Whatcha Gonna Do When The Penguins Run Wild On You!
As a lifelong WWE fan, December 12th, 2023, was a date that held a special place in my heart. It wasn't just any ordinary game night for the Pittsburgh Penguins; it was a thrilling collision of worlds as the WWE theme took center stage at PPG Paints Arena.
As someone deeply entrenched in both the WWE and sports entertainment industry, I had the incredible opportunity to help plan and execute this unforgettable evening. And let me tell you, it was a labor of love from start to finish.
One of the most exciting aspects of planning the event was bringing in special guests from the WWE universe. Joining us for the festivities was none other than the Voice of Friday Night Smackdown and Pittsburgh native, Corey Graves. As someone who has followed Corey's career from his NXT debut to his current role as a lead voice of one of WWE's flagship shows, it was an absolute honor to work alongside him. Throughout the night, Corey served as the co-host, bringing his trademark wit and charm to the proceedings and engaging fans like only he can.
But Corey wasn't the only WWE luminary in attendance. We were also graced with the presence of the legendary Kurt Angle, a five-time WWE Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Pittsburgh native. Watching Kurt interact with fans and participate in the evening's festivities was a true highlight. His commitment to both his craft and his hometown was evident in every moment, and his presence added an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Of course, no WWE theme night would be complete without some epic merchandise. From specially designed t-shirts to exclusive ticket packages, we wanted to give fans the opportunity to take home a piece of the action and commemorate this historic occasion.
But perhaps the most memorable aspect of the evening was seeing Pittsburgh Penguins mascot Iceburgh strut around the arena with a custom WWE Championship adorned with Penguins side plates. It was a visual representation of the synergy between two powerhouse organizations, and fans couldn't get enough of it.
Throughout the game, we also took the opportunity to showcase some of the most iconic WWE moments in Pittsburgh history on the video board, giving fans a chance to relive some of their favorite memories from the world of sports entertainment.
Looking back on that magical evening, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. As someone who has been shaped by my love of the WWE and sports entertainment, being able to help bring that same joy and excitement to others was a dream come true. It was a night I'll never forget, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it. Here's to many more unforgettable moments in the intersection of WWE and Penguins hockey!
