The first-ever Fanatics Fest took place at New York City’s Javits Center from August 16 to August 18, and WWE was heavily represented. While things were a success, not everything went according to plan, at least for WWE.
A Fox News article noted that the most popular attraction at the convention was WWE fans’ ability to walk out of a tunnel to their favorite wrestler’s entrance music, which is also offered at WrestleMania Axcess and major events. Fans also had chances to take photo ops and sign autographs with WWE talent, which sold out.
However, the strong demand led to many issues, as Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reported there was a long wait for the autograph and photo sessions. A friend of Johnson’s described the situation as a “sh*t show,” and others called it a “very disorganized experience.”
Per the report, one person noted they pre-paid for a photo with Jade Cargill but ended up getting a refund after waiting for two hours because Cargill was pulled from the signing despite there being fans in line.
It didn’t stop there. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes’ signing session also ended early. He had a strict departure time due to needing to travel to WWE’s house show in Fort Myers, Florida, where he worked the main event against Solo Sikoa and retained the titles. The system also went down for the session, and fans were given refunds if they hadn’t met Rhodes.
