In a developing situation, it appears as if WWE Hall of Famer and current Tough Enough judge Hulk Hogan has parted way with the company. The reason stems from rumors of a tape existing featuring Hogan allegedly going on a racial tirade.
Hulk Hogan's profile has been removed from the Alumni and Hall of Fame sections of WWE's website, all of his merchandise has been removed from WWEShop.com, and Hogan has been removed from the cast listing on Tough Enough's website. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer noted that the WWE Website was told to remove all references to him.
In addition to this, Curtis Axel, who has been playing a parody of Hogan in recent months, had his profile photo switched from the parody character to his normal persona. You can see his profile at this link.
Hogan returned to the WWE in 2014, after over six years away from the company.
Hogan tweeted the following early Friday morning:
In the storm I release control,God and his Universe will sail me where he wants me to be,one love. HH
July 24, 2015
Hulk Hogan Rumored To Be Done With WWE Again; Hogan Goes On Racial Tirade?
July 8, 2015
Did Total Divas Premiere Beat WWE Tough Enough?
Last night's episode of WWE Tough Enough averaged 1.221 million viewers, which was the best number for the show this season, narrowly topping the 1.209 million viewers for the season premiere. It was up 17% from last week's 1.047 million viewers.
The fourth season of Total Divas drew 975,000 viewers last night on E!, down 19% from the third season premiere, which garnered 1.2 million viewers.
Replacement Member On Tough Enough Revealed, Has Appeared On WWE TV Before
Tuesday night's episode of WWE Tough Enough saw cast member Dianna leaving in the middle of the night without notifying nay of her fellow contestants. It originally appeared as if the contest would move on as-is, but instead, WWE has announced a replacement.
Chelsea Green was announced as Dianna's replacement early Wednesday morning. Many many remember Green from her appearance on WWE Raw as Daniel Bryan's physical therapist during his angle with The Authority.
Green is a graduate of the Storm Wrestling Academy, headed up by former WWE, WCW and ECW star Lance Storm. Green arrived at the Tough Enough barracks early Wednesday morning.
June 28, 2015
Tough Enough Contestant Talks Coming Out On The Show
ABC affiliate WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, PA has a story about Tough Enough contestant Daria Berenato, who came out as gay on the show. Berenato talked about coming out on the show.
"That was not planned," Berenato said. "That was not thought about. I didn't even consider it, to be honest. I did talk to my girlfriend before I left in California and I said, 'Hey if it comes up, do you mind if I tell the truth?' She was like, 'Absolutely tell the truth.' [But] I didn't sit down and think, 'Oh, how can I make the judges like me? Let me tell them I'm a lesbian.' I would never artificially plan like that. It wasn't premeditated. I think that's what made the moment so special.
"I've gotten so much generosity and so much love so far. People from all kinds of LGBT organizations reaching out saying, 'what you did was amazing, thank you for representing our families,' and that kind of stuff. I just couldn't be happier with the way it worked out. I never could have planned such an epic moment."
June 24, 2015
Tuesday's WWE Tough Enough Premiere Draws Over One Million Viewers
The first episode of the new season of Tough Enough drew 1,209,000 viewers which was down on last Tough Enough season in 2011 on USA Network did an average of 2.4 million. Overall the episode drew a 0.40 adults 18-49 rating.
June 19, 2015
USA Network Series WWE Tough Enough to Feature Daily Periscope Coverage
WWE will turn to Periscope, a new live streaming app, to give fans a look through the eyes of the competitors as the drama unfolds each week during training and competitions leading up to the weekly premieres of the new hard hitting reality series to air on USA Network, WWE Tough Enough. The @WWEToughEnough account on Periscope will also include guest appearances from the show’s host WWE Superstar Chris Jericho®, Tough Enough judges WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan®, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan® and WWE Diva Paige™, as well as various other WWE Superstars and Divas.
Starting June 23, WWE Tough Enough will air weekly on Tuesdays at 8/7C on USA Network. Outside of the U.S., WWE Tough Enough airs live on OSN Sports 2 HD across the Middle East and North Africa, Ten Sports in the Indian subcontinent, Cielo in Italy and on YouTube around the rest of the world.
