With WrestleMania fast on the horizon, it’s evident that WWE and its Superstars have taken over the New York/New Jersey metro area. As evidence of that assertion, Ryback and Sheamus arrived at the world famous Toys R Us Times Square on Friday afternoon for an exclusive autograph signing event. ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

The sold-out session had a line of WWE Universe members wrapped around the massive store, at one point even spilling outside onto the bustling New York City sidewalk. The Celtic Warrior and Ryback held court in the landmark toy store’s Skybox to meet with the 225 fans lucky enough to acquire tickets to the event, and the powerful pair put their felt-tipped monikers to everything from action figures to pay-per-view arena chairs to replica WWE Championships.

Proving that New York truly is a melting pot, fans from all over the world came to chat and have their photos taken with the Superstars. Smiles were the order of the day, as more and more WWE Universe members poured into the Skybox over the course of the two-hour event. That excitement was certainly felt by both Ryback and Sheamus.

“Today was fantastic,” The Celtic Warrior told WWE.com. “There was a line all the way out the door with lots of excited fans. It was a great experience. I loved it.”

Ryback echoed Sheamus’ words. “It’s a great feeling to see the kids’ eyes when they see you in person,” he said. “I’m very thankful to be in the position I’m in now … to be able to go out there each and every week and do what I love, and to know that people enjoy what I do. It’s a good feeling.”

A particularly memorable moment occurred when three members of the WWE Universe arrived in line donning the infamous black garb of The Shield. With both Sheamus and Ryback standing by, their choice of wardrobe might not have been the best way to win over the Superstars. The Celtic Warrior and Ryback took it in stride, and happily signed posters and figures for the trio. One fan would have none of it, though, emphatically yelling “Defeat The Shield!” to Ryback before leaving.

For those who are spending time in the New York/New Jersey, it’s clearly beginning to look a lot like WrestleMania season — an exciting fact that wasn’t far from the minds of either Ryback or Sheamus, even as they posed for photos with fans.

“How could you not be [excited]?” Sheamus asked. “This is New York! It’s one of the first cities I ever visited. To come back to the area and perform at MetLife Stadium is a dream come true.”

And thanks to Sheamus, Ryback and Toys R Us Times Square, the day proved to be a dream come true for hundreds of WWE Universe members.