It's too bad that the July 6th episode with Ted DiBiase drew only a 3.6. In my opinion, that was the best Raw in recent times, partly because Ted Senior, unlike Sergeant Slaughter, played a role in a storyline, and played it well.

I totally agree with Chris.

P.S. Go Regal!

-a happy mark

It's easy to see why the Shaq episode did so well: It was obvious almost immediately that he has that childlike love of pro wrestling and clearly revelled in being there. You never believed he was just there because he had something to promote or that he was looking for extra exposure. He was there for one reason: Because he thought it was really cool to be hosting RAW. I am willing to bet he was giddily talking about that for days afterwards.You are right about him Kev, he'd be a natural for wrestling once he retires. He has the size, the look, and he is so naturally entertaining, that fans would love him instantly and his respect for the business would go a long way to winning over the guys in the locker room. Plus, as with his forays into law enforcement, he has shown that when he decides to tackle something, he does it seriously.I know a lot of people ask for your thoughts on things like this, but I would really appreciate your take.Thanks for all the great work!

RESPONSE FROM KE: I don't think Shaq would become a full-time wrestler, but I certainly could see him doing a few big matches.

Hi Kevin, I'm sort of swayed 50/50 on this guest host idea - While I've enjoyed some (Batista, Shaq, and Ted DiBiase), I really thought Sgt Slaughter, and Piven/Dr. Ken were horrible - not impressed at all. I found it very annoying that Sgt Slaughter kept putting Canada down and emphasizing the USA (hey I'm American and proud of it) but I think he could have handled that a little different. He was more into the crowd than interacting with the wrestlers. After hearing that Freddie Prize has been to a few Wrestlemania's, and if I'm not mistaken, there was some talk that he was possibly going to join the writing team last year??? - I'm looking forward to his appearance next week. Think it might be good - hopefully I'm not too disappointed.

The problem is that this won't continue forever. WWE needs some solid storylines to maintain these ratings. And I can't see any of the storyline developing, at least in RAW.

Really surprised that they didn't use Bret Hart at the Calgary Raw. May not have increased ratings, but it would have been huge at the live show, and I think it would have been very entertaining had Bret continued the angle of "anti-U.S." and Canada is morally correct. You think this has a chance down the road at a different Raw in Canada, or is their still too much friction with Vince?

RESPONSE FROM KE: Never say never, but I highly doubt it.

Any chance you can leak the guest host to me for RAW in Vegas, on the 24th?

RESPONSE FROM KE: The rumor is Mike Adamle, but I don't know that to be true.

I dont think Sgt Slaughter help with the 3.8 at all. Wonder if Freddie Prinze Jr will have his wife appear on air in some form next wk. Off subject just finish listening to you on WNST. As always great listening. I think u should have ur own hr or 2 with listener call ins.

Freddie Prinz actually did write for Smackdown in 2008. He wasn't merely thinking of it.

If his English were better, I bet Ozzie Guillen would be a great host.

Thanks for posting those ratings. The new format has given them a boost in the audience, as expected. It will be interesting to see if they can build on or retain that audience or develop new demographics.

It also has lead to inconsistencies in the product, with two mediocre shows in a row now.

Hard to understand why they crunched Jericho in Calgary, place which must have special meaning to him. He's arguably been their best performer over the past few months -- wearing many hats and doing well with all of it.

I think where they could hit the ball out of the park with crossover audiences is if they could get guest hosts like Jim Carey or Adam Sandler, but the pricetags might be too high.

As for Shaq potentially wrestling in a match, I can't imagine this happening in the next two years while he is under contract (at about $20 M per year, no less) to the Cleveland Cavs. If I were Danny Ferry, I would not grant permission for him to wrestle, espcially against a guy the size of the Big Show. If he were only to manage, sit behind the mike, or referee for a match, perhaps.

Going even deeper, the June 29th rating was undoubtedly influenced by the curiosity behind the guest host gimmick. That show doesn't get a 3.9 with Batista hosting if it was held two weeks later. All this experiment has proven is that the ratings will be significantly boosted when the WWE is able to snag a bonafide A-list celebrity (e.g. Shaq), and will generally get 3.5-3.6 otherwise. Even those modest increases won't remain if the show is horrible week after week.

Just to clear something up about the guest hosts, anyone who is a member of the Screen Actors Guild CANNOT under any circumstances get paid for their appearance on RAW. This would include Shaq.

Guys like Batista get their normal rate and guys like DiBiase/Slaughter probably get whatever their Legends contract states.

For the celebs, look at it more as an appearance on Conan O'Brien or the like

anyone ever thought, hey what about adding Micheal Vick to RAW, Its a 3 way win, Those who dont usually watch will tune in to "see what the dog killer is doin", He gets a good paying job, and there could be countless story plots behind him... just sayin if i were his agent, I would give him that bug in his ear. the guy is already pretty fit. what could it hurt

And 'King Tony', it's interesting to note that Shaq last night on Conan made no mention of WWE.