J.R.’s Q&A
hello jr. my name is kyle hicks. i am 17 years old. i live in wichita, kansas. i have been watching wwe since i was a little kid. i was wondering. well, it has been a dream of mine to meet stone cold steve austin and undertaker. i love them. they are my favorite wrestlers. i have a rare skin disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa, eb for short. i can’t wrestle but i always watch. i was just wondering if you could help me meet at least one of them. please. here are some websites to visit about my diseease. http://www.debra.org, http://www.debra-international.com. thank you. my email addressis kthicks@cox.net.
I would suggest that you contact the WWE Community Service department and see what they can arrange. Austin is rarely on the road and the Undertaker works a somewhat less than full time schedule with Smackdown.
Hi JR, You must have been asked this question a million times but will Warrior (Hellwig) ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame? He had an amazing career and was a natural successor to Hogan. I did feel that the WWE DVD release on Warrior was not necessary. Was that not a ‘cheap’ shot at one of your biggest stars??
I don’t think Warrior is on the list of wrestlers who will never be in the HOF and if he were inducted, his live, unedited acceptancespeech most likely would be classic.
J.R, I’m am so excited to see Ric Flair go into the Hall Of Fame. I grew up watching “Naitch” and still pop in my copy of the Ric Flair DVD from time to time he is the greatest wrestler of my generation and if I had to pick anyone to induct him besides his kids it would be Arn Anderson the Pippen to Flair’s Jordan during the Horsemen glory days of the 1980’s one more thing that would be cool for WWE to do would be let Ric & Reid Flair have an tag team match together sort of a wrestling version of Ken Griffey Jr and Sr playing together in 1990 for the Mariners. Dan
I have heard of several names who might induct Ric including a family member, Arn Anderson, HHH and HBK. The decision is 100% Ric’s. HHH would be a good choice as I know he and Ric are close but one can certainly say that Double A will either be on the stage or in Ric’s heart. HBK might be a "long-shot".
JR, Do you think we will ever see the Undertaker open up more on the mic? I don’t expect American Badass type promos but at least a little more straight forward, impromptu stuff like he did in the Attitude era. He’s my all time favorite, but saying “Rest in Peace” after every time he talks gets a little repetitive. Joe Schmo
I think the current Undertaker persona is what it is and isn’t likely to ever drastically change.
Jim, I wanted to send this message almost one year ago today. However, I knew it would be caught up in every other “you’re the best” message around. The WWF is the reason I started on Pro Wresting. You are a big part of why I am still a fan today. Your early 90’s calls are still great, although I rarely have time to watch them these days. I am about to turn 30, which throws me into Jim Ross calling some great NWA/WCW action. It only got better as you helped peak WWE’s business in the late 90’s (with a little help). Thank you for striving to be the best in the business. Your entrance into the Hall of Fame as an announcer is bordering on Ric as a wrestler. Know that!
I would be honored to buy you a beer next time the crew is in Chicago. My fiance would like to come as well. Take Care and Thank You -Dave Otto
I appreciate your kind words Dave. The wrestling business has been a large part of my life for so many years and I like to think that I still have plenty to contribute on Monday nights but I also realize I can’t hold that seat forever.
Hey J.R. i watch raw every Monday and as i continue to watch it seems raw goes more downhill each week i miss the days with rock and austin and dx do you think that any of these tag teams/people will ever be back i know austin has made his appearances but the rock never shows up anywhere i thought he would be at the 15th anniversary for sure and he wasn’t is he suppose to be at wrestlemania this year
The Rock will be in Orlando for the HOF induction ceremony. It is incumbent upon the WWE to create new stars, new Austins, new Rocks, etc because to go back and retrieve the past isn’t generally feasible or realistic.
JR, Do you not think that Raw has always been above Smackdown in terms of main-eventers, and never more so than now? If we look at Raw, we see so many: Orton, HHH, Michaels, JBL, Jericho, Flair, Hardy (though don’t necessarily agree with that!), Cena, now looking like possibly Big Show as well, and others. Whereas Smackdown, in comparison, seems a bit devoid - Undertaker, Edge and Batista, fair enough, but who else? Other factors don’t help, like with Kane being underused, and Khali’s former push (why?) being in the past, but generally it seems the balance is totally wrong. How can Smackdown even hope to compete? Bringing in the ECW “brand” hasn’t helped at all either.
RAW is the WWE’s flagship program, so one would assume that RAW would been somewhat more star laden.The fact that more people are apt to buy PPVs via a cable show is well documented and RAW’s cable ratings are generally strong.
Hey J.R., Great column. Just curious, do you think the great Tommy Young will ever be inducted into the Hall Of Fame. I don’t think any referees are currently in it, and I think a few are very deserving of recognition. They can make or break a match, and I believe Tommy Young would be a great first induction for refs. Any news on his current whereabouts? Thanks for the great column.
Tommy was a superb official and has HOF skills but I don’t see him inducted in the WWE HOF any time soon. The last I heard Tommy was working in Charlotte and not involved in wrestling any longer.
J.R. First off, I want to say that I enjoy your blogs, and they are really great to read. Keep up the great work with your announcing. I tune into Raw for the entertainment, and to hear you and The King. Secondly, Do you think Owen Hart will ever be inducted into the hall of fame? He deserves it so much, and it’s a shame that he still isn’t in it, even 10 years after his tragic fall.
Do people never read previous posts? Yes, Owen Hart will be inducted into the WWE HOF most likely some day but italso most likely not include his widow or his children as a part of the ceremony by their choice.
I just got back from The Restaurant a few minutes ago and decided to finally stop “lurking” and post something. JR these are without a doubt the best ribs I have ever eaten. Your ribs have just been put on the same pedestal that I put steak on: if you put sauce on it, it’s ruined. Just wanted to throw that out there.
I’ve had a couple of things on my mind over the past few weeks as I was watching RAW and No Way Out. First, do you think that a finishing manuever “completes” a superstar’s package? I brought this up because I’ve been following Mr. Kennedy since he debuted on Raw. He was ok to watch, but he wasn’t spectacular like watching Triple H or John Cena. Now that he has The Mic Check, I have REALLY enjoyed watching him.
Second, one of the things I’ve found to be pretty distressing about the state of pro wrestling these days is the lack of submissions. I can count on 1 hand the number of guys who still use submissions to any great effect. Thoughts?
Stone Cold Steve Austin says that our ribs are the best he has ever tasted. That’s a heck of an endorsement but no more important than your comments, Jason. We take pride in serving great food, not average food, but great food. Finishing maneuvers are essential for any superstar to become recognized. Every big time player I have known has had a signature finishing maneuver and without one that identifies the hold and the talent the talent often times flounders.
Howdy J.R.! With the Hall of Fame inductions starting, and yourself and Mean Gene already in the HOF; Do you think we will see other legendary announcers like Alfred Hayes, Sean Mooney, Gordon Solie and Todd Petengil in the hallowed hall anytime soon? Cheers!
Solie absolutely. Alfred 50/50 at best. Most wrestling insiders don’t consider Mooney or Pettengill as "legendary announcers".
