WWE.com: Superstars participate in 'Tonight Show' skit on 'MADtv'
Four WWE Superstars filmed an episode of the FOX sketch comedy series "MADtv," last week in Los Angeles. It's due to air Saturday, March 13, the evening before WrestleMania.
Trish Stratus, Chris Jericho, Big Show and new WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero participated in a spoof of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," specifically, Leno's popular "Jay Walking" segment.
Leno is played by "MADtv" impressionist Frank Caliendo -- "He does a great Jay Leno," Trish said – while cast member Aries Spears plays the role of "Tonight Show" bandleader Kevin Eubanks. The Superstars play themselves.
The skit is set outside of Madison Square Garden. "Leno" spots the Superstars and figures they'll be great for the "Jay Walking" segment.
Stratus said, "He was trying to be like, "Here are some dumb-dumbs. We'll get some funny stuff from them.'
But the Superstars end up outsmarting "Leno" … and then beating the hell out of him!
"It's going to be a great sketch," said Trish, making her second appearance on the show. "Very funny."
But the four-time Women's Champion admitted that she was initially somewhat hesitant to play herself.
"The first time I went on, they'd said that they'd love to have me back and have me do something more than I did last time," she said. "When I heard that I'd be playing the role of myself, I was looking forward to it, but I wanted to push the envelope a little bit and test my comedic acting chops. However, this scenario was really perfect – it'll air the night before WrestleMania, so it was appropriate for the promotion of the event – and it was a really good skit to do."
Stratus said she also received another invitation to return to the show, and next time, she'll be playing a character.
"I really found that I love comedy," she said. "I just find that it comes naturally to me. I enjoy it very much. And I look forward to more opportunities. I especially like to improv."
One of the best parts of the shoot, the Superstars said, was that the "MADtv" crew was professional and didn't mess around. They started early in the morning but were done before noon, meaning the Superstars could have a few more precious hours to rest (and, perhaps, fly home) after giving up their whole week for the show and for WWE commitments.
"Short and sweet," Guerrero said. "It went real good, and they were real happy."
Referring to winning the WWE Championship last Sunday at No Way Out, Guerrero added, "I'm still numb from the weekend.
It was just a big week for me emotionally. Of course, I'm trying to enjoy everything that comes. It was a great wonderful experience."
It was also the first experience on a sketch comedy show for "Latino Heat," and he said he'd be willing to do more acting if asked. "I'm a wrestler at heart," he said. "Of course, I'm going to be open to other stuff that comes my way. But my heart's in the ring."
Another reason the shoot was completed rapidly is that the Superstars were able to knock out their lines in just a few takes; Stratus said her scene required only two takes. "MADtv" officials were impressed.
But it comes naturally to the Superstars; RAW is live every week. There are no "second takes" in WWE. Producers told the Superstars, "Wow, you guys are so great." Stratus replied, "We get this good because, after all, we do it every week."
"MADtv" airs Saturday nights at 11 ET/PT on FOX.
by phil speer
source: wwe.com
Trish Stratus, Chris Jericho, Big Show and new WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero participated in a spoof of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," specifically, Leno's popular "Jay Walking" segment.
Leno is played by "MADtv" impressionist Frank Caliendo -- "He does a great Jay Leno," Trish said – while cast member Aries Spears plays the role of "Tonight Show" bandleader Kevin Eubanks. The Superstars play themselves.
The skit is set outside of Madison Square Garden. "Leno" spots the Superstars and figures they'll be great for the "Jay Walking" segment.
Stratus said, "He was trying to be like, "Here are some dumb-dumbs. We'll get some funny stuff from them.'
But the Superstars end up outsmarting "Leno" … and then beating the hell out of him!
"It's going to be a great sketch," said Trish, making her second appearance on the show. "Very funny."
But the four-time Women's Champion admitted that she was initially somewhat hesitant to play herself.
"The first time I went on, they'd said that they'd love to have me back and have me do something more than I did last time," she said. "When I heard that I'd be playing the role of myself, I was looking forward to it, but I wanted to push the envelope a little bit and test my comedic acting chops. However, this scenario was really perfect – it'll air the night before WrestleMania, so it was appropriate for the promotion of the event – and it was a really good skit to do."
Stratus said she also received another invitation to return to the show, and next time, she'll be playing a character.
"I really found that I love comedy," she said. "I just find that it comes naturally to me. I enjoy it very much. And I look forward to more opportunities. I especially like to improv."
One of the best parts of the shoot, the Superstars said, was that the "MADtv" crew was professional and didn't mess around. They started early in the morning but were done before noon, meaning the Superstars could have a few more precious hours to rest (and, perhaps, fly home) after giving up their whole week for the show and for WWE commitments.
"Short and sweet," Guerrero said. "It went real good, and they were real happy."
Referring to winning the WWE Championship last Sunday at No Way Out, Guerrero added, "I'm still numb from the weekend.
It was just a big week for me emotionally. Of course, I'm trying to enjoy everything that comes. It was a great wonderful experience."
It was also the first experience on a sketch comedy show for "Latino Heat," and he said he'd be willing to do more acting if asked. "I'm a wrestler at heart," he said. "Of course, I'm going to be open to other stuff that comes my way. But my heart's in the ring."
Another reason the shoot was completed rapidly is that the Superstars were able to knock out their lines in just a few takes; Stratus said her scene required only two takes. "MADtv" officials were impressed.
But it comes naturally to the Superstars; RAW is live every week. There are no "second takes" in WWE. Producers told the Superstars, "Wow, you guys are so great." Stratus replied, "We get this good because, after all, we do it every week."
"MADtv" airs Saturday nights at 11 ET/PT on FOX.
by phil speer
source: wwe.com
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