WWE Ban Beach Balls From All Future Live Events
Beach Ball Mania is dead, thankfully...
Beach Ball Mania is officially over, according to a report from PWInsider.com.
As per the write-up, WWE banned beach balls and all other pool-related paraphernalia from this Tuesday's SmackDown in Brooklyn, New York, following a series of incidents at SummerSlam and Raw.
Barclays Center security staff were reportedly told to confiscate all inflatables, pool noodles, or any other items that could be bounced. This was largely successful, and while a few balls did make it into the building, security had them removed before they became a major problem.
The beach ball phenomenon kicked off on the Raw after WrestleMania 33, and re-emerged at SummerSlam, when a visibly frustrated Cesaro took an inflatable from the crowd and tore it apart. It continued on Raw, with fans more interested in playing with pool toys than watching the action at various points throughout the evening, leading to accusations that they were trying to hijack the show.
Fortunately, WWE were able to snuff the problem out, and Beach Ball Mania didn't have a noticeable impact on SmackDown. There's no confirmation of how long the ban will last, but PWI suggest that it'll be permanent.