I always enjoy reading your columns.I have two quick questions.I was a huge fan of the Von Erich’s when I was a kid,I have heard they have been considered for the hall of fame a couple of times.Why6 haven’t they been inducted yet?Are there any plans on coming to St.Louis this year?
The Von Erich’s time will come. St. Louis is a two times a year,as a rule, stop for the WWE. Contact the arena and ask them.
yeah y thingf that the nature boy is th 1 of th top 10 best wrestlers of al time:
10:vince macmahon
9:jerry lawler
8:sting
7:kane
6:triple h
5:hbk
4:stone cold
3:the undertaker
2:hulk hogan
1:flair
Interesting list especially #10.
Mr Ross, I am proud to say that you will always take the prize in my heart as the best commentator the world has ever seen and i believe you deserve the respect of all wrestling fans around the world for everything you have done in your life, the amount of times i have cried with joy hearing you announce an amazing moment in a WWE match is something that nobody will ever be able to take away from me.
This may seem like a while ago now but i was so, so happy to see you inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
I admire your passion and hope to someday find my place in the world in which i feel so passionate about.
This may come across as a strange and personal question but do your wife and kids enjoy Wrestling as much as you do, (that’s assuming you enjoy your job) and do they watch you every week on Monday Night RAW?
If they do then how do you suppose i can get my girlfriend to start watching wreslting with me?
Thank you in advance for your time, And if i ever see you in person i will be sure to shake your hand in respect for everything you have done.
Not unlike any other TV show, to enjoy Monday Night RAW per se one has to emotionally invest in the characters which is a function of the talent being good at what they do and the viewer being willing suspend one’s disbelief and not over analyze theprogram.
hey jr once again another question for you. what is the plans with cena are they trying to make him out to be like hulk hogan of the 80’s where they kept the gold on him for a long time. was just wondering what the plans where with him. thanks for your time. untell i see you soon on the tv screen thanks
Beats the hell out of me. Cena sell tickets and merchandise and if it were up to me I would not change a thing about his persona.
been watching wrestling for 35 years -was reading ric flair’s book -about wrestlers who take cheap shots at each other -guys like van vader -have wrestlers even gone off script and started a real fight in the ring ?
It has happened occasionally over the years especially by guys who are bullies at heart or have the physical skills to dominate others. It is a rare occasion.
Hey JR, on Feb 18, 2008 edition of Raw, during the Maria vs Beth Phoneix match you said that ” Beth was the most dominating Womens Champion in History”. It seems like the WWE forgot about Chyna. Shes never mentioned for dominating the Womens division and i even recall and have seen Chyna matches where Paul Heyman says ” Jr would you deny Chyna is the most dominating female in the WWE and you have said NO she is. I know Chyna is on bad terms with the company but it is what it is. Chyna is the most dominating Womens Champion and no disrespect to the Glamazon but i dont think shes in the same league as The 9th Wonder of the World Chyna was in her prime. Maybe a Womens Title Match at Wrestlemania 24 Chyna vs Beth Phoneix?
Donnie,your Chyna fetish is becoming extremely noticeable. My job is to enhance Beth as Chyna’s ship has sailed to the reality TV sea.
JR. I though Monday’s Raw was one of the best in many many months. Not that the others were bad this one just had that wrestlemania feel to it. Recently, I was in the Mellon Arena for my beloved Penguins taking on our hated enemy the Filthadelphia Flyers. It was the first time I had been back there since 98 when I was in attendance for the King of the Ring PPV with the Undertaker Mankind Hell in a Cell. I was just curious what, besides that one, sticks out at you about the Steel City(Pittsburgh) in general and wrestling wise? I’m hoping our new arena is large enough to hold a wrestlemania or even a royal rumble would be awesome some time! Unfortunately I had to miss Armegeddon. Best! Hope to see you in PA soon!
One thing that sticks out for me was along meeting I had there one day with Bruno Sammartino to discuss the possibilities ofBruno being inducted into the Hall of Fame many years ago. I enjoyed talking to Bruno a great deal but I was not successful in accomplishing my goal. Nonetheless, I had a rewarding day simply talking with one of the game’s all time greats.
jr in order to try and make it to the wwe what is one of your best advice for me to make it, i try and try to get in the dungeon but from what i hear its no longer, i didnt evan know that.but i have alot of passion for wrestling and really want to make it,i dont really know any wrestlers,but i do remeber meeting virgil (he was hitting on mom)and he just told me to work hard,can you give me any advice at all?
Get a college degree first and then consider training in Louisville with Danny Davis.
Hi JR. On the indy scene, alot of wrestlers use and refer to “Burchill’s” finisher as the “curb stomp”. Being involved in soccer officiating, from youth, high school, amateur and professional, I can say that you are correct in your assessments of college officiating. It comes down to the big payday that involves different conferences, which often times use different assigners, who have their favorites, who could be solid, unbiased officials, or the good old boys that time may have passed, are undeserving of their spot, or are just there for a paycheck. It’s sad, but some of the benchmarks are not there to adequately rate officials in collegiate sports, and in high school athletics, you only have to take 1 entry test in your lifetime! I would also like to mention it is great to have a superstar like Pavlik represent my hometown of Youngstown. It’s a rough town, but there is no lack of support for guys like Pavlik (and Boom Boom and countless others before him) and also our teams, like YSU’s football program. I’m surprised Jim Tressel was not part of gathering in Vegas, perhaps he is not into the violence of professional boxing?
I met so many cool guys from Youngstown at the Pavlikfight it was surreal. Imet Boom Boom Mancini who was a super guy to talk with but my personal #1 Youngstown guy is my good friend Bob Stoops, the head football coach at the University of Oklahoma.
Hey JR, I hope this is the right place to put questions for you to answer(hopefully). You said a few blogs ago that you did over 200 lines for the new SD game, but were sworn to secrecy about the game. I was wondering if you could tell us anything else, roster size, or if the games going in a new direction, will the game remain Smackdown vs Raw, or name changed, anything at all really.
The roster may be some what smaller, the interactions seem to be extensive, and the story seemed to be more wrestling oriented that perhaps some in the past. The story was easy to visualize while doing the lines. The whole process felt good. J.R. Says
Hey J.R. Before I Comment I just want to say your my favourite play by play of all time of any sport. On to my question, Whatever happened to Sean O’Haire, I remeber his devil’s advocate character and thought it had promise, also I thought he had a lot of talent and speed for a big guy. Any comment on if we would ever see him back?
I’m not sure about O’Haire’s whereabouts, but I do know he has been involved in MMA since leaving pro wrestling.
JR.. Will the Raw World title belt ever go back to looking like an actual Championship belt instead of a glorified Hubcap?
You have spent more time on this subject than I ever will. I don’t know and I don’t care what the belt looks like….for the umpteenth time.
