J.R.'s Family Bar-B-Q

Soapbox Time! J.R. has opinions, too!

Tue, 10/24/2006 - 16:29 — J.R.

Posted in:

Personal

It is hard to believe that the WWE produced its 700th episode of Monday Night Raw this week from the All State Arena in Chicago. It’s even harder to believe that yours truly has been a part of most of those broadcasts with the occasional “interruption of service” that I have experienced along the way. I have read where some have taken the WWE and yours truly to task about us saying that Monday Night Raw is the longest running, weekly entertainment broadcast in television history. That was a producer’s note I was briefed on a few hours prior to the broadcast and I assume it is totally accurate or I would not have been provided the information to use on the air. Some internet sites make a living critiquing WWE and other company’s events, both televised and non televised. Simply put, it comes down to one’s “opinion” of what constitutes a good TV show or a bad TV show. It’s an opinion and I have no issue with people who express their opinions. I do it on this website all the time. However, unlike some internet sites I will not be reporting rumors as news such as former WWE wrestler Corporal Krichner’s death last week when the individual in question is alive and well and is a truck driver. One or two sites had this story last week and others ran with it including www.wwe.com assuming it was legit. I read things on non WWE websites reported as “hard news” from time to time that are totally incorrect. Should these sites in question be called out by name and taken to task over shoddy “reporting” much like many televised events and live events are dissected by the wrestling media on a weekly basis? Monday Night Raw has changed a great deal over the years much like other wrestling and TV programs in general. Many fans and critics don’t like these changes of adding more entertainment sizzle than actual, in ring wrestling to the presentations. I don’t dislike wrestling talk whatsoever but I don’t like what I personally perceive as talk for talk’s sake or putting wrestlers in positions they cannot succeed. The major issue today, as I see it, is the overall lack of “stars” one any given brand. With fewer stars to draw from, many broadcasts have taken a different approach and a different look. The overall, main event level talent pool in the business arguably never has been thinner. Developing tomorrow’s stars should be a high priority for all within the business of sports/entertainment. Perhaps this should be the biz’s highest priority. Nonetheless, stars don’t grow on trees and for every 100 athletes one looks at you will be lucky to find 1 or 2 talents who can fully grasp the game and can contribute right away. And of that list of 1s and 2s you get even fewer main eventers. Legitimate wrestling stars are born with intangible assets that those within the business responsible for these areas must be able to identify, embellish and cultivate. Young wrestlers today by and large take too many short cuts and don’t spend enough time on watching classic wrestling tapes like one can find on WWE 24/7 and spend too much time playing video games, etc. Obtaining a “Holy S**t” moment is more important to some wannabe stars than learning their craft which starts with the inside and works its way out. This learning or passion comes from within and is not about how large one’s biceps might be or their rich, dark tan, etc. Looking great in a an 8X10 is nice but being able to execute in the ring is where the money is and not enough young wrestlers fully understand that concept/philosophy. When Ric Flair, Sgt. Slaughter, Roddy Piper, and Dusty Rhodes appeared on Monday Night Raw in Chicago, each man, although diverse as can be in their personal lives, have at least one shinning thing in common and that is that all were students of the game and developed their instincts to amazingly high levels over a long period of time. I mentioned that seeing these legends standing in the ring together after the post match melee on TV was a “Raw Moment” and I meant it. Some ‘net cynics took that to task too but that’s again their opinion. It will be fewer and fewer times we fans get to enjoy a moment here and there with some of the great, living legends of the business and I for one enjoy those moments and cherish each and every one of them. These men conjure up wonderful memories for me of generations’s past and of great, dramatic matches that had me, as a broadcaster, on the edge of my seat more often than not. All the Hall of Fame level veterans we saw on RAW Monday made their mark via wrestling, verbally expressing themselves naturally, by having great opponents with which to wrestle, and by not seeking out the proverbial “Holy S**t” moment via some elaborate stunt or ultra dangerous and ill conceived maneuver. I have a vision of what my personally produced TV wrestling product would be but I don’t think it can be produced in today’s marketplace. The lack of quality depth within the business necessitates that there be more and more sizzle added to weekly presentations and less steak. “Quality Depth” is a key term all we wrestling fans should remain keenly aware of in the future. It’s no different than in the NFL (no extra QBs running around with nothing to do), MLB (huge lack of quality pitching), and the NBA (no abundance of young, dominating big men.) Hopefully, some new, young stars will “break thru” much sooner than later within the biz and we might be able to improve the overall in ring product. This would appeal to me personally but I also realize I am not in most TV show’s target demo any longer so my 54 year old opinion may not carry much weight at the end of the day. I do think that there are youngsters in the business who have the potential to be box office stars in the future if they become student’s of the game and study what made their predecessors so great. And if these young people have passion and respect for the business in general. I firmly believe that fans of today’s wrestling genre still love physicality, fundamentally sound wrestling, and richly cultivated personal issues. This is not an issue of “glass ceilings” and “politics” but an issue of which young men or women are going to study the masters and physically go the extra mile to achieve greatness? It’s time for the young talents with potential to step up and demand to not be overlooked via what the fans see in the ring and become the Brisco’s, Funk’s, Race’s, Rhodes’, Steamboat’s, DiBiase’s, Flair’s, Patterson/Stevens’, Gagne’s, Sammartino’s, Superstar Graham’s etc of tomorrow. Without wrestling territories, the road is more challenging for these young talents but it can be done. It starts in the head and the heart, with knowledge and passion, and, naturally, entails physically fit athletes who are fundamentally sound and want to steal the show every time the bell rings. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it. J.R.

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Comments

Sun, 08/19/2007 - 21:39 — dl (not verified)

you are is so coll jerry tripleh should vs off and can you say my name on raw my name is david little and jerry is the collest to and johncena worldwrestlingentertanment catch me on myspace.com first go to search then write shantellemelendez on her myspace go to search friends then go down then you see me pleas go to it pleaspleaspleaspleas

Sat, 10/28/2006 - 12:48 — Dustin Robinson (not verified)

J.R., while I really enjoy reading your writings, I have to call you out on one thing. I think it's incredibly lame you're trying to excuse WWE.Com's mess-up on the Cpl. Kirchner issue. I know you're probably just giving the corporate line, but blaming the Internet is such a cop-out. I expect this out of trashy newsboards, but WWE.Com is operated by a multi-million dollar company. With that being said, I would have hoped people that work for your employer's web site would actually do some research and fact-checking, especially about an issue as important as a former employee's life, before throwing things up on the web site after reading it on some junky corner of the Internet five minutes prior. This not being wrong on just some where-are-they-now bit. This is a person's life. WWE.Com scared and saddened a lot people with the mistake. The fact WWE.Com still has not posted a detraction or apology for the error I think speaks volumes about the new Editor in Chief, Michael Cole. C'mon J.R., you know better than what you said.

