Walemania Kicks Off WrestleMania 40 Weekend
Walemania, the largest wrestling party of WrestleMania Week & for Wrestlemania 40, kicked off the weekend with a bang. Sponsored by Cricket Wireless, Hennessey, and ZOA Energy, the event rocked the Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia with high energy and memorable moments throughout the evening. While in attendance, the line went around the block as fans anticipated watching their favorite wrestlers attend the great event. Walemania gives fans the opportunity to see WWE superstars in a different light The tag team behind Walemania include, the founder Grammy-nominated rapper/actor/poet Wale, host and curator The Ringer’s Kazeem Famuyide and Emilio Sparks and producer Andria Parides
The show started with a live podcast episode of The Masked Man Show with Van Lathan, David Shoemaker, Emilio Sparks, and Kazeem Famuyide. The crew introduced the night’s master of ceremonies, female wrestler Big Swole. Ronnie Singh, the face of the 2K gaming company, made a surprise appearance to give away copies of WWE 2K24. Van Lathan, came out with the World Heavyweight Championship and the “Real American” theme song to show his love for wrestling at Walemania.
Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford of The Street Profits came on stage and received an outstanding ovation. The Street Profits spoke about their trials and tribulations as a tag team. They even quieted all the rumors of the pair possibly going solo with Montez Ford saying “this is my brother and we are never breaking up.” The went crazy throughout the venue in excitement as Bobby Lashley came out to pair up with the Street Profits as they go against the Authors of Pain and Karrion Kross at Wrestlemania XL.
It was announced at Walemania that WWE announcer Samantha Irvin would announce both nights of Wrestlemania XL. This would be the first time in Wrestlemania history that an announcer gets to call both nights by themselves. She also gave a surprise performance, singing and playing the flute for the crowd over Razor Ramon’s “Bad Boy” theme song. TNA Impact’s own AJ Francis also performed several songs to keep the crowd energized.
This iteration’s “Guest of Honor” was Shelton Benjamin. The 20-year veteran was recognized for his contributions to the WWE and Ring of Honor, including his charisma, athleticism, and more. Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), Cedric Alexander, and Bobby Lashley introduced Shelton and gave a toast to the Guest of Honor with some Hennessey. The crowd saw a surprise video package that honored Shelton, featuring some of his friends in the industry, such as Smackdown women’s wrestler Mia Yim and WWE Hall of Famer and former Team Angle member Kurt Angle. Other member of the WWE universe were attendance as well to celebrate Shelton Benjamin’s honor such as Big E, Hornswoggle, Carilto, Zilla Fatu (Umaga’s son), and a few NXT superstars. A video package was put together of numerous Hall of Famers and current wrestlers showing their appreciation for their friend Shelton Benjamin as well Rob Van Dam, Mia Yim, Cedric Alexander, The Good Brothers (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson0, and Kurt Angle.
Cory Townes, DJ Gigi Rosa, DJ Tommy Carlucci, DJ Aye Boogie, and DJ Money provided the sounds throughout the night. The event ended with a lively performance set by Wale, Beanie Sigel, 3OhBlack, Connie Diamond, Armani White, and Young Chris. The legendary Philadelphia emcee, Freeway, performed alongside Beanie Sigel. This was The Garnette Report’s very FIRST Walemania and we must say that we enjoyed it. We look forward to attending more in the future.
Photos by: Donjai Gilmore