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.