standing on his chair the whole time, and I was the loud guy trying to get all the chants going.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,143 ✭✭✭ciano316


    I don't remember the Asian lad behind me. Do you mean the Japanese guy with glasses in the section next to us a few rows back? I was talking to absolutely everyone. We were both in Blue Jerseys. Mine was the Ipswich one with Lev 7 on the back and his didn't have anything on the back. He was on the one standing on his chair the whole time, and I was the loud guy trying to get all the chants going.

    Yeah that was the lad I was sitting beside him. Yeah Lev was on the back of the jersey I remember. Seems to be a few of us on here. Hello.


  • Registered Users Posts: 69 ✭✭A.B. Dangerously


    ciano316 wrote: »
    Yeah that was the lad I was sitting beside him. Yeah Lev was on the back of the jersey I remember. Seems to be a few of us on here. Hello.

    Were you the guy sitting on the train next to me after Mania who was looking after someone else's chair?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,143 ✭✭✭ciano316


    Were you the guy sitting on the train next to me after Mania who was looking after someone else's chair?

    No I just remember you from talking to japanese lad at RAW. I was sitting on the aisle seat in a purple hoodie when you were talking to him just remembered your jersey.


  • Registered Users Posts: 9 LosBlanco


    Really enjoying those Wrestling blogs..delighted that it has become a weekly feature! The Maggie Thatcher chant sounds ridiculous of true!


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