Hardy Jumps To SD!, WWE Signs New Deal, RAW’s Rating Update

As noted yesterday, the January 26th edition of WWE Raw did a 3.6 cable rating, down from last week’s 3.9. The show did hours of 3.52 and 3.75. Considering this was the night after the Rumble and post-PPV shows typically do solid numbers, it’s safe to say Mr. McMahon’s return last week was a big part of that 3.9.

CNN.com features an article about former WWE superstar Christopher Nowinski’s Sports Legacy Institute, which is researching the effects that concussions have on athletes’ brains. The article says that Nowinski’s dreams of a long career wrestling were dashed by a kick to his chin. That kick, which caused Nowinski to black out and effectively ended his career, capped a career riddled with concussions. “My world changed,” said Nowinski. “I had depression. I had memory problems. My head hurt for five years.” Nowinski began searching for studies, and what he found startled him. “I realized when I was visiting a lot of doctors, they weren’t giving me very good answers about what was wrong with my head,” said Nowinski. “I read [every study I could find] and I realized there was a ton of evidence showing concussions lead to depression, and multiple concussion can lead to Alzheimer’s.” Nowinski decided further study was needed, so he founded the Sports Legacy Institute along with Dr. Robert Cantu, a neurosurgeon. The project solicits for study the brains of ex-athletes who suffered multiple concussions.

Eurosport and WWE have announced a distribution deal for two “action-packed” WWE programs. Starting on February 9, 2009, Eurosport will broadcast the recap show This Week in WWE, as well as WWE Vintage Collection in prime time. “Offering top quality WWE programming on our channel will reinforce Eurosport’s positioning as Europe’s leading sports and entertainment group. Eurosport is committed to offering viewers top of the line programming. We believe that WWE programming will be an asset to our channel and will attract family and younger audiences. We are delighted to sign an agreement with WWE, the most prominent action entertainment organisation in the world” said Arnaud Simon, Broadcast Director for Eurosport.

ECW General Manager Theodore Long kicked off last night’s edition of ECW by saying former ECW Champion Matt Hardy was leaving the brand for SmackDown. The move comes after Hardy’s betrayal of his own brother, former WWE Champion Jeff Hardy, at the Royal Rumble. Long said Hardy asked for his release and the GM OK’d the move to the blue brand. Hardy’s profile has been moved back to the SmackDown section.

STORYLINE SPOILER: The Entire Matt/Jeff Hardy Angle Revealed!!!