2001 News

STAMFORD, Conn./NEW YORK, June 12, 2001 - WWE Tough Enough - a new reality-based television series to document the discovery and creation of the next male and female WWE Superstars - is set to debut on MTV on Thursday, June 21, at 10:00pm ET. Thirteen talented, charismatic male and female athletes will live together, train together, play together, and compete against each other to achieve their ultimate dream - contracts with the WWE.

The first episode kicks off with a one-hour special that documents the selection of the 13 competitors. Of the more than 5,000 applications that were received as part of an open casting call held earlier this year, 230 semi-finalists were invited to participate in a live audition at WWE New York. Episode 1 captures that live audition that resulted in the selection of the 13 finalists. Twelve (12), half-hour episodes will continue every Thursday beginning the following week on June 28 at 10:00pm ET. A live season finale is currently planned to announce the winners.

"WWE Tough Enough is more than the making of a World Wresting WWE Superstar. It is both an inside look at our unique business and a story about challenge, sacrifice, and commitment by ordinary people striving to fulfill their dream," said Stuart Snyder, President and COO of WWE Entertainment, Inc. "This show will strongly appeal to loyal WWE fans. However, it also provides the opportunity to deliver our brand of entertainment directly to traditional MTV viewers in a reality show format that is familiar to them."

"This show will take an incredible behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to become a WWE Superstar," said Brian Graden, President, Programming MTV. "MTV helped pioneer reality television and with the Real World now celebrating it's 10th year, it makes perfect sense to partner with WWE Entertainment to co-produce the next generation of reality programming with WWE Tough Enough."

WWE Tough Enough will give viewers an all access pass to witness firsthand the decision making process behind choosing a WWE Superstar. Cameras and cameramen were strategically located throughout the house and training facility and captured the pressures of living together and competing against one another for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at stardom. WWE Superstars Al Snow, Tazz, Jacqueline, and Tori were the official WWE Tough Enough trainers, with special appearances throughout the season by many WWE Superstars including Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Mick Foley, among others. Throughout the series, fans can visit www.WWEtoughenough.com to read about the cast members, trainers, and updated episode guides, as well as participate in polls and chats.

MTV Productions and WWE Entertainment, Inc. are co-producing the series. Ken Mok of MTV Productions and Kevin Dunn of WWE will serve as executive producers for WWE Tough Enough.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: Music Television, MTV2, VH1, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, TV LAND, TNN, CMT and The Digital Suite From MTV Networks, a package of nine US digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide. In addition, MTV Networks operates The MTVi Group and Nickelodeon Online, a portfolio of leading Internet properties built to address every interest of today's music fan and Internet-savvy kid.

WWE Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, with sales offices in New York City, Chicago and Toronto. The company can be found online at wwe.com and wweecorpbiz.com.

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Contacts:
WWE Entertainment, Inc.
Jayson Bernstein
203-353-5015

MTV Productions
Jennifer DeGuzman
212-258-7175

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, food and beverage, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; and other risks and factors identified in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated.