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

Greetings from Jolly Old England!

Sat, 04/21/2007 - 07:07 — J.R.

Posted in:

I arrived in London on Tuesday afternoon to beautiful weather and friendly WWE fans, who are anxiously awaiting Monday Night Raw from the sold out Earl’s Court. With only about a week or so to go until our next pay per view in Atlanta, things are beginning to heat up. This Monday’s Raw main event between John Cena and Shawn Michaels should be huge, especially as it relates to Backlash. I haven’t found a Bar-B-Q place yet here in London, but I am still searching. I went out with the TV crew last night and was talked into having some spicy Indian food, which I am still feeling today. We are staying next door to the Chelsea Football Stadium and watched the local team play last night on Sky TV from a local pub which was a fun experience. The UK football fans are just as passionate as American football fans so the atmosphere at the pub was a blast. Plus the Brits like their beverages! Chelsea has many qualities akin to staying in Manhattan, New York, not Kansas, with great shopping and restaurants. The WWE tour has been doing well which should come as no surprise. I will return to the States on Tuesday and will be home one day before I leave for Nashville for a short 2 day trip to do media for the upcoming Raw from Music City, which makes this April one our busiest months. Tonight I plan on watching the Milan Raw on Sky Sports 3. I can’t wait to experience the upset of the century as unknown Santino Marella shocked the world by winning the Intercontinental Title from Umaga which didn’t endear Bobby Lashley to Mr. McMahon. No one can ever say Lashley is lacking in guts when it comes to dealing w/ the Chairman of the WWE and I fully expect that there will be hell to pay for the ECW Champion this Monday and especially at Backlash. Today has been set aside for some sight seeing including a trip to the world famoius Harrod’s Department store, Big Ben and Parliament. I feel like Clark Griswold in European Vacation except Russ and Audrey aren’t along for the trip. Except for the expected jet lag, this trip has been an excellent adventure and one none of us will soon forget. I just wish I had brought more of our Beef Jerky as the crew has tapped into my Jerky stash which means they like it. I hope you will try it too by visiting our online store. The sales of the Jerky and our sauces has been awesome including many repeat customers. We really appreciate your business. I can’t wait until Monday as the UK fans here in London have been eagerly anticipating Monday’s Raw for quite some time as evidenced by the almost immediate sell out. Monday’s Raw should be one of the most fun crowds we have had the privilege we have had on hand in quite some time. All is good in the UK. Thanks for stopping by and please tell a friend about our site. Boomer Sooner! J.R.

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Comments

Fri, 04/27/2007 - 22:17 — James (not verified)

Question: HOW GOOD IS THE WWE PRODUCTION TEAM? AMAZING!!! I heard this one guy say one time: "THE WWE PRODUCTION TEAM IS 2nd to NONE WHEN IT COMES TO VALUE"!! Great Video package of the Michaels/Cena Wrestlemania Match!!! WHERE COULD I PURCHASE THAT SONG THAT WAS FEATURED ON THAT PACKAGE?? It sounded like "The memory will never die *acoustic* version"..A must have.... God Bless..

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 17:44 — Billy H. (not verified)

Hey JR! I just have a quick question...do you think, or know whether or not, that Mr. McMahon watches TNA? Just curious. Thanks!

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 17:01 — Wes (not verified)

JR, Could you tell us about your time in Smokey Mountain Wrestling and some of the great superstars that territory produced. I see that one as the last great of the old school territories in the south. And speaking of SMW, were you around when Jim Cornette snapped on a Dairy Queen worker? There is a video of it on Youtube.

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 15:01 — r.k. (not verified)

im wondering why the worlds number one sprts entertainment business hasnt set up a style of show or event with what has been deemed on a number of occasions, the worlds best amusement park, Cedar Point, owned by Cedar Fair. it would be one of the greatest exposures for talent to be with fans. an average day brings in a good amount people. add that with wwe it would be a mind blowing event. just food for thought i guess, maybe im retarded, but that would be a good day for more worlds than 1.

