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

It’s always good to arrive safely at home here in Norman, Oklahoma but I sure enjoyed my two full days in Tennessee, starting with Unforgiven in Memphis, Sunday, and then on to Nashville on Monday for Raw, where the King and I made the drive up and back, about 400 miles, which allowed me to actually take one flight home from work this week. I felt like I got my hand raised with not having to take multiple flights to and from work this particular week. Small things make veteran travelers happy, especially when one is on an airplane about 50 weeks or so each year. My Sooners are rolling and I plan on traveling over to Tulsa this Friday night to see OU play the Golden Hurricane on ESPN2 on a rare Friday night game. The young and talented Sooners are playing very well and have such a strong work ethic and competitive environment at practice that I do not expect any sort of lethargy against a Tulsa team dotted with Oklahoma high school kids who have most definitely looked forward to this game, since they signed their letters of intent. Saturday Stone Cold will be flying into OKC to make an appearance at the Monster Truck Show at the Oklahoma State Fair and tickets are still available for the event to be held at the State Fair Grandstand Friday night. Mrs. J.R. and I always look forward to visiting with our friend and are excited to show Steve our new Ba-B-Q place he has heard so much about. Steve has had plenty of our sauces as we keep him well stocked, but he has yet to try our food, which is the true test. Our business is still jumping and we had another great week entertaining our guests from Utah State University who were in town to play the Sooners. The Aggie fans from Utah were a wonderful bunch of folks who we enjoyed visiting with in our Bar-B-Q place. Speaking of Bar-B-Q and all the things that concerns, be sure and check out our on-line store for great offers on the World’s Greatest Beef Jerky, Sauces, and Merchandise. We also have some signed copies of our “J.R.’s Cookbook” for only $19.95 with FREE SHIPPING, which make great gifts. It’s Bar-B-Q feedback time: Matthew- I am not a lawyer, thank God, but I seriously doubt if the WWE will ever revert back to the WWF. The “brilliant” British court system made this ridiculous ruling while siding with the World Wildlife Fund a few years ago. Anthony Digangi- Thanks for the “uplifting” comment about the demise of ECW. I have no clue when the broadcast agreement with Sci Fi is up, but the Tuesday night show does a nice number as compared to other Sci Fi programming. I watch every Tuesday night. Jason- I would not doubt that Bruiser Brody used to carry cans of tuna with him while on the road. Frank was highly intelligent and took better care of himself than most of his peers. The big man was a head of his time and he would be printing money, if he were in his prime today, performing in the WWE. Check out the books on the enigma known as Bruiser Brody, especially the one co-authored by his wife Barbara Goodish. Sam- I never analyzed the HBK-Hulk Summerslam match as thoroughly as you apparently have, and probably won’t. I remember the match, enjoyed the match and prefer to leave it at that. I don’t know if HBK and Hulk care for each other, whatsoever, but would doubt if they will be exchanging holiday cards. These are two strong personalities who created some magic, whether they liked each other or not. I thought Michaels was particularly amazing in that bout. Stu- I never got to know Sandman really well but had a few conversations with him and always enjoyed shooting the breeze with the ECW Original. I am sorry that Sandman is no longer in the WWE but those things happen for a reason and not just for the hell of it. Sandman worked hard and many fans seemed to like his unorthodox style. Who’s to say The Sandman won’t be back in the WWE some day?? Andre- My employment status has zilch to do with our Bar-B-Q website. I still feel confident that the WWE and I will be able to come to mutually beneficial terms in the future. Nonetheless, this website has nothing to do with the WWE. Derek- Thanks from one fellow Okie to another for serving our country in the U.S. Navy. I am a fan of tournaments in wrestling especially one night tourneys on regular TV or PPV’s. Nonetheless, the bottom line of any successful TV show, free or paid, is talent…the performers themselves. The more highly skilled, established superstars one has to utilize, the better, which is not the case at the moment in the business. I think tournaments are reality based and the more reality based sports entertainment can be the better in my view. Ron- I don’t see the WWE going back to single branded PPV’s any time soon, as I think the tri-branded events provide the fans more bang for their buck. With the rosters so thin it also would not surprise me to see some cross over from the three brands on the weekly shows but that is simply a personal observation and nothing any one has discussed with me. Brandon- I have no clue why Dallas has not had a PPV in a while, however I am sure that Big D will be back in the PPV business in 2008. My own home market of OKC does not have an event scheduled in the entire year of 2007, so I am the wrong guy to be bemoaning to that a specific market hasn’t had a major event. I would love to see Dallas host a Wrestlemania in the new Cowboys’ Stadium some day for the record. Robert- I do not remember Leo Burke wrestling in the WWE, back in the day, but I know Leo was a great trainer of young talent and may still be depending on his health. Bret “Hitman” Hart was a big supporter of Leo’s work. That’s good enough for me. Bryan- I do not agree that J.R. wrestling Gordon Solie in a video game is a good idea. It actually goes against both our philosophies, to be honest with you. A little wrestling comedy goes a long way with me and that would not be a good representation of the business, but just plan silly. Shadow- I keep hearing that stealing coaching signs like the New England Patriots did against the NY Jets is something that is done on