This isn't a rumor. There's a press release on wwecorporate.com. Vince has even appeared on CNN talking about the deal.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by WWE®'s RAW® Returns to USA Network
April 4, 2005
“I’m thrilled to be back in business again with Vince and Linda McMahon,” said Hammer. “I led the USA team that helped grow RAW into a true pop phenomenon, and it’s great to welcome it home.”
In addition to Monday Night Raw, USA will air a one-hour weekend RAW-branded program, and NBCU's Telemundo will air Spanish-language versions of RAW. NBC will also air at least two yearly, 90-minute Saturday late night RAW specials.
"This broad and diverse distribution will provide WWE excellent platforms from which to reach our existing fans as well as broaden our audience," said McMahon. "We're very happy to be returning to USA Network, where we experienced some of our greatest successes, and to NBC, where we had tremendous success with our series of late-night specials, Saturday Night Main Event, in the 1980's."
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So they're guaranteed two spots a year on Saturday, and will probably get two more if the ratings are decent. And while fans may think cutting the PPV's down is a good idea froma storyline point or whatever, PPV revenue is too important to the company. Less PPV's? Not happening.