The Survivor Series, WWE’s annual fall classic, heads to San Diego and Petco Park this Saturday. But you wouldn’t know it based on the signage near the stadium.
On Sunday, my wife and I went out to see the construction taking place at Petco as crews readied the field. We also cruised the surrounding blocks, hoping to spot posters or banners promoting Survivor Series in our neighborhood.
Instead, nothing.
Gallagher Square, a park at Petco that’s open to the public most days, was closed. While that wasn’t
surprising, the fact that there weren’t signs or gigantic decals lining the windows of hotels and businesses, à la Comic-Con, was stunning.
Undeterred, we strolled down Harbor Drive, where the famous San Diego Convention Center sits, just across from Petco. As we prepared to turn onto Fifth Avenue, I saw it.
“Honey, look,” I shouted.
Near the entrance to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, a large electronic billboard lit up — a perfect spot for WWE to promote Survivor Series.
Instead, it was for AEW’s Dynamite.
The ads didn’t stop there. Nearly every bus stop and street corner along Fifth Avenue featured signage promoting AEW’s flagship show.
“Well, good for you, Tony Khan,” I exclaimed. As much talk as there has been about WWE counter-programming AEW, here was “the challenger brand” sticking it to the big corporation and getting its name out there.
At that point, I was ready to head home, but my wife insisted we circle Petco again to make sure we didn’t miss any signs.
So we took another trip around the block. This time, we could see the WWE canopy that will cover the two rings on Saturday. I parked while she got out to take pictures.
When I walked up, she was talking to Jacob Urbina, a young man and fellow San Diegan. He was wearing a Penta T-shirt and was excited for this week’s event.
“This is our Comic-Con,” Urbina called it — and he’s right. Survivor Series may be a one-day show, but like Comic-Con, there are several events taking place throughout the city.
Chris Van Vliet is bringing his podcast to town at the American Comedy Co. On Friday, WWE opens its superstore to the public at the Convention Center. Photo sessions with WWE stars and other meet-and-greet opportunities will be available throughout the week at an additional cost.
As for Survivor Series itself, Jacob said one of the matches he was looking forward to most was the Women’s WarGames match. He preferred the women’s storyline over the men’s and believes women are more intense in such matches.
He was also looking forward to seeing John Cena wrestle for the final time, along with his opponent Dominik Mysterio, who, Jacob noted, is only a few years his junior and also hails from Chula Vista, a city south of San Diego.
For more than an hour, Jacob, my wife, and I talked about everything from AEW to WWE’s surging ticket prices, as well as our tastes in wrestling. It was a conversation that left me so fired up that I would have gone through a flaming table if a promoter had asked.
In that moment, I was reminded of the excitement and community that come with being a wrestling fan. This week, fans will take over the streets. Some in wrestling T-shirts, others dressed as their favorite superstars.
Just that thought gives me chills and a sense of pride.
As my excitement builds, I know I’m not alone. After talking with Jacob, I can’t wait to meet more fans, especially the inhabitants of the Island of Relevancy. I’m ready to share a tear with the Cody Crybabies and flash a “You Can’t See Me” or two to the Cenation.
Heck, I might even yeet in public.
It’s not Christmas, but this is the most wonderful time of the year. WWE’s Survivor Series is here in my backyard. Ads for AEW adorn the city. Most of all, my people — like those who read this website — will be out and about with their wrestling pride on display for the world to see.
So before you ask, Paul Levesque, yes, I’m ready. San Diego is ready. I just hope you’re ready.
I know AEW was.
