WWE HOLDS HASSAN OFF SMACKDOWN AFTER PRESSURE FROM UPN
(SMACKDOWN SPOILER INCLUDED)
By: Bob Ryder
7/13/2005 9:16:19 AM
We broke the news last night that UPN had contacted WWE and asked
them not to include Muhammed Hassan on Smackdown this week. The
request comes after a storm of controversy following last week's
angle that resembled terrorist activity. With last week's show
airing the same day a terrorist attack took place in London, WWE
and UPN are receiving a tremendous amount of criticism for their
decision to air the angle.
Hassan did appear at the tapings, but was only used for a segment
that will air on Velocity. During the Smackdown tapings, a segment
involving Hassan's attorney was taped. Hassan's music played, but
an attorney came out to speak on Hassan's behalf. The attorney was
attacked by Undertaker.
It's not known whether UPN will object to the segment involving the
attorney.
WWE has embraced the controversy and shows no signs of backing off.
At the same time the company seems to have buckled to pressure from
UPN, they continue to prominently feature Hassan on WWE.com. Hassan
is scheduled to respond today on WWE.com to the negative press he
has been receiving.