WWE Daily

-Pwinsider reports: Kevin Nash is backstage in Chicago at TNA’s Bound For Glory event.

-Here are some of the highlights from Paul’s interview on the show, provided by The Mayhem’s senior show correspondent, Dan Kriegbaum:

MyNetworkTV’s Executive Vice President Of Sales, Marketing, & Program Development, Paul Franklin

WWE SmackDown made its long-awaited debut, exploding onto MyNetwork TV, breaking the record for the highest-rated show in the history of the network! Off of the heels of the great news, Mosh, DFL, & Scott welcomed Paul back to the program. Right off the bat, Scott wished to thank the fans around the country, as well as those within the WWE for making this dream become a reality. “We could not be more pleased or excited about the premiere & the debut of literally the greatest sports-entertainment fanchise in the world, the WWE.
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Paul credits the relationship to this point as being “sensational,” and that the WWE is a tremendous partner from a creative & marketing standpoint…starting at the top with Vince & Linda McMahon. He added that the loaded debut episode (featuring over 50 WWE superstars/divas) “spoke volumes” of how World Wrestling Entertainment wanted to start things off with a bang, with an immediate impact. Paul described the past few months of working as “a perfect fit,” and that the WWE “delivered” — exactly how we thought they would. “We expect nothing but the best.
”

Paul told Mosh, DFL, & Scott that MyNetwork TV felt comfortable working with the WWE, and they did not worry about the fans not being able to find them — especially since World Wrestling Entertainment has moved not moved networks previously, but also nights (from Thursday to Friday). Most MyNetworkTV affiliates are former UPN affiliates, so Paul said that both the WWE & its fans knew what they were going to get “an event.
” He also wished to mention that the WWE not only promoted the move well-enough in advance (via Monday Night RAW, ECW On Sci-Fi, & WWE. com), but also jointly decided upon having the “WrestleMania: World Television Premiere” be a vital part of the lead-in to the “All-Star Kickoff” edition of SmackDown. Scott mentioned that the Friday night timeslot where SmackDown used to be on the CW Network had their ratings down significantly, to which Paul concurred, and said that it was exciting to see the WWE Universe flock in droves almost in unison to continue seeing their favorite WWE superstars. On a similar note, Paul also wished to add that after the WWE started their promotion of SmackDown moving to MyNetworkTV, that their own network’s demographics went up for their other programming for the week — something he clearly attributes to World Wrestling Entertainment’s media machine.

Many fans want to know the answer to the much talked-about rumors of WWE SmackDown going live the Friday prior to WrestleMania XXV. Paul wished to respond to the speculation on The Mayhem, and told Mosh, DFL, & Scott that “it’s too early” to start discussing that just yet, but he strongly feels that MyNetworkTV will be a vital part of “The Showcase Of The Immortals” & the 25th anniversary of WrestleMania. He said that they will leave a lot of the live or taped decisions up to the WWE & its Creative Team.

In closing, Paul told The Mayhem’s U.S.
audience to get ready for some exciting announcements that both the WWE & MyNetworkTV will be making in the coming days/weeks ahead for the 500th edition of SmackDown & so much more!

In this 30+ minute Mayhem exclusive, Paul gives his candid thoughts/comments on the “Champion Of Champions” Match (Triple H, Chris Jericho, & Matt Hardy) & why this match was one of the most special in WWE history, & how MyNetworkTV/the WWE will be continuing to “maximize” their cross-promotion into the fall/2009.
Download to the interview >>>>>