“WWE is already best in class when it comes to utilizing Twitter to engage with their massive global fan base,” said Danny Keens, Head of North American Sports Partnerships at Twitter. “Periscope allows anyone in the world to share and experience live video and now fans of WWE’s Tough Enough can further engage with talent from the show live in real-time. WWE is removing another barrier and allowing fans to have a deeper connection with their favorite WWE stars.”
“This new innovative partnership with Periscope will ensure that WWE Tough Enough never goes off the air,” said Lisa Fox, WWE Executive Vice President, Content. “This daily all-access content will bring our fans closer to the competitors, the action and the drama than in any other reality show.”
June 18, 2015
June 15, 2015
More Details on the New Season of Tough Enough
WWE Tough Enough is hosted by WWE Superstar Chris Jericho®, who will be joined by a panel of judges including WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan®, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan® and WWE Diva Paige™. This season will combine the can’t-miss excitement of live television with reality-show drama, as WWE hopefuls vie for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. Unlike anything on television today, the lightning-fast hour of entertainment and competition will include live results every week, giving fans worldwide the power to decide who stays and who goes the very same night.
Every week, the three judges will each nominate one competitor they believe should be cut, and it will be up to the WWE Universe to vote and determine who they feel is “Tough Enough,” to remain in the competition. The competitor with the least number of votes will be eliminated. Throughout the season, each judge will have the ability to save one competitor from being sent home. Ultimately, one man and one woman will be considered “Tough Enough,” with each earning a one-year, $250,000 WWE contract.
Each week, the competitors will be coached by WWE Legends Booker T™, Billy Gunn™ and Lita™, and competitors will come face-to-face with WWE icons including WWE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon; Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative, Paul “Triple H®” Levesque; and WWE Superstars John Cena®, Big Show® and Randy Orton®, among others.
The revolutionary WWE Tough Enough App is now available for download. This app will provide an unprecedented fan experience before, during and after the show by enabling fans to vote for who stays and who goes with results calculated in real-time during the final minutes of each episode. The app will also include competitor bios and video and social updates as the competition unfolds throughout the week.
June 13, 2015
Video: Triple H reveals the WWE Performance Center Tough Enough Barracks
Triple H commented:
"We could put you in a nice mansion, make it luxurious and all that but it's supposed to be about being Tough Enough so we don't want to pamper people too much. So what we've come up with is the WWE Performance Center Tough Enough barracks."
"This is about kind of making due and I think that in some way through a contest like Tough Enough they're bypassing the kind of paying your dues and to me this is kind of fast-tracking that a little bit. Sleeping in a not so comfortable place, not so comfortable surroundings, seeing if you're Tough Enough and if you really want to do this."
June 12, 2015
WWE Tough Enough Final 13 Competitors Revelaed
After a grueling, three-day tryout, 13 competitors will now advance to the new season of WWE Tough Enough. These seven men and six women will fight to live out their dream and become the next WWE Superstar or Diva, starting with the show's premiere on Tuesday, June 23, on USA Network:
Alexander Frekey, Dallas, Texas
He once caused an earthquake in a “Planet Fitness” commercial, but does Alexander Frekey have what it takes to be Tough Enough? His day-job title of Regional Sales Director doesn’t exactly inspire fear in the masses, but the towering Frekey isn’t just an unusually big office drone. Having played college basketball before appearing in “John Wick” and NBC’s “The Blacklist,” the tough-guy bonafides of this 6-foot-5 Russian are enviable. Now, in the toughest athletic environment there is, he faces a test that will truly shake him to the core.
Amanda Saccomanno, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
When you’re 5-foot-4 and can lift 225 pounds, you’re bound to turn some heads. Now it’s time to see if this fitness entrepreneur from Yorktown Heights can thrive on WWE’s bright stage. An athletic powerhouse who stays in shape with dance, yoga, Pilates and CrossFit, Saccomanno’s physical prowess could make her a welcome addition to the Divas division. Ironically enough, her childhood nickname was “Hamburgers,” but even that fact may turn out to be appropriate: Underestimate her and she’ll eat you for lunch.