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 14:21 — Darren uk (not verified)

Hey JR ; I recently attended the WWE Smackdown TV taping in London England this past tuesday and was disgusted with how I was treated by WWE Smackdown star Mark Henry. Me and other WWE fans were waiting outside the arena before the show for over an hour to try and get some autographs. Then Mark Henry comes out and just walks straight through us telling us to move out of his way and he refused to sign anything. He then walked up the ramp and a fan shouted why didnt you sign anything ? and he just turned around and stuck a finger up at us. I always attend live WWE events in the UK but have never been so disgusted and upset at the way he treated us. I think he needs to remember that if it wasnt for us fans he would not get his regular paychecks. Many thanks Darren

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 13:29 — Michael McCarthy (not verified)

I was watching ECW this week (the episode where Punk did the GTS on Burke.) As I was watching those two talk back and forth in their segments that night I couldn't help but have this feeling like their program could be one of those great upper mid-card type fued that has the potential to really steal the show. Both can work the mic and seem to provide something pretty unique on it and both can work a great match. Not to compare them to the Rock and HHH but I feel like these two could be in a program like those two were in before they both entered the main event scene (for me highlighted by a stellar ladder match at Summer Slam.) Do you think that Burke and Punk could be future main event-type superstars? I would love to see the two of them fueding over the IC title or maybe a re-introduced ECW TV or other secondary-type title. Your thoughts?

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 13:28 — Russian Psycho (not verified)

Why aren't there any wrestlers with mustache taday in WWE? Is that Magnum PI style too "passe"?

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 12:19 — Davey - London (not verified)

Hey there JR, Please settle a bet between me and my mate. We were in attendence Monday night at earl's Court. My mate swears blind that Murdoch was attempting a Canadian Destroyer (TNA's Petey Williams finisher) whereas I on the otherhand think that he was attempting a Yoshi Tonic. The way in which Murdoch had hooked Matt's arms with his legs and the way in which it appeared that Murdoch was looking for a powerbomb type finish made a Yoshi Tonic type move the best bet. So please, if you can settle a bet. I should add, that whilst the move (whatever it may have been) did not land the way i assume it was meant to takes nothign away from the fact that it did look awesome and I for one would never have thought that Murdoch of all people would eb capable of such a move. I really hope that the ending does not have a impact on Murdoch being able to continue to use it. I would love to see it again and again. Love your work JR and your blog. Dave from London

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 11:33 — Stuart (not verified)

Jim Now England probably houses the best most modern up to date stadium in the world, Wembley Arena which holds circa 90,000 people, when will the WWE bring a major PPV over here e.g Summerslam or Wrestlemania. You have only got to see the success of Summerslam 92 and the raw and smalckdown broadcasts to know it could be a potential winner and it would be gr8 for us to be able to attend a major PPV without the cost of flying across the pond. What do you reckon?

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 08:34 — Dave - London (not verified)

Hey there JR, Just wanted to say what an awesome time I had this past Monday night at Earl's Court. RAW was a blast. I was abit disappointed that we didn't see the advertised Orton vs Edge match, but given the circumstances with orton I can fully understand why they never happened. I have not missed a RAW taping in the UK in the last five years, and whilst I can say that this past Monday's RAW was not the best it certaintly provided edge of your seat entertainment. If there is a better free TV match this year then I'll eat my hat. The Cena/HBK match had everything, and as I'm sure you were well aware of, the place exploded when HBK ot the pin. I'm just glad that I got to witness what will perhaps be a talkign point for many years to come. On a side note, what is happenign with Victoria lately, why is she getting buried week in week out? Victoria is without a doubt my favourite female performer and I have been a huge fan of hers pretty much sicne her debut. I was so pleased to see her in action at Earl's Court against Mickie and I was desperately wanting to see her break out the Widow's Peak for us live in London. However, that didn't happen, what did happen was Victoria losing yet again. Is Victoria in the doghouse or in the doghouse or something? She is desperately needed to help heat up the womens division. As great as Mickie and Melina are they cannot do it by themselves. Throw Victoria and perhaps Jillian into the mix then we have the foundations for something great. Anyway, hope you had a great time in London and I cannot wait until October when RAW is in Birmingham. I shall be making the trip from London for that one too. By the way, were you drinking in the Prince of Teck bar? My Brother swears blind he caught a glimpse of you as we were leaving the bar on Sunday night. Take care Dave from London

