CMT GETS READY TO RUMBLE WITH "HULK HOGAN'S CELEBRITY CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING" PREMIERING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

Legend Hulk Hogan to Lead Celebrity Cast Including Danny Bonaduce, Todd Bridges, ButterBean, Trishelle Cannatella, Dustin Diamond, Erin Murphy, Dennis Rodman, Frank Stallone, Tiffany and Nikki Ziering

Wrestling Experts Eric Bischoff and Jimmy Hart Join Hulk Hogan as Judges

LOS ANGELES � September 23, 2008 � The legendary Hulk Hogan returns to the ring as the host and judge of CMT's new series HULK HOGAN'S CELEBRITY CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING, premiering Saturday, October 18 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT. The cast of 10 celebrity wrestling hopefuls will find themselves put to the test as they master the ring and their competitors during their attempts to turn themselves into professional-quality wrestlers.

Hogan, along with former World Championship Wrestling President Eric Bischoff and professional wrestling manager Jimmy Hart will team up to judge the contestants � including former NBA champion Dennis Rodman, "Bewitched" actress Erin Murphy, Playboy playmate Nikki Ziering, "Different Strokes" actor Todd Bridges, Super Heavyweight boxer ButterBean, reality TV star Trishelle Cannatella, "Saved by the Bell"s Dustin Diamond, actor, boxer and recording artist Frank Stallone, pop sensation Tiffany, and reality TV star and radio host Danny Bonaduce -- as they compete for the title of "Celebrity All Star Heavyweight Champion." The contestants must all exhibit their top physical and showmanship skills in the ring if they don't want to be deemed a "Jabroni" (a fake, phony, or fool) by Hulk Hogan and kicked out of the competition.

The contestants will be split into two teams and coached by former professional wrestlers Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake and Brian "Nasty Boy" Knobs. "Team Beefcake" and "Team Nasty" are required to learn three new moves each week and perform in front of a live audience where they are judged on technical ability and showmanship, both as individuals and as team players. Each match will see the two teams fight to prevent their possibility of elimination from the competition. When the match is over, someone will be eliminated and sent home.

As the contestants learn in episode one, performing like a professional wrestler requires intense conditioning. Hulk Hogan sizes each contestant up and gives them their first assignment- to master classic wrestling moves known as "The Clothesline," "The Forearm Smash," and the "Kick to the Midsection." The two teams spend the first couple days practicing with trainers and each other perfecting the intricate choreography, athleticism, and showmanship necessary for the match in front of a live audience. By the time they reach the ring for the first battle, between the screaming crowd and the judges, both teams are as fired up as true wrestling veterans.

"Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling" is created and executive produced by Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey of Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment as well as Hulk Hogan. Melanie Moreau and Bob Kusbit are executive producers for CMT.

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