Daria Berenato, Los Angeles
Ever hear of The Jersey Devil? Well that’s Daria Berenato, a 5-foot-7 mixed martial arts fighter nicknamed after the famed beast and looking to make her mark in WWE. Currently a co-host of the YouTube show “UFC AfterBuzz,” Berenato has been training in one form of fighting or another since age 16. Rest assured, if she fights her way to a WWE contract, everyone from the Pine Barrens to Full Sail University will be put on notice.
Dianna Dahlgren, Spokane, Wash.
If you’ve seen the cover of “Oxygen,” “Muscular Development” or “Muscle & Fitness,” at some point you’ve probably seen Dianna Dahlgren. A Monster Energy spokesperson and model, Dahlgren boasts a “shredded” physique that can give most potential Divas a run for their money, not to mention a social media following (290,000-plus followers on Facebook and Instagram) that would make most Superstars jealous. Her love of the extreme led her to WWE. Will we see her on Monday Night Raw next?
Gabi Castrovinci, Southington, Conn.
What’s there to know about Gabi Castrovinci? Born in Brazil, she grew up practicing Jiu-Jitsu and is a professional athlete for World Beauty Fitness & Fashion. An avid surfer and snowboarder, Castrovinci is a self-employed entrepreneur who sells Brazilian leggings online. If she wins Tough Enough, she’ll be trading in Brazilian leggings for Indian Deathlocks in no time.
Giorgia Piscina, Brisbane, Australia
The farthest-flung of WWE Tough Enough’s contestants, Giorgia Piscina comes to the Performance Center on a wing and a dream. An eight-year gymnastics veteran and Bikini Dive competitor for the WBFF, Piscina’s “toughest” moment came when she crossed the finish line on a 400-meter race with a broken ankle. Now facing down her biggest opportunity yet, she’s got plenty to carry her over the finish line, but can she capitalize on the opportunity?
Hank Avery Jr., Macon, Ga.
Looking for a new “Face of WWE”? Well, Hank Avery Jr. was literally a poster boy for Mercer University football from 2012 to 2013. Standing at 6-foot-4 and topping 270 pounds, with a lingering fear of frogs, this gridiron veteran, husband and father makes his living as a pool maintenance manager. But it’s only a matter of time before he’s making a splash on a far bigger stage. Just no frogs, please.
Joshua Bredl, Thornton, Colo.
What do Thor and the Yeti have in common? They’re both nicknames of Josh Bredl, a physical specimen and NFL free agent most recently signed by the Green Bay Packers. One of the top 15 Colorado high school prospects upon his graduation, Bredl recorded 34 tackles and six sacks as a defensive lineman at Colorado State University – Pueblo. Having rampaged his way down to the Performance Center, he now looks to make the big jump into WWE and show the Cheeseheads what they’re missing.
Mada Abdel Hamid, Los Angeles
Ever wonder how Khal Drogo from “Game of Thrones” got so big? That’s because Mada Abdel Hamid trained him. A personal trainer for actor Jason Momoa, Abdel Hamid’s story is almost as fantastical as “Thrones” is: Born in Egypt and fluent in Arabic, he played professional basketball until he fled the country in the midst of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. WWE Tough Enough is merely the latest chapter in a life well lived. If he makes it through, does a chapter at WrestleMania await?
Patrick Clark, Jr., Washington, D.C.
To some, WWE is more than a dream, it is an escape. That’s what it was for Patrick Clark, a 19-year-old wrestling coach from Washington, D.C., who found refuge in sports-entertainment after the death of his father. Clark’s drive led him from 10 years of JROTC to the mats of amateur competition, where he wrestled for Forestville Military Academy from 2011 to 2013. He’s currently a competitor in the Mid Atlantic Wrestling Association, and a coach. Does a jump from the mat to the ring await?
Sara Lee, Hope, Mich.
