Raw HD Pushed Back, Phil Astin Back In court, WWE Brazil

January 2, 2008

By Keelan Balderson

– We reported earlier that DirecTV advertised Monday’s Raw as being in High Definition. It turns out the launch has been put back to the Raw following the Royal Rumble. The Royal Rumble PPV will be WWE’s first HD broadcast.

– Chris Benoit’s Doctor, Phil Astin is back in court this Friday afternoon for a ruling over whether he had been violating the terms of his bail.

– Press Release:

Stamford , Conn. , January 2, 2008 — World Wrestling EntertainmentÂ®, in conjunction with Bakus International, is ready to thrill Brazilians with the debut of the internationally renowned television programs âWWE RAWÂ®â and âWWE SmackDownÂ®â this month on Sistema Brasileiro de TelevisÃ£o (SBT).

WWEâs flagship programs, RAW and SmackDown premiere Saturday, January 12, on SBT. SBT viewers will be introduced to the exhilarating world of WWE when âWWE Superstars 2007â airs on Saturday, January 5. This two-hour program will take the audience on a journey through the exciting, dramatic, action-packed world of the WWE. Viewers will be introduced to the biggest stars in the WWE as we take a look at them inside and outside the ring with superstar profiles, amazing matches and memorable moments.

âWeâre excited to be teaming with Bakus International to get WWE programming on SBT, one of Brazil âs top TV networks,â said Carl DeMarco, WWE President, Latin America, China and Canada . âThe tremendous athleticism and charisma of the WWE Superstars and Divas are going to capture the imagination of all Brazil .â

âSBT is proud to welcome WWE as the newest member of our great family. Knowing the Brazilian desire for quality entertainment and WWE’s proven success in over 120 countries, we are certain that WWE will be a huge success,â stated Gian Teppet Director of New Business Development and Board of Director Member.

âThe time has come for Brazil to experience the WWE at full throttle. WWE is an experience, packed with plenty of thrills, action and fun for the entire family. WWE offers the greatest entertainment value in the universe,â commented Bakus Internationalâs COO, Bill Bakula.