WWE, Nick Team To Air Kids-Themed Series

WWE will roll out its WWESlam City animated shorts program to Nicktoons as part of the kids-targeted network’s sports-themed block, said network officials.

The original animated short-form series will premiere tomorrow (Oct. 22) during the NickSports programming block from 9 to 11 p.m. on Nicktoons. The 26-episode series is comprised of two-minute shorts featuring such WWE Superstars John Cena, Randy Orton, Sheamus, The Miz, Rey Mysterio, Kane and Mark Henry who in the series all get fired from the WWE and have to find day jobs, said the WWE. The series currently airs on the WWE Network.

“This exciting partnership will allow us to bring WWE’s passionate fan base to the NickSports programming block while also creating new WWE fans through Nickelodeon’s massive audience,” said Michelle Wilson, Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer, WWE in a statement. “WWE programming reaches 3 million kids each week and we’re sure they’ll be excited to watch WWE on Nicktoons.”

Added Keith Dawkins, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Nicktoons, TeenNick and Nick Jr:  “True to the spirit of the NickSports programming block, WWE Slam City offers kids and their families a fun, fresh way to experience these exciting WWE Superstars, and the series is a great complement to our diverse, and ever expanding, sports lineup.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.