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 07:41 — John Henegar (not verified)

Cena and Michaels was a great match and only makes me look forward to Backlash and maybe another Michaels title run. Just got the Horseman DVD and it is "lightning in a bottle" and only makes you appreciate the original group that much more. But Paul Roma a Horseman??? I remember when it happened, didnt make much sense then, but in retrospect...it still doesnt make sense. And whats with his attitude toward Flair and the others, its not like he amounted to much compared to them anyway. So many great extras on this set. I am watching the Morton-Flair cage match and was just wondering. What ever became of Tommy Young? He is right up there in my book with the Hebners and Teddy Long as referees, and they always said he was from Detroit when he was at the local house shows here. It would have been cool if they could have got him in a match at WM23. Any ideas on where he is now?

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 07:25 — chris (not verified)

In response to ARICE...I don't think TNA has deep enough pockets for Randy Orton. And, as far as people on this blog talking about Randy's personal life...he works for WWE. He is on TV for WWE. HE IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF WWE. Seems he is an on air talent of WWE his personal life will be scrutinized. How he acts in and out of the ring has a direct effect on the image of WWE as a whole. That is what I think people are loosing sight of. If I were to go out and get arrested for possession or something stupid, I would be removed from my job with my employer. Because what I do outside of the office has an effect on the image of my company. that is how the business end of things are handled in situations like this. Besides.... how many chances will this guy get. Management does owe him anything...but a silver boat. I would give my right testicle just to referee a match and Orton is able to do this everynight. He is pissing everything away. JR... you did a fantastic job on Monday. I hope King will be able to do the other show. I read he was slightly upset about not being able to do it. HBK - Cena on Raw... one of the greatest back and fourth matches I have seen on TV in a long, long time. HBK can tell a story in the ring like no one else. 4-HORSEMEN, WOW... please reunite. Where is Mark Henry? Lashley seems to be still missing something...a spark... maybe it is because he seems calm each time he is on the mic... JR... I hope you have a safe trip home!!!!!! BACK ON U.S. SOIL and BBQ!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 06:03 — Thomas Bacon UK (not verified)

HEY JR I was at both tapings this week and I have to say thank you to everyone for two great nights of entertainment. I would like to add that while Randy getting sent home was sad news for some fans, I personally was over the moon with the extended CENA Vs HBK match -- THAT WAS AN AWSOME HISTORY IN THE MAKING CLASSIC worthy of PPV. Thanks again Tom

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 02:38 — Matt_Clough (not verified)

JR Im from manchester england, and i cant wait for smackdown to hit the M.E.N Arena in October!! Glad you enjoyed London, and there aren't many b-b-q shops!! best wishes

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 01:46 — Joe F (not verified)

hey jr. whatever do you think my favorite wrestler randy orton has burned the final bridge with wwe? I do not know the full details on what he did, but i would hate to see him get suspended again.. as i think he is a great talent.. i feel that TNA would love to add the spirit of saint louis to there roster

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 00:56 — Max (not verified)

JR, why did you have to say, "Maria has not been in Playboy YET"? You've got my hopes up, heh.

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 20:57 — Clinton (not verified)

Hi JR, Just wanted to say that Michaels vs Cena II was INCREDIBLE! The Showstopper proves once again that he is STILL the standard setter in the industry. Very impressed with Cena as well. I was just wondering why this match was given away for free on TV? This one-on-one Cena/HBK rematch had big money written all over it, and should have been the main event for Backlash. Why do you think the WWE Powers That Be chose to give it away?

