– WWE.com has posted a story about the upcoming “WWE vs. ECW” special scheduled for USA Network on Wednesday, June 7. You can read that story – which includes ticket info – by clicking here.
– WrestlingObserver.com is reporting that the ECW TV show, taking the place of Velocity, will be a one hour show on ECW.com and maybe on WWE.com or on TV depending on how negotiations with USA Network and others go. Outside the U.S., ECW will replace Velocity on TV. Shows will tape before Smackdown tapings, as Vince doesn’t want to add another day of tapings, and the brand will be launched at the above-mentioned June 7 event. The decision to add Smackdown wrestlers to the show (and likely the PPV) was made yesterday, and Vince has been open to adding wrestlers to the roster, even those he’s not familiar with.
– MTV filed for a trademark for the term “MTV Wrestling Society X” which according to PWInsider.com and WresltingObserver.com is a strong indication the show is going to be picked up. An announcement is expected next week.
– The Sci-Fi Channel lists a wrestling special on its schedule for May 3 at 7pm.
– VH-1 has announced that “Hogan Knows Best” will be picked up for a third season, premiering in October.
– WWE.com has added a new element, with pre-show interviews online now with the Smackdown superstars. Rey, Kurt, Henry, Lashley and Cole are all featured.
– Following is the official Smackdown preview for tonight’s show (again preempted in several markets, so check your local listings), from WWE.com:
Jolly old SmackDown
April 28, 2006
The World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line when Friday Night SmackDown emanates from London, England.
At WrestleMania 22, Rey Mysterio won the World Heavyweight Championship in a Triple Threat Match. In London, Rey will face the former champion Kurt Angle one on one. Can the Wrestling Machine become a seven-time champion, or will the ultimate underdog leave London with the gold still around his waist?
United States Champion JBL has issued a challenge to the winner of the World Heavyweight Championship match; however, during his Great American Celebration last week, JBL told the fans that he would first take his championship to England and face the finest England has to offer. Before he gets to the World Heavyweight Champion, who will JBL find to back up his claim?
Also, Bobby Lashley will face Mark Henry in the next King of the Ring tournament match. Kurt Angle and Booker T have already advanced to the semifinals; will it be the hard-hitting, soft-spoken Lashley or the World’s Strongest Man who joins them?
Find out the answers to these questions and more Friday night at 8/7 CT on UPN.
Credit: WrestlingObserver.com, PWInsider.com, WWE.com
