WWE SmackDown returned to Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C., on Friday, August 23rd for a live television taping of Friday Night SmackDown. The blue brand hasn’t been in the nation’s capital since March 3, 2023. Much has happened since then.
We were weeks before WrestleMania Goes Hollywood, Roman Reigns was still our Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, Rhea Ripley w/ Dirty Dominik Mysterio faced Liv Morgan, and the New Day, Bobby Lashley, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Charlotte Flair were all in attendance. The atmosphere was electric and fun was had by all.
Last night’s SmackDown had a different feel, especially for those who are used to seating on the main floor. Security was clearly heightened. It was something that I noticed at Monday Night RAW in Baltimore, the RAW after SummerSlam.
Security adhered to their bag policy and they took signs from many who were on the main floor, even though WWE held a best sign contest during intermission, where fans off the main floor were able to freely display what in some cases appeared to take a lot of time and effort.
D.C. also adhered to their bag policy, didn’t take signs from fans, but the seating was such that they wanted to limit the amount of people who could come to the barrier for a picture or a hand slap from their favorite superstar(s). Security would not allow anyone beyond the end seat to take pictures or even try to get that memorable high five. For example, I was front row, seat 7.
Normally, such a seat would allow me the freedom to cheer for my favorites, jeer for my not so favorites, snap a picture and even shake a hand or two. I was able to get some nice photos and the security that I encountered were nice, but it left a bad taste in my mouth that the person sitting next to me was free to get up and do what I was told I could not.
The seats along the aisle had been spaced such that seating was two chairs away from the aisle. We were told that WWE security said that they were following fire codes within the DMV. Two-and-a-half weeks ago at the CFG Bank Arena, there was no such spacing. I was front row, opposite side and could clearly see that the seating setup had been what it had normally been for live tapings.
Even seeing that, I thought, perhaps a surprise is coming, especially since SmackDown hadn’t been in D.C. in over a year. As the matches went on, it was evident that fans enjoyed themselves, but they appeared disheartened that they couldn’t get close even with a front row seat, seeing others who are seats away being able to run the gamut.
I inquired with other wrestling fans on social media, who attended the larger shows such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, etc. and asked if they recalled anything different about security or the seating. They shared that this was a first and even forwarded pictures of the security inside of the aisles as they appeared on live television. They went on to share that people were consistently standing at the larger events, making it challenging for others to see who were on the main floor.
When you spend in some cases a paycheck for front row seats, anticipate being able to get great pictures, fellowship with fellow wrestling fans, and get lucky/fortunate/blessed enough to ‘touch’ one of your favorites, only to see that seating has been adjusted and you aren’t allowed anywhere near the barrier is not okay.
I could see if there had been a threat or a surprise like The Rock or John Cena, but last night took me back to an NWA event that I attended back in the 80s when I purchased a front row seat, only to arrive, and literally be sitting in the back of the Richmond Coliseum because they adjusted the seating chart. I still remember the woman who was sitting behind me. She was hopping mad and if she had been at last night’s event, she may have been escorted out.
However, finally seeing the Big 3; Jade, Bianca, and Naomi in-person, representing Simone Biles Olympic styles, was both enlightening and uplifting. Watching B-Fab come into her own with the Street Profits is both heartwarming and inspirational. Sometimes, all someone needs is to be given a chance and B-Fab is a star in the making.
Professional wrestling is my happy place next to God and my mom’s sweet memory. I am thankful for all the talent that gave it their all in the middle of the ring, as well as the special effects for the entrances of Kevin Owens and Jey Uso, but in this economy, where prices continue to increase, hard core, die-hard fans, may need to find an alternative.
Some may say that’s what the meet and greets are for, but I remember a time when you didn’t have to pay separately for the meet and greets. WWE moving RAW and PLEs to Netflix will allow them to reach fans who may have been previously untapped, but what will happen to the fans who aren’t interested in a streaming service?
I will follow WWE programming wherever it goes and continue to attend live events, but I hope their continued expansion since coming under the TKO umbrella doesn’t bring an end to THEN. NOW. FOREVER. TOGETHER.