WWE writers plagiarize Shaq Scrabble segment from ESPN

A "WWE Raw" backstage skit of guest host Shaquille O'Neal and Santino Marella playing Scrabble turns out to have been plagiarized by WWE writers. According to Pro Wrestling Torch, the sketch was taken virtually word for word from an ESPN commercial with Shaq promoting the cable channel's NBA broadcasts.

ESPN noted the word for word copying of its commercial on subsequent SportsCenter recaps of O'Neill's "WWE Raw" stint with its sportscasters adding in the usual added "WWE/pro wrestling is fake" jokes.

The one positive for WWE is that Shaq was not completely booed out of Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center due to his affiliation with the Wizards' archrival Cleveland Cavaliers. The Washington Post's D.C. Sports Bog did note some negative reaction. Fortunately, Shaq made an early joking reference to new teammate LeBron James, presumably to divert any potential D.C. fan heat away from himself.

As it turns out, fans just don't associate Shaq that strongly with his new Cavaliers team yet. For the sake of maintaining at least a mildly favorable reception for Shaq at Verizon Center, WWE made sure to keep it that way.

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