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A&E and WWE’s announced expansion of its programming partnership starts tonight with the debut of “WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats),”
The Competition series might sound familiar to those of you raised on shows like ‘Tough Enough’ as it will feature in-ring matches and a behind-the-scenes look at rising talent vying for a WWE contract. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Mickie James, Bubba Ray Dudley, and Booker T serve as mentors/coaches but cameos from the likes of CM Punk and Michelle McCool have been confirmed.
WWE’s last competition show came in 2015 with Daniel Bryan, Paige, The Miz, and Hulk Hogan serving as judges. This promises to give the most in-depth look at WWE programming from off-screen to on-screen than any show before it according to Bubba Ray Dudley who spoke with me at length at the series. The show comes at a unique time for the "developmental" side of WWE as NXT has moved to network television on the CW, ‘Evolve’ wrestling which would be deemed a tier below NXT has launched on ‘Tubi’ and a few months ago WWE revealed the ID program which allows independent talent to earn a WWE contract and be on ‘Evolve’ programming.
"Literally filled with blood, sweat, and tears, there's never been a series that combines in-ring action, behind-the-scenes reality, high-stakes drama, and some of WWE's greatest icons all in one package. From total unknowns to legends, ‘LFG’ will give viewers a raw, ground-up, 360-degree view of what it truly takes to make it in the WWE," said Rob Sharenow, President of Programming, A+E Networks. "Our collaboration with WWE has clearly struck a chord with audiences, and we’re excited to continue producing premium content that resonates with a diverse viewership."
“A&E has proved to be an excellent home for WWE content, and we’re excited to partner with their fantastic team on these new show concepts and the latest season of WWE Rivals,” said WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
Additionally, A new season of the hit-series “WWE Rivals” will also complement this winter’s WWE programming slate on A&E, which will add more than 180 hours of original content over the next three years. "WWE’s Greatest Moments" will feature legendary play-by-play announcer Michael Cole hosting half-hour episodes with various WWE Superstars & Legends, including “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Kevin Owens and others, to share vivid recollections and perspectives on the most remarkable moments in wrestling history. “WWE Rivals” will return with an all-new season this winter celebrating some of the most iconic and beloved rivalries from the WWE including a never-before-seen look at Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior and Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins. Executive Producers for WWE are Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser and Marc Pomarico. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Brad Abramson, and Jonathan Partridge serve as Executive Producers of “WWE Greatest Moments,” and “WWE Rivals” for A&E. WWE-themed series and specials to air exclusively on A&E platforms and to be distributed worldwide by A+E Networks. All three series are produced for A&E by WWE.