A pure athlete looking to take her skills to the ring, Sara Lee boasts one of the most unique backgrounds of WWE Tough Enough’s hopefuls. While studying to become an ultrasound technician, Lee is also a power lift competitor who trains six times a week and can squat 230 pounds and bench press 140 pounds. Introduced to WWE by her older brother, she is “in love” with The Bella Twins. Should she prove tough enough, Nikki and Brie might have themselves a new ally … or enemy.
Tanner Saraceno, Boiling Springs, S.C.
Looking for a fighter? Look no further than Tanner Saraceno, a tattooed mixed-martial arts fighter with the beard of a wildman and a resume that would make most opponents shrivel in fear. An 11-year wrestler with high school and college experience, Saraceno was named the team captain and MVP of his college team after walking on as a freshman. His hobbies are oddly tame — cooking and brushing his hair — as is his profession: tree trimmer. Rest assured, however, in WWE Tough Enough, he has one goal with relation to his fellow contestants: chop them down and take the contract for himself.
Zamariah “ZZ” Loupe, Bayou Bluff, La.
Zamariah Loupe wrestles alligators. He’s even got one for a pet, “Mr. Gator,” who he calls his blood brother despite the fact that big bro once bit through Loupe’s hand. The youngest of WWE Tough Enough’s contestants at age 18, Loupe currently plays linebacker for Nicholls University when he’s not wrestling alligators. Loupe’s as charitable as he is unique, passing out Beanie Babies to the children and the elderly in his town while dressed as Santa Claus. WWE Tough Enough would seem like a big step for such a young man, but, again: He wrestles alligators. His fellow humans have their work cut out for them.
June 8, 2015
WWE Tough Enough Final 40 Revealed
The return of WWE Tough Enough is just two weeks away, and after more than 11,100 members of the WWE Universe uploaded their video submissions, 40 individuals have been invited to a tryout at the WWE Performance Center this week.
The WWE Tough Enough mini-camp takes place Wednesday, June 10, through Friday, June 12, culminating with the announcement of the final 13 contestants, who will compete for one-year, $250,000 WWE Superstar and Diva contracts. The journey of the final 40 will be chronicled on a WWE Network exclusive, WWE Tough Enough Competition Special, which airs Tuesday, June 16, at 8/7 C.
The final 40 contenders are:
Adam Ohriner, Long Island, N.Y.
Alexander Frekey, Dallas
Alexander Galizia, Springfield, Mass.
Amanda Saccomanno, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
Ashley Urbanski, Oakland, Calif.
Ava Knight-Salicka, Las Vegas
Carly Marshall, Los Angeles
Chelsea Green, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Danielle Kamela, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Daria Berenato, Los Angeles
David Michael Barnes, Mandan, N.J.
Dianna Dahlgren, Spokane, Wash.
Don Arner, Pittsburgh
Gabi Castrovinci, Southington, Conn.
Giorgia Piscina, Brisbane, Australia
Hank Avery Jr., Macon, Ga.
Jason Vazquez, Oak Lawn, Ill.
Jeremiah Kingdom, Los Angeles
Joshua Bredl, Thornton, Colo.
Kahlil Bell, San Jose, Calif.
Kevin Penczek, Belle, W.V.
Krishany San Jorge, Puerto Rico
LaRayia Gaston, Los Angeles
Lorenzo Davis II, Los Angeles
Mada Abdel Hamid, Los Angeles
Michael Mio, Staten Island, N.Y.
Mike Hayes, Louisville, Ken.
Nehemiah Kingdom, Los Angeles
Nicholas Cuffari, Lakewood, Okla.
Patrick Clark, Washington, D.C.
Philip Guilford, Atlantic City, N.J.
Samantha Sage, Los Angeles
Sara Bettencourt, San Jose, Calif.
Sara Lee, Hope, Mich.
Stephen Tezanos-Pinto, Sacramento, Calif.
Tanner Saraceno, Boiling Springs, S.C.
Tommaso Giannuzzi, Germany
Vinny Tortorella, Staten Island, N.Y.
Zach Boss, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Zamariah “ZZ” Loupe, Bayou Bluff, La.
Watch Raw tonight to learn more about the final 40, and stick with WWEToughEnough.com throughout the week for exclusive videos and breaking news from the tryout.