Wooooooooooooooooooo! The Nature boy is goin to the Hall! We can spend hours debating who the 2nd greatest wrestler of all time. Hulk , Hart, Race, ect, but there is little doubt in my mind that “Slick Ric” is the best who ever lived. Seeing Shaun Michaels classy announcement brought back so many memories of Flair’s aewsome career that left me longing for more. He had so many classics with some of the industries best ( actually , MOST of the industries best) that it seems like everyone’s most most memorable match was against him. If I had one criticism of his career , it would be the Flair/Hogan angle in the early 90’s in WWE. I’m sure there were an awful lot of factors as to why they weren’t booked for some serious PPV money back then as it could have been the biggest thing since Hulk/Andre. I know you weren’t in WWE yet, but could offer any insight as to why the fans werent given a properly promoted Flair/Hogan back then? The WCW angle a few years later didnt do Ric any justice . Thanks J.R.!
The Flair-Hogan storyline grossly under-delivered in my personal perspective. That was a missed opportunity that many speculate that politics played too big a role. J.R. Says
I recently purchased the 2008 Survivor Series. I enjoyed the RAW main event featuring Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton. You said that you enjoyed seeing wrestling. I enjoyed todays matches as much as the next guy, but I would really enjoy more matches like that. Do you think that more traditional matches will happern in the WWE and why is there no more time limit on matches in the WWE?
Great matches are a product of a strong and deep talent roster. Why time limits are rarely used is beyond me and one of my pet peeves. The occasional draw wouldn’t kill any one. To be truly reality based time limits should be used.
hey jr. its great to see you on raw every monday night. is there any plans of coming to wichita, ks anytime soon? its been a long time since the wwe has come to wichita. was just wondering if it is becuase the wwe doesnt feel that there is any place to hold such a big show or was just wondering what is going on with it.
Call your local arena or check with WWE.com.
Hello again J.R. how are you?? I am just wondering why ECW only has one title on the program instead of three or four like Smackdown and Raw?? It would be interesting television to set up some kind of tag team title and Tv title tournament on the program. I believe Ecw would jump in ratings also if it was two hours instead of just one.
Thank you for your time J.R. .
#1 Fan always
Doug Stewart
With such reduced talent roster if ECW did a two hour live show it would likely be the kiss of death. Consistently doing exciting one hour shows week after week should be their singular mission.
Hey JR, I heard you recently say on Raw that every winner of the Money in the Bank match has gone on to win a world title. Have you forgotten that Kennedy won it last year? Or is it just a case of the WWE wanting to hype up the match, and so they tell you to say that? I wouldn’t be surprised. I heard Edge also say recently that his match against Undertaker will be “streak vs streak”, even though Edge lost last year’s MITB. I know things change so quickly in wrestling that many people forget what happened three months ago, but they do tend to remember things that happen at Wrestlemania. You would think WWE could at least have some continuity when it comes to things that occur at the “Super Bowl of wrestling”.
No I had not forgotten but we received erroneous info and went with it.Kennedy lost to Edge who then went on to win the World’s Title so Kennedy’s Money in the Bank contract was actually used to collect a title. I do agree that a much better job could be done by all in recalling history especially recent history.
hey J.R., On the subject of wrestling weddings, remember how dire the Stephanie Mcmahon and Test debacle was, or were you just taking a pop at last weeks TNA??????
I was taking no pop at TNA, those were my personal thoughts on wrestling weddings in general. I did not see the TNA wedding.
i was just wondering who do you see as a future heaveyweight champion i would like to see Carlito or mr kennedy what about you?
I would like to see some new blood rise to the top of the cards and personally I don’t care who they are. Both Carlito and Kennedy have the skills to be main event talents for years to come but as I have said they will have as much to say about that as anyone which isn’t the popular thing for me to say.
Hey J.R. it’s Brad from okmulgee.just wanted to say i loved the story on JYD as he was my first favorite wrestler as a kid.Also,more cowboy bill watts on the radio cannot be a bad thing.keep up the good work and i’m running low on sauce so i’ll be back to norman sooner rather than later.
Thanks Brad as our sauces are selling like crazy here on the site and in the store in Norman. And yes folks this site is about selling products from time to time to you and hoping you enjoy the blogs and Q&As.
judging by ‘hulks comeback’ at WMX8 versus the rock and how people just wont shut up when he comes to the ring and give standing ovations(unlike the desperate triple h wanting fans to bow ,lol)it seems wwe has once again misjudged a situation,what fan wouldnt want to see hulk v flair at WM? judging by flairs no show last WM wwe dont seem to manage real names very good,of course it will be some predictable garbage like flair v michaels,mentor v student….heres a good idea jim how about hire that boxer no one likes and gets booed everywhere he goes,what a Wrestlemania it should be,its it any wonder why no one is talking about HOF08 because wwe is scared of its shadow.
Here’s a good idea, stop over thinking a wrestling card. Are you trying to tell me that Hulk vs. Flair would be a better wrestling match than Flair vs. Michaels? Plus there is one intangible that needs to be accounted for and that is the Rock. He was pretty special too. J.R. Says
Hey Jr! I have a question (another). I dont understand why the WWE moved Victoria from Raw to Smackdown. I respect the blue brand, but Victoria is one fine athlete and should be in the race for the womens championship! Your thoughts? Other question. Every Diva who poses for the Playboy has a chance in wrestlemania?!? Ashley got a match agaisnt Melina, Torrie and Candice had a pillo fight, Christy Hemme Battled Trish Stratus and Stacy & Jackie Gayda had a match with sable and Torrie. We fans like Playboy Cover Girls, no doubt, but we want to see wrestling! I hope Maria will not be on the card. Melina, Beth, Jillian and Mickie James are good female wrestlers who could give us minutes of true wrestling. Sorry for the honesty, but the Womens Division looks like a Candy Shop for sad people.
Victoria moved to Smackdown to add some experienced depth to the Diva roster that was thin on Divas who could wrestle. Why wouldn’t any promoter follow up on a Playboy appearance with a match in the same month the issue comes out? That’s simply promoting 101.
Hi, J.R. I was just curious how D.H. Smith is doing after his unfortunate suspension last year. I, for one, was really hoping he’d be able to avoid some of the pitfalls that his father unfortunately fell into.
That being said, whose decision was it to use a phrase along the lines of ‘he’ll eventually fill into his frame’ on RAW shortly before his suspension? It seems that saying something like that denegrates the technical wrestling ability that the young man has, and would seem to indicate a bit of a double standard for the steroid portion of the wellness policy.
It is somewhat disheartening to hear something like that while watching someone with the wrestling ability, and potential of D.H. Smith perform in the ring. Concerned,
Eli
D.H. is doing well. He made a mistake and let’s all hope he has learned from the experience. D.H. is a young, rangy kid who will fill out naturally as he gets older. Even if he doesn’t he has the fundamental skill set to be a very good in ring technician. Perhaps the question on Smith is will he be able to develop a marketable in ring persona that draws fans to him for more than just his wrestling skills. J.R. Says
Hey, good idea implenting a Q&A section, bet it sure makes the blogging easier! If/When Ric Flair retires, what, if any, roll would you see him taking to remain in wrestling in some capacity, or do you think he’ll step away quietly? I think he could stay on and metor/coach some of the newer talent. Also, I’m not sure if you answer any questions on this subject, but why does WWE still continue to edit out Nitro segments with Chris Benoit?
