Tips on Attending Live Events

I have made plenty of trips to professional wrestling shows over the years. I have been to four pay-per-views, two live Raw shows, five house shows, and multiple independent events. Each time has been a different experience for me. Plus, I am attending Heroes and Legends Wrestling inaugural event on March 23 so this will help prepare me for the day.

First of all, do not take your children if they are too young. This focuses primarily on the pay-per-views. I attended WrestleMania 23 when I was 14 years old, and I loved going. However, whenever I look back at that day, I realize I made so many mistakes. I chose poor moments to use the restroom; I focused more on taking pictures of the "TitanTron" than watching the in-ring action. The worse thing about the night was the younger kids who sat behind us. They left midway through the show. I'm assuming to prevent the children from staying up too late on a school night. Don't take young people to big wrestling shows. It will be a waste of money.

Attending shows with friends follows not taking children. Whether or not they watch wrestling on a regular basis, taking a few friends to tag along makes for a great time. From my experiences, those who do not watch regularly have a good time which has made them want to watch more often. Wrestling shows allow anyone to be loud and obnoxious without judgment coming from anyone.

These fans had a blast attending EWF's Diesel Powered event in June. Don't be afraid to cheer when you attend wrestling shows. It adds to the enjoyment. (Photo/ Michael Vanderkolk)

Along with attending with your friends, make sure you buy tickets that allow your group to sit with each other. When I attended Raw this past June, my friends and I decided to sit in the front few rows. We also wanted to pay for them separately. The only problem that occurred was not finding seats next to each other. We ended up with three tickets that were in three different rows. Luckily (somewhat), one of my friends could not attend so we had to sell his ticket. This allowed my other friend and me to sit two rows from each other rather than on the opposite side of the arena. The show entertained us, but we both would have enjoyed it more sitting side by side.

What if Someone Else got Rich?

I was watching Money in the Bank 2011 the other day, and it got me thinking about those who have competed in the MITB matches and lost. This match has helped propel the careers for many of the winners. So, what if somebody else who competed in these matches won instead? Since the first six MITB matches were held at a WrestleMania, I figured now is a fitting time to take a look at each MITB match:

1) WrestleMania 21 - Chris Benoit
Chris Benoit's prior championship success would not have made him a surprise winner. That said, the impact of his win would have changed 26.5 months later after he murdered his wife and son before committing suicide. The WWE doesn't even mention his existence outside of record books.

For this sake, be thankful it was Edge who won and became known as the "Ultimate Opportunist."

Actual winner: Edge

2) WrestleMania 22 - Matt Hardy
Matt is the older of the Hardy brothers, but he has always been treated as the younger one by wrestling promotions. Unlike Matt, Jeff Hardy has been the one to win world championships in both WWE and TNA.

I feel like he had risked enough during the Attitude Era to receive at least one world championship run.

Actual winner: Rob Van Dam

I've witnessed three MITB matches: WrestleMania 23 (pictured) and the two in 2011. It is easily my favorite match type that I have seen in person. Although, a Royal Rumble would probably top it if I see one. (Photo/ Robert Vanderkolk)

3) WrestleMania 23 -  Mr. Kennedy
Alright, you caught me! Mr. Kennedy technically won this match, but he never had the chance to cash in the contract. It seemed like every time Kennedy was about to receive a push, something happened that caused for it to come to a halt. First, the WWE overreacted to an injury. Secondly, he was suspended for a wellness policy violation.

Now he's in TNA as a two-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

Technical winner: Edge

4) WrestleMania XXIV - Carlito
Carlito had enough charisma and in-ring ability to make a credible champion. Also, I'm sure it could have helped make Carlito more pleased with his standing in WWE.

Actual winner: CM Punk