November 4, 2008
WWE Raw, which currently airs on the USA cable network, has been a TV staple for more than a decade. It averages more than 5 million viewers a week and is the number 1 weekly program on cable TV. Yesterday, the program, which combines elements of action, soap opera drama and rock music, celebrated its 800th episode milestone with a three-hour special live broadcast in Tampa, Florida. Such longevity is perceived as validation of the durability of the show's format, according to Vince McMahon, chairman of the board of directors of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and WWE's majority shareholder.
July 31, 2008
The line between wrestling and show business isn't thin, it's completely non-existent. Wrestlers like The Rock and John Cena have crossed over into movies, while celebrities like David Arquette and Kevin Federline have promoted themselves shamelessly on wrestling programs. The only real difference between the WWE and Hollywood is that only one requires an abundance of body-slamming and spandex.
Today has brought us yet another example of the invisible barrier between wrestling and Hollywood. Freddie Prinze, Jr., who's perhaps better known as Mr. Sarah Michelle Gellar or the lauded thespian from She's All That, will be taking on a role behind the scenes on shows such as WWE Raw and Friday Night Smackdown.
February 12, 2007
WWE RAW is a sports show with underlying tones of drama. The appeal of the show comes from the rush of the wrestling competition mixed with the drama and disputes of the wrestlers.