I could see Ric doing a variety of things but some sort of "Goodwill Ambassador" seems to be tailor made for "Naitch". Benoit is absent from WWE programming after the horrific 2007 incident, where Chris, his wife Nancy and son Daniel all died. No, I don’t know when or if this philosophy will change and yes I agree it is the right decision for now.
Hey, JR. Nice to talk to you again. I written a question back in January, but now I have two new questions. How old do you have to be to become a writer for the company? I got finished with Screen-Writing class and working with WWE or TNA under the writing staff would be a good fit for me I think. I doubt WWE will be having any strikes soon if you know what I mean. heh. Also, has anyone in the company expressed interest in inducting Kerry Von Erich to the WWE HOF?
Direct all writing questions to the HR department of the WWE corporate website. The Von Erich family has been casually discussed as being inducted into the WWE HOF and perhaps it could happen next year.
Any chance you can do the commentary on Smackdown as well ? The Coach is horrible and has little chemistry with Michael Cole. JBL as awesome and Smackdown was even greater with his commentary, his loss I think is a big one to that show. Any chance they could at least hire Roddy Piper to replace him as he was a great color commentator ?
Have you read Bret’s book yet ?
I have zero interest in broadcasting Smackdown. I thoroughly enjoy Michael Cole’s friendship and his work. Coach is still evolving into his role as an analyst. Broadcasting wrestling these days isn’t a walk in the park and is challenging, perhaps as challenging a time as any time I can recall in my 30 plus years doing it. JBL was a helluva commentator and could return to that role when he finally hangs up his tights.
Well J.R…. I have to admit I am extremely disappointed. I called in today (2-17-08) to make sure that No Way Out would be shown at J.R.’s in its entirety, and I definitely got a negative response. My friends and I are students at the University of Oklahoma, and we always look forward to our J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q visits in order to watch the pay-per-views. Now the pay-per-views aren’t shown there anymore? We normally pay more than the amount of a normal pay-per-view within our combined meals. Now we have no place to congregate for our WWE extravaganzas.
Drew, you and your buddies are the exception and not the rule. Many of our fellow fans abused the privilege and sipped on their free refilled soft drinks for up to 4 hours which buts quite a damper on the 130 seat eatery. I did all I could to make it work, but it simply could not be made to be a win-win. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Jr. 44 yr old fan here who hates that there are seperate champions on Raw and Smackdown. How about having single World, Intercontinental, and Tag champions and having them float between shows ala the old N.W.A. champion. I feel right now that the Raw champions are for whatever reason considered the “real” champs. I think more than anything it would help the tag team division.Also you aren’t breaking up the brand extension. Also just heard thar Johnny Weaver passed. Any stories? I remember that Dusty used to refer to the sleeper hold as a Weaver Lock. Thanks for all the good times and memories.
I have long been a proponent that a case can be made that there are too many titles in wrestling. They become watered down. Weaver was the most popular wrestler in the Mid Atlantic territory for years and was essentially discovered by the late, flamboyant promoter Jim Barnette. Weaver was a skilled in ring performer who was once married to arguably the sexiest woman in wrestling, Penny Banner.
Hi JR
Just wondering, do you think Chris Jericho should use the Codebreaker as a finisher or go back to his roots and use the Walls of Jericho and Lionsault?
Both are effective and if I were he I would establish both. TheCode Breaker freshens up Chris’s game.
Hey JR. I was wondering about your thoughts on the marketability of certain characters and features on WWE television. I know people who don’t enjoy John Cena’s current catch-phrase based character are slammed alot for being “haters”, but I really see it as a simple difference in what people look for in the product. I look at it the same way many of my friends enjoy watching game shows or soap-operas, rather than perhaps more intelligent in-depth programming like House or Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Surely alot of WWE fans are looking for the same complexity? Many people have critisized Paul Heyman for appealing to one market when he was running ECW, the hardcore 20 year old males from Philly, but is WWE not doing the same by putting on simple programming for children to enjoy? Obviously the major difference is, it’s alot easier to convince a 12 year old to buy an action figure or t-shirt than an adult, and this business is centered around money, like the rest of the world, but you get my point. Is WWE heading in a single marketing direction these days?
I am not privy to the marketing direction the WWE is heading these days, but it is obvious that John Cena is at or near the center of that direction.
Hey JR! Im a long time fan,26 years old,from Canada, with a couple of questions. #1 AS a wrestling fan I feel like there is a Magic that went with wrestling in general from the mid 80s up until the disbanding of the new Hart foundation in the 90s. Even when I look back at all the videos/DVDs of these old Manias, and other shows, there is just a certain magic that I dont think wresting has these days. Your thoughts? #2 In your honest opinion, Hypothetically, if Aurelian Smith does stay sober 1 would he be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and 2 would the WWE consider bringing him in to help write storylines for them, I think that a really good mind is needed these days creative-wise.
#3 I heard there may be a kurt hennig/Mr.Perfect DVD on the way, any truth to that, also, do you know of any other DVDs of WWE talent set to come out in the future.
You are talking about an era that had a ton of great in ring performers. That is not the case today. Let’s hope for the good of the business that some new stars are developed but that is going to take these younger guys taking risks and taking matters into their own hands and refusing to be denied. I am much more concerned about Jake Roberts staying clean and sober and living a long and happy life than any honor that may be bestowed upon him but The Snake had a Hall of Fame career in my humble opinion. Yes, a Mr. Perfect DVD will be out later this year.
Random questions:1.What ever happened to Terri Runnels? 2.A lot of talk over who will retire flair, why is it that his last match has to be a loss, why not let him go out with a win, I know about the “time honoured tradition” of retiring stars putting over younger athletes, but if tradition is so important then why does the royal rumble not decide who goes to Wrestlemania with the title shot any more? (I know, that last one snuck in 2 questions, oh well…) 3. Personally, what is your favorite era in wrestling-the 80s, 90s, or 00s(so far)
I have not heard from Terri in quite some time but the last I heard she was living in north Florida and involved in private business. She was always one of my favorites, all the way back to the Turner days when she was a makeup artist.Terri could probably write a helluva book if she ever decided to. I still say that Flair automatically losing at WM24 isn’t automatic.
Dear JR, I have noticed more criticism of you, your comments and your play by play calling more so recently than in times past, and honestly much of it I have read right here on your blog (something for which you should be commended for, since most quasi-celebrities would never post negative letters from their detractors).
Personally, I do wish you wouldn’t “filter” your comments through the office of WWE Public Relations first, however I understand why you “Toe the company line”. I would too, as most would-who really understand what a great job you have. I would love to have the opportunity as a fan, to really “Pick your brain” sometime about specific wrestling topics and receive a true, unbiased answer-but since we aren’t close friends-I understand why this is not appropriate…..but like others, sometime I hope you will write a book about professional wrestling, in which you will be able to share your true, uncensored thoughts & recollections.
