The Unique Vibe of Wrestling in the Heart of New York
Bruce Prichard, a prominent figure in the wrestling world, recently shared his experiences of working RAW in the iconic Manhattan Center. In a video on the “Something To Wrestle With Bruce Prichard” channel, he delved into the distinct atmosphere that the venue brought to the wrestling events.
Describing the Manhattan Center, Prichard said, “It was New York. It was the epicenter. So intimate with so much history in that building.” Unlike the vast arenas that can seat up to 15,000 fans, the Manhattan Center was a more compact venue, accommodating around 1,200 attendees. Prichard likened it to a “beautiful banquet room,” emphasizing its unique charm.
However, what truly set the Manhattan Center apart was its audience. Prichard noted, “The New York audience was live, passionate, and very judgmental.” Drawing a parallel to the famous saying, “If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere,” he highlighted the challenge of winning over the Manhattan crowd. “If you could get that audience, you could get any audience,” he added.
Prichard also touched upon the challenges of performing at the venue. He mentioned that if the show didn’t meet the audience’s expectations, they were open about expressing their displeasure. He compared the Manhattan Center crowd to the notoriously tough Philly crowd, stating, “It could be a tough vibe at times. If you didn’t give them what they wanted, they let you know.”
In conclusion, Bruce Prichard reminisced about the unique experience of the Manhattan Center, emphasizing its difference from traditional arena experiences. Whether it was a joy or a challenge to perform there, it was undeniably a memorable venue for wrestling.
