Live Fan Report From Last Night’s NXT Event in Washington DC

Credit Michael Liedtke and Pwinsider.com:

A few notes that weren’t covered in the previous reports on the NXT show at Anthem in D.C.:

– The crowd was much more than 650, since the venue, which, while smaller on the main floor, is designed to be more intimate feeling, but actually has three full levels, all of which were full, and holds 5,000 for concerts. Even accounting for the space the ring takes up, I’d say closer to 3,500 or 4,000 fans were at the show.

– Since Anthem is mostly a concert venue, the sound system was good, but was louder than any wrestling show I’ve ever been to. The light setup was so bright at points in several entrances that I had to look away. I was on the first level and was somewhat cramped and had trouble seeing in my assigned seat, part of a row of padded chairs set up makeshift bleacher style, but that ended up working out . Anthem only set up 4 rows of actual ringside seats, around the ring, but allowed those that wanted to stand and watch from near that area to do so, just outside of a barrier. I moved and did that, and enjoyed the show so much more once I did!

-There was an odd range in the price of t-shirts at the merch stand. NXT amum shirts (folks now on the main roster) were $20, Aleister Black’s shirt was $30 and most other shirts were $35. An NXT shirt with all of the roster was cheaper too.

-After the ten bell salute to Bruno and the National Anthem, they ran a Triple H video welcoming you to the show. Right after that, the ring announcer (she introduced herself, but I missed it) urged the crowd to “Do the NXT chant”. This was done after the intermission too and felt very forced and cringe worthy. Byron Saxton is great hosting house shows and hyping a crowd and should work with her on how to work a crowd, because her transitions after each segment were, “Are you guys having fun?” and “What did you think of that?”. She sounded fine, just no personality at all.

– There were a LOT of people wearing Undisputed Era shirts, that were rather miffed they weren’t there. I’d imagine they were on the other house show in Florida.

-The people working at Anthem were excited for the show asking me and other fans before the show if we were as excited as they were, and were laughing and enjoying the heels and No Way Jose especially.

– When they were promoting the WWE network, the only things booed all night were Roman Reigns and when the ring announcer mentioned The Greatest Royal Rumble, which I found odd. It was a well worked, fun show, hopefully they return soon!