As for your “Play by play” work, I can honestly tell you that you have placed the announcing bar so high, that it may not ever be reached again. I grew up in the Memphis area listening to & watching Lance Russell and then moved to the Carolinas and regularly watched Gordon Solie, and I can honestly say you have far surpassed their skills and abilities. Earlier in your career, I always felt you “Oversold” spots or wrestlers way too often, but now in your prime-you have really hit a rhythm and seemingly nail most each segment of a program, most often a live one at that. Many times, I forget you usually have VKM in your ear feeding you lines-along with trying to juggle a live-two hour program… I don’t see how you do it, it has got to be a tremendously difficult task-yet you seem to make it look & sound easy, the mark of a champion. Your current work is the class of the industry & may never be seen again, once you decide to “Hang it up”.
Thanks for making Monday Night RAW more enjoyable, especially when you have little to work with in the form of talent and actual in-ring action…you sir, make it much more entertaining than it actually is. God Bless & PIG SOOIE! GO Razorbacks! -Wagdaddy
Irmo, SC
I never "filter" my comments thru the WWE and I am not sure who in the WWE even reads these remarks or if they do. I rarelygo on a tirade and bash anyentity including the company that pays me for my work. There are plenty of sites that do that and there are plenty of sites that like to bust mySpauldings, but that simply goes along with the territory.
Just love the recent changes that have been made to your blog. Thanks J.R.
Glad you like it. Our webmaster has done a super job with our site especially consider that there is only two of us devoting any time to it and my available time, asis his, is scarce. However, we both pull the occasional all nighter to stay caught up.
Hey JR, tell me this, what is your personal opinion of Macho Man Randy Savage?
Lord, just put me out of my misery. I have great respect for the wrestling ability that Savage had in his career and the fact that Randy had "it". We were never great pals but I respected him as a man and performer nonetheless. And no I have no idea why he is not in the HOF and no I don’t think he will ever be inducted…..for the zillionth time.
Of all the questions Ive sent this is the one Im most interested in an answer for. What do you consider to be some of your favorite matches from the past?
I just love these "specific" questions. Joel I have been doing play by play, or it used to be play by play, for over 30 years and have enjoyed countless matches from a gambit of generations. There were some awesome Mid SouthWrestling matches that were dramatic and physically intense featuring guys like JYD, Ted DiBiase, Dick Murdoch, Killer Karl Kox and so many others. The Flair/Steamboat/Terry Funk stuff was amazing as was Flair vs. Rhodes. Austin vs. McMahon was big time. And the list goes on and on. I am a fan and I liked a ton of stuff I got to witness.
Hey JR, some may consider you a “wrestling scholar” of sorts, so I have a question that has been a bit of a bother to me for some time. The biggest wrestling markets in the world are (arguably) the United States and Japan. Despite that each market is expecting an excellent product, the product that each puts out is very different and yet very well received. Why do you think this is? Is there a specific reason the American and Japanese wresting businesses are so unique and different?
The basic culture of the people and specifically of the wrestling fans is extremely different.
I have two quick comments as I’m watching No Way Out live. First, Was the way the Big Shop/Mayweather program ended, the way it was planned. Show took some HARD punches to the face. And Shane looked rather serious when we came out. Which leads me to believe Mayweather wasn’t supposed to do what he did. Another interesting thing. I was searching for info about the above subject, when I read across LordsOfPain.net. They have an article about “Owen Hart’s Ghost”. Sighting in the arena where, god rest his sole, the accident took place. Apparently there have been 300 power surges. The peice goes on for a little big. My question, do you see any truth in this, or do you personaly believe in ghosts?
I don’t think any one planned for Mayweather to intentionally break Show’s nose. The Owen Hart ghost story border lines on the ridiculous. Sylvia Brown can answer these types of absurdquestions better thanI.
Hey Jim, did you hear anything about eminem joining WWE?… and although those rumors are not true, how funny would it be to see eminem wrestle john cena?…two white reappers…that would draw some crowds. Also, what did you think about Brock Leasner in UFC?
Eminem in the WWE was never going to happen, as best I know. I have addressed Lesnar many times. His upside islimitless in the UFC, but he really needs to win his next fight which won’t be a layup.
“If Hodge isn’t America’s greatest living wrestler, I don’t know who is.” What about Dan Gable?
Love Gable, but Hodge is the man. Just ask Gable.
Hey Jr. I’m a long time fan of yours and i want to know why you tell kids to go to college and get their degree 1st when all of the top talent never used they’re college degrees or could careless about them, or never finished college, i.e. shawn micheals, mick foley, hhh, bret hart, undertaker, austin. Who in the history of wrestling as ever fell back on their college degree, certainly not daron drozzdoff
Because I am not a dumbass, Jordan, and in this day and age, an education is damn near essential for any young person to make it in this world or at least for them to learn a viable, non wrestlingskill. The wrestling business eats people up and spits them out not to mention the physical toll it takes on one’s body.
Hey J.R., I was wondering if you’re ever going to open anymore J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q® Restaurants, or is the one in Norman, OK going to be the only one.
Stop the pain….yes we are opening a new J.R.’s in Moore, Oklahoma in mid to late April of this year. We plan on building more J.R.’s throughout Oklahoma at locations TBD over time so we can better personally manage them. After that we are looking at franchising them which means selling franchises to owner/operators. Do people never read previous Q&As?!
JR, what’s the deal man? I’ve had so much fun the last couple of PPV’s at JR’s BBQ, and when we made the 2 hour trip, they said it was costing too much money. You said a couple blogs ago that JR’s would continue to show all the PPV’s. Me and my friends were sure dissapointed to miss the PPV, I wish we had got a little warning, like tell us last PPV that this would be the last one. Me and 6 friends went last time and each spent about $20 dollars a piece, and the place was packed. I had heard that the WWE was going to start charging sports bars more, but I can’t imagine how you would be losing money as many people come to watch the PPV’s. Also, I would figure that the WWE would give a break to a restaurant owned by their main announcer. Please reconsider JR, there were a lot of people dissapointed tonight. If it’s costing THAT much money to show a PPV we will buy some beef jerky or something next time too.
Cost of the PPVs was NOT the issue as I have explained and if you got that message it was incorrect. The WWE had ZERO to do with this matter just as they have zero to do with any phase of our BBQ business. This, as I have discussed on numerous occasions, was a business decision. We were losing money because more fans were simply taking up space and not spending any money to speak of than those that were. We only have a 130 seats and we have to turn them several times a night to earn a profit. We tried out best to make it work but it simply did not. J.R. Says
Hey Jr, Thanks for answering my q regarding orton/flair. I love the new q and a look! I think it would be neat if your bust (those laughing, get a dictonary please) would change emotions based on how you felt about the question. Kinda like the different smiles on the IM.
Thanks for the great site!!
Dennis Brent suggested the same thing to me recently, but with two bouts of Bell’s palsy under my belt my expressions are somewhat limited. But I am glad you like the new format.
Hey JR,
I have been a wrestling fan since Hogan won the title from The Iron Shiek. I never missed one moment of a wrestling program and would record them if i did. Lately though I can’t usually sit through an entire program, I either change the channel or fall asleep. There are many of us fans that feel the same way I do…that wrestling is in a rut. With that said I just have one question…Is the wrestling talent not talented or the creative team just not creative? It seems to have to be one or the other, if not both.