May 25, 2015
WWE Tough Enough App Available For Download
The official WWE Tough Enough app is now available to download from the App Store and Google Play.
The device allows fans to view audition videos and share them on social media.
The app will serve as a second-screen experience on Tuesday nights during Tough Enough, similar to what WWE Raw does with their second-screen experience.
Fans will be able to stream exclusive content that’s synchronized to the TV show, tweet the Tough Enough coaches, receive live results, view highlights and photos and breaking news.
May 13, 2015
Most Popular WWE Network Shows from Last Week, What Weekly Show Doesn't Do Good, Other Favorites
The most-watched WWE Network content from last week are as follows:
1. WWE 24: Roman Reigns
2. Chris Jericho interviews Stephanie McMahon
3. WWE NXT, May 6th episode
4. Jerry Springer Too Hot for TV: Love Hurts
5. Extreme Rules
The Cinco de Mayo special with Los Matadores didn't do well and Superstars episodes also don't do too well.
The special on Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show, the previous week’s NXT episode, Culture Shock with Corey Graves, Unfiltered with Renee Young, Mick Foley's Cheap Pops, the ECW Uncensored Volume 3 sneak peek, and a second Jerry Springer episode were also popular among viewers, as well as the last season of Tough Enough and 2014 episodes of Total Divas.
May 7, 2015
Hogan, Jericho, Paige and Daniel Bryan Headline New Season of Tough Enough
USA Network and WWE announced today that WWE Superstar Chris Jericho will be the host of the highly-anticipated series, WWE TOUGH ENOUGH, and will be joined by a panel of experts comprised of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan®, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan® and WWE Diva Paige™. The high-octane reality series premieres LIVE Tuesday, June 23 at 8pm ET/5pm PT on USA Network and around the world.*
This season of WWE TOUGH ENOUGH will combine the can’t-miss excitement of live television with reality-show drama, as WWE hopefuls vie for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. Unlike anything on television today, the lightning-fast hour of entertainment and competition will include live results every week, giving fans worldwide the power to decide who stays and who goes the very same night. Each week, one cast member will be eliminated until one man and one woman are considered “Tough Enough,” with each earning a one-year, $250,000 WWE contract.
Throughout the competition, the contestants will be trained by WWE Legends Booker T™, Billy Gunn™ and Lita™. Contestants will also come face-to-face with WWE icons including WWE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon; Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative, Paul “Triple H®” Levesque; Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon; and WWE Superstar John Cena®, among others.
“These athletes, each with varying skill sets, will be put through a grueling boot camp that will test their physical, mental and emotional limits in a way that the series hasn’t done before,” said Jessica Sebastian, Vice President of Unscripted Series, USA Network. “Each week, their training and experience culminates in a spectacular live event where they will be put in front of their WWE heroes and an audience of fans. In this reimagined version of WWE TOUGH ENOUGH only the best will survive.”
“This season of WWE TOUGH ENOUGH will be the most innovative, unique and engaging series on television,” said Kevin Dunn, WWE Executive Producer. “A live global telecast, real-time voting with immediate results, and unprecedented use of digital and social media during and between telecasts will all lead to a groundbreaking viewing experience.”
To date, entrants from 113 countries have submitted videos, which have been viewed more than two million times on YouTube. To view play lists of entrants’ videos or to submit a new audition video, go to WWEToughEnough.com. For a compilation of entrants’ video submissions, click here.
On Monday, May 25, the WWE TOUGH ENOUGH App will be available for free download, giving fans even more opportunity to engage with this cutting-edge reality competition series. Through the App, viewers will receive access to exclusive content, learn more about the contestants, take part in social conversation between live telecasts and vote in real time. Fans around the world can also vote live each week for who stays and who goes via text (U.S. only), on Twitter @WWEToughEnough as well as on the WWE App, WWEToughEnough.com and USANetwork.com.
