The Rise and Fall of WWF New York: A Tale of Titantrons, Times Square, and Tourist Traps
Ah, WWF New York. A place that promised bodyslams, big gulps of nostalgia, and maybe even a chance encounter with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin chilling at the bar. But what became of this wrestling-themed wonderland? Buckle up, jabronis, because we're about to take a piledriver down memory lane.
A Titantron in the Concrete Jungle
Imagine it: the year is 1999. The Attitude Era is in full swing, and the WWF is hotter than a folding chair to the head. So, what better way to capitalize on this wrestling mania than to open a theme restaurant smack dab in the middle of Times Square?
Enter WWF New York: a multi-level extravaganza featuring a restaurant, a gift shop overflowing with merchandise, and even a nightclub where you could (supposedly) party with your favorite wrestlers. They even had a giant Titantron screen playing iconic moments on repeat. Just picture it: tourists dodging flying elbows on video while chowing down on a Macho Man Randy Savage Mega Burger. Pure magic.
From Raw Deal to SmackDown: The Slow Turnbuckle
Now, let's be honest. The reviews for WWF New York were, shall we say, mixed. Some fans loved the chance to live out their wrestling fantasies. Others found the food overpriced and the atmosphere a tad… cheesy (though, with a name like that, what did you expect?).
Here's the real body slam though: by 2002, the WWF (soon to be WWE thanks to a trademark tussle with the World Wildlife Fund) decided to focus on expanding their global brand. Running a niche restaurant in Times Square just wasn't part of the plan anymore. So, in 2003, with a teardrop the size of Andre the Giant's foot, WWF New York closed its doors.
The World (Almost) Goes On
There was a brief glimmer of hope. For a hot minute, the venue reopened under the slightly less catchy name "The World." The idea? Attract a broader audience who might not be die-hard wrestling fans. It didn't quite work out. Maybe people just weren't ready to embrace a generic "The World" themed restaurant – especially not after experiencing the glory of the WWF New York experience (or lack thereof). By 2003, The World was history too.
The building that once housed WWF New York now holds a Hard Rock Cafe. While there's a certain irony in a music-themed restaurant replacing a wrestling one, at least you can still crank up some AC/DC while reminiscing about the good ol' days of body slams and overpriced burgers.
FAQ: WWF New York Edition
How to mourn the loss of WWF New York?
A. Watch old wrestling clips and indulge in a giant burger at home. Bonus points for yelling catchphrases while you eat.
How to recreate the WWF New York experience?
A. Blast your entrance theme song, dim the lights, and practice your best Stone Cold Steve Austin stunner on a pile of pillows.
How to avoid overpriced tourist traps?
A. Do your research! Read reviews and ask locals for recommendations before venturing into any themed restaurants.
How to appreciate the legacy of WWF New York?
A. Acknowledge it was a unique, if slightly bizarre, experiment in professional wrestling history.
How to move on?
A. There's a whole world of wrestling (and non-wrestling) entertainment out there!