WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan is convinced the new season of reality competition series “WWE Tough Enough” is going to shake up reality TV.
“This is going to change the genre we know as reality TV because this is going to be the show that never goes off the air,” Hogan told TheWrap.
The series features 13 contestants, six women and seven men, competing for a contract with the WWE.
In addition to airing new episodes every Tuesday night, there will be an analysis show, similar to “Talking Dead,” hosted by WWE superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, who was a runner up on the show’s fourth season.
WWE also recently announced that fans will get to look through the eyes of the competitors via Periscope each week building up to the premiere. The @WWEToughEnough account on the live-streaming app will also feature guest appearances from the show’s hosts, namely Hogan, Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan, and WWE diva Paige, along with other superstars.
“This is kind of like a shortcut to the top, but because of the efficiency of the performance center and the equipment and the time we’re going to have to work with these young kids, we’re going to find that special spark, that special something,” Hogan said.
He cautioned, though, that winning the competition is just the first step to having a successful wrestling career. “Time will tell if they can handle the schedule and handle the lifestyle,” Hogan said. “[This] is a tough business on you physically, mentally, and emotionally, so even if we find that right person, the proof is in the pudding.”
“And for me, I’m looking for a couple things,” he continued. “I’m looking for that ‘it’ factor and charisma. I’m looking for people that can sell tickets and put butts in seats.”
“WWE Tough Enough” premieres on Tuesday, June 23 at 8pm/7c on USA Network.