They've got the mania

They've got the mania

Escaping from reality is one of the reasons Miss Syazana Lopez is hooked on WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).

But sometimes, watching her favourite wrestling stars on TV just is not good enough, which is why she is willing to splash the cash for a better view of WWE's upcoming marquee event WrestleMania 30 in the US.

The 23-year-old marketing assistant told The New Paper: "Last year (at WrestleMania 29 in New York, below), I can safely say I spent about $5,000 in all, but my seats were not so fabulous.

"I've spent close to S$8,000 so far this year. I'm very happy with the seats I got and for the price that I paid, it's definitely worth every penny. I'm super excited."

WrestleMania 30 will be held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on April 6 and airs on StarHub TV Video on Demand on April 7 at 10pm.

It will feature matches involving wrestlers who typically portray either heroes or villains. The matches follow a series of events that build tension from scripted feuds and plots that play out on WWE's television programmes. Miss Lopez said she managed to get a WWE Platinum Package which gives her a seat on the fifth row from ringside, as well as other choice seats for fringe WWE events.

She also clinched meet-and-greet tickets to get up close with wrestlers such as The Undertaker, John Cena, Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan.

She said: "I'm looking forward to the little cheap thrills of getting myself on TV, watching the epic Championship Match and meeting WWE friends from all over the world."

Miss Lopez recently befriended another local who is just as passionate about WWE wrestling, through a Facebook fan page called Singapore WWE Fans.

Mr Ashvin Singh, who is self-employed, spent a fair bit when he attended WrestleMania 27 in 2011.

The 32-year-old said: "I spent over $4,000 three years ago on flight, accommodation and tickets for various components of that event and Monday Night Raw the following day. It was something like a five-day-long festival."

Cool & Calm

Unlike what most young women her age get up to, Miss Lopez said WWE sweeps her off into a fantasy land that keeps her "cool and calm".

She explained: "Watching WWE helps me escape from reality for a few hours, especially when I'm watching my favourite WWE Diva Stephanie McMahon and WWE superstar Triple H.

"Sometimes, it's the media that sends out the wrong message about wrestling, but what they're unaware of is that WWE doesn't really 'promote' violence."

She added: "My family got me into this WWE craze in 1999. My mother has seen my WWE items such as T-shirts, action figures and replica championship belts. She (may not agree with this passion of mine) at times, but she understands it."

Miss Lopez recalled: "When I went to Wrestlemania 29, it was the most incredible experience because I got to mix with other WWE fans, especially those from the UK. They're very loud and they get chants going.""

Unfortunately for Mr Singh - who was introduced to WWE by his cousin when he was young and is hooked on its "never-ending soap opera" appeal - he will have to miss out on the excitement of WrestleMania 30 this year.

He said: "I'm beyond disappointed that I can't make it (to the event) because of work. This year's show will be great as the lineup of matches is pretty exciting.

"It's also hosted by the legendary Hulk Hogan and there's the induction of the Ultimate Warrior, Mr T and the late Paul Bearer into the WWE Hall of Fame."

But loving WWE for Mr Singh comes with a lot of grief which people give him.

"They say things like, 'How can you watch something that isn't real' or 'It's stupid, I don't understand why you watch it.'

"I usually retort by saying it's still better than much lamer shows like Glee and The Vampire Diaries!" he said laughing.


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