'Monday Night Raw' Wrestles Up Viewers
Top Rated Sports Entertainment Series Uses Celebrity Hosts
Sep 28, 2009
The debate has existed for centuries if professional wrestling is real or fake, and while the match's results may be predetermined there is no question of the superb athleticism of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) superstars. Over 300 nights a year the likes of John Cena, Randy Orton, Triple HHH and Shawn Michaels put their bodies on the line for their fans delight.
One thing that hasn't changed over time is that in the center of the squared circle occurs a battle between good and evil. The characters involved however are worlds apart as the feuds now center on such issues as adultery rather than just pulling on the opponents tights. The Superstars enter to their own theme music and explosives, many also have a catch phrase to be printed on t-shirts and raise merchandise sales.
RAW entertains with celebrity guest-hosts
Raw, is the flagship series for WWE and is the longest running episodic television show in history. It first aired in 1993 and is regularly rated the most watched show on cable. While it is a wrestling show, its matches usually averages a length time of 2-3 minutes. A majority of the show consists of backstage skits and the Superstars promoting their upcoming bouts with a speech. The actual 'wrestling' that occurs on 'Raw' is minimal as the series is more entertainment based.
For the last few months the entertainment value of Raw has been raised even further with the use of celebrity hosts. The hosts have 'control' of the show, allowing them to make the matches, set the rules, and even compete themselves if they so desire. The guest hosts have included Bob Barker, Jeremy Piven, ZZ Top, Cedric the Entertainer, Shaq, and the Rev. Al Sharpton. Like the late night talk shows, Raw has become another stopping point along the promotional trail.
Sports or Entertainment?
Some guest hosts have fared better than others, it shows when someone is at least a little familiar with the Raw verses obviously never having watched it. The WWE has benefited by getting some mainstream media publicity by some of the guests.
Owned and operated by Vince McMahon, JR the WWE is a multi- million dollar industry and continues to be followed by generations of fans. It's presentation has changed over the years but all the same basics like the headlock and bodyslam still exist, only now with more glitz and glamour thrown in in between. However, whether for its athletic prowess or celebrity guests Monday Night Raw is sure to provide two hours of entertainment every week on the USA Network.
