Ring Leaders

Tue 9/21 Rasslin' just ain't what it used to be. Ever since The Rock became the Scorpion King of Hollywood and Steve Austin got "stone cold" feet and quit the biz, most fans have tended to come dressed as chairs at World Wrestling Entertainment events across the country. Whenever Vince McMahon's one-ring circus makes a Valley appearance, however, local grappling groupies turn out for his brand of "sports entertainment." So grease up your mullet as the WWE tapes the fifth-anniversary episode of Smackdown on Tuesday, September 21, at America West Arena, 201 East Jefferson. Superstars Eddie Guerrero, The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio (pictured), Kurt Angle, Booker T, and Rob Van Dam will be in attendance, as will seven-foot behemoth "The Big Show," who'll make his return to the ring. Wrestle mania starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $20 to $40. Call 480-784-4444 or see www.ticketmaster.com. -- Benjamin Leatherman

Olympic Proportions

Catch the Mercury in their last home game of the season

Sun 9/19
The Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi turned quicksilver into gold in Athens. Expect the fleet, fluid rookie guard to execute similar feats as the Mercury battles the Houston Comets in the last home game of the season, Sunday, September 19, at 6 p.m. Plan to arrive early -- the first 5,000 fans net a Diana Taurasi bobblehead.

And that's not all! Score four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and two tee shirts for the amazing price of $44. For more information, call AWA at 602-379-7878 or see www.phoenixmercury.com. Tickets are available at the box office, online or through any Ticketmaster outlet. --Kim Toms Natural High Rec'ing the environment Sat 9/18
Earth Day, Shmearth Day. We're really looking forward to National Public Lands Day. Someone declared a national holiday -- and as a result, the City of Phoenix is throwing a party. The National Public Lands Day/Outdoor Recreational Fair will feature more than 50 exhibitors, including Arizona Game and Fish, the Wonderful Outdoor World, and many others. The fair will also feature workshops and ranger-led hikes for the whole family. The event is free and runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 18, at the South Mountain Environmental Education Center, 10409 South Central. For more information, call 602-495-5458.-- Erika Wurst