WWF invades Jordan Center

With loud music, pyrotechnics, and laser lights, you'd think Pink Floyd was playing. But there will be more action at the Bryce Jordan Center tomorrow night than any concert has ever had.

The World Wrestling Federation will bring its "Tour De Force" to the Jordan Center at 8 p.m. tomorrow.

One of the participating wrestlers, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, promises that those who have never been to a WWF event before are in for an enjoyable experience.

"If there's anything the fans can expect, it is excitement like they've never seen," Helmsley said. "We're taking professional wrestling to a new level and this will surpass anything they've seen in the past."

This is also the "New Generation" of the WWF, whose wrestlers claim to have different goals than their predecessors.

The "Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels said that the industry used to be more of a business, but that the wrestlers of that time have moved on.

Now, the WWF is trying to eliminate the old saying that, "You don't go to the people. You make the people come to you."

"That's something that's gonna stay old," Michaels said. "I'll go to the people. I'll do whatever it takes to make them scream and yell because I want them to enjoy themselves."

In addition, the WWF has pulled out all the stops as far as the card itself is concerned. Nearly every top wrestler is scheduled to compete tomorrow night.

"People want to see top WWF superstars matched up against one another and that's what we're trying to do," Michaels said. "You won't find any better matches than what's coming to State College."

However, not all Penn State students will have the opportunity to see the matches. Matt Simpson (freshman-liberal arts) does not plan to attend the card.

"I used to watch that stuff 10 or 12 years ago," Simpson said. "I just grew out of it."

Still, there are some people who are looking forward to seeing professional wrestling live in State College.

Penn State alumnus and State College resident Jim Welsh is a professional wrestling fan who watches the WWF on a regular basis. He is expecting to be at the Jordan Center Saturday night.

"(Pro wrestling) has everything," Welsh said. "It's got action, drama, and humor."

As of yesterday afternoon, 5,427 tickets had been sold for the event, Jordan Center revenue manager Jill Baldi said. She said those figures are higher than what was expected.

"The promoter and the WWF are thrilled with how we're doing," Baldi said. "They think we're doing tremendously well."

She added that with two days to go, there could be as many as 7,000 fans at the WWF card.

Michaels hopes there is a strong turnout from the Penn State students. He said the WWF wrestlers enjoy competing in front of college kids who usually have a lot of enthusiasm towards what they see.

"I'm a 30-year-old guy, but I'm 18 years old in my heart," Michaels said. "If people want to get loud and crazy, I'm sure the superstars of the WWF will join them."