WWE Launches ECW As Third Brand

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., today announced the official launch of ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling(R)) as a brand extension to its RAW(R) and SmackDown(R) franchises.

After acquiring the ECW assets in 2003, WWE spent the past few years re-introducing ECW to the global WWE audience and increasing the interest in its unique brand of sports entertainment. To date, WWE has successfully released three ECW DVD's, all of which have become best sellers, and produced a very profitable ECW pay-per-view event in June 2005, with another ECW pay-per-view scheduled for this June 11, 2006. With consumer interest at an all-time high, WWE is introducing ECW as a complementary brand to RAW and SmackDown.

"After keeping the ECW concept alive and creating an enormous cult-like following for all things ECW from DVD's to PPV's to books, we feel that now the time is right to officially launch ECW as its own stand-alone franchise," said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman. "RAW, SmackDown and ECW now represent a portfolio of WWE brands for fans of all ages and interests to enjoy."

Similar to WWE's RAW and SmackDown brands, WWE will produce, market and promote a full line of ECW products from television programs to pay-per-views to live events to licensed consumer goods.

In a related announcement, The SCI FI Channel today announced it would start airing one-hour episodes of a new ECW live television program, debuting June 13 at 10 p.m. ET.