J.R.’s Q&A
Please note: These questions are accumulated over time and some of the answers may be dated by the time we are able to post them, but we are getting to all your questions that we can as quickly as we can. The volume of questions J.R. receives is overwhelming.
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Hey JR, you are a legend!! Here in East Texas we LOVE BBQ!! We have BBQ places all over the area but one thing is missing, JR’S BBQ!! We need one of your restaurants, I guarantee you would have great business. Also, is it true that the Vengeance PPV is going to be in Dallas this year? Thank you!!
Vengeance is coming to Big D and the next night is Raw in Oklahoma City and you drive right by J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q to get to the Ford Center in OKC!
Hi JR. This is in response to the person who wrote and had an issue with your chain of restaurant’s not showing the PPV’s anymore. I do have one suggestion that would re-instate the PPV’s. Just add a cover charge or some means of charging customers if they wish to stay for the PPV that they would have to pay some sort of nominal fee. What do you think?
I don’t want to do the cover charge as everyone that comes in isn’t a wrestling fan, but a fan of the food.
Hey JR Why are people saying foley is going to retire? to me he is retired because he only wrestles occasionally obviously.
Mick’s best in ring days may be behind him, but I don’t think we have seen the last of him in the ring.
Hey JR I was wondering if at any time throughout your career have any wrestlers got legitimately upset with you for anything and tried to hit you or confront you about it and if so, what happened?
No, that piece of folk lore hasn’t happened yet, Josh.
Hi jr. First off i would like to say..yes my real name is actually blaze,and im a huge fan of yours and the wwe. but i do have a question. I’m curious i have heard a lot about Bobby Lashley goig into miced martial arts and possibly the ufc…how do you think he would do ? and what are your thoughts on Brock Lesnar facing UFC legend Mark Coleman in august?
MMA is a natural fit for Lashley or so it seems. I hear Lashley is doing some MMA training and testing the waters for a contract. Lesnar should be the older and now smaller Coleman but one never knows in the UFC.
wow,i think its gr8 that chris got superstar of the week,he deserves it. But may I ask,eh,”I’ve got big nuts”? where did that come from? alannah.
Our crack marketing department and don’t forget we have women’s pink T’s that say, "I Like Big Nuts!". There on sale now in our lovely and never closed on line store.
“Perhaps. It has been discussed here before. Would you buy it? Would you want all the “dirt” or simply a nice, true story with a happy ending? Should I embarrass dads, moms, kids and loved ones including my own and people who I have worked with over the years?” Actually, the book we would want from J.R. would be a collection of all of those road stories. I often dreamed of catching you and maybe a Arn Anderson with Heyman and Foley for color at a bar sharing a couple of those stories. Dirt books are not really interesting. However, until that book is written, I have “The Legends Roundtable” which doesn’t come on nearly enough of WWE 24/7. It’s my favorite show on wrestling right now.
I like the Legends Roundtable too but will miss a couple of shows as Mean Gene handled the hosting duties for two shows or so I was told. Gene is a great story teller and will do a great job as usual on this project.
Do you think that Undertaker should have a long World Title reign when he wins at WM? I do as he deserves it. He’s the man.
There is no doubt that ‘Taker is the man. Long title reign…..he has to win it first.
