— As more proof that buzz for Shaquille O’Neal’s RAW hosting gig boosted interest in this week’s RAW, the show opened with a rather strong 4.05 rating for the first quarter hour. While post-pay-per-view editions of RAW are known to draw increased viewership, none typically draw an opening quarter in that ballpark–it is clear that fans saw something special about this week’s show.
Interestingly, the overrun only did a 4.27, which is not an impressive figure, especially given the show’s 4.0 average rating (RAW two weeks ago, for instance, did a 3.5 rating yet net a 4.47 in the final segment). It thus appears that while Shaq created an initial wave of interest in the RAW telecast, his advertised enforcer role in the main event did not click with fans as an unusually entertaining segment.
— The new WWE.com Diva Gallery is Mickie James in “Golden Girl.”
— Contrary to rumors, WWE has not signed Scotty 2 Hotty to a return deal.
(Source: PWInsider.com)
