Jeremy Piven to host Raw; 20 suggestions for future hosts
WWE announced today that actor Jeremy Piven (Entourage) will be the guest host for Raw on Aug 3. He is the latest celebrity to host the show, following Seth Green, ZZ Top and Shaquille O’Neal, who will host this Monday’s Raw at Verizon Center in Washington.
I know that everyone isn’t a fan of Raw having a guest host every week, but I like the concept. Having wrestling personalities and celebrities serve as hosts adds another dimension to a show that a lot of fans thought needed a spark. And remember, Raw isn’t just a wrestling program. It’s an entertainment program.
Since it appears that the guest host format might be around for a while, I came up with a list of potential hosts that I’d like to see or that I think there is a good chance of seeing. I tried to keep it at least somewhat realistic.
Here’s the list (in alphabetical order):
Steve Austin
Hulk Hogan
LeBron James
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Stacy Keibler
Kid Rock
Kiss
Ray Lewis
Mr. T
Ozzy Osbourne
Terrell Owens
Regis Philbin
Roddy Piper
Dusty Rhodes
Sgt. Slaughter
Jimmy Snuka
Trish Stratus
The Iron Sheik
Mike Tyson
Jesse Ventura
Comments: Austin and Johnson seem to have moved on from wrestling, but they might consider doing a one-night-only appearance if they had a movie to promote. … Hogan would probably jump at the chance to get back on WWE TV and shoot an angle that leads to one final WrestleMania appearance. … Piper, Rhodes and Slaughter are all WWE Hall of Famers who are on good terms with the company and would be fun hosts. … Ventura and Vince McMahon have had a love-hate relationship over the years, so even though they aren’t on the best terms at the moment, that could change in a heartbeat. “The Body” is always entertaining. … James is a WWE fan, so he might be willing to do it. Getting an NBA mega-star such as James would guarantee coverage in the mainstream sports media. … Owens would draw a lot of coverage as well, although I think WWE may already have enough divas. …Speaking of divas, you have to have some women in the mix, and who better than Stratus and Keibler? Stratus is perhaps the most popular diva ever, and Keibler became a household name after appearing on Dancing with the Stars. … Mr. T (in the ’80s) and Tyson (in the ’90s) each played very significant roles in WWE becoming the dominant force in the wrestling industry. … Ozzy, Snuka and the Sheik would all be must-see train wrecks. WWE would be wise to pre-tape all of the Sheik’s segments. Who knows what he would say on live TV? That wouldn’t be as much of an issue with Ozzy because no one can understand him anyway… I’m a huge Kiss fan, so I’d love to see them do the show. Hopefully it would be better than their appearance on WCW Nitro a decade ago when The Demon was unleashed on the wrestling world. … Kid Rock and Philbin both have worked with WWE in the past. Philbin has a long association with wrestling and could help WWE reach an older demographic. … As a Ravens fan, I had to throw Lewis in there. It’s a little-known-fact that WWE tried to put together a deal to have Lewis face Triple H at WrestleMania in 2001.
Comments
If Lebrick is on Raw,I hope Orton legit punts him in the head
Posted by: kb | July 22, 2009 4:34 PM
As a huge KISS fan I'd also love to see them on RAW. But aren't the chances a bit slim because of their previous appearance on WCW? Doesn't Vince hate everything that was done over there?
Posted by: Jon G.S. | July 22, 2009 4:45 PM
Ahhhh...I wanna see the Honky Tonk Man! And maybe that baseball player who does Cena's "You Can't See Me" wave.
Posted by: Rich | July 22, 2009 4:45 PM
I would like to add Michael Clark Duncan into the mix. He is a big wrestling fan and could you imagine what he could do in the ring? Also if this host thing sticks around, Mickey Rourke could do it to promote Iron man 2 next year.
I like the format of having a guest host, depending on who it is. Of course someone who has been in the business would be great, someone who is a fan is great. BUT when you have ZZ Top, who are there to promote a tour and nothing else, it doesn't work.
