USA Network Signs Up for WWE Reality Series

NEW YORK: A ten-episode order has been given by USA Network to WWE Tough Enough, a non-scripted series from World Wrestling Entertainment and Shed Media US.

The series, slated to debut April 4, will follow 12 individuals who are vying to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. The grand prize winner will be given a contract to join the talent roster at WWE. The show will debut at 11 p.m. on April 4, the day after WrestleMania XXVII and immediately following WWE Monday Night Raw. It will then move to its regular slot of Mondays at 8 p.m. on April 11.

"We’re thrilled to tag team with the WWE in bringing Tough Enough back to television," said Chris McCumber, the executive VP of marketing, digital and brand strategy for USA Network, and Jeff Wachtel, the president of original programming at USA Network and co-head of original content at Universal Cable Productions. "By focusing on both the physical and the performance challenges of becoming a Superstar, the show will shine a new light on what it takes to truly make your mark in the WWE universe."

"For years, the return of Tough Enough has been one of the most talked about and speculated topics amongst reality show fans and television industry insiders," commented Kevin Dunn, the executive VP of television production at WWE. "With the combined promotional muscle of USA Network and WWE, the right time slot and the reality show experience of Shed Media, WWE is looking forward to the successful return of one of television’s first reality show hits."