RAW power rips into Ottawa

World wrestling superstar Edge was at Pizza Pizza in Orleans yesterday afternoon making friends with young fans, including Mika Labelle, at a promotional event before the big match last night. -- Tony Caldwell, Ottawa Sun Photo Gallery from RAW in Ottawa

By NATHALIE TREPANIER -- Ottawa Sun
 The World Wrestling Federation's RAW sent area fans into a frenzy at the Corel Centre last night after an almost five-year hiatus.

 A large crowd of devoted wrestling fans teemed through the Corel Centre at about 7 p.m., relishing the opportunity to finally cheer for their favourite stars.

 "I'm very excited," enthused 12-year-old Warren Rice, a Winchester fan. "I'm here to see the Rock. I never thought I'd see them live."

 Many fans entered the arena with bright signs, vibrantly displaying their favourite wrestling star. It was also a valiant attempt to draw the camera's attention, with the show broadcast live throughout North America.

 "I like wrestling," Shawtelle Bellefeuille said simply. "I think the Rock is going to kick butt."

 "It's funny," she then conceded. "I'm expecting to laugh."

 She was also expecting several hours of excitement, as were most other fans.

 That sense of anxious expectation was immediately evident minutes before the event was launched.

 The crowd's anticipation grew as 13,500 seats began to fill and the first collective screams were heard as the spotlights began to dance over the arena.

 And then it began. One after the other, wrestling stars made their way into the ring in dramatic entrances. Within minutes, another imposing body was loudly dropped to the ground -- to the audience's delight.

 Fans were completely absorbed and stars like Crash, Raven and the Rock did not let them down.

 "I was hyper, hyper, hyper on the bus (on the way to the centre), said an obviously excited Amber Johnstone, 9. "My favourite part is probably the girls because they're pretty and they're tough."

 Other fans eagerly agreed, cringing and cheering as the women of wrestling took the ring.

More on RAW in Ottawa

Oct. 16: RAW sound & fury

Oct. 16: Photo Gallery from RAW in Ottawa

Oct. 15: RAW rolls with punches