And my last hope for a guest host.... Bret Hart. I don't think he would ever do it, but how about Bret sets up a tag team title match for The Hart Dynasty??
Posted by: Brandon | July 22, 2009 4:49 PM
What? No Kevin Eck in there to write the storylines and then host it? For shame...
Posted by: Mike C | July 22, 2009 4:50 PM
I think we can immediately shoot down Mr. T since he has become a Christian. I am very sure that he would not even come close to WWE. Plus, what would he promote? His show on the Christian Broadcast Network?
Posted by: rubxcubedude | July 22, 2009 4:51 PM
Few names that should be added to your list:
Bret Hart
Naitch
Pete Rose
If there still doing this after baseball season - Bob Uecker
& my favorite wrestler growing up: Jake the Snake
Posted by: Kevin | July 22, 2009 4:51 PM
Jeremy Piven? Entourage? Good grief. I had at least heard of ZZ Top. Who's next? Someone who got booted off Dancing with the Stars after one week?
Posted by: Christopher | July 22, 2009 4:58 PM
Entertaining list and I wouldn't be surprised to see almost all of them on if this guest host concept keeps going.
I tend to prefer hosts with a past connection to wrestling as it makes this seem more "legit", not that WWE cares about that anymore.
ZZ Top was a disaster last week, and I'm even a fan of their music. Maybe it would be more exciting for the live fans to get a performance of entrance music, which was rumored with ZZ Top but didn't happen. Something for WWE to keep in mind when looking for future hosts (Lemmy maybe?).
I'm optimistic about the next two hosts, especially Shaq.
Posted by: J Newbs | July 22, 2009 4:59 PM
Oh, one more thought. Steamboat is obviously still on good terms with WWE (is it true what I've heard, that he's still working house shows with Jericho?), and was well received in his last short run. He could be a great back-up for when they can't get a big name celebrity. Shame that he's not at the top of the list, but as you said it's entertainment, not just wrestling.
Posted by: J Newbs | July 22, 2009 5:06 PM
I remember Meltzer saying something about Ray facing Hunter. I think he said they also tried to get Hogan for that show too. Hunter and Hogan, working to upstage Austin and Rock? Naah, that could never happen...
The WWE seems to be a bit more amenable to acknowledging some of the great wrestling territories of the past. I think, if they do a show in a territory's hallmark city, to have one of its major stars host. So for example:
Dusty - anywhere in Florida
Louisiana/Oklahoma - Bill Watts
Dallas - Michael Hayes
Minnesota - Greg Gagne (I would say Verne, but I know there's some legal trouble he's in right now, so maybe it's not the best time)
And the list goes on and on. Will any of them pop a big rating? No. But if this guest host format is here to stay, WWE doesn't need to one-up themselves every week. Plus for the local fans, it's a nice homage to a bygone era.
Think they could get Bruno for a MSG show? :)
Posted by: luhrm | July 22, 2009 5:50 PM
Two words- Chuck F'n Norris!!!
Posted by: Andre the Midget | July 22, 2009 6:11 PM
Long time reader, first time commenter.
All I have to say is that if Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss show up on the show, I will go absolutely ballistic.
If that's who you meant by KISS, I agree. Add any of the other fools that have donned the make-up in there, and that's not KISS any more...
RESPONSE FROM KE: It would have to be Gene, Paul, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. That is Kiss today.
Posted by: Adam | July 22, 2009 6:24 PM
I have a list for you kev:
Eric Bischoff
David Arquette former WCW Champ
Honky Tonk Man
Bret Hart
Kobe Bryant
Chris Rock he worked for TNA
Larry King
Joe Torre
Ultimate Warrior
Ron Simmons
Kevin Von Erich
Greg Gagne
Micheal Hayes
Torrie Wilson
Trish Stratus
Micheal Chiklis
Alec Baldwin
Manny Ramirez
Peyton Manning
Billy Ray & Miley Cyrus
I didn't want to use the same people as you.
Posted by: frank from Dundalk | July 22, 2009 7:08 PM
Eric Bischoff with "unlimited power" - now that would be Must See TV.