WWE TOUGH ENOUGH will emanate live from both the state-of-the-art WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., home to WWE’s developmental division NXT, and the innovative professional production studios at Full Sail University located in Winter Park, Fla. This launch will mark the inaugural use of the University’s latest high-caliber, on-campus production facility. In 2012, WWE and Full Sail announced an innovative partnership, which created a student scholarship fund, and also allows students of the university’s entertainment-focused degree programs, including Film, Show Production, Digital Arts and Design, Internet Marketing and Entertainment Business, to gain real-world experience alongside WWE’s professional production staff during WWE NXT tapings.
WWE TOUGH ENOUGH is produced by WWE, USA Network and Left Hook Media. Matt Odgers and Scott Teti are Executive Producers for Left Hook Media. Jessica Sebastian is Vice President of Unscripted Series for USA Network. Kevin Dunn is Executive Producer for WWE.
Be sure to join in the conversation at @WWEToughEnough @WWE @USANetwork and engage with your favorite WWE Tough Enough personalities @IAMJericho @ReneeYoungWWE @HulkHogan @WWEDanielBryan @RealPaigeWWE @BookerT5x @AmyDumas @BillyGunnWWE.
April 20, 2015
Are You “Tough Enough?”
Beginning today, WWE® invites anyone from around the world who believes they have what it takes to be the next WWE Superstar or Diva, to submit a video at WWEToughEnough.com to be considered for the upcoming reality competition series, WWE Tough Enough. The series premieres on Tuesday, June 23 at 8/7c on USA Network in a reimagined format with live elements.
“WWE Tough Enough is an opportunity for anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming a WWE Superstar or Diva,” said Paul “Triple H®” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative. “WWE Superstars and Divas are dynamic entertainers who possess a unique combination of athleticism and charisma. We can’t wait to see who will emerge from this competition to earn a place alongside our elite performers.”
This season of WWE Tough Enough will combine the can’t-miss excitement of live television with reality-show drama as 10 men and five women vie for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a WWE Superstar or Diva. By the end of the season, one man and one woman will be crowned “Tough Enough” and will each earn a WWE contract.
April 7, 2015
Steve Austin Speaks On WWE Rumors: Turning Down Tough Enough, Missing WrestleMania, Network Podcast
WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin addressed some rumors surrounding his status with the company on the latest episode of The Steve Austin Show. You can hear the full interview at this link. Below are some highlights:
* Austin said there is no heat on him from WWE for allegedly missing WrestleMania 31 Week. He brought up the rumor that he was supposed to be on a flight with The Undertaker and said that was not true.
* Austin said he was never a part of any creative discussions for him to participate at WrestleMania 31. Austin said he didn't turn anything down, he simply wasn't there and was never scheduled to be there.
* Regarding Tough Enough rumors and heat between Austin and Vince McMahon, Austin said he did not turn the show down. He said he's been talking with WWE about Tough Enough for some time and it was supposed to be filmed in February-March but we're in April and it still hasn't happened. Austin said the delay was nobody's fault as it takes a lot of work for the different pieces of a reality show like Tough Enough to come together. When WWE got their pieces together, CMT wanted to do more Broken Skull Challenge and Austin couldn't do Tough Enough due to the BSC commitments. Austin said he didn't turn down Tough Enough because of heat with Vince and scheduling problems are why he couldn't do the show. Austin said he wishes he could do Tough Enough but it didn't work out. Austin said in a perfect world, he would have filmed Tough Enough in February-March and that would have been it.
* Austin also addressed the rumors about his podcast not being on the WWE Network. Austin said they did the first two and were going to make a deal to move forward. He said there was a deal that could have been made but it wasn't and they're not moving forward but there's no heat there. Austin he heard Vince wasn't happy with some of his questions for Triple H and Austin said that's not true.
* Austin said WWE is going in their own direction and he's going in his and down the road if they hook back up, it'll be gangbusters. Austin said he will always have WWE in his blood. He acknowledged both sides have helped each other over the years and said it's always a good thing and a fun thing when WWE and Steve Austin are in business together. Austin guesses there is no animosity towards him from WWE's point of view and said he has no heat with them. Austin said, "No heat, nowhere. It's cool, moving on..."