Keith you are an old school fan who wants more wrestling than talk or skits. I can relate to you as I feel the same way more often than not about today’s trends within the business. Nonetheless I am proud to say that the talents are making more money nowadays than ever before and be a "pro-talent’ guy that is a good thing.
good day to ya! shawn michaels is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time if not the greatest. however, it was during his time as champ that wcw won much of the ratings war. what’s your take on his drawing power as champ?
I am a firm believer than one did not have a great deal to do with the other. If one is inferring that HBK was an inadequate champ then I would disagree. Creative and the competition has a ton to do with the success of any title run. HBK may actually be a better in ring "general" than he was duringthe period you eluded to.
What JR, been a fan since your WCW days. Since a new batch of greats are about to be inducted, let me throw a few names at ya: Rick Rude, The Original Four Horseman(as a group), Rock & Roll Express, Jim Cornette, and the LOD. What are the chances of the guys getting in the next few years, if ever. I know Ric Flair’s induction is imminent upon retirement, but what about the Horseman as a group? They set the standard for what a great stable should be. Also, there will never be another LOD!
There are TONS of talents who deserve to be in the HOF. The selection process is unique and I have no idea who will go in from year to year. It’s frustrating to get so manyHOF questions during this time of the year and not be able to succinctly address them but I am being honest.
Hi JR,
Great ppv in Vegas. I enjoyed every match on the card.
Im not a fan of Triple Threat main events at Wrestlemania (although WM20 was very good)but with Cena getting the shaft at No Way Out I would think we are headed for a Triple Threat.
What is your take on Triple Threat main events?
I for one would rather Have Orton defend the title in 2 seperate matches like WM10. Orton/Cena then the winner faces HHH in the main event.
Keep up the good work.
P.S. Can we get a Wrestlemania snack pack deal with Jr’s Nuts and some jerkey?
I anxiously await your order on this site for Nuts and Jerky. We could use the biz. If the WM24 Triple Threat match lives up to the one at WM20 then all should be well. I have a feeling that this year’s WWE Title match will be pretty solid.
Hi there JR, Just want to say that you and the king still have the edge over the competition on Smackdown! and ECW and to ask you this: Do the WWE run tryouts in the UK? I am a regional champion and would dearly love to have a shot at the WWE
The WWE looks at prospects every time they go to the UK usually early in the day at the site of the live and televised events.
I post regualy on a message board called YouPosted, and a question is asked regualy from the british members, do you see the 24/7 channel ever comming to this side of the pond?
That is simply a technical question one should ask their local cable company. The WWE would love to have WWE 24/7 in the UK as the UK is one of the WWE’s strongest territories by far. The reason 24/7 isn’t there isn’t a WWE issue I can assure you.
Hi JR As a fan of the wwe going way back, one of my favorite wrestlers as a child was Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. I’ve heard he is still employed with the company…and was wondering if there was any consideration to have him in an angle with Ric Flair? I understand with the whole if Flair loses, his career is over angle but Steamboat v. Flair were some of the best matches I’ve ever seen. Boomer Sooner
As much as I enjoyed the Flair-Steamboat rivalry back in the day, those days have beenlong gone and I don’t see how "Naitch"and "The Dragon" could ever approach living up to the standard they set in the 80’s. I would not be for this suggestion and I have the utmost respect for both guys.
hay jr.Just to let you know i just watched no way out and thought it was great keep up the good work.
So anyway here the deal
The Rock has been my fav wrestler ever and would have to say he is the best in wwe history however i was quite appauled by him not shoing up at the raw 15th anniversary.Has he forgotten who made him a star.He says wrestlings in his blood but now i think he might have used wwe.As soon as he was a big movie star he left and only came back occaisionally.Now he never shows up.also is there going to be a rock dvd any time soon
Rock DVD….yes. Rock back in the ring….no. Rock at the WWE HOF…yes. Rock "using" the WWE as if he knew all along he was going to become a major motion picture star and then abruptly bolt the WWE is borderline insanity.
I think it is an atrosity that Mark Henry is not given the championship push that he deserves…He is the “Silverback”. Just think how menacing he could come to the ring with a real wolfhead cape on with a mighty staff. He is the world’s strongest man…think of the strong-man stunts he could pull off in the ring that no one else could do. Creatively,could be one the WWE’s most instersting character since Stone Cold…but he is now being used as a main event jobber. How dispictable.
"An atrocity I tell ya!" What’s "despicable" is one’s possible use of "foreign objects" or eating paint chips before authoring one’s questions on this site. J.R. Says
JR, Do you think the winners of future Royal Rumbles will ever challenge for the ECW title at Wrestlemania? Seems as though the ECW title isn’t held in the same regard as the World Heavyweight or the WWE title. What are your thoughts?
It could happen but not any time soon would be my guess. I do like the Rumble winner having to wait until Wrestlemania to get his chance atthe title of his choice though.
Hey J.R, I just had an idea about the elimination chamber match that I thought I would pass along to you since you have considerably more pull with the WWE that I do. I think the match could be much more entertaining and really fun to watch if it were run in reverse so to speak. All 6 competitors would start in the ring at the same time, and would have to be beaten and forced into the glass pods thereby “eliminating” them from the match. The last man left in the ring that hasn’t been stuffed into a pod wins. Just thought I would pass that on. Thanks. P.S Does the WWE have any upcoming events planed for Montreal, Quebec, Canada?
Mike, I’m not so sure you don’t have as much "pull" with the WWE as do I. I don’t look for the Elimination Chamber to change however as it is just getting established.
Hey JR I just got a quick question for you but i think everyone in canada wants answered. Why does WWE never come to BC Place for a big event? We can fit 60 000 people so its more than enough to do any ppv (mayb even enough for WM)? Do you think it will ever come here in BC place or maybe wrestlemania 16 (2010) because of the olympics?
Why don’t you ask the WWE or your arena these questions.
I’m not sure I like the direction that you Q&A is going. It seems more like an extended blog. A Q&A should be smaller and simpler to read, a Q&A is for reference only, yours is HUGE and you’ve just started it! As your Q&A grows bigger and bigger, (especially with your new format of pasting entire comments with an answer)do you really think that people will want to read a Q&A of 25 pages long? (know what I mean?) I think your Q&A should be more along the lines of JR stating that he will no longer reply to typical questions like:
“When will so and so be inducted into the hall of fame?”
“When is the WWE coming to my town?”
“Why is so and so not getting a push?”
“Why is Savage not in the hall of fame?” That way you’ll keep your Q&A short and simple to read. If you keep publishing that many user comments in this section, your Q&A will turn into a novel very quickly. Just one man’s opinion.
I like the short and simple concept.
Are you tired of seeing Triple H main event every WrestleMania?
Don’t seem to remember him main eventing last year’s Wrestlemania.
Hey JR, I have a question for you is there anyway that us wwe fans can report fakes of the wrestlers to the wwe? I got 1 from a fake of John Cena the yahoo name is ruthless_aggression_01. JR I could tell that it wasn’t John Cena at all because of the profile on yahoo said that for real name is John Cena lol. I did Tell Matt Hardy about the fake to tough myspace.com which I know its his real site on myspace.com.