Fri, 10/27/2006 - 14:17 — Mirgill (not verified)

J.R, Let me first say that I have been a fan of your commentary skills since the days of WCW. I was about ten years old, when I saw the '91 match between Flair and Sting, when Sting won the title. One of the memorable components in this great match was your announcing that I had took notice. Because, had my T.V. been just static on screen, your commentary would still make it a classic match. God bless you J.R. Now onto your column. I can't agree with you more about the talent roster in the WWE. The need to step their game up IMMEDIATELY. Because sooner or later, the fanbase will take notice of something lacking in the characters portrayed or the delivery in the matches. I would also say that the bookings, as well the storytelling, of the matches are at it's low. The commentary, except you and Jerry Lawler, is low. Micheal Cole, I don't know about this guy. It seems that he cannot work commentary alone. For example, when Tazz left to go to ECW, notice there was a lot more silence in each match, he can't seem to build on the momentum quite enough. And what the hell is wrong with giving the names of wrestling moves performed by the wrestling, like the la majista cradle (excuse my spelling) or the northern light suplex. The point the names of the moves is to educate the fans on the moves displayed. It shouldn't be were a commentator should give the " that's a great move" line throughout the match and just know the finish move only. EDUCATE the fans, knowledge is beneficial. Mike Tenay and Joey Styles educate the fans with each wrestling move demonstrated on television. The WWE needs to show or knowledge of in ring performance than just sheer high school entertainment. That just underestimates the fanbase, thinking that it's a one track mind, there is very knowledgable fans out here watching wrestling too. WWE needs show varieties of things in there programming, it's enough for a two hour time slot, isn't it. I would say that the World Wrestling Entertainment, is more World Entertainment, as a fan for YEARS, I don't like that. If the company is to display clips of wrestling of yesterday, a great show of that tradition should be stress to the "superstars" of today. Now out of the roster of the WWE, there is a few superstars I definetely take notice and keep watching the WWE programming. Superstars like King Booker, Chris Benoit, Chavo Guerrero, Shelton Benjamin, William Regal, Finlay, and THAT'S IT. I just thought long and hard on this list. The reason why these wrestlers are picked out is because, they (except Benjamin) have worked with the legends, they came during the times were wrestling was the number one priority, and finally they know what to do give a great articulate way of telling that story in the ring. Shelton has taken that art to a new level with God given ability he has. Come on Wrestlemania 21, Money in the Bank, that guy put in OVERTIME in that match, Benjamin WENT TO WORK THE NIGHT. He showed everyone one how it's done. Booker T, has the great package, entertaining both as wrestler and commentary (that's extraordinary, the last superstar to be entertaining like that was The Rock when he did brief guest commentary),he knows to give a hell of a match. The match between him and the Undertaker, those two took me back in time and took me to school that night. Chris Benoit, man, his work can give you an idea, that's all I got to say on that. But the new school, really needs to learn the business, in order to garner that success and beyond, because they are looking like walking chiseled meat right now. Thank you J.R. Peace. Mirgill

Fri, 10/27/2006 - 08:56 — SaM (not verified)

JR, I think RAW is definately getting more importance than SmackDown or even ECW. I don't think it's worth having three world champions in one organisation. I hope (if not at Cyber Sunday) that the title on the line is unifed with whoever won it. Batista doesn't look as healthy as he did when he first became World champion. It seems all of his World title matches against King Booker are a waste since there are no hopes of him winning the title in the near future. It's sad to see that.

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 22:37 — The Sentry (not verified)

JR, I am a fan of the Legends, but I have to ask this question, as a fan: Isn't it high time Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat was inducted into the Hall of Fame? If memory serves me correct, you called a couple of his matches, and his I/C match at WM3 is considered one of the greatest matches ever shown by the WWE....

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 21:18 — Sam Smith (not verified)

J.R., Lance Storm has made the interesting point that the WWE no longer makes money off of advertising revenue for Monday Night Raw. Therefore they aren't getting as much income from high ratings, they are getting more of their income from house shows and PPV buys. He suggests that even if doing something sensational on TV gets you ratings, with WWE's current deal, it would be smarter to make fans more interested in the wrestling, so they would be more likely to pay to see the feuds climax at a PPV or the guys compete at a house show - which could both use more consumers. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. When Raw got more incentives for high ratings, it was much easier to understand the need for storylines and non wrestling activity, but I think now it makes more sense from a business standpoint to invest in a more wrestling-oriented show. Will roughly the same number of fans watch the PPVs and the TV no matter what happens? Is the WWE trying to increase the fan base it has lost or is it going after the casual viewer? It's hard to make reasoned predictions about audience interest since the wrestling boom of the Attitude era has passed, but I do think the WWE has two very different paths to go down, but they will likely do what seems most prevalent in other media at the time. They will reach for that casual viewer and will take their loyal viewers for granted. Such is the nature of business. I'm sure you can offer more insight into this than I can speculate on. I think they could have it both ways, though. Because personally, just seeing 15% more wrestling each week in the hands of the right guys would make the WWE so much more enjoyable. I'd like to see more feuds instead of silly backstage things that only focus on one guy, but even if the non-wrestling stuff was entertaining, I couldn't complain. It just isn't, especially not compared to years past. I would like at least a little more wrestling and a little less fluff, with more authentic, entertaining, consistent stories. Another thing: No more fake sound effects added in post production; like that same high pitched cheer, the fake chair shots, the fake ring bell shot sounds, and even broken bones on a couple occasions. If you recall J.R. they added the sound of a bone breaking in replays in later weeks when Triple H broke your arm in the ring to get his title shot with Mankind back in 1999. I'm not saying wrestling has to look totally real, I'm just getting tired of having it shoved in my face that it isn't. Sorry for the long post, J.R. I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on this subject and the choices that the WWE faces.

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 16:48 — Truffles (not verified)

J.R. This post is two fold, firstly I am going to defend the internet sites. Now yes they are too negative for sure, that is said without a doubt. They nitpick the product and do not enjoy it as a fan, but as more of a critic. Now having said that, if it wasn't for the internet sites, I would not be a fan today. I used to love the hulkamania thing, then I was enthralled(sp?) with the NWO angle and eventually loved (and still do) Stone Cold Steve Austin. Now onto defending the internet, if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be a fan today. I just sort of stopped watching wrestling, then as I got onto the internet, I started to read about guys and a thing call "workrate" and started to watch the product differently. This brought me back to wrestling as a fan and I watch every second I can. The second part of this, is I was wondering, what are some of your favorite matches, either called or just seen on tape?

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 14:11 — The Sentry (not verified)

JR: Et tu? Well, this is definitely a strong opinion, and I can respect it, but I will digress on a couple of issues here. First: I do agree with you that the biggest priority should be the development of the stars of the future. Some could argue that stars are born, but I am of the opinion that stars are made. Whatever the inclination of "who's gonna put those butts in seats", it's always a question of which guys want to work the hardest in order to get it. Second: Is the talent pool thin? Here I would disagree. Granted, if we're talking about the United States, then yes, I would fully agree with you. Not only is the pool thin, but we as fans have come to expect massive high spots for those "holy sh!t" chants. We are a fickle crowd that has been oversaturated with programming and shows. But, I've also held the belief that the stars of the future are not going to come from just the United States, but all over the world, and furthermore, I believe that the future of the WWE is to eventually expand to these shores in a big way. In many countries across the world, WWE programming is reaching kids of all ages and providing quality entertainment. You can go to places as far as Hong Kong, South America, the Middle East, Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom...they see the same shows we see, and some of those kids watching will inevitably have the desire to seek out careers. I have no doubts that there are stars amongst them that are waiting to be made. Fret not, good sir, for the future is never so bleak as those in the dirt sheets make it out to be. The WWE is doing fine, and despite the rumors, yes, there is an audience out there that is not only respectful, but may just suprise you in the coming years...

