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

Steve Austin enjoyed three days of Oklahoma hospitality last week in Norman at our humble abode that was highlighted by attending the Oklahoma Sooners Big 12 win over Texas Tech Saturday night. Steve arrived Thursday evening after flying in from New York City where Wednesday night he and many WWE executives screened Austin’s new film “The Condemned” that will be released on April 27, 2007. For those keeping score at home, Wrestlemania is April 1, 2007 at Ford Field in Detroit. April 2007 is a huge month for the WWE and one would assume that Austin will have a still undetermined role at Wrestlemania in Detroit. (Duh) After an evening Thursday of enjoying some libations at Louie’s Sports Bar and Grill on the west side of Norman and closing the establishment down, we prepared for a big football weekend with the Sooners. Louie’s was packed Thursday night as the word of Steve Austin being there sort of leaked thanks to some of my over exuberant friends. Steve had a helluva time his first night in town as did yours truly and many of my pals. On Friday, OU Head Coach Bob Stoops hooked us up with all access passes for the Tech game. We had a nice visit with the coach in his office on Friday afternoon prior to the OU practice that we also attended. Steve talked to the OU team after practice and encouraged them to open a “Can of Whip Ass” on the Red Raiders which was to be Steve’s first ever OU game to see in person. To say the players responded with enthusiasm to see Steve and to hear his encouraging words would be a major understatement. Steve really was impressed with Coach Bob Stoops and appreciated the coach’s hospitality and genuineness. Bob Stoops is a great man and Stone Cold got to experience what I am fortunate enough to enjoy on a regular basis. Moving to Norman was the best move the Mrs. and I ever made and I only wish we had done it “Sooner”. On Saturday, Steve and I hung our at J.R.’s BBQ trailer near the stadium and enjoyed meeting many OU and wrestling fans. I have never seen so many camera phones in my live! Plus we had a huge day at our trailer selling BBQ brisket sandwiches and pulled pork sandwiches. As a matter of fact, we ran completely out of food about 20 minutes prior to kickoff! Stone Cold and I hung out on the OU sideline during the first half of the game and then moved up to one of the suites to watch the second half which saw OU rebound from a 7 point deficit to win by 10 against a talented Tech team to run the Sooners season record to 8-2. (Man, that screw job finish at Oregon really looms large here in Norman these days.) After the game we enjoyed the hospitality of former OU and Dallas Cowboy Head Coach Barry Switzer in his home and had maybe one or two (who’s counting) cold beers. Stone Cold and Coach Switzer hit it off famously and had a great time visiting. I think their conversation and interaction would make a great DVD! Then it was back to Louie’s Westside where we socialized with OU coaches and fans until closing time. Stone Cold was in rare form for the three days and signed a ton of autographs, took a bunch of photos, and answered the same questions over and over about when or if he was going to wrestle again. It was amazing at how many people said they don’t watch as much wrestling any more now that Austin isn’t a part of the proceedings. They meant it too. Steve said this would be an annual trip for him which sounds great to me. The “Bottom Line” is that we had a great time, had a chance to catch up on each others lives, discuss the future, and had more fun than anyone probably deserves to have. Oh, Hell Yeah! J.R.