– WWE and the USA Network issued a joint press release Monday announcing an extension of their cable television partnership through 2014.
“I couldn’t be happier about continuing one of the most successful collaborations in television history,” said NBC Universal Cable’s Bonnie Hammer. “Vince McMahon and his entire team are an invaluable part of the USA family.”
The press release also touted the success of the weekly guest host concept on RAW, noting that the roster of hosts, which includes “Shaquille O’Neal, Jeremy Piven, Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Barker, Snoop Dogg, Ben Roethlisberger and Rev. Al Sharpton,” has produced an across-the-board improvement in the show’s viewership. Since implementing the guest host strategy, the show has garnered “+11 % more total viewers, +16% more P12-17, +9% more P25-54, + 3% more P18-49 and +17% more households compared to the same time period last year.”
– On the subject of guest hosts, WWE also issued a press release confirming that Jesse Ventura will host next week’s Thanksgiving-themed show in support of his “Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura” series.
