Personally, I’m not a fan of the “Guest Host” gimmick on Raw, I actually feel that it hurts the product rather than helps it, but I guess that’s more from a storyline standpoint rather than a ratings one.
Variety apparently had an article where it stated that a whole bunch of “A-List” celebs are either confirmed or in talks to Guest Host Raw and taking a quick look at the list of names, aside from The Osbournes or Floyd Mayweather (who faced The Big Show at Wrestlemania 24) I don’t see anyone on this list that I really feel are “A-List” Celebs or that I really would like to see as a guest host.
But, whatever, if its keeping the suits at USA network happy than that’s all that matters in the long run right?
From lordsofpain.net:
Tons of A-list celebrities confirmed as WWE RAW hosts
By Brian Cantor
Aug 16, 2009 – 11:24:15 PMA Monday report in entertainment trade journal Variety discusses WWE’s guest hosting gimmick on RAW, noting that WWE RAW has effectively become part of the “talkshow circuit” for celebrities to promote projects.
The article, which acknowledges the mainstream publicity WWE has already received for episodes featuring Jeremy Piven and Seth Green, quotes Stephanie McMahon in saying that the program raises the company’s awareness in Hollywood and will hopefully translate to new viewers.
The Variety report deems the program successful thus far, saying that RAW viewership is up 10% since introducing the program.
Planned to last until early next year–possibly through WrestleMania 26–the program has attracted many recognizable Hollywood and sports names. According to the article, Bob Barker, Al Sharpton, Nancy O’Dell, Floyd Mayweather and LeBron James have been booked for future episodes. Freddie Prinze, Jr. hosts Monday’s edition.
Meanwhile, Pete Wentz, Ashlee Simpson, the Osbournes, Danny DeVito, Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa, Jimmy Fallon, Rachael Ray, MC Hammer, Woody Harrelson, Serena Williams and Ashton Kutcher are all in talks to host.