How do I know you are not a "fake" Mandy??
Hi J. R. I have been a loyal fan for over 20 years. I am currently 31 years old. I watched the No Way Out pay per view last night, and I was irritated about the Orton - Cena match. I may be mistaken, but I think I recall you saying that you have no advanced knowledge of the outcomes. As an announcer, and as a fan, what is your opinion of a great match at a pay per view ending like this? Also it seems like a lot of big matches on TV do not seem to end without somebody else interfering? Any thoughts or opinions? Keep up the great work!!! I love it.
I was frustrated by Orton for taking the short cut and the coward’s way out. However, this outcome isn’t new to the biz but some fans will never like it. I am not a fan of it either.
Hey JR Always a plessure conversing with the runner up to Best Play by Play man in the history of the Biz (Heenan was/is brilliant, and deep in my thoughts as of late) Quick question, What are the odds the Vince will one day own TNA? Do you think its something he would even want to purchase? Frankly, it may be the best thing for TNA! I mean, what next from them? Are they gonna try to pawn WWE talent as “outsiders” coming in to invade their company? : ) Seriously though, do you see WWE owning TNA ever? Mr. First Name Basis
I have never heard that TNA is for sale. Highly unlikely that McMahon will ever own them.
Why does Michael Cole continue to refer to the Undertaker’s submission hold as “a hold no one has ever seen before.” With the popularity of MMA most fans recognize the hold as a triagle choke. The hold resticts blood flow to the brain, but does not cause bleeding from the mouth as it has been portrayed as doing on WWE programming lately. It is also a hold the Undertaker has used in the past. Check out Now Way Out from 2003, he uses it on The Big Show.
That’sapparently amistake on Cole’s part, but he maybe referring to the WWE specificallyand not including the MMA world in his statement. Or it may be what he is told to say.
JR, just heard HBK announce Ric Flair will be inducted into the HOF this year and in my opinion their is no-one on the roster more deserving than Naitch. Would you agree? and who would you personally like to see inducted this year.
Darren, Ireland
We’ve been there and done that Darren….Gordon Solie, The Brisco Brothers, and Eddie Graham all come to mind for the first Wrestlemania in the "Sunshine State of Florida".
I’m curious about WWE Hall of Fame induction stipulations. I think it’s fairly obvious that the Hart Foundation deserves induction. However, with Bret already inducted, what does that mean for the team? Is it a no go?
That might be challenging but not an impossibility would bemy opinion. Don’t see the Hart Foundation going in any time soon.
Hey JR. Just want to say that I thought that No Way Out was a highly quality PPV and the wrestlers, announce teams and creative should be appaulded. I hope that the Smackdown Wrestlemania main event turns out to be a triple threat involving The Undertaker, Edge and Batista as a win for The Undertaker in this match would add to his already impressive Wrestlemania legacy. Any thoughts?
As we know by now it will be Taker vs. Edge and Batista vs. Umaga.
First off I would like to say that I love your commentating work. You are the best. I have two questions…Do you think that we will ever have a King of the Ring tournament again? Also, I hear a lot of talk of HHH throwing his weight around, keeping down other wrestlers etc. Have you every seen or heard of him doing such a thing?. Personally, I am a fan of The Game. I feel that both Jeff Hardy and John Cena have benefited from HHH. He tapped out to Cena at Wrestlemania and has been huge in putting Jeff Hardy over. What do you think?
King of the Ring on PPV is not likely. I do like it for one or more of the weeklyTV shows. Hardy and Cena getting wins over the established HHH did not hurt the two younger guys, obviously.
Well, this is not an easy one to write. I’ve been watching the WWE for the better part of 25 year now, a quarter-century, God I’m starting to feel old. And in that time I’ve seen some of the best action there is to see, and I’ve also seen the not-so-great moments, and it seems those moments have been happening more and more within the last 10 years, all thanks to The Chairman. I’ve seen The Big Shows fathers funeral, I’ve seen Al Wilsons “Marriage”, in the wake of 9/11 you people brought in an Islamic instigator, and I’ve seen Vince. I’ve seen him force grown men to literally kiss his ass, you included, I’ve seen him assault his daughter in the ring, mock his wife, mock God, and every time we think Vince couldn’t possibly sink any lower, he goes ahead and proves us wrong. Well, there comes a time when people have to say Enough is Enough, this is too much. Today we see Vince and JBL in a cage brutalizing a midget. Why? Does he really think this is Entertainment? I don’t care if it’s scripted and fake, it’s still wrong, and it’s still too much. So this is me, John Banks, loyal fan for 25 years, changing the channel. Vince and the WWE can go to hell. And with all respect to you, if you can sit there and think you can in any way justify this trash, then you can join them.
FerrettJohn, I think you may be wound a little tight on this matter. Nonetheless, I was man enough to print your coment, when I could have just as easily deleted it. Entertainment in all forms is subjective as hell. That’s why some movies and TV showsdie a natural death and some are blockbuster hits. At times in my careerI have experienced creative all the way back to the Mid South Wrestling days that I personally did not like. If all of us long time fans who enjoyed wrestling in the 70s, 80s, and 90s think that today’s product is going back to "the basics" then we are going to be waiting a long, long time it would seem. I donot have an answer for you, but I still watch as much wrestling onTV as I can in hopes of seeing segmentsthat I really like. Thanks for the invite but I choose not to travel toHell at this point in time, but when I get there I will lookyou up. J.R. Says
Mr. Ross, Truly a pleasure! WM 7 was the first wrestling show I ever saw…but I was always a big WCW fan in the early days and you had a lot to do with that (I still remember being shocked seeing you in Vegas at WM 9) Good memories… By the way, I checked out the FCW show at the Florida State Fair this past Fri. and was happy to see some familiar faces. I only caught the 2nd Act but it was a very exciting show, and I am glad to hear that it will now be the WWEs primary developmental promotion. Morrison was the performer of the night, but he is the next Shawn Michaels, in my opinion, so my analysis may be slightly biased. It was good to see Dusty as well (only fitting that he would help crown the new heavyweight champ) Pretty solid event! Hope to check out another show soon. That being said, I just wanted to ask a question or two considering future prospects of WWE Films. Not sure if you are involved with the process of this venture in ‘Sports Entertainment’ but was wondering if you might know whether or not WWE might be interested in making a serious movie about the world of professional wrestling? In my opinion, there has never been a legitimate movie about the business (’Body Slam’, ‘No Holds Barred’, ‘ Ready 2 Rumble’…need I say more?) Maybe ‘Paradise Alley’ but not many people probably remember that Stallone flick (pre-Rocky glory). As I’m sure you would agree, there is an obvious market for such a project if it was done right with the right people involved. As a true fan, I know I would love to see something like that on the big screen and believe that WWEs involvement with the project would make it a movie it can and should be. I’m not trying to get myself over in anyway, but as a writer / director, I have been pondering this idea for a few years now and am currently in the process of developing a script. My second question is if indeed WWE films was interested in such a project, how could I go about submitting my script and who would I need to contact with the company to possibly get a sit down? This is not a sales pitch and I am certainly not trying to waste your time with this. Just creative curiosity from a fan’s point of view. I may be a bit of a dreamer, but I believe that given the right opportunity and circumstances anything is possible. I’m sure you would agree. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and any info. you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Cheers. Sincerely,
Joshua Michael Norman
The WWE has definitive plans for WWE Films and a new movie starring John Cena is being filmed as we speak in New Orleans for theatrical release in 09. Any submission you want to submit to the WWE should be done via their corporate web site and Human Resources is a nice place to start. Good luck and never stop dreaming.
dear jr,
do you think that will c the big names back ever in the wwe.Just like a apperence or wrestleing.The ppl im talking about is (The Rock,Goldberg,Sting,Scott Steiner and mayb even Brock Lesner)
Interesting list, that I can’t say absolutely no to, but I would take the under on this one. Not likely in the ring anyway.
