This last Sunday saw the return of the of the Wrestlefest series to the big screen at The Strand Arts Centre. There were 2 showings at 3pm and 7pm and since it was the same day as WrestleMania 30 it was only appropriate that it was a WrestleMania special. A mixed crowd of Adults and children alike filed into The Strand Arts Centre for the 3pm showing we attended and for almost 2.5 hours we were treated to a great selection of matches and moments from WrestleMania 1 through 20. The show itself is a great selection of different bits and pieces from over 20 years that capture the spirit of WrestleMania in all it’s glory. There’s clips of different wrestlers talking about what the first one was like and a bit of history as we’re taken through the events chronologically, the top 30 greatest WrestleMania moments, Top 10 entrances, a few cut down versions “WrestleMania in 60 seconds” of the big show through the years. Clips from the Hulk Hogan and Yokozuna match, Randy Savage’s epic celebration with Miss Elizabeth and Hogan after winning the belt and we had just finished an Undertaker match with Jimmy Snuka when a small technical glitch stopped the show. This made for a convenient intermission though while we got drinks and hot nuts. The Gimmick battle royal from WM17 made for a good laugh and helped keep the kids in the audience entertained before the show culminated in the final match. The main event is the 3 way title match from WrestleMania 20 between HHH, Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit. Perhaps a controversial choice for the final match, with the inclusion of Chris Benoit, but as I commented later WWE has built a business on controversy so it seemed appropriate enough. Also it’s an amazing match and one of the best from over the years. I had a great time at the show and it made the perfect preview to the PWU across town I went onto attend later and then ultimately WrestleMania. It seems that wrestling in NI is thriving with many brilliant shows for wrestling fans of local and international talent alike to enjoy, Viva la Raza!
I had a great time at the show and it made the perfect preview to the PWU across town I went onto attend later and then ultimately WrestleMania. It seems that wrestling in NI is thriving with many brilliant vents for wrestling fans of local and international talent alike to enjoy, Viva la Raza!