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 14:04 — Markus G. (not verified)

Jim, I could not agree more with you in regards to a certain lack of superstars (of tomorrow) in WWE right now. But I also have to agree with some of my fellow posters, in that the "office" or creative department has to at least take part of the blame for the kind-of-stale state (as compared to the really "hot" Attitude-era of the late '90s) the WWE is in right now. When I look at the roster I see established stars who, while they could still carry the company if they had to (HHH, Michaels, Undertaker, come to mind), but are past their prime. I see very few wrestlers who have lately established themselves as stars or are very close (Cena, Edge, Orton, etc.). I see a somewhat large talent pool of wrestlers who are being held back and might be able to run with the ball, if somebody just had the balls to hand it to them - but all of them lack in a certain area, wether it is in-ring talent, microphone skills or just the right attitude. I am an intense student of the game ever since I caught my first glimpse of wrestling on television at the age of 9 (SummerSlam 1991, which happened to air on free tv on German station Tele5 back in the day). I have followed WWE, WCW, ECW, TNA, most of the US indies, and to a lesser degree the major promotions of Japan, Mexico and Europe. Now I am studying journalism and communication studies, so I would consider myself somewhat of a well-informed person with an opinion both of pro-wrestling as well as the workings of the media (while Europe and the US cannot be easily compared in that matter, they are not completely different either). So of course, WWE needs to make money to ensure they survival, and a majority of that comes in from advertising and PPV revenues, which in turn require a large fanbase who will watch and buy the product and therefore guarantee a steady flow of cash. But personally, I am to a degree disappointed in the product WWE offers right now, and find myself getting more and more intrigued by what the opposition (mainly TNA) has to offer at the moment. In a way, I feel reminded to what the WWF-WCW situation has been in the last years of the latters existance, but I sense the roles are swapped now. WWE keeps resting on ther past successes, and while they still produce new stars (something WCW always was very bad at, with a few notable exceptions, and for which the WWE development farming system is very good at), they rely on the "safe path" too much for my taste. Instead, WWE is going for the "quick cash" (not building feuds very well and delivering them very fast and over a too long time-span) too often. Celebrity tie-ins and segments which do not help the product in the long term aver overly being used. Apart from the single, heavyweight division talent is being under-utilized. The tag team division seems to mainly exist to enhance single-wrestler storylines (wreslter A + partner vs. wrestler B + partner, where A and B and both partners are in single feuds). In TNA vcross-promotion is beind used wisely, most segments help the product out, they have got a tremenduous tag scene and they managed to make the heavyweight and ther X divison appear equal in the eyes of the fans. I do understand that a pure-wrestling product will not tie the casual fan to the product in the long-term, and there are to few "real" wrestling fans to produce enough cash for the company - wrestling has to heavily relay on a mainstream audience thse days. Unfortunately, some say. The key, in my opinion, would be to even the balance - give some of the younger, hungrier talent, who might yet lack some of the out-of-the-ring-skills a shot to showcase their abilities. Re-establish the tag-team-division as a serious alternative to single matches, build interesting storylines around them, get people interested. Bring back managers as a way of communication for some of the guys lacking mic-talent. There are about a dozen of "divas" on the three rosters, utilize them as serious valets, not just eye-candy - a female manager or valet can spark great interest in lower-card matches, just remember Tammy "Sunny" Sytch, Miss Elizabeth (RIP), Sensational Sherri, Beulah, etc. The divas, while definetly easy on the eyes, are used in so many segments that do not enhance the product (yes, sex sells, we know that - but!), so why not put them in a position where they can "show off" just as much, but get used to actually help establish some of the younger stars. And while you say that younger wrestlers do not study types enough and do not fully understand or respect the business enough, I might want to recommend that the same should apply to some of the writers right now. Writing for a drama series, soap opera, hollywood movie or comedy show is one thing, but writing for a pro-wrestling audience is a whole different thing. You CAN learn how to write comedy segments at a film academy, but you do not learn how to write a promo that appeals to the casual and "hardcore" fan alike. Some of the guys writing right now should, for example, study tapes of Jake Roberts, who was one of the pioneers of establishing in-ring psychology and using it to make his matches and out-of-the-ring segments very enjoyable. While comedy certainly does not harm the product a lot, over-using it, especially in "serious" segments can be dangerous to long-term credibility of the product. I know that I am certainly not in a position to make suggestions to how the company is being run, but in my opinion there should be regular studies and feedback rounds of both current and classic tapes, to see where things could be improved, and to see how it could be done. Also I think that some of the veterans (mostly of them being used as "producers"/agents) and current students of the game should be listened more too, in addition to the writers and the McMahon family. While most people on the internet blame HHH for being a hog for the spotlight some of the time (and believe me, I do that from time to time) one cannot deny his passion for and knowledge of the business. While there was a lot of heat on the so called "Clique" faction in the 1990s and early-2000s, and rightfully so, all of these gentlemen were thorough students of the game who took time and pride in putting an excellent match together (if they felt like it). To close this very long posting, I want to add one final thing that usually makes me twist my face in agony: When I read the sentence "...because creative currently has no ideas for the person". Lately, I read that about Harry Smith, son of the legendary Davey boy Smith (RIP). Now first of all, the writers get PAID for generating and pitching ideas and sotrylines. How can this "cream of the crop" array of writers for television not have ideas for a wrestler? If they don't, maybe they should consider being in the wrong branch of work. If I got offered this absolute dream job of writing for a major wrestling company, my brain would flow over with ideas for the whole roster 24/7 - do these people even know that they get to do what thousands of enthusiats for this great sport would kill for? While I have never had the ability of watching young Harry in action yet, I would think that he would be one of those young stars who would be able to carry this company into the next decade, if the blood flowing thoruh his veins is any indicator for the raw, natural talent he has to possess. So one idea that immediately passed through my mind (and I know to leave it to the creative team, but obviously, they cannot be bothered with it right now) was this: We have Harry Smith, son of the British Bulldog. We have Chris Benoit, a fellow Canadian wrestler with a Hart-family tie in. His role-model always was The Dynamite Kid, who happened to be Davey Boy's partner in the bulldogs. The SmackDown roster is thin with new, raw talent anyway. Why not throw Chris and Harry together, either as a team, or in a feud (and I think harry could profit from benoit as a teacher greatly, if they got to run with each other for a few months). In the end, Benit could put Harry over and elevate him to the next level. There you have your idea for Harry Smith, now throw me the next one creative doesn't have anything for. Something like that would certainly draw some attention from long-time fans, would spark interest in the meain stream and would work great with a tie-in of a British Bulldog(s) DVD and/or special on WWE 24/7, which would bring in additional cash. And as we probably both know, real wrestling fans are crazy about angles that tie into their historic knowledge of the business. :) While I do not expect you to read through this monster of a post, I feel better now, having it written off my chest. Regards from Austria, Markus

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 13:58 — BRENDAN HILLIARD (not verified)

I FEEL THAT ALL THREE OF THE WWE SHOWS ARE BORDERLINE "AWFUL" TO WATCH.THE BEST THING IS JIM ROSS, AND JOHN CENA. THERE ARE NO NEW WRESTLERS THAT ARE SHOWING ANY ABILITY TO CARRY THE TORCH FOR THE FLAIRS, PIPERS, AND HOGANS OF THE WWE. THE BEST THING THEY CAN DO IS REMOVE ROSS FROM THE ANNOUCING TABLE AND GIVE HIM THE KEYS TO DIVE RAW OUT OF THE GUTTER.ALL WWE SHOWS NEED A NEW FRESH VIEW.

