WWE.com sent out the following press release to the Canadian Media yesterday to hype Summerslam.
WWE(TM) World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit(TM) kicks off SummerSlam(R) festivities with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty!
Benoit presents Premier McGuinty with commemorative World Heavyweight Championship belt
TORONTO, Aug. 11 /CNW/ – At Ontario Place today, World Wrestling Entertainment Superstar Chris Benoit, WWE President Carl DeMarco and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty kicked off a week of special events that will culminate with the SummerSlam Pay-Per-View extravaganza, to be broadcast world wide live from the Air Canada Centre on Sunday August 15.
World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit and WWE Canada President Carl DeMarco presented Mr. McGuinty with his very own WWE Championship belt. This commemorative belt is in recognition and appreciation of the Province’s support of World Wrestling Entertainment and for being the host province for SummerSlam.
“Ontario is pleased to host the WWE’s SummerSlam, an event that will attract tourists and tourism dollars to our great province. Together, the WWE and Ontario have been a winning tag team for tourism,” said Premier McGuinty. Tickets for SummerSlam have been purchased by fans in all 10 Canadian provinces and 23 American states. Fans will be traveling from France, Ireland, Great Britain, Mexico, Japan and the United Arab Emirates to attend the event, which will be broadcast live from the Air Canada Centre beginning at 7:45 pm, and will be shown in 97 countries around the world, and in 7 languages.
“World Wrestling Entertainment has always appreciated the passion of our Canadian fans, which is why we have consistently brought our top shows to Canada, and specifically Ontario. Toronto has been fortunate enough to host 2 WrestleMania events, and will now host SummerSlam on August 15. This marks the first time in over 10 years that SummerSlam has been held outside of the United States and the response to this event has been overwhelming!” added Carl DeMarco, President of World Wrestling Entertainment Canada.
World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit was on hand today to meet the Premier and participate in the presentation. “I’m thrilled to be back in Canada, defending my Championship,” said Chris, “our Canadian fans are the best in the world and I’m sure they’ll make SummerSlam an outstanding event!”
Ontario Place was chosen as the backdrop for this presentation to highlight WWE SummerSlam Day at Ontario Place — one of the final stops on The Road to SummerSlam tour, which has seen WWE Superstar appearances take place from coast to coast. “We are thrilled to host such an exciting event,” says Glenn Dobbin, General Manager of Ontario Place. “Summerslam Day at Ontario Place on Saturday August 14 is shaping up to be one of the highlights of this summer’s spectacular events and entertainment lineup.”
Today’s presentation at Ontario Place kicked off a series of special SummerSlam events that will be happening all week. They include:
Thursday August 12 – WWE Diva Trish Stratus(TM) will be appearing at The Second City in Toronto, with the Mainstage cast in “Invasion Free Since 1812”. The show will be preceded by a VIP red carpet at 6:00 pm and followed by a cast party, open to all ticketholders. For tickets, please contact The Second City at: www.secondcity.com or 416-343-0011.
Friday August 13 – WWE Superstars John Cena(TM) and Randy Orton(TM) will be at the WWE Store in Niagara Falls, Ontario for autograph signings. John Cena will appear from 1-3 pm and Randy Orton from 5-7 pm. John Cena will also be appearing in Hamilton at 7:00 pm the Hamilton Tiger Cats game — participating in the coin toss to begin the game, and making a special announcement for Tiger Cats fans.
Saturday August 14 – SummerSlam Day at Ontario Place. Join 9 Top WWE Superstars for autograph signings and a day of fun in the park. Don’t miss the appearance of the band Fozzy, fronted by WWE Superstar Chris Jericho, at 6:00 pm at the Vista Stage.
Sunday August 15 – WWE Superstar Brunch at Planet Hollywood — join your favourite WWE Superstars for brunch at Planet Hollywood — tickets are still available for the 10:30 am seating. For tickets, please contact 416-596-7827(STAR). Proceeds from this event to benefit Variety Village — The Children’s Charity.
Sunday August 15, 3:00 pm – Tailgate Party at the ACC. Come and join the fun before SummerSlam with a Tailgate Party — lots of activities including, Nintendo gaming stations, a barbeque and more!
Monday August 16 – WWE presents Monday Night RAW, live from the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario. Beginning at 9:00 pm, the show will be broadcast live on TSN across Canada.
Tuesday August 17 – WWE presents SmackDown! in Hamilton at Copps Coliseum. The show will be taped to be broadcast on Thursday August 19 at 7:00 pm on The Score across Canada.
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Credit: Mike Johnson, PWInsider.com
