Reuters reports:

One of cable's top-rated series is down for the count at Spike TV.

The Viacom-owned cable channel said late Thursday that it has terminated negotiations with World Wrestling Entertainment over primetime powerhouse "WWE Raw" as well as several other WWE-branded series.

Vince McMahon's wrestling empire had been known to be exploring other options since the fall, including a return to its former home, USA Network.

Insert "Rock"/"Smell cooking" joke here. Collect tiny paycheck. Weep.

Spike TV Won't Stay in Ring with WWE [Reuters]
MTV Goes Gay [Defamer]