Hi, I saw that the Late Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson are in the HOF class of 2008 and are being inducted by The Rock, I was wondering if The Rock will be at Wrestlemania 24 since the HOF is one day before Wrestlemania 24 will the rock make and appearance at WM24??? always pleased with the detail and quality that goes into the productions. However recently one thing sprung to mind, but not about the quality… about the choice of topic. When we look at most DVD sets, choices such as Ric Flair, Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart all seem to make perfect sense. But looking at the last 12 months, superstars such as John Cena and Rey Mysterio have recieved 3 disc box sets already, when there are years ahead with many dozens of classic matches awaiting them. My question is, how come a superstar so early in their career such as John Cena receives DVD set when someone such as the late Eddie Guerrero, who by the way is in desperate need of a true 3-Disc release, doesn’t seem to get a second look. Just doesn’t make sense personally, but perhaps you can clear this up for me. But if possible plug the Eddie set to someone please! from Germany so my english isnt the very best. I have followed your career for many years. Also I know Ric Flairs career. I have to tell you no matter what people expect. You and I both know that Ric Flair is the greatest wrestler in the history of this bizness. No disrespect for the wrestlers of today but its just not the same. Ric and his peers went outthere 20 years ago to pave the way for guys like the Rock or Stone Cold. I know that you want the WWE to give Flair his send off he deserves - I know it because I know you have respect for this business. Stay yourself Jim, you are GREAT. I doing the wrong thing here? On another note, what do you recommed ordering from you, considering the time it would take to ship it all the way to sweden? Will your Beef Jerky make the trip? not trying to point a finger blaming you. A second question, to lighten the mood if nothing else Mayweather. Hey, at least it’s not Pacman Jones. Harley and Wahoo. How does Ron Garvin stack up against those two in the “tough” department? They may not make ‘em that tough anymore, but it seems that Trevor Murdoch may as close as it gets, lately. Samoa Joe also seem like he might get “a might ornery” when the situation calls for it. Or doesn’t. It’s really too bad that WWE is just starting to get bands to play live at PPVs. I think it would have been amazing to see the original Christian Death play Judgment Day, or Anti Nowhere League play No Way Out. But, hey, The Chili Peppers aren’t half bad. So, in your assessment, can William Regal legitemately not pronounce “Triple H” or “Umaga” or is it something else entirely? Cheap heat, perhaps? Speaking of heat, is the Cena heat simply a matter of Cena making a better heel in the minds of we fans? Or is this “X-Pac heat”, in your opinion? erica? Might WrestleMania 25 be held at a site within the European Union? Also, as a Dolphins fan I agree with you on trading down. If they can sucker Jerry Jones (not likely) I’d trade the Number One overall for the Cowboys’ two first rounders, DeMarcus Ware, and Whitten. Finally, as someone who was attended the same college as the Rock in the early 90s, did you give Mr. Johnson a call last September after the U had its (ahem) mistep against the Sooners? Thanks
As I understand it The Rock will be in for the HOF and will be leaving for work prior to Wrestlemania itself. Garvin was a bad-ass but Race was in another league. Yes, I did communicate with Rock after OU defeated his ‘Canes and the return date is coming up in Miami next year. I may have talked a little "Smackdown".
J.R. I agree with you whole hearted about flair and H.B.K. being two of the best ever ( and maybe THE two best ever)H.B.K. is A real contender for the number 2 slot but I have the perfect ending for the matchlet me know if you like this.After a grueling battle flair pulls it out at the end.(hopefully with something dirty) as he lies beaten and bloody on the mat no chance in hell hits. Vince and Arn Anderson come to the ring as Vince says we will have 1 more match Arn versus flair (who can not yet stand) Arn grabs him and hits the gourdbuster 1 2 no.he throws flair to the ropes spine buster 1 2 no Arn hits the mat in disgust he pulls flair up and bang D.D.T. 123 Arn ends flairs career Vince gets the mike and says to flair you did not see this one coming did you? Arn grabs the mike and says no he didnt and you didnt see this one bang D.D.T. on Vince Arn grabs the mike and says to flair you knew it wasnt going to last forever and who better than me to the last match of both our careers for it to end you are the best ever and I thought better me to do it than one of this jerks hired goons (he helps ric up )ladies and gentlemen the greatest wrestler there ever was the nature boy ric flair the 17!!!!time world champ (and yes I meant 17 they dont count when nick bockwinkel declared the title vacant after the flair steamboat thing) sorry this is so long but I think it would be the perfect ending for the best ever to go out thanks for listening J.R. god bless
That’s very creative stuff.
Hi JR. Really enjoy reading your columns. Just a thought on the whole Mayweather/ Big Show scenario. Am not quite sure where the WWE is taking this. I know there will be a killing made in terms of pay-per-views and ratings et al. However one needs to consider the realism of such a match. Lets see, you have the Big Show at 7.1′ and 430lbs and Mayweather at 5.8′ and 140lbs. The strange bit is, Paul Wight will most probably have to job (lay down) on this one, seeing as Gayweathers (sic) ego is far too large, and could never stomach losing legitimately to a wrestler. Not only will this viewed as rdiciulously comical but will most certainly further emphasise the unrealistic nature of the WWE ‘product’. Just my 2c.
And for that two cents investment you get no change. If Show decides to destroy Floyd after the bell rings there won’t be much "Money" can do but run to his posse.
Hi J.R. Thanks for your last reply. I do agree that a red hot storyline or talent may solve many of the WWE’s problems, slightly worried that you refer to the WWE as just a TV show, maybe that is what it has become though. I always liked it when it was wrestling on TV. My question is about Bret Hart, in your opinion do you think we will ever see Bret in a WWE ring again. I don’t mean to wrestle or become a manager, I mean just a one off appearence, giving a farewell speech to a live audience, I think that’s what the fans want. An added bonus would be for Bret to put the sharpshooter on somebody one last time, any votes for Mr McMahon.