SmackDown Moves to USA Network in 1Q2016, Joining Raw and WWE Tough Enough
USA is expanding its commitment to the live action entertainment company WWE, bringing SmackDown to the network in the first quarter of 2016. Now the exclusive cable home to WWE marquee properties, USA airs the powerhouse Monday Night Raw live 52 weeks a year and the reality competition series WWE Tough Enough, which returns this summer in a reimagined format with live elements.
“WWE consistently delivers one of the largest and most socially engaged live audiences in entertainment and we’re excited to expand our long-standing relationship and be the true cable home for the WWE fan,” said USA Network President Chris McCumber.
“WWE is proud to have SmackDown join Raw as part of our expanded partnership with USA Network,” said WWE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Vince McMahon. “The combination of the #1 cable network and two ratings juggernauts provides a destination for our viewers and an extraordinary platform for our partners.”
Earlier this year, USA announced the renewal of WWE Tough Enough, premiering Tuesday, June 23 at 8/7c. The reimagined series will feature an all-new format with live elements and more fan participation than ever before. In addition, WWE recently unveiled a new brand campaign “For The Hero In All of Us,” that engages consumers through #MyHeroIs, inviting fans to name their favorite WWE Superstars and share personal and inspirational stories of heroism.
Monday Night Raw on USA is the most-watched, regularly scheduled, year-round program on cable, airing a live three-hour block every Monday night, 52 weeks a year. Raw has been a cable mainstay for more than 20 years and is consistently a top ten show on television. Year-to-date Raw averages 1.95MM P18-49, 2.02MM P25-54 and 4.43MM total viewers P2+ and SmackDown averages 1.1MM P18-49, 1.22MM P25-54, and 2.86MM total viewers P2+. In 2014, Raw and SmackDown reached 55.9MM total viewers P2+.
With more than 800 original episodes, SmackDown is the second longest-running weekly episodic program in U.S. television history, only behind Monday Night Raw. Over the past 15 years, SmackDown has been broadcast from 170 different venues, in 148 cities, in seven different countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Iraq, Japan, Italy and Mexic
April 4, 2015
Rumor Mill - Steve Austin Reportedly Turns Down Tough Enough, Backstage Talk On His Problems With Vince McMahon
Steve Austin did not travel to Santa Clara for the festivities and this caused a lot of shock within WWE as he was expected to be there.
It turns out Austin was scheduled to fly into San Jose on the same flight that The Undertaker was on as they both live in Texas. The flight landed and Austin was not there. WWE even had an employee waiting to pick Austin up from the airport. It appears they still thought he might show up as there was a room with his name on it backstage at Levi's Stadium until mid-week.
It was noted before that the issue appeared to be between Austin and Vince McMahon. One person close to the situation said they have never seen Vince as angry about anything else, which is saying a lot. The rift between Vince and Austin reportedly has to do with his podcast on the WWE Network and Vince not liking some aspects of it. This is likely why WWE Network is now carrying Chris Jericho's podcast instead.
WWE also wanted Austin for the upcoming season of Tough Enough but he reportedly turned it down for an unknown reason. Some expect Austin to address his issues with WWE shortly.
January 20, 2015
WWE Tough Enough 2015 Casting Call Released
WWE issued the following casting call for the upcoming season of Tough Enough:
WWE and the USA Network are bringing back the hit reality competition show Tough Enough! One competitor will earn a WWE contract and be the next WWE Superstar!!!
If you believe you have what it takes to not only earn the contract, but excel in World Wrestling Entertainment… Apply now.
Casting Producers are searching the world to find extraordinary men and women to be the next WWE Superstar with the following qualities:
CHARISMA
PERSONALITY
ATHLETICISM
AGILITY
STAMINA
STRENGTH
And an INTENSE DESIRE to be the next WWE SUPERSTAR!
Show Information:
WWE Tough Enough, is a professional wrestling reality television program produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and MTV wherein participants underwent professional wrestling training and competed for a contract with WWE. There were two winners per season for the first three seasons, all of which aired on MTV. A fourth competition was held in 2004, with only a single winner, but was integrated into UPN’s SmackDown!. In October 2010, it was announced that The USA Network will be reviving Tough Enough for a fifth season. It will be paired with WWE Raw. No premiere date scheduled.
