The following was announced by WWE on Thursday.
TODAY Invades WWE® Monday Night Raw® on October 6 with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford
NEW YORK, Oct 02, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The lively, funny and entertaining co-stars of NBC TODAY’s fourth hour are putting down their wine glasses and joining WWE® as guest stars on Monday Night Raw® on October 6 at 8PM ET/7PM CT on USA Network.
Kotb, who is a seven-year breast cancer survivor, and Gifford will join WWE for its third consecutive year supporting Susan G. Komen and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Before Kotb and Gifford rule the ring, WWE Superstar John Cena® will make a guest appearance on the TODAY show in the iconic fourth hour segment to give them a pep talk to prepare for the show.
Additionally, journalist, Joan Lunden, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, will sit ringside as a special guest along with other breast cancer survivors. As TODAY’s special #PinkPower correspondent for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lunden is celebrating survivors, supporting those currently battling cancer and remembering those we have lost. Lunden was also featured on the cover of last week’s People Magazine talking about her personal fight against breast cancer.
“We’ve been wrestling every day at 10AM in our own ring for the past seven years, and it gets down and dirty. So bring it on!” said Kotb and Gifford.
“WWE is thrilled to have Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb and Joan Lunden join Monday Night Raw to help shine a light on the battle against breast cancer,” said Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer, WWE. “These women continue to be a voice for the millions that are affected by this devastating disease. We are honored to have their support in raising awareness and funds to continue the fight.”
For the month of October, the WWE Superstars and Divas will wear co-branded Komen and WWE apparel and all WWE platforms will “go pink.” The “Courage Conquer Cure” campaign will continue throughout National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and WWE will donate to Komen 20 percent of the retail sales price of all co-branded merchandise sold on WWEShop.com and at WWE live events, as well as 5 percent of all other WWE merchandise sold on WWEShop.com. For the first time, fans will have the option of donating $1, $5 or $10 upon checkout from WWEShop.com with all proceeds benefiting Komen.
Monday Night Raw is the most-watched, regularly scheduled, year-round program on cable, airing live every Monday night, 52 weeks a year on USA Network.