WWE Universe full of stars
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Hollywood stars flocked to catch the main attraction in the Golden State tonight -- Monday Night Raw. Actors Kyle Massey, Michael Rapaport, Kaycee Stroh, Omar Miller and John Cena's co-star in the upcoming WWE Studios film, 12 Rounds, Brian White, were all part of the sold-out crowd at Anaheim's Honda Center.
"It's huge to be here. I grew up watching this, and to be able to come to my first show at 17 years old with my friends and family is way cool. I've been waiting to come to a WWE event my entire life," said Massey, of Disney Channel's Corey in The House and That's So Raven fame. "I remember collecting all the World Championships and action figures when I was younger. I'm just a big fan."
"I've been a fan since the first time I saw Vince McMahon and Hulkamania running wild on me, brother," said Miller, doing his best impersonation of Hulk Hogan. "To be able to sit front row with my nephews and enjoy Raw live is a lifetime experience for me."
For White, seeing Raw live was a tribute to his friend John Cena. He also gave the WWE Universe a glimpse of what it's like to work with the former WWE Champion.
"This is going to be an epic film, and John Cena the movie star is being launched to the world," said White, who also stars in the movie Fighting, scheduled for a February 2009 release. "It was fantastic working with John Cena. I had worked with The Rock, and he said John was a great actor and works really hard. I found that to be true. He's a major movie star."
In the locker room area at the Honda Center, the actors also mingled with WWE Superstars Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, CM Punk and Cryme Tyme's Shad and JTG.
"Shad was very sweet and had a great personality. There's nothing like meeting a person you'll imagine being Goliath in David and Goliath," said Kaycee Stroh, of Disney's High School Musical superstardom. "I've heard rumors that there's nothing quite like being in the crowd with the WWE Universe, and there's really nothing like it."
For many years, WWE has impacted the WWE Universe, both young and old with memorable matches. The Hollywood celebrities noted their all-time favorite Superstars were Triple H, John Cena, Undertaker, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant.
"My favorite moment was when Hulk Hogan bodyslammed Andre the Giant, but the worst one was when Ultimate Warrior gorilla-pressed Hulk Hogan," Miller, the star of the newly released film, Miracle at St. Anna reminisced.
Over the years, WWE events have been a place where celebrities from the world of sports, music, television and film come to enjoy themselves. Tonight's celebrities expressed what makes WWE a favorite among Hollywood elite.
"These guys are outstanding athletes and outstanding showmen. What we do in Hollywood, there's a lot of show and a lot of skill involved," explained Miller. "I think the Superstars and Divas are the most incredible athletes in the world."
White noted that WWE sets itself apart from others in the entertainment industry because it is constantly evolving and crossing barriers.
"WWE motivates and galvanizes kids. What you notice when walking into an arena for a WWE live event, is that you see black, white, Latino and Asian fans. I think that's special and is really needed right now," White expressed. "This kind of entertainment never gets old. It's timeless."
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