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 20:50 — Ryan (not verified)

What are your thought on the HBK/Cena match from this past Monday???Everyone is calling the match of the year and I wholeheartedly agree!!!!THat match couldn't have gotten any better and I want totahnk them for putting on one great match!!!!

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 20:17 — Kay (not verified)

Is it me or was the April 23rd show the worse Raw in WWE history? I mean, my God, that was terrible! There were almost NO matches and the main event went on waaaay too long. And who cares about Cena and Michaels? If that feud was on Smackdown VS Raw 2006, in GM mode, it would be getting 3 thumbs down by now. I seriously think that Smackdown has become the A show lately. ECW, the B show and Raw C by default but only because I haven't seen Heat lately. And, HBK? Buddy? I think it's time to either get hair plugs or shave your head. Seriously. And I don't know about the rest of you but I'm a little sick of seeing McMahons monopolize TV time. Shane? You're almost as annoying as your sister of father. Nobody cares about you. You're boring. You're dull. The only person in WWE that is a worse wrestler is Cena. Get out of the ring. Bugger. Off. Thanks.

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 18:21 — TJ (not verified)

JR, are you hosting the upcoming WWE Ladder Match DVD?

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 17:39 — LP (paul Lathom) (not verified)

Hey Jr! Im from cornwall in britain and enjoyed the show from the confort of my sofa! I was hopeing you could tell me when and if i can see the condemned? Cheers Buh!

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 17:00 — M (not verified)

What's up with Randy Orton? The WWE site says merely, "the WWE has taken action against Randy Orton." What kind of action? And what for?

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 13:11 — Err38 (not verified)

JR, Billy want's to know what happened to The Edge Orton matchon RAW last night? What did Orton do this time? I thought the Cena HBK was one of the best I have seen on RAW.

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 11:41 — Alex Mikhail (not verified)

Wow thats how do do a main event in Raw...that show was much better than the Lashly Main Events this last month...nice commentating

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 11:37 — Yasmin R. (not verified)

Hey J.R! What did you think of the Cena/Michaels match this week on RAW? I have to wait to watch it on Thursday in the UK because I couldn'y stay up until 2am to watch it, that's when it was aired. How comes Edge didn't fight this week? And What is going on with Randy Orton? Love you J.R!

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 11:02 — Glenn H. (not verified)

What is the status of Randy Orton? How come he can't shake this "Jekyll & Hyde" persona that he has outside of the ring? I thought by him meeting his new girlfriend and getting settled in together, it would be a calming effect on him. He's a great wrestler and I don't want to see him throw it all away just because he can't control his "b**** fits.

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 10:57 — Nick (not verified)

JR I was wondering what did Randy Orton do to get unprofessional conduct again? Will he still be in the main event at Backlash?

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 09:40 — Jeffrey (not verified)

Hey JR. i like the new look of your website. very cool. Anyway i have a question. wht did lex luger do to have all these wrestlers hate him so much and consider him a disgrace to the buisness? i looked all over the internet and couldnt find an answer. hopefully you could shed some light on this.

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 09:26 — Racheal (not verified)

Hey J.R last nights raw was so so. the main event stated out really kind of slow but it picked up and turned out to be pretty good. I'm afraid cena is going to retain though I respect him and everthing but he needs to drop the belt him always having the title is getting old. plus could you update us on the Randy story when you get the time. I read a article that the wwe had already released him. I hope that isn't true he is one of my favorite wrestlers. thanks J.R. looking forward to smackdown and ecw

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 09:26 — Rob M (not verified)

Wow what an awesome rematch JR! That was one of the best matches in quite some time. I was just wondering your thoughts on it since you were able to see it live from beginning to end? Keep up the great work.

