Confirmed: Steve Austin To Host Tough Enough

As expected, WWE has confirmed the news with the following press release:

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – January 28, 2011 – USA Network and WWE announced today that WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will host USA Network’s upcoming reality series WWE TOUGH ENOUGH. The non-scripted series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10c, immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW, and move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin has captivated audiences around the world with his magnetic presence and bold, yet charming nature. Austin has done it all in sports entertainment winning 17 championships, including the WWE Championship six times. He has an immense and incredibly devoted fan base and is considered one of the most popular WWE Superstars of all time. Austin was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009

“I am very excited about the opportunity to work with my old friends at WWE on WWE TOUGH ENOUGH. Sports entertainment has always been an important part of my life and I look forward to finding the next generation of WWE superstar,” said Austin

Steve Austin will share his intimate knowledge, experience and flair for the stage as one of the most popular figures in WWE history to a group of individuals looking for an once-in-a-lifetime shot to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. Austin will mentor the diverse group of men and women who will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Simi Valley, California. Each week the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prizewinner will be awarded a contract with WWE.

Since leaving the world of sports entertainment Steve Austin has made a name for himself in Hollywood with roles in such blockbuster hits as “The Expendables,” staring Sylvester Stallone and “The Longest Yard,” starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. Other film credits include “Damage,” “The Condemned” and “Hunt to Kill.” In addition to film, Austin is a household name from his work on the hit television shows NBC’s “Chuck” and CBS’ “Nash Bridges.”

Shed Media US, noted for its strong characters and memorable casting in the non-scripted arena, will produce WWE TOUGH ENOUGH. The company’s previous reality credits include “The Real Housewives of New York City,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” “World’s Strictest Parents.” Producing for Shed Media US are Alex Demyanenko and Eric Van Wagenen.

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

WWE, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly US PG rated content across all of its platforms, including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media, publishing and studios. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages, reaching more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo and Mexico City. Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at corporate.wwe.com.

FIXED LINK: A *NEW LOOK* Steve Austin Pic From Yesterday – WTF Happened?!?!