The most hard-hitting, bone-crunching sensational spectacle in wrestling is about to hit the capital. Abu Dhabi Week looked ahead as the WWE heads our way
With just over two weeks until some of the greatest wrestling superstars arrive here in the capital, the hype and tension of this three-day event is growing fast. Abu Dhabi will play host to WWE Live on the 10th, 11th and 12th of October at Zayed Sports City where the talent will have onlookers stunned. And after a recent talk we had with superstar The Miz, where the banter and trash talking was in full swing, the UAE climate looks set to heat up once again…
So what stars have been confirmed for you to cheer, boo and hiss? We take a look at what talent will be on offer next month:
Shield Team
Made up of three muscle machines, this trio is a force to be reckoned with. Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, all of whom are over the 6ft height barrier, have formed one of the most formidable tag teams to date. The unit’s dominance is outstanding as they stopped John Cena, Sheamus and Ryback at WWE Elimination Chamber, followed by Randy Orton, Sheamus and Big Show at WrestleMania 29 and, in their toughest challenge to date, Team Hell No and The Undertaker on SmackDown. The Shield have their fans, but also have their haters. The question is, which side of the fence will you sit?
Randy Orton
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 235 lbs
From: St. Louis, Missouri
Signature Move: RKO
Winning almost everything the WWE has to offer, Randy Orton was born to be a WWE Superstar. And with his father a WWE Hall of Famer, “Cowboy” Bob Orton, his uncle Barry “Barry O” Orton and his grandfather, the late “The Big O,” Bob Orton Sr, wrestling is in this beast’s blood. Orton, also known as The Viper, is at the top of the WWE foodchain and with several rivalries already ablaze, it’s no wonder he is wanted in the ring. His rage has been focused on Daniel Bryan in recent weeks, as the two have gone head-to-head in a series of intense battles, with the submission specialist getting a shocking tap out victory over Orton. Orton’s next move as the new WWE Champion remains unknown; all that is certain is that when The Viper next strikes, it will be without warning.
Big Show
Height: 7’0”
Weight: 441 lbs
From: Tampa, Florida
Signature Move: Chokeslam; KO Punch; Colossal Clutch
The statistics of this man are mind-boggling. He weighs 441 pounds, stands a mighty 7ft tall, wears a size 22 shoe and boasts a 64-inch chest. It is of course, the Big Show. This colossal-clouter is a feared competitor who intimidates opponents with his size and stare alone. And even though he has been competing since 1999, this superstar’s age is no hinderance. The world’s largest athlete has an abundance of titles to his name. And even after a break away from the ring in the summer of 2013, when he finally returned months later, he didn’t hold back in voicing disapproval over WWE COO Triple H’s heavy-handed rule of the organisation. That outspokenness has only unleashed a barrage of pain from Triple H. The Big Show was pitted against The Hounds of Justice in a 3-on-1 Handicap Match, just to name one. But still in possession of a dynamite-loaded fist, Big Show remains a monstrous threat, even if Triple H is grinding him down.
Daniel Bryan
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 210 lbs
From: Aberdeen, Washington
Signature Move: “Yes!” Lock
Daniel Bryan is no fresh-faced fighter. Trained by WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, Bryan competed on the indy wrestling circuit for more than ten years. The bearded beast became well-known for his hybrid of Japanese and American offensive styles that made good use of vicious elbow strikes, precise kicks, spine-jarring suplexes and various torturous submission manoeuvres. All of which he is ready to unleash on Orton. The highpoint of Bryan’s career – defeating Cena for the WWE Championship was also when he suffered his greatest defeat. Moments into the new champion’s celebration, Randy Orton cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and — with a shocking assist from Triple H, the man who supposedly believed in Bryan — successfully claimed the WWE Title for himself. The bearded winder is angry. And Orton is no doubt at the top of his list…
Along with these stars, the capital will also see Ryback, The Miz, R-Truth and of course, Dolph Ziggler. Fans will also see special guest referee Booker T, Kofi Kingston, Wade Barrett, Santino Marella, Justin Gabriel, The USOs, Real Americans, Sami Zayn, Fandango, Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro, Jack Swagger and Bo Dallas. This really promises to be the ultimate showdown!
Randy Orton will face off against Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship, an eight-man tag team battle will include the Big Show and The Miz and fans will also get to see the United States championship match between Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose. And these are just a few of the titles on the line!
So, an epic showdown of muscle, mouthing-off and of course, titles contests is in prospect, guaranteeing three nights of unrivalled entertainment. With individual rivalries still unresolved and the banter building to a climax, spectators are going to see some serious fireworks next month. And that’s just when they enter the ring…
Jack Dignum
Did you know?
WWE, previously known as WWF, was founded on 7th January 1952 in the US
John Cena was once a limousine driver
WWE has amassed over $659 million in annual revenue in 2013
Chris Jericho is a trained journalist
The Rock is a skilled light-tackle salt-water fisherman
In 2011, the corporation had
585 employees
Seamus used to be Bono’s bodyguard
Competition Time!
Would you like to see the Randy Orton clout the Big Show? Or even watch Kofi Kingston flatten The Miz? Then why not enter this competition for your chance to win two tickets for the WWE Live event at Zayed Sports City? Two lucky readers will win a pair of tickets each along with some amazing merchandise – every ardent WWE fan’s wish! For your chance to win, simply answer the following question correctly an email your answer to [email protected]:
How tall is the Big Show?
A. 5ft 6
B. 6ft 4
C. 7ft
Not got your ticket yet?
With tickets now on sale, you need to know where to get your tickets – fast! You can log on to www.ticketmaster.ae for ticket purchases. Tickets start at AED 300. The event will take place at Zayed Sports City and you can visit www.zsc.ae for more details on the event and location.
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