Hey Jr. As a loyal WWE fan for 25 years, I wanted to get your perspective on this topic. For the sixth consecutive year, one of the most prestigious titles, The Intercontinental Title will not be on the line on the biggest stage of the year Wrestlemania. This title has a lineage of great matches, let alone the classic matches it has been fought on the Wrestlemania stage. To me, it feels that the lately the title has been put on the back burner and everyone is just surpassing that level and skipping to World Title. There could be over a hundred great matches and champions to bring this title back to its former prestige. Like Kennedy, Finaly, CM Punk, MVP, Cody Rhodes, Cade, Morrison, and Kane. What are your thoughts?
Two titles in the WWE seem to have some"juice", the WWE Title and the World’s Heavyweight Title. The rest need a jump start.
Hi JR, I was disapointed to learn that HBK would be inducting Ric Flair into the Hall of Fame. If anyone should be inducting the Nature Boy it should be his friend and colleague of over 20 years Enforcer Arn Anderson. I fear that the WWE HOF is slowly being bastardised through mainstream by not being true to the inductee’s career and long time wrestling fans. What’s next? Todd Grishem inducting Gordon Solie? There’s absoloutley no significance in Shawn Michaels inducting Ric Flair, this is all to please the mainstream, and while slapping long time fans in the face. I don’t like it at all. Too much has been comprimised at the expense of accurate historical facts.
I have never heard conclusively that HBK was inducting Ric at the HOF. Honestly, I would think it would NOT be Shawn if I was a betting man.
Hello Mr. Ross. I have always wondered how an Inverted Atomic Drop is not cause for a DQ. Seems to me that the point of impact is “below the belt” so to speak. Thank you and keep up the good work!
Nice question, but it apparently is an "interpretation of the rules" and has been around longer than I can remember. The Atomic Drop used to be a viablefinishing maneuver.
Mr. Jim Ross,
I’m 26 years old & I live in Myanmar(Burma). I have watched WWE since I’m 8 years old. I’m a huge fan of WWE & U. I’m so sorry that I am giving u a hard time by writing so many mails. Well…this time I wanted to point out the faults that WWE is making. 1st why Big Show have to say sorry to that boxer Floyd? What happened to the good old days where Stone Cold Steve Austin just gave a finger to Mike Tyson…why the nowadays wrestlers aka entertainers became so weak??? And where are the tag teams like in the 90’s? The Natural Disasters, The Demolition, Leigon OF Doom, The Hart Foundation…I enjoyed watching them…now there isn’t much tag team to like…the worst tag team is “the miz & John Morrison…Big Daddy V & Mark Henry is much more better than those 2…John Morrison is better of alone. Why didn’t Mr. McMahon bring good tag teams? And u know I have an idea for ECW, why not put the hardcore championship back but now the only way to defend it, is by Extreme Rules, no more 24 hrs title defend & stuff…re-name that belt ECW XTREME HARDCORE CHAMPION!!! What do u think? I think that’s the only way ECW might gain ratings…anyway hope u can pitch that idea to Mr. McMahon or Dusty Rhodes. Take care Sir…hope u reply my msges soon. I’ll forever be honored to give out ideas for the WWE. Best wishes,
Andrew @ Myat Aung Khyne
P.s-i have a lot of Ideas for the WWE, and I would be honored to share with U Or Mr. McMahon. I can guess all the outcomes without reading the wrestling news. I always wanted to work at WWE but I’m so far away that why I wanted to help by giving ideas. I won’t sue WWE if EVER IN MY WILDEST DREAM, They uses my ideas or storyline…I just wanted to be apart of WWE by helping via email. Please think about it…Just like u said dreams can come true…I’m not giving up until my dream come true…that is to be apart of WWE by any way possible.
I would love for you to have a nice, long conversation with Mr. McMahon…..perhaps even an extended car trip. I do applaud you for caring and for thinking about the product but if you are seriousabout contributing creative ideas don’t send them to me. Send them to the WWE. I do Bar-B-Q and the WWE does creative.
I was just watching an old video of WCW where sting is locked in a cage by the four horseman and who should turn up to rescue him none other than robocop. I thought this was an hilarious angle and couldent help but notice you where commentating and just wanted to get your thoughts on it. Keep up the good work on Raw it’s appreciated.
I thought the Robocop incident sucked pond-water.
JR,what do you think about current women’s division?Well,from my opinion,I think the quality of women’s wrestling right now is not as good as past year.From what I know,women wrestlers did a lot of hardcore matches before.Why we don’t see one right now?
Except Beth Phoenix,Mickie James,Melina,Jillian,Victoria and Katie Lea,I don’t think there are any skilled female wrestlers left….
I think it has gotten better lately and can become much better over time if the women continue to train and be provided opportunities to perfect their craft. Women’s Hardcore Matches are feast or famine in my view and I tend tolean away from them.
JR, hey, it’s been a while since I have had time to post or a question but I always take time to read your blogs. Something has been really bothering me. All these people who post on your sight I would assume would call themselves wrestling fans. I don’t understand why they keep knocking TNA. I do believe TNA is reaching when it comes to stealing gimmicks (like Shark Boy and Black Machismo), but they are in the wrestling entertainment business. I am a true wrestling fan. I watch all the wrestling I can get my hands on. I watch on the internet as well. What gets me is the way everyone keeps knocking the wrestlers for this bad move or for being unpopular. This is wreslting entertainment. That means everything is not going to be perfect. This isnt’ heaven. Why can’t people just sit back and enjoy? While all the whining? I love your sauce. My son yelled at me recently because we ran out and I haven’t taken the time to restock so I will definitely be ordering more soon. Anyway, great job. God Bless and give the my best.
Kat you have a healthy outlook on the wrestling business. It is merely an entertainment entity that is one of the most over analyzed and over criticized TV shows on all of television. I delete a ton of foul mouthed, obscenity laced comments where some would just as soon see me run over by a truck than not because I don’t either agree with their own opinions or I choose to not knock every entity from the WWE, TNA or every one’screative. I too am a fan and have devoted over 30 years of my life to this business but this business is not and will not become the focal point of my life. If I ever leave wrestling for other endeavors I am sure that there will be plenty of fans who will damn my soul to hell for "turning my back on the fans".
