For one cold night in March, State College became the Mecca of professional wrestling.

Amidst a sea of neon-colored poster board donning a multitude of messages and a plethora of "Hulkamania" T-shirts, a diverse crowd of all ages watched as "WWF Monday Night Raw" made its first appearance in the Bryce Jordan Center since September of 2000.

And since the last time the WWF made its way to Happy Valley, the professional wrestling league has gone through dramatic changes, most noticeably the merger of Ted Turner's WCW after wrestling magnate Vince McMahon bought the floundering league.

Last night turned out to be another watershed mark in the development of sports entertainment as the most powerful wrestling corporation divided itself in two with one half managed by McMahon appearing on Thursday night's SmackDown! and the other half staying on Raw, controlled by former professional wrestler Ric Flair.

The event was full of surprises as Flair and McMahon vied for their respective draft picks. The event also saw the return of the 2000 NCAA Heavyweight Wrestling Champion from Minnesota, Brock Lesnar. The last time Lesnar was in the Jordan Center he was leading the Golden Gophers to the 2000 National Dual Championships. Now he is making his break into professional wrestling.

But no matter which wrestlers people cheer for, boo or swear at from the stands, it is clear wrestling has grown into a major industry, made evident by packed arenas and rabid fans, including those in the Jordan Center last night.

Corey Raible, a high school senior from Roaring Spring, said last night's event was the fourth time he witnessed a live wrestling event and looks forward to going to events when they come in the area.

"(Wrestling's) just entertaining and fun to watch," Raible said. "The story line is a big attraction for me."

Raible and many other fans were treated to more than just a live event — a cultural icon made his way into the ring.

Hulk Hogan, regarded by many to be the greatest professional wrestler ever, walked in front of the crowd to a multitude of cheers and camera flashes.

Hogan made a name for himself in wrestling in the 1980's when he recommended that kids should "say your prayers and eat your vitamins" and that he could overcome any obstacle placed in front of him.

"It's just Hulkamania," Raible said. "It takes me back to the glory days in the 80's. Nothing can beat the wrestling from the 80's."

Paired up with Hogan last night was one of the most popular modern wrestlers, The Rock.

With a quick wit and an ability to energize a crowd by simply lifting his eyebrow, The Rock has garnered a large, loyal following of fans. Most of his fans wear T-shirts with his image and follow his every move, whether it's an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live or a feature role in movies.

"The Rock is just awesome," said Justin Moore, a high school student from Jersey Shore. "He is the most electrifying wrestler in the WWF."

The WWF offers entertainment on many different levels including dramatic fireworks displays that resonate and rumble through the arena, a never-ending soap opera of good versus bad, and scantily clad women who wrestle in the ring.

However, most people come for the wrestlers.

"I come to see the sweaty men," said Carla Thomas, a resident of Saxton who has been to three live wrestling events. "Wrestling is great entertainment."

In a short time professional wrestling developed from having events in small venues and carrying a small but loyal following into millions who watch religiously every Monday night, and fill 50,000-seat arenas.

And for the many that come out to watch a live event, it's a thrilling experience.

"Just to see the wrestlers come out on the ramp and put on one hell of a show gets me excited," Moore said. "I can't imagine what it's like to come out in front of so many people, but I hope I can do it some day, too."