10 Unnecessary WWE Details You Need To Know
2. Sami Zayn Breaks An Ovation Record Heading Into Elimination Chamber 2023
Elimination Chamber 2023 may not have produced the visual many a vocal Montreal supporter and those passionately screaming for their boy Sami Zayn were hoping for, but it did still boast one hell of a crowd, something that led to a record being broken in the lead-up to the epic main event.
As the unfortunate challenger himself would reveal during the post-PLE press conference, the amazing ovation the valiant Honorary Uce received on the SmackDown before Elimination Chamber in his own back yard was actually the longest in the history of the Bell Centre.
The awesome visual and sound that met Zayn on the Friday Night delight the day before his hotly-anticipated title challenge was ultimately timed at an astounding 5 minutes, 12 seconds by Quebec historian Pat Laprade. And this impressive feat was said to have been longer than everything from Hulk Hogan's ovation in 2002, to Jacques Villeneuve's in November 1997.
For my English media friends here. With 5:12, Sami Zayn’s ovation last night was the longest known in the history of the Bell Center. Longer than Hulk Hogan in May 2002, Saku Koivu in April 2002, and Jacques Villeneuve in Nov. 1997. Rocket Richard’s at the Forum was 6:33.
— Pat Laprade (@PatLaprade) February 18, 2023
The fans once again well and truly turned up to cheer their man to victory at Elimination Chamber, of course. And while Sami tragically wasn't able to get the job done on the night, he's still acted as an integral part of one of the most successful storylines in company history.