The Road to Wrestlemania Stops in Ottawa

All photos courtesy of WWE

I don’t know if there has been a better time to be a fan of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). We have entered ‘Wrestlemania season’ where everything the WWE does seems to lead to MetLife Stadium and their biggest event of the year. 80,000 people are expected to see the event live with millions watching around the world. The WWE Live Road to Wrestlemania tour makes a stop at the Canadian Tire Centre this Friday and I encourage you to make the time and go.

WWE is always a great event for people of all ages. I have gone many times and I have seen the ‘die hard lifelong fans’, the new fans and my favourite…the kids. I love seeing kids at events because it reminds me of when my Dad first started taking me. We see these superstars on TV every week and to get to see them live is something a youngster doesn’t soon forget.

I remember the when WWE was here last May I was sitting ringside and a few rows ahead of me was a young girl with her parents. Asuka, WWE Smackdown Women’s Champion, came across the young girl and stopped to take a picture with her. I remember seeing how excited the young girl was and thought that is a priceless memory she will always hold onto. At its core, WWE is about the fans.

This Friday’s show won’t be a televised Raw or a Smackdown (WWE’s staple TV shows) and that’s not a bad thing. Without the restrictions of a TV schedule, the superstars have more time to take pictures and interact with the crowd.

And don’t think because the show isn’t being broadcast that you’ll be getting a water downed version. From pyro, to entrance music, to the amazing in ring performances you will get it all.

I can’t say who will be there but since it’s the RAW brand expect Braun Stroman, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Alexa Bliss, Ronda Rousey and a host of other exciting superstars.

Wrestlemania is starting to take form as we know Seth Rollins will compete with Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship and that Ronda Rousey will defend her Women’s Championship against the extremely popular Becky Lynch. (Seriously, is there a more popular superstar right now???)

Of course, the in-ring performances is just a part of the WWE business. One of the other parts that  really impresses me is their commitment to community. Whether it’s reading, anti-bully or some of the other programs they are involved with, their ability to use their celebrity to influence positive change is quite remarkable.

WWE Superstar John Cena has taken part in more ‘wishes’ with the Make a Wish Foundation than any other celebrity with over 500. In perspective that is over 500 times that Mr Cena took time from his own schedule to positively impact the life of someone else. Quite impressive.

The WWE has evolved from just being about sports entertainment to being a company that not only provides support but also reaches out to improve communities and the world as a whole.

When a WWE pay per view like Wrestlemania comes to a city, it also brings millions of revenue for the hosting city. The biggest event of the summer, SummerSlam, will take place in Toronto this summer.

But Wrestlemania is in April. SummerSlam is in August. WWE comes to Ottawa this Friday. Let’s start with that! Hope to see you there!