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 12:47 — Tony Mirabella (not verified)

JR: I agree about the internet sites that provide bogus "inside" info. A possible solution would be for Vince McMahon to start a site that gives us real inside info. I'm not talking about storylines. Because of Vince, we fans are now the most knowlegable ever. I think the days of truly hating heels and the such is over. We know about storylines, and know that all the heels and faces are really friends. The "Wrasslin'" days are over, and the WWE has to know that we want the inside scoop on the business. I would KILL to be a fly on the wall in Vince's boardroom! Best of luck to you, and STAY ON RAW! You and the King are the only two guys who can comment worth a damn. Best team since the late, GREAT Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan. And, this damn site is making me hungry again!

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 10:50 — Josh Byxbe (not verified)

I agree with everything you've said J.R. I also feel that women in wrestling need to go. The Diva is slowly becoming another reason to change the channel. Do not get me wrong, I like looking at a beautiful woman asmuch as anybody else.. but come on... enough's enough. You take time that these young stars that you speak of, could be using to better show their skills and talents, and place instead, T&A all over the screen, tell me this woman likes 3-somes, which, I thought this was supposed to be atleast semi family entertainment, leave me to explain that to my children, and why young women shouldnt have sex with more than one person at a time, and what sex even is... i'm not sure you realise it, but children make up your biggest demo., because as adults the spice in wrestling is gone, because we know it's not real, asfar as the action (yes, I know they take real falls, hit with real chairs, ect ect, but at the end of the day it's all fake). I used to wtach wrestling when I was a child in the 80's and thru the 90's, until about the time of the "diva". I always felt that WWE was always quality programming for every young male, but in the past 10 years or so, it's become a show for perverted old men who get no action and hasnt seen the flesh of a woman in years. Replace wrestling with segments of John Cena talkin about herpes? Let's cut this match short and end it in the most predictabl;e way possible, so that you not only see the end before the match is over, but before the match begins, so that we can get a shot of Lita's tit's hangin out her shirt while she's suckin face with edge... WTF? Or, let's over look the idea of making this a feud between this guy and this guy, and let's cut to the back where we can see the shadow of some girl takin her clothes off, and nevermind a breif history between the two wrestler's in the ring, or a building of heat between the two, lets not forget to mention that the girl he's with lkes to have sex with more than one person at a time. I feel that WWF saved wrestling, but WWE is slowly killing it and warping the miond of young children around the world. These men and women are supposed to be roll models, i'm not sure about you, but I don;t want my daughter growing up to become what she see's on T.V, especially your program. I know it's my job as a parent to show them right from wrong, but I cant be there 24/7, as you can't for your children.. Yes i've ranted on and on and i'm about done.. all i'm saying is, perhaps maybe put alittle more WRESTLING in the world WRESTLING entertainment, and less smut perhaps?

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 10:23 — Brent (not verified)

Speaking of younger talent I just watched the Matt Striker/CM Punk match on the hardcore hangover and was very impressed with both of them. It was an exciting and technically sound match, and a lot of back and forth between the two. I think both of these guys have a bright future in the business. I was most surprised by how well Striker could actually wrestle. For as smart as he says he is he doesn't seem to realize that matches are won inside the ring, not running away from it. I think he could have a great run as a heel if he could just stay in the ring and wrestles matches.

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 10:16 — RUSS (not verified)

Listen up SLAP-NUTS,(not you JR). If what I read about the James gang coming back to the WWE is true. D X will almost be at full strength, but will Waltman return to complete the team? I feel they need to add to the Orton, Edge team. But who? How about redoing Chris Masters gig and adding Snitsky as the big mean guy. J R it sure was nice to see the vets out there again, Dusty, Double A, Sarge.

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 10:07 — Lee.J (not verified)

I have to be honest, and say that i dont watch RAW & Smackdown as much as i did six years ago..and the reason is simply the lack of main event superstars and quailty i used to watch in 1999/2000. Im sure the supersytars today are still very talented but what happened to the excitment when THe Rock, The Undertaker, Thriple H And Steve Austin were main eventing?? The focus is more on promoting Brook Hogan and kevin fedalines album these days which is not what i like to see in the busniness. Brook Hogan dose not dexerve to be on WWE.COMbecause she dosent bust her behind everyday like the WWE superstars....why not have info on people like scotty 2 Hotty and funiki who do wrestle and are vetrens in the business!

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 10:00 — Daniel (not verified)

HI JR, I am a young wrestling fan started watching WWE in around 1995. I agree with what your saying about there being a lack of main event status stars in WWE. But I don't agree that it is because of a lack of talent outhere. The days of the huge mega star such as a Hogan or an Ultimate Warrior, is over. I don't believe that a wrestler like that can be a mega star nowadays. Even though the WWE seem to be trying to reproduce the big muscle men of yester-year, Batista, Lashley, Cena. Although these men all have their merits and positive attributes, their funamental wrestling skills are not as refined as others in the wwe. As you said what young stars today need to do is study, study, study. Be a student of the game soak in as much of the past masters as they can. If you look at some of great modern day wrestlers like a Benoit, Angle, Guererro and Regal each one a student, each one capable of amazing "wrestling" matches. Each one based themselves on the old school mentality of, perfect your craft. Most of the stars I see today dont seem to have that mentality and seem to be content to languish in mediocrity, just because they can cut a good promo or they can sell merchandise. "No Mercy" to me was a breath of fresh air with Benoits return and having a match with Regal, allowing them to develop holds and tell a story through their wrestling. Not because Regal had slept with Benoits cat or some other ridiculus notion. The match was phenomenal a real throw back to how it used to be done and what made the business great. I totally agree with you when you say young fans today enjoy physicality, of course I enjoy a nice lingerie pillow fight as much as the next guy. But what I really love seeing is two guys one on one showing to everyone what they can do and showing why they deserve to be in that ring, Because to be honest with you quite a few stars nowadays don't. As I said before there is talent in the WWE it needs to be nurtured and allowed to blossom in any shape or form that takes, the best results it seems is when you allow wrestlers to be themselves with the volume turned up a bit. This is just my opinion i'm not nearly in as good a position as you are to critique about what is happening in the WWE but I think I speak for alot of fans outhere the I say the product needs improving because whether you want to acknowledge it or not you have competion. It may not be on your level yet but it is getting there and when it does the WWE will have to raise it's game, or it may be shocked.

