This is a week long review of the five biggest ovations in my memory.

1. Monday Night Raw - November 2, 1998
2. Powell’s Bookstore - Winter 2002
3. Cleveland Cavaliers v. Detroit Pistons - May 15, 2005
4. In Your House - April 1996
5. South Korea v. Brazil - Fall 1997

Number One:
As I noted in the number four ovation blog on Tuesday, professional wrestling has an inherent advantage in creating crowd reaction in that they create the situations and their shows can be more theatrical in nature. 

In the fall of 1998 a perfect storm was sweeping the WWF with their character Stone Cold Steve Austin.  The Monday Night Wrestling war was on and the two Monday night shows (RAW and Nitro) were drawing a combined 8 share (which is a shockingly high cable rating) and the live crowds where as hot as you will ever see.

Austin was feuding with Vince McMahon at the time, with characters like Big Bossman, Undertaking and Kane in the mix.  The WWF wrote the book on modern day entertainment and crowd control through music, lighting and characters, so when it all comes together the result is breath taking.

I watched this show with then Sports Magic Team Manager Joe Mulvihill.  I remember just looking at each other during that surreal moment when Austin’s glass-shattering music hit, cueing the crowd. Austin came down the ramp to a deafening roar.  Speaking was pointless since you couldn’t hear yourself, let alone someone next to you.

I have never felt anything like it.  I question if I ever will.  It was the perfect storm of production, storyline, character and passionate fans.

Thanks for indulging me on this list.  I would love comments on the ovations that are your most memorable to you.

-Cudo