Jeremy Piven Has Negative Reputation Backstage; Heel Host?

WWE announcer Jim Ross says he's heard that next week's Raw guest host, Jeremy Piven, has created a perception that he has an "attitude" about using WWE to promote his movie and he may not be fully engaged in the guest hosting role.

"The 'Entourage' star and the star of an upcoming film that actually looks very funny is reportedly somewhat attitudinal," Ross said on jrsbarbq.com.

Ross added that he'll be looking to see if Piven is looking to" simply promote his newest project" or if he will be genuinely interested in taking part in the show like Shaq appeared to be on the July 27 show.

It could be a good thing Piven is coming to WWE with the perception of having an attitude, as it could translate on-camera. Piven could a heel guest host to change the tone of the show from the babyface-dominated Raws the past few weeks.

Ross says Piven would have been set-up for backstage practical jokes in an old-school wrestling environment, but that probably won't be happening in the corporate-friendly WWE locker room.

"In the old days many of the veterans would have clamored to see who could play the biggest rib on Piven or any other 'celebrity' who came into the locker room area and acted any thing less than respectful to the biz," Ross said.