WWE stars draw families to Show Me Center

The Show Me Center shone in neon light as 20 male and female wrestlers from the WWE performed in front of more than 4,000 fans Friday during WWE Raw Live show.

It was the fights between up to four wrestlers that attracted the crowd on Friday.

"My son wanted to see John Cena. Since the early 80s we used to go to WWE events in Atlanta. We love it," said Jeanette Thompson of Du Quoin, Ill.

Thompson, her two sons and granddaughter had made the almost two-hour drive to see Friday's wrestling match.

Like many fights, Cena's match spilled out of the ring. In the end, Cena won his match against Sheamus.

Many people came with their children to make it a family affair.

"We usually try to make it when they are in town," said Chris Brown of Jackson. "I came with my co-workers and my 9-year-old son, Jacob. It gives us something to do together and to talk about."

For some, it was their first time at a WWE event. Charryl Rudesill, an accounting and finance instructor at Southeast Missouri State University, had never been to a live wrestling match before.

"It was a birthday present for my 9-year-old grandson," she said.

The WWE hosts events at Cape Girardeau's Show Me Center at least once a year. Shannon Buford, marketing director of the Show Me Center, said he was very satisfied with the turnout. In all, the show sold 4,262 tickets.

"It was fantastic to see all the crowd cheering," he said.

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