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 08:52 — Kathy Clayton (not verified)

Jr, I am an old school wrestling fan. I love the old matches and watch as many as my limited schedule will allow. I love the women's division, but I HATE THE BRA AND PANTY CRAP. Having said that, I was very impressed this past Monday when Melina and Micky wrestled with most of their anatomy covered. They did more wrestling than I have actually seen in a while. I love the episodes where the legends show up. In fact, I copy them on video tape and keep them in my library. I am saving for a dvr recorder. I love the fact that there are people who I can discuss the old true wrestling with fans like you. Thanx for everything. GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE TO YOU AND STEVE AUSTIN. KAT in San Antonio

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 08:11 — Ayusha (not verified)

Hi JR, I actually don`t think that there`s a lack of talents in the WWE. There are a lot of guys who have the quality to be main eventers if they would receive a decent push and get a strong storyline. There is Kane, who was in one terrible storyline after another (just my opinion) but who could be still a main eventer if the WWE would use his potential right. There are guys like Batista, Benoit, Undertaker, Edge, HHH, King Booker, HBK, Cena, Big Show, RVD, Lashley, Orton, Kennedy...I don`t really see a lack of talents. But I´ve seen a lot of this guys being misused to push younger wrestlers, who weren`t ready for the push. Take care Ayusha

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 07:43 — vince (not verified)

well, WWE, i feel, is pushing the wrong talents. cena, while good on the mic, certainly needs to develop his wrestling skills, and i do feel he still has a lot of potential, but being in the spotlight often, maybe he doesn't have much time anymore to learn wrestling. and he's our WWE champion. in a talent pool with the likes of edge, carlito, jeff hardy, and other skilled wrestlers, how cena stands above all them is nowhere near believable.

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 05:50 — Conor (not verified)

I have to say JR that was a great read and it was very interesting to see your honest views on the current start of the WWE locker room. Every now and then I like to take a look at both rosters on WWE.com and it is when you sit back and look at the rosters that you fully come to appreciate just how few "stars" are on each show. I know the birth of a star is a bionic thing but at the time I feel the WWE could do more to give young talents more exposure. Carlito, Shelton Benjamin and Chris Benoit are all guys who at one time or another garnered massive fan support by wrestling and personallity alone, as did Dave Batista. When I heard the incredible responses Benoit was getting and Batista was getting, I was reminded of how the fans reacted to the likes of Jericho when they first started to take these guys under their wings. Batista was unfortunate to go down with an injury at the end of his run but I feel Chris Benoit wasn't kept at the very top as long as he deserved when considering the fans love of the Rabid Wolverine. You talked about students of the game JR but you have to look no further then RoH to see talent that are truly passionate about the sport of wrestling. WWE has already brought in CM Punk and I get the feeling that we will be seeing Punk in the Main Event at WrestleMania someday. The great thing with Punk and the RoH guys is that they have experience of working television and using the mic in a hot atmosphere. Whenever I get tapes of OVW I always feel that real live show atmosphere is missing. Punk is a true student of the game and seems to have been born to wrestle. Yet all that wold men jacks**t if Punk came in to the WWE with none of the experience he garnered in RoH. As a wrestling fan and fan of the WWE I am disappointed to see that WWE missed the chance to sign the likes of Alex Shelley and Samoa Joe, two more RoH regulars. Shelley always reminds me of a young Shawn Michaels and has gained great experience working in Japan. As for Joe, well Joe IMO is a true star of today. Samoa Joe is so great in that he does all the simple things but makes you believe in them. Samoa Joe isn't looking to get a 'Holy S**t' chant, he just wants a great wrestling match that gets you hooked in on the action inside the ring. I would loved to have seen Shelley and Joe in the WWE because there are alot of guys they could do great programmes with. Im going to get off the RoH bandwagon now but not before mentioning a few more RoH regulars that are students of the game and make pro-wrestling a pleasure to watch. All these guys are first and foremost wrestlers and are the type of guys you say you'd like to see more of. Anyway, Brian Danielson, Rodney Strong, Nigel McGuinnear, Claudio and Jimmy Rave. Thanks for your thoughts JR, it was great to hear your opinion. To be honest I wish there was more of this type of thing coming from WWE employees, even in an offical capacity from WWE.com. I look foreward to next weeks blog, Conor

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 04:55 — Jason Walker (not verified)

IMO it's the audience that needs re-educating. You get an amazing technical match between Regal and Finlay and the crowd are shouting BORING. Holy s**t moments have their place, but they leave you with little place left to go, so there's no edge of your seat moments wondering whats going to happen. Some matches, mentioning no names, have got very formulaic and the crowd, the home audience and everyone around KNOWS whats going to happen. Ric Flair & the legends coming to the ring were genuine mark out moments, because it was unexpected.

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 03:35 — Matt"Enigma"Roberts (not verified)

J.R I know this is off subject but maybe i can get some staight answers... 1.I just want to know if Vince Russo is Writing the Scicpt again? 2. DX vs nWo? 3. Will Umaga ever Loose?...(Cause thats like a (Sameo Joe and Goldberg) thing going on

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 03:32 — Richie (not verified)

Hi JR, I'd like to say that I've been into wrestling since I was a young child in the mid 80's, but todays product in WWE, with the increasing amounts of "sizzle" as you call it, just proceeds to insult my intelligence week after week, some of the story lines are just way too far fetched and simply not belivable, I know this is suppost to be escapist entertainment, but for the past few years now I've found myself cringing more and more at the shows, I would love to see a return to a more wrestling based product! As for the lack of main event talent? I just think the WWE needs to know who to push and how long they should take to buid them up, for example, the Orton face turn and title run was disastorus because it all happend to quickly for fans to buy it, same with Cena and the crowd reactions speak for themselvs, but I think people like Ken Kennedy, who in my opinion is the total package should be the next main eventors, and Lashley, if used correctly,could also be a big name player in the future, indeed we should be looking to the future for new stars insted of re packaging the old ones time and again (if I see another young taleneted wrestler look at the lights for Hogan at a big PPV event I may scream!) but I think there needs to be more of an oppertunity for these poeople to step up to the challenge. Using the same old gimmicks and the same olds wrestlers (eg. pointless DX feuds with no mention of them actually seeking a championship) may draw buys for the next PPV, but it wont last forever, I think people like Micheals and Helmsly should focus more on getting the younger stars over, much as the evolutin gimmick worked for Batista and Orton. Ok I've probably ranted on enough now! thanks for reading this if you did JR, and I'd like to ask a question if you don't mind? do you think WWE would be intrested in bringign back Brock Lesnar if (or when) his propposed MMA carreer falls through? this guy has the look, and Isaw him cut some killer heel promos in Japan, and we all know he can deliver in the ring if working with the correct opponents, Lesnar is a big star, WWE needs big stars, I suppose it wolud just boil down to Vince and Lesnars ego to weather he would sign for WWE. Thanks again Jim - Richie

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 01:02 — david roth (not verified)

J.R. I'm a huge wrestling fan not just a WWE fan, but a true wrestling fan, and i mean no disrespect to you when i say this, but whenever i read some of the stuff you write on your site i sometimes think that you might be just a little full of it. How can you criticize some of the WWE wrestlers by saying that their too worried about just looking good or not working hard enough to make themselves better? Isn't vince and the rest of the WWE the ones that are obsessed with the whole bodybuilder look instead of good all around athletes who can work good in the ring? besides i can think of two former WWE superstars that were horrible wrestlers, but made the WWE and themselves alot of money there names are Hulk Hogan, and the Ultimate Warrior they both were bad in the ring and only relied on their big muscles and promo skills to get them over.

