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Wrestlemania returns with fans in the stands
Jordan Bowen reports
TAMPA, Fla. - Wrestling fans have been waiting more than a year for WrestleMania 37, which kicked off Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium. It served as the first in-person WWE event to be held since the beginning of the pandemic.
There were long lines of excited fans Saturday as Wrestlemania 37 took center stage in Tampa Bay.
"Everyone’s out here today and they love it! WrestleMania is going down tonight, baby," wrestling fan David Hernandez said.
Many fans were worried if an in-person event would even be possible after WrestleMania 36 was canceled last year due to the pandemic.
"Ain’t nothing else bigger than Wrestlemania, man. This is the Super Bowl of wrestling. If you want to see a show, you come to WrestleMania. I mean, this is it," Hernandez said.
More than 25,000 fans were allowed a seat inside Raymond James Stadium.
READ Tampa’s history in pro wrestling played vital role in developing superstars – past and present
To bring this event closer to home, two Tampa Bay residents and former wrestlers are serving as the official hosts: the legendary Hulk Hogan, a longtime Clearwater resident, and Titus O’Neil, who has become well known for his philanthropy throughout the Bay Area.
"When I walk out there, I think the biggest thing for me the hardest thing for me Will be not to be overwhelmed when I walk out there and hear them for the first time live," WWE superstar Drew McIntyre said.
Masks are required for the two-day event taking place both Saturday and Sunday. Temperature checks and health screenings are being conducted upon entry.
If you can’t make it out in person, the entire two-night event will be streamed live on the WWE Network channel on Peacock TV.
"I’m really excited. Kofi Kingston is my favorite," 7-year-old wrestling fan Santino Motta said.
Via WWE
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