WWE, USA Network Pin Best 'Raw' Audiences Since 2002
With the silver anniversary of Wrestlemania less than 40 days away, World Wrestling Entertainment is building momentum toward its big event.
The grappling group announced that the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. will be the site of Wrestlemania XXVI on March 28, 2010.
Meanwhile, the last two weeks of WWE Monday Night Raw on USA Network have pinned the franchise's best viewership in over six years, according to Nielsen Media Research data.
The Feb. 16 and Feb. 23 editions of the show have averaged 6.02 million viewers, 3.03 million adults 18 to 49 and 2.9 million adults 25 to 54, according to Nielsen live + same day data. Raw's two-week delivery of 6 million total viewers marked the first time since April 2002 the show has achieved that audience level, said WWE officials. Additionally, the 3 million 18-to-49 viewer average hadn't been reached since August 2002.
While pro wrestling fans in Arizona can look forward to the arrival of WWE's top event at the home of the Arizona Cardinals and site of Super Bowl XLII, the Stamford, Conn.-headquartered company expects to break the attendance record at Houston's Reliant Stadium (home to the NFL's Texans) with Wrestlemania XXV on April 5.
Mickey Rourke, who garnered a best actor Oscar nomination for his work in The Wrestler, will be at the event.
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