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 09:18 — jay (not verified)

Hey J.R., Hope your doing well. I just was wondering what is happening with Randy Orton, I think its a shame the talent he has and he is just throwing it all away, He just cant seem to get it right.....There are alot of wrestlers in DSW and OVW that would kill for the chance that Orton has.....anyway hope you have a safe trip back to the states and I will see you at Backlash

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 01:52 — Joe (not verified)

Hey J.R. I have to say, as much im sick of Cena being the champ, I have gained a lot of respect for him after his hour long match with michaels. He still isnt the greatest wrestler, but I can tell how much he is trying to improve and he tried a lot of new great stuff. What do the rest of you think? As much as a lot of us criticize Cena for his lack of skills, you have to admit, he put on a good show with michaels. This was the best Raw match I have ever seen and this blew the wrestle mania match away, these guys did everything possible. I wish raw did more of these long matches.

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 01:10 — arice (not verified)

I keep reading enternet rumors about Randy Orton, But I dont care what any one says Randy Orton has a great talent...He might be having problems out side of the ring but I really dont care because in the ring he delivers. So you enternet junkies please stop being haters. JIM ROSS, It's a shame that you got guys complaining on your blog about a man's personal life as if these guys lives are so perfect ! and it would be a shame to see randy go to TNA .

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 00:34 — arice (not verified)

wow ! what a great main event ! but could you please tell HBK to put his real wrestling attire back on......those Big Daddy Cool pants arent cutting the mustard.....OH and the WWE title dosen't even look serious....so if some one else wins it come backlash please change it back to the undisputed champion ship design,you wouldent want The Rock or Kurt Angle wearing the "smoking skull"champion ship would you ?

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 00:19 — Chris W. (not verified)

Hey JR second time commenting on the blog. Tonight's Raw was great!! I was so glad to see a main-event lenght match go down the way it should go down. With a definate winner and definate loser!! Kudos to the creative team!! Hey you're big in college football. What do you think about Nick Saban and the Alabama thing? I'm an Auburn fan living here in the state and it's amazing what ONE STINKING PERSON can do to a fanbase who are suffering through the darkest time in Bama history. They sold out their SPRING PRACTICE. As an Auburn fan I hope he bombs and grabs his suitcase and goes elsewhere...well just wanted an outside opinion. Totally random I know!!haha!! Thanks for a great Raw. Tell King I said hey. He's pretty awesome too!!

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 23:53 — Jim Belushi (not verified)

I gotta say that Cena-HBK WM rematch was one of the best matches I've seen on RAW in years. It was even better than the one they had at WrestleMania which was pretty good but this one was great. The only sucky part was of course the 5 commercials but that's understandable when it airs on cable TV. I am a bit upset though that I paid 50 bucks to watch WrestleMania and most of the matches are then given away for free just a few weeks later! It kinda devalues WM IMO. However, I'm not complaining cause that was a great match to watch for free though it should have been for the title! I think Cena deserves alot of respect for his performance and the people who still think he sucks need to open their eyes. He may not be the greatest wrestler ever but he put one heck of a performance out there probably his best match to date and it wasn't just HBK alone busting his ass out there it takes two to tango to have a good match. HBK is without a doubt one of the all time greats who for sure will have a place in the HOF. Anyway, every wrestling fan should go out of their way to rewatch that match I know I will. Great announcing also by you and the King. Hope the 4 way match at Backlash will be just as good just as long as Orton doesn't win!

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 23:35 — Donnie (not verified)

JR will Chyna be returning to the WWE? I keep hearing Rumors she will. Do you think she will ever return cause the fans miss her.

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 23:26 — Michael W. (not verified)

Are there any superstars who are getting drastically different reactions in Europe compared to what they're getting in the States? Certainly it will never be like the contrast that Bret Hart experienced, but I was curious if any current superstars are experiencing that.

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 23:22 — Sam Smith (not verified)

Vince McMahon: "Satan's role model." That was classic!