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 00:39 — Marcue R. (not verified)

I completely absolutely agre with you J.R. It's nice to see someone who actually knows what they are talking about instead of critics who've never seen a wrestling program in their life comment on the state of wrestling today. Also on how too many young atsrs are trying to give the "holy s***!" moments than actually learn the business

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 00:38 — Dane (not verified)

One more thing, Cena, Hogan and The Rock were all about Holy S**t moments, never actually being any good at wrestling

Thu, 10/26/2006 - 00:35 — Dane (not verified)

Personally I think JR is right and wrong here. He seems (from my perspective) to be blaming that there is no one out there good enough for the WWE, I think the point he misses is that Sports Entertainment and Professional Wrestling are 2 separate products now days that are so different. The territory system still stands, only WWE ignores it thinking it destroyed it as they have such limited television exposure, with TNA sometimes going on the road and even co-promoting with some of the territories. I honestly think WWE has a ****y attitude to wrestling nowadays, but also have the presence to keep and eye on the territories with some amazing talents. WWE is not my cup of tea, but I'm not saying it is bad, but I'm a Professional Wrestling fan, and there are alot of wrestling fans out there (hence the TNA chants on ECW on Sci-Fi) Personally I think Monty Brown can do well in WWE, and quite frankly towards the end of his TNA tenture was held back. Monty Brown could carry RAW as a face or heel, he just need to fine tune some of his wrestling skills. JR, Vince, HHH, Dusty, if theres one thing I can say to all you guys backstage at WWE its this... KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE ALPHA MALE you have a guy now that has the a total package, dont screw it up. And to all you naysayers about "the pounce" I liked it, its kind of like the 21st century "spear" (which is getting as old as hogans leg drop)

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 23:26 — James Graham (not verified)

I could'nt agree more with your statement on the state of main event talent. Right now WWE has the habit of running a rivalry into the ground to the point of it being boring, i.e. Cena/Edge. The focus is too much on flash and not enough on substance. In my opinion, Cena is a decent wrestler at best and only really shines on the mic. WWE also has a bad habit of letting the truly great ones get away, i.e. The Rock, Jericho, Angle, Jarrett, etc. Granted some left to pursue other interests but where there is a will there is a way. Also a lot of talent is being used very poorly at this point and time. I'll use Batista as an example. Oh well...time will tell if it gets better or worse. I am very happy to see Sting with the NWA title again, he deserves it. Thanks for let me vent.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 22:39 — JRSPIRES (not verified)

I somewhat disagree with your comments, JR. I think that the problem with the business, Raw in particular, is the lack of development in feuds between the mid-carders. I think Smackdown & ECW are doing exceptional jobs right now in this respect, and it pains me to see this not carrying over to Raw. Back in the day, a match between Koko B Ware & Rick Martel might not put asses in the seats, but it would be developed to the point that I would still want to see it. The mid-carders are the "meat & potatoes" of a show, but the feuds between them on Raw right now are poorly developed, not developed at all, or are not given the time to be a great, lengthy feud. Why cut the Highlanders-Spirit Squad feud short just because Crime Time is debuting? Why cut the Charlie Haas-Viscera feud short by teaming them up when Haas was FINALLY starting to get over a little? Why couldn't Kane & Umaga's feud have went longer, culminating in a Hell in the Cell or Casket Match down the road at a PPV. Where are Eugene, Gene Snitsky, Hacksaw, Rob Conway, & Val Venis? Cena, Edge, and D-X don't have to be the only ones in blood feuds. The mid-carders can have some substance, too. Lord knows they helped WCW win more than a few ratings battles back in the day. Thanks alot for your time and being so accessible to your fans. I have enjoyed your work since the early NWA days, and can't stand to hear an announcing team unless you're on it. Boomer Sooner!!

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 22:19 — Robbie Robinson (not verified)

I feel like Mark, giving a shout of Amen. Like many people, I grew up watching wrestling in the 1980's. I really didn't started to watch wrestling intensly until Survivor Series 1990, when the Undertaker debuted. I agree that there are fewer and fewer "gems" nowadays in the WWE, but if time has taught me anything, it's that like clothes, the fashions of a wrestler tends to come back into style. Example, "Superstar" Billy Graham-Hulk Hogan-John Cena. British Bulldog-Goldberg/Brock Lesnar/Bobby Lashley. Papa Shango-The Boogeyman. The Rock-Randy Orton. I could go on and on. But what separates the Undertakers, the Dusty Rhodes, the Sgt. Slaghters and the Roddy Pipers from people such as...El Dandy, Rad Radford, and Barry Horowitz is the drive and the ability to do their homework. The "old School" wrestlers wasn't looking for a "Holy S***" moment, but rather those moments came to them through all the blood sweat and tears of hard work. And once a lot of the newer school wrestlers understand that, then you will really start to see a lot of them shine, even becoming the new main eventers that people pay money to see. What made the WWE and even the former WWF popular was that people witnessed something that had never been done, yet it happened naturally. I think that once the newer wrestlers see that, they along with WWE in a whole will open a new dimension of sports and sports entertainment.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 21:31 — Steven S (not verified)

I spend probably too much time on some of those so-called wrestling news websites. Whenver they post their opinions on wrestling shows, it seems that they have absolutely -zero- good things to say about what they see. I see their archives and read the same things from articles ten years ago, when wrestling was arguably at its best ever. In the end, it only serves to make me feel less intelligent that I am enjoying a lot of what I see on Raw each week while these sites just trash the whole show. Constructive criticism is all fine and good - it helps improve the product. Simply talking trash just for the sake of attracting readers is ridiculous and cheapens wrestling and wrestling fans as well. Thanks for your honest opinions. I for one appreciate the fact that we have Raw each Monday night, and I can also see where there is room for improvement. Anyone who does not strive to improve is destined to fail. I hope the younger wrestlers of today know this.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 19:04 — forte anglley (not verified)

Comments that contain profanity will be deleted. Are you sure you don't mean comments that are negative toward almight McMahon? I hear worse language on Raw than I used but whatever.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 18:34 — DON .D (not verified)

J.R. , I HAVE MAD RESPECT FOR YOU AND THIS BUSINESS, I TRUELY LOVE IT .You said that at the moment there is a lack of main event talent .i am starting to train @ kyda pro an just wanted to know what is your idle or idea of a main eventer you look for ?. Will WWE bring back the idea of War Games?.thank you for entertaining us for so long and i promise i will do the same

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 18:28 — Toby T. (not verified)

Well put, Mr. Ross. I am a very green pro wrestler who has been in the ring for about 6 months now, and I love this business with every ounce of my being. I have watched tapes ranging from Flair to Stevens to managers such as Bobby Heenan to referees such as Randy Anderson to superstars such as Jushin Liger and Jake Roberts. I have hung around my booker asking insane amounts of questions on that end. So in trying to gobble up as much information as I can, here is my slight dillema. I am 5'7" and due to metabolism I can't seem to get above 150. Honestly, I much prefer mat wrestling to high flying (both watching and participating) but I can't seem to get any response out of the office unless I cut a moonsault or a plancha. Do you have any ideas, or maybe any schools/trainers I could hook up with? I am in the area of OVW, but I am not nearly ready for that yet. Thanks for your time.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 17:50 — Ryan (not verified)

