• by Wayne Friedman , June 16, 2009

One of USA Network's signature programs, longtime wrestling show "Monday Night Raw," has a new and perhaps unexpected owner: Donald Trump. World Wrestling Entertainment has sold "Monday Night Raw" to Trump, although terms were not disclosed.

"Raw" has been a mainstay on cable, regularly posting top 10 ratings for almost two decades.

Celebrating this purchase, Trump -- who has other interests in TV shows, such as NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice" -- will offer a commercial-free episode of "Raw" on June 22 at 9 p.m. Trump will make an appearance.

"Raw" has been trending down over the last couple of years, but it has picked up momentum lately. In the most recent reporting week, the week of June 8, "Raw" at 10 p.m. earned 5.9 million viewers -- good for second-place behind industry leader TNT's "The Closer." The show's 9 p.m. episode grabbed 4.8 million viewers, coming in at seventh place.

In comparison to other scripted cable shows, wrestling shows like "Raw" are still valuable for attracting younger viewers, according to TV analysts.