THQ will take over the Gem Theatre this evening for the fifth annual THQ Superstar Challenge. A total of 16 elite Superstars from World Wrestling Entertainment will compete in a bracket-style video game tournament featuring WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 for the Xbox 360.
“The fifth annual THQ Superstar Challenge in Detroit celebrates the hard work and dedication of WWE and its Superstars throughout the year,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. “The WWE Superstars participate extensively in the making of our WWE video games, and with the success of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, it’s great to see them come together to enjoy the finished product.”
“Over the years, the THQ Superstar Challenge has evolved and grown, becoming an essential part of WrestleMania weekend,” said Monty Ross, senior director, consumer marketing, World Wrestling Entertainment. “Among our Superstars, an amazing video game and an engaging performance by Nonpoint, attendees are in for a great night of entertainment.”
“With hundreds of fans in attendance and pre-WrestleMania energy at its highest level, the fifth annual THQ Superstar Challenge is the perfect way to jumpstart WrestleMania weekend in Detroit," said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. "The Superstars are tremendous athletes and fierce competitors, and it is always an exciting event leading up to the ceremonial crowning of a new champion."
In addition to the fifth annual THQ Superstar Challenge, THQ, on behalf of THQ/JAKKS Pacific, will host a press conference on Friday, March 30 to announce the next addition to the WWE video game family.
About the Fifth Annual THQ Superstar Challenge
The fifth annual THQ Superstar Challenge will take place at the Gem Theatre in downtown Detroit on Thursday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m. A total of 16 Superstars will compete in a single-elimination tournament to decide the new king or queen of THQ/JAKKS Pacific’s WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 video game. With Shelton Benjamin’s retirement after four years as reigning champion, a fresh crop of competitors will put their skills to the test and see what it takes to earn bragging rights among fellow Superstars and WWE fans.
Prior to the Challenge, THQ will host the finals of its online video game tournament in conjunction with WWE, Best Buy, Global Gaming League and Microsoft. After several weeks of competition in the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 tournament via the Xbox Live online entertainment network, the two finalists will compete in a championship match in person at the Gem Theatre. At stake are two floor tickets to WrestleMania 23, a WWE Championship Belt and additional prizes.
Following the Challenge, Bieler Bros. Records recording artist Nonpoint will rock the Gem Theatre’s main stage. Hailing from South Florida, Nonpoint is currently supporting their Alive and Kicking greatest hits live CD with bonus DVD and writing material for their fifth full-length album. The band’s songs, “Bullet With A Name” and “Alive And Kicking,” were both featured on the in-game soundtrack for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007.
The fifth annual THQ Superstar Challenge is open to the public. Tickets are $17.50 each and are currently on sale via Ticketmaster.
THQ Superstar Challenge Participants
- RAW Roster: Jeff Hardy, Johnny Nitro, Melina, Mickie James, Carlito, Kenny Dykstra and Coach (host)
- SmackDown Roster: Batista, Ashley, Ken Kennedy, Chavo Guerrero and MVP
- ECW Roster: Bobby Lashley, CM Punk, Kelly Kelly, Tommy Dreamer, Elijah Burke and Matt Striker (host)
