WASHINGTON (AP) – They’ve talked a lot of smack. Now the presidential candidates are taking it to the ring.

Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton appeared on the World Wrestling Entertainment’s popular “Monday Night Raw.”

Neither would agree to appear against each other in person, so they taped messages to air on the eve of the Pennsylvania primary.

Clinton tells fans to call her “Hill-Rod,” recites her agenda and promises to be “a president who will go to the mat for you.”

Obama borrowed the signature line from former WWE champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a warning to the special interests in Washington. “Do you smell what Barack is cooking?” Obama asks with a grin.

McCain cautions both candidates to look out for him in the general election. “Whatcha gonna do when John McCain and all his McCainiacs run wild on ya?” he asks.

It’s the first time presidential candidates have appeared on WWE programing, another example of how they are using unconventional programing – from appearances on “The Tyra Banks Show” to “American Idol” – to reach voters.

For fans curious about how an Obama-Clinton fight might look, WWE has a dramatization on its Web site.

An animated Obama, in signature suit with no tie, bounces into the ring to the sound of heavy metal. He’s followed by Clinton, in a red pants suit, who climbs onto the ropes with her hands in the air. The video fades before any blows are traded.

“Raw” is one of cable television’s top-rated shows with more than 5 million weekly viewers. WWE has been encouraging voter registration through its “Smackdown Your Vote!” program.

—

On the Net:

Smackdown Your Vote!: http://vote.wwe.com