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WWE recently sent out a press release to promote its upcoming Fanfest, the first of its kind, for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV) event scheduled for Sun., Jan. 27, 2013, at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona, featuring the return of The Rock and, of course, the Royal Rumble match itself.
Here it is:
For the first time ever, Phoenix's US Airways Center will host the WWE ROYAL RUMBLE FAN FEST, Saturday, Jan 26 and Sunday, Jan 27. This ultimate WWE fan experience will kick off the 26th edition of the Royal Rumble and the journey to WrestleMania. The event, which takes place rain or shine, will be held on the US Airways plaza (corner of 1st Street & Jefferson).
The Royal Rumble Fan Fest will run from Noon - 4 pm on Saturday, Jan 26 and will feature:
Appearances by several WWE Superstars, Divas and Legends LIVE WWE Matches and a WWE tournament in which the winner will receive a guaranteed slot into the Royal Rumble
Live musical performances
Food trucks
Interactive activities and more!In addition, the weekend will feature the ultimate WWE question-and-answer session with THREE unprecedented interactive WWE Superstar Panels. This experience allows the WWE Universe and its fans to ask questions directly to their favorite WWE Superstars and get an in-depth, inside look at some of the biggest personalities and moments in WWE history.
Each Superstar Panel Ticket will include:
Access to the Royal Rumble Fan Fest
Admission to one (1) panel discussion
A VIP reception with WWE Superstars and Legends
A commemorative autographed gift!Panel topics shall include: The Montreal Screwjob (Saturday, Jan 26, 3-6 pm), The Infamous DX (Saturday, Jan 26, 6:30-9:30 pm), as well as WCW Nitro and the Monday Night Wars (Sunday, Jan 27, 9 am - 12 pm). Each panel will feature WWE Superstars and Legends that have firsthand knowledge of the respective topic.
This will be an event that no member of the WWE Universe will want to miss! WWE offers the best value in entertainment, with Fan Fest tickets starting at $10 and each Superstar Panel (which includes admission to the Fan Fest) at just $90. Tickets go on sale Thursday (Dec 20) at 10 am.
The only part that really interests me is the fact that a tournament will be held for a guaranteed slot in the Rumble match. That sounds like a great way to ensure a popular jobber living in relative obscurity, like say, Zack Ryder for instance, will have a small showcase and a way into the match.
Only to be eliminated in short order. Or maybe end up being the Iron Man of the match, the big underdog story who finally gets over the hump. Who knows?
Either way, this sounds like a fun time for those willing to pony up the dough for it. Any takers out there?