A childhood dream comes true

This is something common to every child who has grown up in India in the early 1990s. Trump cards, labels, stickers, posters and for the economically better off, a Nintendo Gameboy with the latest version 'cassette'. The way Hogan rips his shirt before every match, Bret 'The Hitman' Heart's snazzy sunglasses, Undertaker's nine lives or Yokozuna's extra (for lack of a better word) pounds must be etched in every young adult's memory. I'm referring to World Wresting Federation, more recently rechristened World Wresting Entertainment. I've always wanted to watch it live and on learning that we were going to be having the superstars in action at Reed Arena (our indoor stadium at Texas A&M) there was no way that I was gonna miss out!

Temperature's of 6°C accompanied by a steady downpour and cold breeze (that made it feel like 2°C) didn't deter the large number of people, mainly kids, who turned up to catch a glimpse of their favorite wrestlers. Unsuprisingly, there was a large desi representation too... no one wanted to miss out on a chance like this.

When action kicked off with a tag-team match, we were as excited as any 8 year old to have the opportunity to see in live, what we've been watching on TV all these years. As the evening went on, we went from riding the wave of excitement, to the incredulity of more acting than wrestling that was going on. It was something we had expected, but to see it happen in front of our eyes felt even more discernible.

Just when it started to get boring, there was this group of native Texans that had downed a little too many Budlights. They took over and made up for the lack of commentators and had our section of the crowd in splits. Loud and raucous would be a polite way of classifying their antics and their comments were freeflowing (like the beer) and uncensored. Hell, who cares what they said... all that I know is that we were almost rolling on the floor clutching our stomachs.

It was entertainment alright, and we felt it was an evening worth remembering. Thanks to the sloshed group in front of us coz more than the stars in the ring, it was these guys who added the fun-element.

After the heavyweight title match (Triple H vs Big Show), it would have to be the Diva's title match that was most entertaining. I will make sure I get a ringside seat next time. :)

Note to self: Take a placard.