WWF fans thrilled with Axxess
By BOB KAPUR --
SLAM! Wrestling
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Lita signs an autograph for a fan at the Friday night session of WWF Fan Axxess. (Photo: Jon Waldman)
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TORONTO -- For several years, the days leading up to WrestleMania were preceeded by WWF Fan Axxess, the interactive experience where fans can meet their
favourite WWF Superstars and enjoy other WWF-themed events. I was always a
big fan of the concept of Axxess, especially after seeing a clip from one
held many years ago, where Mr. Fuji was running a race in a full tuxedo
while fans cheered him on -- man, would I have loved to be there.
Unfortunately, the last time Toronto hosted Mania, there was no such
opportunity for the fans. This time, however, the WWF has delivered, and
judging from the reactions of the people there at Friday night's session,
they've delivered in spades.
While I was most impressed with the WWF Hall of Fame display -- the
memorabilia they have there is a virtual museum of wrestling history --
most fans that I talked to were thrilled to have their chance to meet one
of today's superstars.
For them, the periodic autograph sessions (three run simultaneously on the
top level, and another two or three take place on the main floor) and the
chance to take a picture with a superstar are the real highlights. Equally
as exciting are the interactive Q&A sessions which take place a few times
during the day in the Pizza Pizza ring, and are usually followed by another
brief autograph session.
Tonight, Lita and Edge capped off the evening with a brief Q&A after they
helped a fan surprise his girlfriend with an in-ring proposal. Although
the questions mainly related to their respective matches at WrestleMania, a
few of them were a little more thought-provoking. For example, when asked
how he felt about being on a roster with Hulk Hogan, Edge noted that he was
honoured to be in the same locker room as a legend which he grew up
watching. Another question about the late great Owen Hart prompted a few
personal stories from Edge about Owen's in-ring antics, which were followed
by a heart-felt "Owen" chant from the ringside crowd.
Another highlight of the evening was the "Tough Enough" exhibition hosted
by Al Snow. With the other trainers -- Bob Holly, Ivory, and Chavo
Guerrero Jr -- and some of the participants from the first edition of the
show, volunteers from the crowd were led in a few calisthenics, and another
was selected as the special guest referee for a brilliant match between
Holly and Tough Enough champ Maven.
Surveying the fans in attendance, only a few of negatives were mentioned,
primarily the long lines for autographs, and, as a result, the lack of time
to see everything they wanted to during the session. As well, with the
amount of merchandise and souvenirs available for sale, the day can be a
fairly expensive outing.
But for the most part, fans seemed to be happy with Axxess, and judging
from the crowd's reactions, it was a fun night out. Sure, no Fuji in a
tux, but hey, there's plenty of other stuff to see and do.
Recommendations for those Attending:
- Bring a book or newspaper to read while waiting in line (a little
pen-light may be helpful, too)
- Check your coat, or wear something light-weight -- it gets pretty hot and
crowded in there
- A great place to camp out for the day (other than the beer tent, heh heh)
is at ringside (front couple of rows), as youâll have better opportunities
to ask questions of the wrestlers, and will be more likely to get good
photos and autographs
- When you're tired (and you will be by the end of the session), a good
resting place is the "Smackdown 2" Playstation area -- chairs are provided
while you watch people play the game against each other on the big screen
for prizes
- Get there early to avoid the lineup - as soon as you get in, rush
upstairs and get in line for the autograph session -- remember, there are
three stations on the top level, the security guards may know who's at each
Other Notes and Observances
- Dean Malenko was seen in the Eaton Centre a couple of hours before the
evening session of Axxess
- Superstars signing autographs included: DDP, the Dudley Boyz, Stacey
Keibler, Terri Runnels, Goldust, Chuck &Billy, Sgt. Slaughter, Jim
Cornette, Pat Patterson, Gerry Brisco, Goldust and Shawn Michaels
- Superstars posing for photos (costs $10, proceeds of which go to the
Special Olympics) were Chris Benoit and the Big Show
- Nancy Sullivan, wife of Chris Benoit, and famed wrestling valet (under
various names) was in attendance, though not part of any exhibition
- The Brooklyn Brawler, Steve Lombardi, was seen walking down Yonge Street
early this afternoon
- Tough Enough alumni in attendance were Maven, and runners-up Taylor and
Chris Harvard (who incidentally looks better than he did on the show, and
has the makings of a great heel)
- Results for the matches held during the night were: Hurricane w/ Mighty
Molly defeating Funaki; Tajiri & Jacqueline defeating Billy Kidman &
Victoria; and Bob Holly defeating Maven
- William Regal held a Q&A session in the ring -- stayed mostly in character
- One booth displayed some great new WWF action figures being released
soon, including: Ric Flair, the nWo, Tajiri, Rob Van Dam, Lance Storm, and
Booker T
- Stacey Keibler was seen playing against a fan at the Playstation area
