Happy New Year’s, wrestling friends! I hope the new year finds you well. A new year is a time for new personal growth, goals, achievements, and experiences. Speaking of new experiences, I’m taking my friend to her first ever wrestling show! That got me thinking about all of the fans I met this past year that are new and have never been to a wrestling show. Just like attending your first concert (mine was Chris Brown!), going to your first live event can be a little nerve-wracking so here are some tips to help you enjoy yourself to the fullest!
10. Know your venue.
When you get your tickets to the show, make sure to check out the venue if it’s not somewhere you’ve been before. Is the security line slow? Is it cold inside the arena? What’s the parking like? These are all good general things to know. Most places have information and reviews online, but if you can’t find anything, be sure to ask around!
9. Keep your comfort level in mind.
When buying tickets, think about what makes you comfortable. If you’re not a fan of super loud noises, don’t sit too close to the entrance ramp. If you need assistance, look for accessible seating. Remember that the seats closest to the ring aren’t necessarily the best. I’ve sat both front row and in elevated seats and had a great time in both!
8. Wear comfy clothes.
Though there really is no dress code for wrestling events, the general rule of thumb is a wrestling shirt and some pants. There’s no wrong thing to wear either. You wanna rock that old school Bret Hart shirt? Do it! Wanna show your favorite indie wrestler some love? Go for it! Shirts can often be a good conversation starter as well so you pick something you really like.
7. Posters, belts, etc are greatly encouraged!
At my very first WWE live event, I had a simple poster that I had made for Edge. The handwriting wasn’t the best and the paint was a tad smudged but it still got his attention and he smiled and signed it for me. That was a very special moment and that signed poster is still in my closet, a little frayed from moving and age, but still good. Bring your posters and your belts and your fanny packs!
6. Keep your wits about you.
You’re going to be having a good time and the events for bigger promotions like WWE and Ring of Honor are generally pretty safe. But you always want to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave anyone behind and keep your stuff in your line of sight. Unfortunately, there’s always going to be some unsavory folks around.
5. Talk to the other fans around you.
One of my favorite things about events is talking to other fans. If you’re a bit shy, remember that you’re all there to see some awesome wrestling so use that as your talking point. You never know who you’re going to meet at these shows. The majority of wrestling fans are pretty friendly too! And they might have great insider tips for other promotions, getting better seats, and saving money.
4. Take advantage of photo and autograph opportunities.
This is a bit easier to do at smaller and independent promotions. For example, my local promotion does a meet and greet one hour before bell time where the wrestlers are selling their merchandise and often take pictures and sign stuff. With WWE, your best bet other than scheduled meet and greets, is to sit front row or next to the entrance ramp. I’ve done it a few times for Smackdown and managed to get AJ Styles’ autograph.
3. Enjoy the moment.
I know this contradicts what I just said about taking pictures and stuff, but it really is important to enjoy the moment. It’s super easy to get caught up trying to record everything that happens around you, but you’ll enjoy the show more if you’re not staring at it through a lens the whole time. Grab your selfies and your pictures, but don’t forget to just be present and enjoy yourself.
2. Be vocal.
The worst thing for a wrestler to come out to is silence. Whether you boo or cheer, give the performers a reaction. It also gets the people around you into it. I love making fellow fans laugh with my remarks. Just don’t go overboard and start shouting rude or terrible things.
1. Have fun!
This is the most important part on this list. Even with the above tips, your experience at your first wrestling show is all what you make it. Wrestling is supposed to be a fun escape so get into it! This is a unique type of entertainment that really relies on its fanbase to keep going so the promotions want you to enjoy yourself and come back. Also don’t forget to check out the merch table, particularly at smaller shows!
I hope this list helps you out even a little if you plan on attending your first ever wrestling show this year! It’s sure to be a great time that gets you hooked and wanting more.
-Wynter
