In the last year, I've been to four WWE events.  This includes my first Pay-Per-View experience, Judgment Day.  I have been an avid fan of WWE for many years and I enjoyed the times I seen the action live in person.  The last shows I've been in, I brought my cell phone and used the camera function to snap pictures so I could show my family members at home about my experience.  The latest show I was at, Judgment Day, I was denied the opportunity to take personal pictures using my cell phone.  I inquired as to why I couldn't, since I was able to do so in January, where I was sitting third row ringside.  The guy informed me that cell phones were being used to transmit pictures and video through the internet.  I was completely polite throughout the ordeal, which lasted about five minutes.  I told the man that I was told at the front entrance that I would be able to use my phone as a digital camera, because I showed them that my phone had no video capabilities and my internet browser was disabled since my account balance on my "prepaid" phone was less than $5 and my cell provider disables internet services when the account gets lower than that amount.  The security guard told me that it didn't matter and the person at the front entrance was wrong about the policy.  He said for me to keep my phone in my pocket, that if I was caught using it again that it would be confiscated and I would be subject to arrest.

As the show came on, I noticed around me that several fans were using cell phone devices to take pictures and I got up from my seat and inquired about those fans and the security guard told me to mind my own business.  I was completely polite and I said that the policy should be enforced if you're going to enforce it on me.  Needless to say, it wasn't enforced strictly.  It saddens me that I was one of the few that got warned about the policy.  I am an honest person and I do not believe of even attempting to do anything illegal.  My whole intent was to show my five year old great-nephew, who wanted to go with me but couldn't because he was sick that day, pictures of his favorite WWE Superstars.  The next day, he wanted to see the pictures and I told him that I wasn't able to get the pictures because of the policy that wasn't enforced to the fullest.  I feel that the employees at the Scottrade Center were ill-advised of the policy.

I can understand why WWE wants to prevent those who would illegally upload content onto the internet, but as our technology advances, the chances of preventing that from happening are slim to none.  Most digital cameras, which are allowed in the venues, have recording capabilities.  Will WWE ban the usage of any kind of cameras during their events?  If it came down to that, attendance to shows would surely drop because many hope to get the "once in a lifetime" picture.

To conclude, my experience at WWE Judgment Day was ruined because I was unable to do what many other fans were able to do…take pictures to show to friends and family.  Because of this, I don't think I will put down money to attend a WWE live event anytime in the unforeseeable future.  As much as I paid for the ticket, I should have been able to enjoy myself.  Thank you, WWE.  You have lost a fan…and perhaps some more, because word travels fast and even some employees at the Scottrade Center agree with me that I was singled out and was unfairly treated.