After reading the last part of your blog I felt compelled to say RIGHT ON. I have been on the indy wrestling scene for just over 6 years and I have seen alot of wrestlers come and go. I always try to tell the new wrestlers coming in that if you want the chance to be great watch Ricky Steamboat, Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes and Bob Backlund for in ring ability and watch Jake Roberts and Brian Pillman for Psychology. I guess most of them probably never took my advice because most of them are not around any more. I myself became a wrestler because of Brian Pillman and I always believed that an average size wrestler could make it with the right amount of heart. I also believe that drama is key to making yourself a great performer. I have tried all sorts of styles but my style is mix of Benoit and Bret Hart. I am as old school as I can be but I like to create drama which personally I see lacking in a lot of wrestlers today especially on the indy scene. My trainers were hell bent on respect and psychology which I think are the most important aspects to have next to actually being able to wrestle. When I was first brok into wrestling I was bumping on wood and concrete floors and doing high risk moves. After about two years of that my body started to hurt and I was only 20. So I started to develope myself to be more of a technical style but I was still 190lbs in which the fans were expecting me to do over the top moves. Now I am up to 230lbs and it makes more sense that I am more technical. I guess I rambled a little Mr. Ross but, I just want to say that in my opinion and I am sure yours too that Psychology needs to be utelized more and in order to have the next Superstar they need to have psychology which I think is lacking in todays wrestling schools. JR you are 100% right that more wrestlers need to watch some old school and soak it up like a sponge. Thanks for your time.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 17:46 — TJ. (not verified)

JR, I coud not agree with you more as to te cynics & "reporters" posting rumors as fact, & the like, on their sites. However, you must admit that when WWE's own Website reports this news as well, coming after these other sites seems a bit bad timing. Likewise, I find myself solidly behind you as far as choosing the great technical man (among whom I include at least Benoit, so you can't solely toss current stars as being out of that group) over the "high spot"/"holy s***" guys (though I must admit I am a huge Jeff Hardy mark). However, again, there is another side in what you've specifically said, since choosing names like Flair (given some of his work since resurfacing in WWE) & Rhodes (more his TNA work) proves that they have strayed somewhat from their great "style of the days of yore" to the newer mentality. (Three Words: Flair Ladder Match".)

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 17:30 — Lee (not verified)

JR, I completely agree with you about what you have said above in regard to the need for new young stars and how they need to master their craft rather than trying to make a name through "holy s**t" moments. I would be interested to know your opinions on Ring Of Honor. I personally love the competitive matches I have seen at ROH, and also like the mixed crowd reactions. I was in attendance at Wrestlemania this year, and really loved the atmosphere during the main event, with fans being split 50/50. This may not have been the reaction WWE was hoping for, but I've never experienced a match where the crowd were so into it. I didn't see a single person sit down throughout the whole match. I'd like to see more of that in wrestling - moving away from the traditional good guy/bad guy roles to some extent and letting fans decide who they like.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 16:25 — Brad (not verified)

J.R., Excellent article. I truly enjoy listening to you call the action every Monday night. Though I'm only twenty eight years old, wrestling, and in particular the WWE, has been a passion of mine since I was three years old. I don't think you've lost touch with anything at all. I'd love to see you on the WWE creative team, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that thought. Thanks for doing such a great job J.R.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 16:17 — forte anglley (not verified)

In reference to Cpl. Kirchner's reported "demise", every report on every website I saw had "WWE.com reports" in the story. A lot of finger-pointing and "It's not my fault" apparently going on here. Bottom line is Vince McMahon hired Mike Kirchner over 20 years ago. He would know that Thomas Spear was not Cpl. Kirchner, but he obviously doesn't pay attention to his own website. I'm sure flexing his ass in his mirror doesn't allow time for that.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 16:02 — soumik roy (not verified)

I AGREE WITH U J.R.I M A 22 YEAR YOUNG GUY AND I M WATCHING WRESTLING FOR THAN MORE THAN 8 YEARS.I M FROM INDIA AND I THINK U MIGHT NOT HOPE THAT THERE R MANY GUYS LIKE ME WHO LOVE WRESTLING SPECIALLY OLD SCHOOL WRESTLING.NOWADAYS WWE DIDN'T GOING WELL WHAT I FEEL AND I MISS THE STONECOLD ERA THE ROCK ERA,AND ITS BEEN GREAT TO SEE THE WWE HALL OF FAMERS THAN THE YOUNG WRESTLERS WRESTLING.U R TRUE THAT EVERY TIME WE SEE THE LEGENDS IN THE RING IT FEELS GREAT.WWE SHOULD BRING THE FORMER SUPERSTARS FOR THE FANS SPECIALLY FANS LIKE ME AND I CAN GUARANTEE THAT RATINGS WILL BE MUCH BETTER THAN THE PRESENT RATINGS.I KEEP ON CHECKING WRESTLING WEBSITES AND I THINK WWE IS KILLING THE PRESENT FOR THE FUTURE.I HOPE I WILL BE ABLE TO SEE AUSTIN,ROCK,HOGAN,BILLGOLDBERG AND OTHER WWE HALL OF FAMERS IN FORM AND IN ACTION FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS HERE IN WWE.THANKS. URS TRULY SOUMIK

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 15:34 — Jesse (not verified)

Exelent column, I agree with everything you said. Another good thing I have noticed about some off the legends is that they are not just there to get used as a punching bag like they have in recent years, it's great to see guy's like Piper or Dusty once in a while and it brings back some great memories.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 15:32 — Mo (not verified)

JR, I agree 100% on everything you had said. Lets face it, today's superstars really don't have the ability to tell a compelling storlyine during a match or even during a fued for that matter. The only wrestlers I can think of at the moment which do have these abilities are HHH and the Undertaker but they both need the right superstars to work with.. And with today's generation, I don't think it's possible for it to work. The Attitude Era and the Golden Era were both filled with storylines and had the right superstars who were able to get the crowd going when we the fans tuned in at 9P.M. to watch RAW. Stone Cold,Rock,Undertaker,Hogan,Bret,HHH,HBK,and many other greats were able to keep you on your feet no matter how good or bad the day was for you. The WWE needs a BREAKOUT star desperately in order to succeed in today's day and age. If it doesn't get done sooner or later than I believe the WWE will be gone.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 15:26 — Jeremy (not verified)

I agree 100%. Holy **** moments are nice once in a while, but they shouldn't be all the match is *coughTNAcough* I'd much rather see a Benoit wrestle a great match with someone like The late Eddie Guerrero (R.I.P). These two had a great match at ONS 1. Some people get on Cena's case because because of his moves in every match he does. I've noticed that he doesn't do some of his moves that he used to do as a heel. He may not have the biggest arsenal of moves, but the moves he does, he does well. I don't see him messing up or anything like that. Cena has potential that's not fully at it's peak yet IMO. WWE does have "some" guys that can be future legends possibly, but they need more. Carlito is someone that comes to mind. I admit I never liked him before but he grew on me rather quickly. There is just something about him that says star. I'm glad Jeff Hardy is back as well, he looks better than ever in the ring. I look foward to seeing who Jeff faces at Cyber Sunday (Come one Carlito) I like that WWE has a mix of everything. Wrestling is good and all, but sometimes you need comedy or drama outside the ring to break the monotony of the show. You can have a great match, and at the same time tell a story. That is missing with most wrestlers today. I also have a problem with ungrateful wrestlers. WWE paves their way to stardom, then they leave and then bite teh hand tha tfed them. Too many wrestlers are in it for themselves. I like how there are people like Undertaker who will put aside titles, and help put younger talent over. You not only helping your career by improving yourself in the ring, you are helping everyone elses career that you face. Not only do the new guys most of the time need to study wrestling, the veteran wrestlers should also try to help those younger guys. You are also doing it for the fans as well. Big muscles are nice, but that is not everything. Benoit and Eddie Guerrero are examples of that, or even a Chris Jericho. Hoping for another 700+ RAWS. Thank you for all the great times J.R. and WWE.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 15:26 — Frexyboy (not verified)

