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WWE RAW SCHEDULED TO BE VITAL PART OF SPIKE TV DEBUT ON AUGUST 11
by Dave Scherer Updated: 7/22/2003 6:38:28 PM
Viacom sent out the following press release today.
Spike TV Bows Monday, August 11 At 9:00 AM(ET/PT)
NEW YORK, July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, August 11, at 9:00 AM (ET/PT), The First Network For Men will debut as Spike TV. For its premiere, the network will kick off with a slate of specials and original programming, and will introduce two new daily programming features.
"We're thrilled that the first network for men is proceeding under the banner of Spike TV," said Albie Hecht, President, Spike TV. "Beginning today, and continuing for the remainder of men's lives, we will be building our home base with new programming and specials that speak to a wide range of men's interests. August 11 is Spike TV Day. Men all across this great land should feel empowered to leave the toilet seat up!"
As part of its branded debut, the network will introduce two new daily features. "CBS MarketWatch," one of the premier financial news outlets, will provide updates two times a day on the current state of world markets and the economy. Additionally, Spike TV will offer "Zero to Sixty," daily one-minute reports on the latest trends and news from the sleek, turbo-charged automotive industry. Noted business reporter Bambi Francisco anchors "CBS Marketwatch" updates. Formula One racer Danica Patrick, one of the world's top female drivers, hosts "Zero to Sixty."
Spike TV will celebrate its arrival with special programming, including "Road To SlamBall," a one-hour, behind-the-scenes reality movie of this popular extreme team sport; "Party With Spike," a one-hour special hosted by rapper Busta' Rhymes at the Playboy Mansion featuring Pam Anderson, Kelsey Grammer, Carmen Electra, Fred Durst and Kid Rock. The network will also present a special edition of its hit series, "Most Extreme Elimination Challenge," in which contestants and games are named Spike. Finally, as part of its premiere night extravaganza, Spike TV will telecast its signature and highly rated, two-hour, LIVE weekly sports entertainment program WWE Raw, which will include a special surprise Spike moment.
During August, The First Network For Men will roll out its second phase of original programming to include "Ride With Funkmaster Flex," (Saturday, August 16, 7:30-8:00 PM, ET/PT) "Go Inside: Animal House," (Sunday, August 24, 9:00- 10:00 PM, ET/PT), a documentary special on the classic film which marks its 25th anniversary and new seasons of "SlamBall" (Monday, August, 11:05 PM- Midnight, ET/PT) and "Most Extreme Elimination Challenge" Thursday, July 31, 9:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT).
Spike TV was to originally have launched on Monday, June 16. The network is available in 86 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. MTV Networks owns and operates the cable television programming services MTV: Music Television, MTV2, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, TV Land, VH1, CMT: Country Music Television, and Spike TV, as well as The Digital Suite from MTV Networks, a package of thirteen digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.
Photos Available Upon Request
SOURCE Spike TV
CO: Spike TV
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KURT ANGLE SAYS HE FEELS 100% AFTER HAVING NECK SURGERY, CENA TALKS ABOUT RAPPING
by Thushyan Nadarajah Updated: 7/23/2003 1:37:02 PM
Recapped by Thushyan Nadarajah of
http://www.ringrage.com.
Interview with John Cena
Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2003 (Aired on Tuesday, July 22, 2003)
Location: Toronto, Canada
Interviewer: Joltin' Joe
Joltin' Joe introduces his first guest, WWE SmackDown! superstar, John Cena.
Joe starts off the interview by asking Cena how he comes up with his great rap lyrics?
Cena says he focuses on past gimmicks and storylines used by wrestlers and then tries to combine them to produce an entertaining rap.
Joe then asks Cena to rap about Joltin' Joe. Surprisingly, off the top of his head, Cena raps for approximately 30 seconds and Joe is impressed!
Joe asks Cena what he's learned in just one year with the WWE. Cena replies that he's learned more than just rapping. He says this business is a combination of sport and entertainment and you really need to put passion into who you are and what you're presenting to the fans.
Joe asks Cena what he thinks of Toronto, the teams and fans?
Cena says that USA is the best place for him, but he loves coming to Toronto, since the fans are so generous. He also says that he's got the pleasure of throwing out the first pitch at the Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox game.
And finally, Joltin' Joe asks Cena when he's going to win the title?
Cena says that he should already have won the title by now, but will have it hopefully soon.
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Interview with Kurt Angle
Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2003 (Aired on Tuesday, July 22, 2003)
Location: Toronto, Canada
Interviewer: Joltin' Joe
Joltin' Joe introduces his next guest, WWE SmackDown! superstar and Olympic Gold Medalist, Kurt Angle.
Joe asks Kurt how he's feeling. Kurt says that he feels fantastic! He says that his body is at 100% since coming back from neck surgery and he's going to prove that he is the best in the business at Vengeance.
Joe asks Kurt to tell us a bit about Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin. Kurt says that they have proven themselves as world class athletes. At first, they used the Team Angle gimmick for a push, but now they definitely don't need it. He says that he has high hopes for both athletes in the future.
Joltin' Joe mentions that Edge, Rhyno and Chris Benoit have all spent a year recovering from surgery, but how has he accomplished this so much faster?
Kurt says it was great being able to have neck repair surgery instead of spinal fusion because you're only out for about 6-8 weeks. He also said that he was very fortunate to be able to live in the same city as his doctor.
[Thanks to Joltin' Joe's Wrestling Hotline for contributing. You can call (416) 350-3000 ext. 2049 to listen to the interview. Long distance charges may apply.]
Thushyan Nadarajah
webmaster@ringrage.com
Webmaster of http://www.ringrage.com