Two-year USA scissor lock on WWE "Raw"

By Kimberly Nordyke

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - USA Network has renewed its contract with World Wrestling Entertainment for "WWE Monday Night Raw."

NBC Universal said the current contract has been extended by two years, which means that "Raw" will remain on USA through 2010.

In addition, WWE will continue to provide NBC with special programming for the late-night Saturday time slot twice a year. The company also will continue to provide its weekend program "A.M. Raw" for USA as well as a Spanish-language version of "Raw" for Telemundo and mun2.

"Raw," one of cable's top-rated programs, got its start with a seven-year run on USA before moving to Spike TV in 2000. The series returned to USA two years ago, helping boost the channel to its top standing among basic cable networks in primetime. Since its return, "Raw" has averaged 5.1 million total viewers, including 2.6 million in the adults 18-49 demographic and 2.3 million in adults 25-54, according to Nielsen Media Research.

"Raw" celebrates its 15th anniversary with a special three-hour episode at 8 p.m. Monday.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter