A packed crowd at Chicago's Allstate Arena witnessed the horror of the Punjabi Prison during the WWE Smackdown on October 7. An inescapable 20-foot exterior bamboo cage surrounding a 16-foot interior cage beset with trap doors, the prison was the least formidable obstacle World Heavyweight Champion Batista "The Animal" confronted. He also had to fight the Great Khali, the 7-foot-3-inch, 420-pound Hindu god of creation and destruction. In case it escaped your attention, Khali is totally not male in the Hindu tradition. But in World Wrestling Entertainment, you take whatever mythological subreferences you can get.See the Punjabi Warrior in person tonight at 6:30 as WWE Smackdown brings its signature blend of campy soap-operatics and choreographed combat to the Sprint Center Arena (1100 Walnut, 816-283-7300). Ric Flair, Undertaker, Kane and others are also scheduled to appear. Ticket prices range from $20 to $70, depending on carnage proximity.
World Wrestling Entertainment Tue., Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m., 2007
