A Monday report in entertainment trade journal Variety discusses WWE’s guest hosting gimmick on RAW, noting that WWE RAW has effectively become part of the “talkshow circuit” for celebrities to promote projects.
The article, which acknowledges the mainstream publicity WWE has already received for episodes featuring Jeremy Piven and Seth Green, quotes Stephanie McMahon in saying that the program raises the company’s awareness in Hollywood and will hopefully translate to new viewers.
The Variety report deems the program successful thus far, saying that RAW viewership is up 10% since introducing the program.
Planned to last until early next year–possibly through WrestleMania 26–the program has attracted many recognizable Hollywood and sports names. According to the article, Bob Barker, Al Sharpton, Nancy O’Dell, Floyd Mayweather and LeBron James have been booked for future episodes. Freddie Prinze, Jr. hosts Monday’s edition.
Meanwhile, Pete Wentz, Ashlee Simpson, the Osbournes, Danny DeVito, Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa, Jimmy Fallon, Rachael Ray, MC Hammer, Woody Harrelson, Serena Williams and Ashton Kutcher are all in talks to host.