a regular basis in the NFL. That still doesn’t make it right and I applaud the NFL Commissioner for nipping this matter in the bud. Cheating is cheating…bottom line. Taylor- I am under the impression that WWE 24/7 is solely a product that is to be distributed via cable and not satellite at this time. I assure you that WWE 24/7 is must see wrestling TV. Jason- Is Psycho Sid a potential WWE HOF’er? Not for me to say, but if I had to say one way or another I would suggest it would be a long shot. Jared- The lack of “stables” or “factions” is a by product of the overall lack of depth that currently exists within the business. This lack of quality depth is a serious issue that needs to be rectified ASAP. I know it is an issue many are aware and working on solutions. I do think that some veteran talent could be better utilized until younger stars take hold. Greg- What ever happened to the European Title? I “think” it is in the trunk of Howard Finkle’s car. O.K. maybe not. Is this title missed? Rod- Moving the amount of people, equipment, etc to Australia for Monday Night Raw would be challenging, even though we have done such productions in the UK which is a shorter trip from the States. I would venture to say that a Raw will some day emanate from “Down Under.” Until then, just enjoy the tour’s you get to see and have fun. Chris- I never wanted to be a fireman, but I did want to be a cowboy once upon a time. The best book I ever read is the Bible, but I am embarrassed to say I don’t read it enough. I do love reading biographies and especially enjoy reading about the history of OU Football and about Oklahoma native and the greatest athlete who ever lived, Jim Thorpe. Sorry, my dingy expertise is lacking, so I don’t’ know how many football players would fit into one. But really provocative questions though Chris. Brad- I assume you are saying that because of my personal “principles” I should not renew my WWE contract because I happen to personally like more wrestling and less talk, which is usually not the norm on Monday Night Raw? I don’t think I am sacrificing “love for money.” It is simply a job within the entertainment field that I have been involved in for many moons and nothing more. My job isn’t my “life.” My family and friends are my life and I have no greater gift than my health, which far outweighs my opportunity to appear on the flagship broadcast of the WWE on a worldwide basis every week. Mr. X- If that is your real name, the Rock simply changed professions which, last I looked, aren’t illegal or immoral. Your view of the Rock’s movie skills are your opinion, which you have a right to express. I think Rock loves making films better than the constant travel and physical toll wrestling takes on one’s body and personal life. Considering I communicate with Rock on a somewhat regular basis and you most likely don’t, I can conclusively tell you Rock has the wrestling business in his blood, but he has simply moved on to other career opportunities. Why is that so wrong? When I was younger and if I had the chance to work in football full time I would have most likely left wrestling to follow that particular path. I guess that makes me the scourge of the earth doesn’t it? Andy- HBK is doing amazing well with his physical recovery and I expect to see him back before the end of this calendar year, perhaps even by Survivor Series if we are all fortunate. I sure miss HBK’s skills and talent on Raw. Jason- Ric Flair has not walked away from the WWE and if I were forced to make a friendly wager I would expect we will see Ric again much sooner than later. At least, that is my hope. Eric- Headlining Wrestlemania is there for the taking by someone but I don’t know who or when. I damn sure would not eliminate Punk or Morrison from consideration nonetheless. Each young man has a ways to go on their professional journeys but both men are really talented and innovative. Sy- I have never heard that Shelton Benjamin was told to cut back on the risks or to slow down with his in ring activities. Shelton is so gifted and simply needs to mentally decide that he will not be denied and that he will become a main event level star and refuse to take no for an answer. I love Benjamin’s potential. But as I have said potential won’t buy the groceries over the long haul. Durban Knight- I have revisited the Montreal issues of 1997 all I care to. I have moved on…a long time ago as a matter of fact. With my farming, Oklahoma background, I refuse to beat a dead horse. Let’s just say it wasn’t a typical or fun day “at the office”. Lee- I absolutely agree that Jeff Hardy would potentially make a great WWE Champion. We need to see more of Jeff’s personality as his in ring stylings is unique and marketable. Barring any untimely injuries or other unforeseen issues, Jeff’s greatest days should be a head of him. Philip- The biggest surprise at our Bar-B-Q Restaurant thus far has been the amount of repeat business we are blessed to have and the fact that we are doing record numbers based on our projections without ever having a “Grand Opening” or doing any formal advertising. Our team at the “Q” do an amazing job and I tell them that every day. People do a better job for the company they work for it they are given positive re-enforcement and the occasional pat on the back. Novel idea, huh? Mark- I believe totally in the overall health and well being of every performer/athlete in this business. I would have no issue if there was a zero tolerance policy as it relates to illegal drug use and B.S. doctor’s prescriptions. Period. Recruiting and training intelligent, highly skilled athletic men and women of all sizes shapes and forms will only make the business better as it would allow company’s to stay away from con artists and individuals who have been taking short cuts all their lives and care nothing about the team but only about themselves. Jeremy- Any talented, non-contracted wrestler you see on the Indy circuit is apt to show up in the WWE some day. As we have discussed, there is no over abundance of talented wrestlers out there that are available to be signed