I went to the WWE live event at Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center this past Saturday night. Most people didn’t.
Pittsburgh is a wrestling stronghold, and usually good for a solid crowd. But only 5,000 or so people dotted the seats at Consol. WWE live attendance mirrors the TV audience: A lot more people used to watch.
But I love house shows. They’re a throwback. You’ve got seven matches, none of which will include anything remotely resembling a big occurrence. So the wrestlers go old-school, and do the typical tricks that get response at a house show.
Kevin Owens: “The Pittsburgh Penguins are my favorite hockey team. But this city is a dump.” BOOOO!
Chris Jericho worked the crowd like he was back in Smoky Mountain Wrestling. But I think “Volunteer Slam IV” drew a bigger house.
WWE house shows are worthwhile viewing, especially if you get a free ticket like I did. There’s an entrance ramp, videos, lots of bells and whistles, and the participants cut promos typical of their character, but at least not overly scripted.
Nikki Bella looks UNBELIEVABLE in person, BTW. That’s from a distance, but not because it was from a distance. Certain body parts, just…POW! (If you get implants here, there and everywhere, and then dress as if you expect to be objectified, I’m only too glad to oblige. You’re in the objectification business.)
Lots of kids. Wow. John Cena acknowledged as much during his promo when he assumed the kids were with him and the adults were split 50-50. But the arena was too empty to gauge the crowd response. Lots of echo.
The matches were almost totally devoid of comedy spots, which are usually easy fodder at a WWE live event. It was a serious evening.
