In April, I attended WrestleMania 40, when the biggest event in professional wrestling returned to Philadelphia. Below is a recap and my thoughts on this incredible experience, including photos and videos. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 3, 2024: Marc Mero Presentation
I kicked off my WrestleMania 40 weekend early by attending Marc Mero’s presentation at Arcola Intermediate School in Eagleville, Pennsylvania. Marc talked about making good choices in your life. I’ve been wanting to see Marc since I interviewed him in 2019. Marc did not disappoint. By the end of his presentation, the tears were flowing. He came up to me afterward and said, “To change them here (pointing at his head), you need to hit them here (pointing at his heart).” Marc understands the power of emotionally driven storytelling, and he is a master of his craft.
Thursday, April 4, 2024: WWE World
Ten years ago, when I attended WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans, I spent a couple days at WrestleMania Axxess, a fan-focused event where I got to meet current and legendary superstars. I got a ton of photos and autographs. It was an absolute blast.
WWE World replaced WrestleMania Axxess. It’s not as good, but it was still a fun time. I had the chance to get photos with several of the younger wrestlers, a giant WWE title, and a professional wrestling ring. This was my first time being up close with a WWE ring, so that was pretty cool. I also made it a point to pick up the merchandise I wanted at the gigantic WWE Superstore before it sold out.
Friday, April 5, 2024: WWE World, Smackdown & Hall of Fame
During the second day of WWE World, I got more photos with wrestlers and had my own WWE 2K24 trading cards made. The trading card opportunity was such a cool experience. Whoever thought of this, kudos to them for coming up with such a brilliant idea.
On my way home after WWE World, I approached Market Street and heard someone say, “DDP!” I looked up and saw Diamond Dallas Page in an oversized black fur coat coming my way. I bellowed, “Dallas!” He spotted me and said, “Michael!” We hugged. I wished him a happy birthday and said, “Where are you headed?” He replied, “Back to my hotel to stretch and lay down. I’m beat!” I said, “Go rest. See you soon!” And DDP and his wife Payge rolled on with their luggage. It was a serendipitous meeting, and I’m glad it happened. DDP is a good friend, a legendary talent, and a fabulous person.
WWE Smackdown was a fun show, and the Philly crowd was pumped for the action. However, the Hall of Fame taking place right after Smackdown wasn’t the wisest idea because we didn’t wind up leaving the arena until 1:00 a.m. The person next to me (who I quickly became friends with) was kind enough to drive me home because the subway was not running that late.
The highlight of the Hall of Fame was the first inductee, Paul Heyman. I assume WWE put him on first because they realized he’s the one people (especially Philly fans) wanted to see, so they figured they’d get him out of the way in case anyone wanted to leave the building early or go to sleep (at home). Paul’s induction speech was a riot. He cursed numerous times and said some of the wildest things I’ve ever heard on live TV. It was the greatest WWE Hall of Fame induction speech ever, and I’m glad I got to see it live.
Saturday, April 6, 2024: WWE NXT Stand & Deliver and WrestleMania 40
I kicked off WrestleMania Saturday by attending NXT Stand & Deliver, which was an excellent show. From there, I went to Citizens Bank Park for a VIP event that was included with my ticket package. I got free food, soda and water, and had the opportunity to get my photo taken on the field. WWE legends and superstars made appearances and took photos with fans. Overall, it was a fun way to get geared up for the first night of WrestleMania 40.
Once I was done at Citizens Bank Park, I walked over to Lincoln Financial Field. When I got to my seat, I was blown away by how good it was. I had no idea that I was going to be that close to the ring. My seat was at the 50-years line of Lincoln Financial Field. It was an incredible vantage point for what promised to be an incredible evening of action. The matches and energy were spectacular. Seeing The Rock wrestle at WrestleMania was the definition of special. It was everything I hoped for and more.
Sunday, April 7, 2024: WWE World and WrestleMania 40
On Sunday, I returned to WWE World for the final time. My purpose this time around was to get my photo with Hulk Hogan and have him autograph it. Hulk Hogan has always been the embodiment of professional wrestling to me. WrestleMania wouldn’t exist without The Hulkster, and it was fitting to meet him at this iconic event, just as I did 10 years before at WrestleMania XXX.
When I approached Hulk Hogan for my photo, I said, “Let me get on this side; it’s my good side.” Hogan replied, “I don’t have a good side, brother. At my age, my whole body is falling apart.” I said, “Well, you look incredible to me, brother!” We took our photo. I shook Hogan’s hand, and I thanked him for his time. Then I got in line for him to sign my photo with his yellow paint pen. Our photo turned out great, and I was ecstatic about having the opportunity to spend some time with Hulk Hogan on WrestleMania Sunday.
That evening, I went to Lincoln Financial Field for the second night of WrestleMania 40. I noticed that The Undertaker was in a box over my shoulder. Later that night, he would interfere in the main event. Seeing him and The Rock face off was pretty incredible. I was thrilled to bear witness to Cody Rhodes finishing his story at WrestleMania 40. Triple H made the right choice, and the fans went home happy. As a friend of Diamond Dallas Page, I know he had to be tremendously proud of Cody for accomplishing such an important goal in his life and career.
Monday, April 8, 2024: WWE Monday Night RAW
I wrapped up my phenomenal extended WrestleMania 40 weekend by attending WWE Raw on Monday night. Basking in the afterglow of Cody Rhodes’ finishing his story with thousands of fans was a blast. The entire night was fun from start to finish and the perfect cherry on top of an epic sports entertainment sundae.
The Bottom Line
WrestleMania 40 week in Philadelphia was so much fun. I’m thrilled I decided to buy the ticket package that I did. All the events I attended and experiences I had will stay with me for a lifetime. Every wrestling fan should attend WrestleMania at least once. I’ve had the good fortune to attend two of the greatest WrestleManias of all time, and I look forward to my next.