Posted in: Movies, WWE | Tagged: alexa bliss, Big Cass, braun strowman, finn balor, HRL, ringside fest, Roman Reigns, wwe

Up Close And Personal With WWE's Finest At Ringside Fest 2017

If you're into collecting action figures, you've no doubt heard about Ringside Fest. If you haven't, the website's "about" section sums it up better than I could:

"Ringside Fest began in 2004 by Ringside Collectibles, the number one on-line retailer of wrestling action figures! Ringside Fest is a way for wrestling figure collectors to meet their favorite WWE Superstars and Divas and see the latest Mattel WWE Action Figures coming out in the future. At Ringside Fest WWE Figure Collectors have a rare opportunity to meet the designers of their favorite action figures!"

This year's guest lineup included Big Cass, Braun Strowman, Alexa Bliss, and Finn Balor. I bet you can guess which of those enticed me to go.

Action figures were a big deal here, but let's be real. Almost everyone was coming up to see the superstars. Our own Jeremy Konrad did an excellent job writing about the figures, though, so check out that article too!

I would say around 500-700 people showed up to Ringside Fest, held at the Carolines on Broadway, right in Times Square. It was a chilly, rainy Sunday, but that certainly didn't stop me! The venue is small, but it was big enough to hold everyone. Plus, there were seats, so you didn't need to stand for 2-3 hours at a time.

First up, we met the Goddess of WWE — Alexa Bliss. I've become fond of the bratty heel, who in real life couldn't be nicer. Honestly, she was enthusiastic and very down to Earth.

Next was Big Cass! I only saw him stand once, but he is indeed a very tall man. I obviously can't be taught that, though, since I'm a mere 4'11. Also, he's super friendly.

We actually met real-life giant dude Braun Strowman last. I would absolutely love to drink with this dude; he seems like he could tell you some hilarious stories. He's awesome. He was kind enough to sign over a picture of Roman Reigns for a fan in line, informing Reigns he wasn't done with him yet. I'll never get an autograph as good as that, honestly.

And, of course, Finn Balor.

I went up to him, handed him my Funko Pop, and blurted out, "I have a huge crush on you." Yes, I am an absolute fangirl, and I don't care. He was super nice about it (because he likely hears that 3920183646 times a day), and I even got to hug him.

In case you're wondering, I am typing this up from the grave, because I very much so died after this encounter. And I know — I didn't do the "too sweet" thing. I was holding myself up by clutching the table, because I was swooning like the little charming fangirl I am.

Oh, and I got a few autographs, too.

Would I do Ringside Fest again? Honestly, yeah. Everyone working the festival was super nice and accommodating, and even the other fans were awesome. We talked to a lot of people yesterday, and everyone was having a good time. If you're thinking about going next year, do it! You will not be let down!

I also got some videos from yesterday, so if you're into watching people go full on fan while waiting for an autograph, then enjoy.

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