10 LIVE Observations From NXT TakeOver: New York

3. Fan Reactions In The Aftermath

Ciampa Gargano
WWE.com

Andy Murray and Adam Wilbourn were recognised after the event. I was also there.

A very personable WhatCulture fan, Bryan, introduced himself with a very pressing question: Was that a ***** match?

While I was slightly insulted - mate, the podcast brand is growing daily, don't you know who I am? - I was genuinely heartened by the community this thing of ours fosters. Strangers united by overpriced merch were buzzing all over Brooklyn, all keen to share their experiences and opinions.

Social media and comments sections warp our perception of the community. It can feel like a toxic and unpleasant environment, from a distance - but this was nice. Pro wrestling, on WrestleMania Weekend at least, is a welcoming place. If the prospect of such a trip makes you anxious, I can tell you from personal experience that you will feel like you belong, irrespective of the guy on your t-shirt. This isn't a weekend to sh*t on wrestling, or your opinions on it. It is a lovely celebration of it.

Fans of dirty bastard Millwall Football Club like to say 'Nobody likes us, we don't care.'

Wrestling fans are misunderstood or insulted, even, by the outside world. We don't care; following last night's legendary show, we know how special it is.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!