And how about the Fabulous Moolah and Mae Young. Puppies!
RESPONSE FROM KE: I can guarantee you that Moolah won't be there.
Posted by: Bradley | July 22, 2009 7:50 PM
I'll be at Raw on Monday. I can't really complain with getting to see Shaq Daddy in person. Jeremy Piven is a good choice also.
Posted by: Killer Tofu | July 22, 2009 8:23 PM
Some great choices, Kevin. I've always thought Mike Tyson should have been a part of the WWE after his Wrestlemania appearance. He knows a lot about the history of the WWE.
Posted by: Gary | July 22, 2009 9:12 PM
Maybe if Kevin keeps writing it enough Stacy Keibler will actually become a major celebrity.
Posted by: Elevation | July 22, 2009 9:15 PM
RESPONSE FROM KE: I can guarantee you that Moolah won't be there.
I LOL'd at that one.
Posted by: Ryan D | July 22, 2009 10:55 PM
Thank God we got Undertaker/HHH at Wrestlemania X-7 instead of Ray Lewis. That match was awesome. The ref being passed out for fifteen minutes was a bit much, but that match was a lot of fun to watch. The premise was also good since HHH really had beaten everyone in the WWE at the time except the Undertaker.
Posted by: Cliff | July 22, 2009 11:14 PM
"RESPONSE FROM KE: I can guarantee you that Moolah won't be there."
ROTFLMMFAO!!!
Posted by: Jason Sandlapper | July 22, 2009 11:44 PM
"I think we can immediately shoot down Mr. T since he has become a Christian."
Huh?
"RESPONSE FROM KE: I can guarantee you that Moolah won't be there."
We're talkin' Vince. If he says she'll be there...
Posted by: Anonymous | July 23, 2009 2:04 AM
I think Jeremy Piven will be a great hose. He can be a very quick witted personality and the guy is in good shape maybe he could even get involved in some physical aspects. I think the next two weeks are going to be very interesting. This could possibly determine if this thing keeps going. I would think this should be popping the RAW rating a bit.
Posted by: Eric | July 23, 2009 10:25 AM
I wish there was a way to respond to comments on here to keep a conversation flowing...
If it would have to be the KISS of today, I would hope it would just be Gene and Paul. I can't stand Tommy Thayer. Eric Singer is tolerable.
I actually saw KISS (Simmons, Stanley, Thayer and Criss) back in like 2003. When Paul introduced Thayer, the whole place was silent and I yelled "F*** You Tommy Thayer!" and everyone in the place turned and looked at me awkwardly.
No one can replace Ace Frehley. Maybe Frehley's Comet could be the guest hosts instead?
Posted by: Adam | July 23, 2009 11:08 AM
Here are five guest hosts I would like to see.
1. Paul McCartney - The WWE and the Beatles together at last.
2. Malcolm McDowell - I would love to see him cut The Miz down to size.
3. Jeffrey Donovan - The star of Burn Notice. A good way for the USA Network to promote its show. Donovan is in great shape and could probably go toe to toe with the WWE Superstars.
4. Mariska Hargitay - A woman who by her own admission looks cute with a gun. She would make mincemeat out of Maryse.
5. Derek Jeter - I would love to see Jeter host RAW in Boston, cut a promo slagging the Red Sox only to have Kane's music hit. He comes out mask and all with Paul Bearer and does a tombstone piledriver on Jeter. I know it's been done before but Kane taking out Jeter would as great as winning the 2004 and 2007 World Series.
Posted by: Aaron Goldstein | July 23, 2009 12:15 PM
Lemmy would be huge! And what about Stallone, since Austin will play in his next movie?
Posted by: Axl | July 23, 2009 12:26 PM
Great guest hosts (some who would be good, some listed for humour):
Bill Cosby
The Captain and Tennille.
Vic Reeves
Sherlock Holmes' Great Grandson.
Prof. Stephen Hawking
Bob Dylan
KITT (from Knightrider)
Treguard (from Knightmare)
Doris Day.
