Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com
On Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at 2:28 AM EST

NOTE: Thanks to everyone who has e-mailed feedback already about this situation. I also want to thank Jay Flannagan for helping out with the live coverage of the ECW tapings earlier tonight.

I normally don't bring signs to WWE TV events, but since I was three rows back from the front I figured why not. I brought two signs with notes on both sides. I plugged my website (WrestleView.com - no URL on the sign, just the name), the wrestling radio show I take part in (Wrestling News Live - no URL on the sign, just the name), my full name and CM Punk on the signs.

Before the main event for the ECW tapings, I was informed by security that I could no longer have my cell phone out on the main floor. I was also asked if I had any names of other wrestling organizations on my posters. I said no, but that wasn't it. I had been texting results of the tapings to my website and the security guard made it clear he saw me doing this. I was then informed that if I was to bring my cell phone out again for the rest of the night, I would be kicked out of the arena. Remember that as it will come into play later.

After the ECW tapings, I left the inside of the arena to place a phone call to Jay Flannagan of WrestleView to inform him of the last part of the ECW tapings. When I returned to my seat inside the arena, Raw was just about to go live. During the first segment of the show, I had held up the sign with my name on it and that was it. One of the security guards then walked towards me, took both of my signs away and said nothing. I followed the security guard and asked him why. He said he was told by WWE to remove the signs. Another security guard said they were just doing what they were told and was very cool about the whole situation.

Then, as the first segment was coming to a close, Vince McMahon informed the "WWE fans" that they could text who they wanted to see face WWE Champion John Cena later tonight in the main event. As you know, "texting" requires a cell phone. I then observed well over 100 people on the main floor of the arena pulling out their cell phoned and placing texts to vote. However, I was told earlier that you couldn't have a cell phone out on the main floor as it was one of the rules at the arena. When I asked the security guard why it was okay for over a 100 people to pull their cell phone out, but if I did it I would be kicked out of the arena, the security guard replied, "We have our rules and we have to follow them." Well, I guess they let this rule fly for over 100 people, but not me.

I was not the only person who had signs taken away by security on Monday night. I missed what a lot of the signs said, but if they "advertised" anything, they were removed. So, if you are attending WWE events in the future and you have floor seats, be careful what you put on them unless you want them taken away.

On a side note, UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia was in the front row directly behind Jim Ross and Jerry "The King " Lawler. I took a photo and spoke briefly with him after the show. He was a very nice guy and said he was a huge wrestling fan. Other fans walked up and took pictures with him. He was class act and took time to speak to everyone who wanted a picture or autograph.

Adam Martin
www.wrestleview.com