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 23:15 — THE I-MAN (not verified)

I think slowly a WCW group should be put together. I like the WWE days when there were more groups. Gave it a battle ground feeling. DOA, Nation of domination, ministry. I don't understand how you can think ECW is more marketable than WCW. Not to mention with the way ECW is being run, you can just take the E out of it.

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 23:02 — Alex B (not verified)

JR, I just wanted to know your thoughts on the awesome, greatest match on RAW ever, HBK vs Cena 2? I loved it, and to me, it was better than wrestlemania

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 22:57 — The Phenom (not verified)

JR thanks for your time to give us another blog entry! Here is my qustion: If Christian had stayed with the WWE for another 2-3 years, do you think he would be WWE Champion today? Thanks JR, and it had to be an honor to call that Cena HBK Match on Raw! That was a classic!

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 22:26 — Nate (not verified)

WOW.... Raw tonight... Greatest announcer ever... The greatest in-ring talent ever (HBK), and the coming of age of the Champ. Cena may have been a world champ now for a while.. but he needed that match. FIVE STARS. All that was good about pro wrestling was in that match.

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 22:05 — halee (not verified)

hi jr, what does it take to become a great wrestler? i am only 13 years of age but have the strength of a 30 year old. I know that sounds crazy but i could become the next trish or ashely.I also have the mental skills needed for such work.Most young kids have heros like martin luther king or great ones like that but my hero's are degeneration x members hbk and hhh.... sounds pretty crazy right? well nice talkin to you and hope you write back Thanks, Halee

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 21:55 — Bobby L. (not verified)

Final questions for this BLog: Howmany video cameras are utilized for Raw? Your director must go nuts for 2hrs 10 minutes every Monday Night. Also, are all of the photographers at ringside emplyeed by WWE.com and/or WWE Magazine? Or do they also work for local or national newspapers? thank you, and another excellent night of announcing by the HOFers....

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 21:42 — Bobby L. (not verified)

Just two more comments: Awesome match for Cena v. HBK. Had a PPV feel to it. Second, is there any other reason other than the CW not being a cable station that Smackdown! does not go live on Friday Nights. I think I remember Smackdown being taped once or twice earlier in the night on a Fri, but fans all know that it is taped on Tuesday;s before ECW on SciFi.

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 21:28 — Nolan (not verified)

Hi JR, During your commentaries on Raw why do you always act like Shane Mcmahon is some kind of great athlete or something? Is it because you have to or because you are kissing his backside? I like you and all but come on, Shane is okay, but lets face it, there are way better athletes and bigger risk takers than him in wrestling and the only reason he's given special treatment and opportunities is because he's Vince's son. Give other guys some credit. Shane Mcmahon is a spoiled little brat, a glory hog and a spot monkey. Sorry for venting, but I had to get it off my chest.

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 21:25 — Bobby L. (not verified)

I know that a lot of today's fans are not so much fans of technical wrestling, but I love it. I am 27 years old, and I have been watching WWE Wrestling for 24 years. I still love technical wrestling and have been happy to see Benoit v. MVP and Cena v. HBK turn into technical matches. I still don't like Cena, only because I think he rose too fast and still has a lot to learn, but I think HBK has been teaching him well. I see the same thing happening with MVP, as one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time, Chris Benoit has been teaching him well. That's all for now.

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 19:38 — AAron (not verified)

hey jim, im glad to hear your enjoying our country so much, beleive me the pleasure is ours. my question for you today is, do you think that the WWE will ever have a MAJOR ppv in the uk, such as a sumerslam. i think we could EASILY sell out a 80,000 seat arena (such as wembley, or other football stadium) and provide a hot summer atmosphere. perhaps even the millenium dome could house such a spectacle. what are your thoughts on this matter? keep up the good work. uk bbq fan!

Mon, 04/23/2007 - 18:00 — Matt Cresswell (not verified)

Glad to hear your enjoying yourself in England JRur American brothers are always very welcome!