Peter Sallis.
Hall and Oates.
Abba.
Michael Aspel.
Posted by: John Wilding | July 23, 2009 6:23 PM
What about Adam Sandler? He could make Big Show wrestle as Captain Insane-O!!
How about if Kiefer Sutherland comes out at Night of Champions at 9:00 and Vince tells him he has 24 HRS. to make RAW watchable again!!
Ohh...I kill me!!
Posted by: Andre the Midget | July 23, 2009 10:43 PM
I think ZZ Top filled the lame, irrelevant band quota, so cross off Kid Rock and Kiss. Also, convicted violent criminals don't exactly fit in with TV-PG, so no Tyson or Lewis.
RESPONSE FROM KE: Actually Lewis is not a convicted violent criminal. He was convicted on obstruction of justice.
Posted by: Danny D | July 24, 2009 2:27 PM
Vince,
Get working on these guest hosts for something potentially truly entertaining:
Megan Fox
Brooke Hogan
The guy who plays Harry Potter
Terrell Owens
Conan O'brien
Howard Stern
Jimmy Kimmel
Paul McCartney
Bill O'reily
Jon Stewart
DAvid Letterman
Oprah
Whoopie Goldberg
Steve MArtin
Simon Cowell
Posted by: AMC | July 24, 2009 2:36 PM
Re: Steamboat
Jericho was cutting a promo on him at a house show in Greenville, SC when a fan rushed the ring and got arrested in the last week or so.
(Funny thing was, the fan was in the back in cuffs with the police and still asking WWE talent for autographs while cuffed.)
Posted by: Jeff Quinton | July 24, 2009 7:43 PM
Not sure why someone's questioning Jeremy Piven as gurst host...the guy's an award-winning comedic actor...imagine that sort of talent on RAW, rather than ZZ Top not doing much more than pretending to play guitar to instrumentals of their hit songs...
Posted by: Regulator | July 25, 2009 10:51 PM
Hey please somebody remind me if they see Austin or The Rock on RAW. Otherwise I'm not interested.
And yeah, Seann William Scott. won't be a bad choice. We can see some of the Stifler stuff on RAW which will blow the PG thing out of Vince's mind.
Stifler for President!!!
Posted by: Kunal | July 26, 2009 1:03 AM
Lol Conan O'brien now thatr would be some funny segments. I also liek the adam sandler suggestion.Adam along with Rob Schneider would be some funny tv and if they could have some input in the writing that would be appreciated. I have all but lost faith in the WWE writing staff after the ZZ Top segments, I couldnt even watch & i usually love the santino stuff. a couple more suggestions for guest hosts 1. Jay Leno 2. Arnie & Sly 3. Christopher Walkedin (Random name his funny)
Posted by: Nate | July 26, 2009 9:48 AM
I joel bertelson would be excited to be host on raw for one night anf future raw shows I hope to appear on raw in august
Posted by: joel bertelson | July 26, 2009 11:28 PM
Rich, Alfonso Soriano of the Cubs does Cena's "You Can't See Me" wave. I doubt he would be a good host though as English is not his first language.
How about Santino as a fill in host? He doesn't seem to wrestle anymore anyway.
Posted by: Bob Buscaglia | July 28, 2009 2:11 AM
This would be a good list of potential hosts on RAW
-Gene Simmons
-Terrell Owens
-Jason Mewes/Kevin Smith
(Jay & Silent Bob
-Alfonso Soriano
-Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, or Patrick Willis
-Rickey Henderson
-Johnny Depp
-Hugh Hefner
-Tina Fey
-Chuck Norris
-Osbornes
-Danica Parick
-Slash
-Chris Pronger or Steve Avery
-Jackie Chan
Posted by: dimitri magganas | July 28, 2009 6:17 AM
I Love see miley cyrus & her father billy ray cyrus my big fratue father in law & Stephen farrier guest host monday night raw in cleveland ohio the Q arena
Posted by: Stephen farrier | March 11, 2010 11:14 PM