I had no idea how big or fun the world of WWE cards was until it hit home while attending Topps Rip Night at Layton Sports Cards in Altamonte Springs, Florida. The Fanatics Collectibles’ Topps Rip Night welcomed sports trading card and memorabilia hobbyists, where more than 70,000 fans and collectors visit more than 600 hobby shops across 16 countries around the world. WWE superstars joined other pro athletes as they met and interacted with fans, took part in Q&As and ripped open some packs to give away. It gave me the vibe of a Free Comic Book Day, but upped a notch. Not to mention free food and drink!
Another thing I love about Rip Night festivities is it gives an opportunity for owners like Layton Sports Cards’ Rich and Sara Layton to give their store business a shot in the arm. The couple just opened this particular space as it stands in December, so a nice way to create awareness.
First, it was “Tiffy Time” as WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton hopped off a plane from SmackDown the night before in New Orleans to Central Florida to meet some of her biggest admirers. Much like a WWE show, there were fans in Stratton shirts and holding signs. One South Carolina couple even came after finding out about the event while in town for a cruise. Stratton got to work opening up packs and revealing the contents.
The champ was learning about things like gold refractor and parallel meant, She got a kick out of pulling her own card and “Trishy Time” Trish Stratus. A fun moment came when Rich asked who may have a “Tiffy Time” card within their packs. Without much luck, he then asked for her favorite and Elimination Chamber tag partner Stratus card. A fan yelled out, “Hey Tiffany, what do you think about Charlotte Flair?” She said, “If you have that, you can throw it on the ground and stomp on it.” He did it! Stratton then responded with, “He’s the winner right there.” The attendee got rewarded with some additional packs.
Next up was Sami Zayn, who reminisce about collecting hockey cards. Zayne brings such a welcoming presence I can liken to that of Mick Foley. Just a regular guy in an extraordinary profession. Fans also came with Sami signs with one wearing a classic El Generico shirt. I wonder what happened to that guy? Perhaps, still retired running an orphanage in a Mexican village.
After opening all the cards, Zayn offered to personally hand out the cards to those in the crowd. He also took time to take photos and autographs with literally anyone who asked. The staff was amazed how he dedicated so much extra time to doing something he wasn’t obligated to do.Just another reason why Zayn has such a deep-rooted connection to his fanbase.
Along Stratton and Zayn, later in the evening, Orlando Magic’s Anthony Black came for a visit. Elsewhere in Central Florida, Stratton’s and Zayn’s future opponents Charlotte Flair and Kevin Owens were across town for a similar event at Game Time Cardz in Winter Park.
