Lip Sync Battle
April 2, 2015
Aired on Spike TV
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

For nearly eight years, Thursday nights on Spike TV meant TNA Impact. In 2015, it means WWE Legend "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson battling NBC talk show host Jimmy Fallon for a title belt.

As part of Spike's re-branding, complete with new graphics, logos, and overall tone to their original prime time shows, Rock and Fallon kicked off a series of half-hour lip sync battles among celebrities.

In Thursday's episode, Rock won the casual battle with Fallon, which meant Rock was presented with another title belt for his collection by host LL Cool J.

Leading up to the presentation of the belt (yes, heavy emphasis on the word "belt" on a non-wrestling show centered on a wrestling prize), Rock and Fallon each performed two songs.

The setting was a stage in front of a New York studio audience in a club-like setting, complete with a faux bar. Rock opened things up with "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift, then Fallon went for a party mix before introducing an elaborate dance number singing Madonna, complete with a gospel choir.

Rock finished the competition with a disco number, complete with John Travolta-inspired 1970s get-up and back-up dancers.

A casual poll was taken by the studio audience to determine Rock as the winner, which Fallon graciously acknowledged. Rock did his trademark belt-flip pose with the Lip Sync Battle title, then finished with a basic acceptance speech.

Rock had several other wrestling references, cussed several times, and engaged the studio audience along with LL Cool J and Fallon.

Overall, it was a casual half-hour show reflecting Spike's new focus on lighter programming with broader appeal to males & females 18-49.

Rock appearing on the Lip Sync show is the first of several program ideas for the new relationship between Rock and Spike.

Rock, along with ex-wife/business partner Dany Garcia, signed up to "create and produce programming" that will include "live events, specials, sports, and initiatives surrounding troops and veterans," according to The Hollywood Reporter when the deal was struck last month.

Johnson, who also has TV projects with TNT and HBO, has set a goal to "tap into humanity, touching lives, and inspiring and entertaining the audience."

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