<P> There has been continuous debate over the authenticity of the fighting . In an interview, a production assistant stated that "we try our hardest to screen people," and inauthentic - seeming guests have been kicked off stage . Marvin Kitman, television critic for the Newsday newspaper, felt that the fighting had been choreographed beforehand . Christopher Sterling of the George Washington University media department compared the program to professional wrestling; some producers later claimed the fights in the show were inspired by the fights and angles in the WWE . Sixteen former guests of Jerry Springer, who were interviewed on various U.S. media outlets such as the entertainment news program Extra, Rolling Stone magazine, and The New York Post newspaper, claimed there was a "fight quota" for each episode and that they and other guests were encouraged to fight one another . In the past, producers have booked professional wrestlers such as The Iron Sheik, Razor Ramon (albeit in a non-fighting role), Jamie Dundee, 2 Tuff Tony, Madman Pondo, and One Man Kru (also a hip hop artist), as well as lady wrestlers and midget wrestlers; one guest would be a then - unknown Justin Roberts, then - primary ring announcer for WWE . Springer would later make guest appearances during WWE Raw on two occasions . </P> <P> Springer stated in an October 2000 interview with the Reuters news agency: </P> <P> I would never watch my show . I'm not interested in it . It's not aimed towards me . This is just a silly show . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (April 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

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