so the men you mentioned should have as good as chance as any one if they take the proper steps to reach their destination. Judd- Outraged Savage fans should simply chill. I would venture to say that the vocal minority of Savage fans who have taken the mantra of getting Savage into the WWE HOF is taking these developments, or lack thereof, much harder than Randy himself. Garry- Stars of the 80’s would blow the vast majority of wrestlers of today away and would definitely be HUGE stars in today’s marketplace. Race, Rhodes, DiBiase, Steamboat, Midnight Express, R ‘n R Express, etc would all be wealthy individuals if they were in their prime today and many wrestlers who do have full-time jobs in wrestling would be looking for work. Tracey- Much like many entertainment entities and sports franchises, wrestling goes thru golden periods and slower periods. I am a firm believer than great talent overcomes all ills. Today’s marketplace has many talented individuals working at various jobs within the biz but the talent rosters are simply being rebuilt, by and large. Big Dan- I have not heard from “The Great One,” aka The Rock, since OU defeated his Canes 51-13 a couple of weeks ago. His “wounds” will heal and we will be back rolling. Paul- Mike Rotunda’s role back stage is like that of an assistant coach and he is good at it. Mike’s son is the starting center, I believe, for Troy University who recently defeated Oklahoma State University. Samer- I rarely ever call a wrestler by anything other than what I call them on TV. Mile High- Thanks for the Tony Gonzalez Bell’s palsy info. Not a fun thing to endure, especially if one is a TV personality, where look and youth are valued more than experience and talent. Scotty- I feel badly when I see wrestlers put into uncomfortable roles they are not prepared to handle whether it be in the ring or behind a mic. Generally speaking, wrestlers who can’t “act” but are put into positions to do so stand out like a pimple on prom night. Brandon- Haystacks Calhoun was “an attraction” and like Andre the Giant was better utilized sporadically rather than seeing ‘Stacks every week. Calhoun was sort of an ornery cuss but I don’t think he really ever felt well, he died of diabetes I think, and his self esteem was in the toilet as his obesity was always the center of any discussion involving him, it seemed. If you come to our place, I suggest you order the ribs…..the brisket…..and the turkey….for starters. Shon- If you signed a contract for 50K all you need to do is divide $50,000 by 52 weeks and that is your weekly check. Russell- If I were ever turned out to pasture or retired, I doubt if I would remain officially in the business. I have too many other interests that would require my time. David- I will definitely be attending the OU-Texas game on October 6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I will fly into Chicago early Sunday morning, following the game, for the No Mercy PPV. The question regarding the WWE getting Sting on their roster is a question better asked of Sting and the WWE officials. My guess….highly unlikely. I strongly believe and will, until proven differently, that there is much more to the Benoit Family tragedy than we are being told. The handling of the crime scene, for example, is considered by some to be a joke. I simply don’t think this matter was as cut and dried as the media portrayed it to be. Aggie4Life- I don’t know that creative had any factor with Sandman being released. I think Sandman would agree with that as well, but nonetheless, Sandman worked hard and could be back on the team again some day. Who knows? Only one man’s opinion, but getting “disgusted” over a wrestling persona might be the wrong hill to die on, but I could be wrong Aggie. Do you think that Coach Fran cares? Razz- James Laurinaitis is a real stallion, as the starting middle linebacker for Ohio State University. The junior, the son of Road Warrior Animal, had a huge game against Washington last weekend and may have nudged himself one step closer to declaring for the NFL draft after the season. If the money is there, James should take it, as he and I discussed when I last saw him in Columbus around Labor Day. # 33 is a great kid who is we going to be a big time NFL player, barring injuries, and might even make it into the ring some day. Matt N. – I would love to franchise a Bar-B-Q place in Toronto some day. If we keep growing it could happen. The sky is the limit when one gets into franchising which is where we want to go with our concept. Gordon- Thanks for stopping at our Bar-B-Q place on your way to Texas. We really appreciate the business and the kind words regarding our food and service. We are sure trying hard to make J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q a special place. John- I love the spirit of the LSU Bengal Tiger fans but a few of them, o.k. a large amount of them, got drunk (many of us have been there) and made asses of themselves after beating OU in the Sugar Bowl a few years ago. I know that those drunks were the exception and not the rule as it relates to LSU football fans. I do sincerely appreciate the tailgate invite as I LOVE Cajun food from all my memorable years in Louisiana working with Mid South Wrestling. I will say this, IF LSU makes it to the BCS National Title Game in New Orleans, they will be damn tough to handle. Maybe too tough. Jim- West Virginia has a great football team, but I don’t think they will make it to the big dance on January 7 in the Super Dome. Right now USC and LSU seem to have the inside edge, unless they stub their toe along the way, which can happen I assure you. The Mountaineers have a super team, nonetheless, and are very well coached. But who can predict the future…perhaps we will have a West Virginia vs. Oklahoma bowl game this year. Keep your succinctly worded feedback/questions/comments coming our way. Thanks for the business and for taking a moment to visit out on-line store and to be our guest at J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q in Norman, Oklahoma USA. Be well everybody. BOOMER SOONER! J.R.