Yeah, i agree JR, however I'm not sure I understand the Holy S**t moments you're talking about. If its the one moment of throwing a big man from a great height style then I'm in complete agreement. But if it's London flying through the air doing 4 twists a back summersault and then land on his feet then i think you're wrong. The sport of wrestling is changing and i think for the WWE to keep going then they need to embrase the kind of wrestling that TNA and ROH started doing. Admittadly TNA now seem they are becoming the WWE graveyard but when wrestlers like Kid Kash (I know he screwed himself over)Paul London and Jimmy Yang (Wtf is that gimmick about tho) come through so strong they don't seem to be used to their full potential. And if they were I'm sure they would have huge money making potential, just like the Hardy's were a few years ago. Again stars that have proved themselves seem to get some of the weakest storylines or not used at all. Benoit, Kane (definately) and even 'Taker. The Great Khali is a great example of this, all he is, is a man that is big. In no way is he a wrestler, he has no charisma, he can't speak on the mic, and he can't sell a move. How is it fair on the truly talent wrestlers out there that he is in the spotlight. I always wonder how people like him are put in the WWE games. What move set would you give him?!? I know I've drifted between RAW and Smackdown, and altho RAW has the much stronger card, both i believe need some new stars coming through. Someone really needs to take notice of what the fans want eventually, and as previously mentioned a storyline that involved Kane getting his mask back on would go over big with the crowd. Cheers JR, keep up the good work. -Rob Smith-

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 15:16 — Steve Burns (not verified)

J.R. I think you are right with the lack of talent on any given program. However I disagree with your take on "why". I believe that the younger stars of today are not given the chance to "break out" on thier own due to the writers interference. All of the talent should be given a few key points to hit, then sent out to do thier own interviews. I think that the WWE staff has interfeared to much on the talent. Your writers don't have a clue sometimes and should be the ones studying old tapes. I'll put it to you this way. If writers had been writing all the interviews for The Rock, how would he have turned out? Bland and flat. So with that being said, how does a young talent take a further step? How do they develop thier character into a persona that they thierselves can own, and not just spout out a script some writer wrote for them. I may be off based and have a totally skewed vision of backstage, I'm not an insider, but am merely a fan who researches alot. On them taking the "easy way". You're probably right, and I have no comments or thoughts that differ with you on that. I just know that the WWE has been far less interesting after Austin and Rock left. Thanks, Steve

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 15:09 — WooTheWiz (not verified)

While I agree whole-heartedly with the sentiment that J.R. is trying to portray in his latest "blog," on the same hand, I can't help but feel that the WWE as a whole is at least partially responsible for the lack of main event pool, as well as the over-abundance of "holy s**t" moments, as during the late 90's "Attitude" era, there was an attempt to have at least one per episode of Raw. Not to mention WWE's continued failures at recognizing the history of this business. Owning footage of past organizations is great, as is making money off of it. But there is no trace to the product of UWF or Mid-South, or even to an extent the early Jim Crockett Promotions stuff in what WWE is offering today. I say this, even while watching the current product basically every week on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday Nights. There is no true alternative to the WWE's style of programming. However, being as steeped in historical assets, you would expect someone to be, at the very least, the level of a Magnum TA, or a Tully Blanchard, or even of a Barry Horowitz at this point. It's not that I would go back to having the ol' Saturday morning "Superstars-era" squashes, but I would certainly enjoy a level of wrestling in a company that implies wrestling down to its very name. Instead we're offered up a glammed-out, homogenized version of three separate "alternatives," one of which you honestly couldn't tell the difference between the other if there weren't different logos and ring skirts. Raw is supposed to be the most "Hollywood," while Smackdown is supposed to be more "work-intense," while ECW is supposed to be "extreme." And yet, each looks the same. While ECW has been given a slight alteration to the other two, you can still tell that it's far from the original ECW product, which not only drove fans of the original "ECW" away, but has been dulled to the point of simply being another arm of the corporate machine. "Extreme Rules" shouldn't be special in a "brand" with EXTREME in the name. J.R., I love your blogs, and I love that you're a company man. Keep up the good work, and your positive outlook.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 14:59 — Lena Lambert (not verified)

Thanks JR I have been watching you on TV for more years than I care to think about. I am in your age group and agree with you 100% about the state of wrestling today! I was a die hard WCW fan. Ric Flair is the man! No one does it better! His wrestling and mic skills are second to none! i love the wrestlers like Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Kidman, Rey Booker T.( Long may he reign!)I loved it when you had three or four wrestling promotions to chose from! I watched them all! Wcw was my favorite because they came to the smaller cities. They came to FT Hood when I was stationed there. MId South and WCCW from Dallas always came to FT Hood also.I remember the Von Erich's A skinny Sherri Martel among others. Oh I think I"M going to cry thinking about the greats of the past. I really like Cena, Edge, and Benjamin among other stars of today. Although I don't think any of them are the complete package. Any way keep up the good work. You are one of the main reasons I still watch Raw! I put Michael Cole and JBL on mute! Mainly because of JBL!

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 14:57 — Christian (not verified)

JR, you are correct in many parts. batista was hand crafted from triple h, randy orton too. just a few years ago three wwe main event superstars were created (batista, orton, cena) and what superstars have been created that can live up to them currently? cm punk is the only one, it took him one show to create him into a "superstar". wwe needs to start listening to the fans on the internet in order to improve their product, it seems you dont care anymore. THANKS JR.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 14:39 — Ryan (not verified)

J.R. you are the greatest and tell it like it is. I am about fed up with seeing the Spirit Squad, Jimmy Yang Whatever, etc. That is just pure crap. Splitting up the shows has contributed to this dearth of talent. Edge is garbage too. You are now ahead of Tony Schiavonne as the greatest announcer of all time.

Wed, 10/25/2006 - 14:37 — Aj Love (not verified)

I've been watching WWE or WWF for about 9 years now every week. It all started when I saw an Austin 3:16 shirt and asked what is that. Even today's superstars don't have what the Stone Colds, the Rock, or what Hogan had. They seem to lack that extra edge. I've noticed that the crowds are harsh to even the babyfaces that WWE wants to push, I say if they don't like you then you don't like them. Just as the Rock did, I love John Cena but every time I watch a paper view at a bar the people hate him. He should say screw the people, if they don't like you so what. That is what makes a star, giving the crowd what they want. And even if they hate you they will still cheer after a hard fought battle when you've lost all your blood and gave them their monies worth. In closing I would say that there is a lot of young talent that I hope make it. We see to many stars come and go, and when I hear that wrestlers are let go because of story lines it makes me sad. I thay thought Gunner Scott resembled Benoit then let Benoit show the young man different. I also hope one day Randy Orton will become a face because thats what the fans want. He could start taking out the heel legends. But all in all J.R. you are right, when Hogan wrestled Orton it was just as exciting as ECW. The old way of wrestling makes the crowd love or hate a guy much better than blood and bumps.