I can honestly say that I cannot see any scenario at this time that would put Bret Hart back in the ring for the WWE or anyone else.
The best sign I saw monday night was “John Cena ruined WWE.” Can you imagine how cool that guy thought he was the night of the show? “I’LL SHOW MCMAHON! I’M GOING TO PAY HIM TO SAY I HATE JOHN CENA!”
Good point. But what the hell, the guy probably had a good time or at least I hope so. I just need to see more J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q signs!!
Will the OVW talents be released or will all of them be shifted to FCW. Will justice be done to all the talents in FCW?
I think all the keepers have been moved to Florida. I find it to be challenging to think of the structure it will take to properly train so many bodies under one roof. It can be done but it has to be highly organized.
Hey J.R., I was wondering when we can expect to see a DVD compiled as tribute to the great Harley Race? As the first person who had taken a bump through a table, I consider him to be the grandfather of hardcore, along with Terry Funk. Also, has the WWE considered making a Sandman DVD, with spotlights on Nancy Benoit. I had heard that he had other children from another marriage (could be bs, I know), I was wodering if those other kids might benefit from the proceeds from such a DVD?
I could see a Race DVD as a part of a special Hall of Fame collection some day. Terry is a walking DVD as well. Both are amazing individuals that any young wrestler can benefit from being around, shutting their mouths and listening to the stories. I know not of Sandman’s procreation’s nor of any plans on doing a Sandman DVD.
Hey JR, Looking froward to Mania! Edge vs Taker- I hope they play up the history of these two. I’m sure they could find some cool footage dating back to the ministry of darkness stuff. If they get a good build I think that could be the best match on the card. Jeremy
It will be a compelling presentation and it will be most interesting to see where it is placed on the card.
Hello J.R. I hope all is well with you and the WWE family. Now down to business, the WWE has alot of Divas, but it seems like all the good ones arent getting in the ring(Cherry) or we are gettin Diva Search girls with no experience. Will any of the developmental divas be coming up to the main roster soon?
I suggest the WWE decide what to do with the Divas they currently have on the three rosters before bringing up more.
Hi J.R. I think I asked these questions before and did not get a response (I sometimes wonder where you get the time to answer as many as you do). First of all are there any plans for a Buffalo Wing sauce in the future? I think it would only be natural with all the BBQ sauces. My second question is regarding the WCW. I too would like to see an anthology on them and if you’ve seen some of the prices on Ebay for some of their titles, I would say this would be a good move for the WWE. One final thing, when I took my car in to be inspected, I realized I was across the street from Steve Blackman’s mixed martial arts training center. Take care and keep providing the entertaining commentary. I just noticed one of the comments during the Brisco Brothers auto repair skit where you mentioned Pat Patterson does some rear end work. Hilarious statement and not one I’m sure most people picked up.
Perhaps one day on the wing sauce, but no time soon. There is mileage in the WCW brand for the WWE to monetize, but when and how are other issues. I thoroughly enjoyed Blackman’s dry wit throughout his WWE run and had a really nice visit with him in December at the Raw Anniversary show.
As a long time fan, I have to point out the DNA phrase is not new to wrestling. In fact WCW had an actual DNA Match at Halloween Havoc in 2000 between the underrated David Flair and the overrated Buff Bagwell (Thankfully Missy Hyatt was no where to be found during that storyline)
My memory has allowed me to forget that particular storyline….DNA match my ample Oklahoma arse! Missy would have most likely made the match more entertaining. I have always felt for David Flair having to follow his Dad who casts a rather large shadow.
Is there a chance that the World Wildlife Fund will ever let the WWE change the company name back to the World Wrestling Federation and allow y’all to use the initials WWF since they’ve and “for Nature” to the end of their organization’s name?
You can bet your Panda they won’t budge.
JR, I’ve been having fun watching some old Mid-South video (I had forgotten how obnoxious Jim Cornette could be…) and I was wondering about the ring. It sounds like the guys are bouncing around on metal under the canvas. Do you know? Thanks.
I know but if I tell you Clayton, well, you know. The ring was not overly padded thanks to the large Cowboy but it did have some spring to it. Many of the Mid South guys bounced around a fair amount from time to time.
Hello J.R! I have been watching you since your territory days here in Houston with Paul boesch, and I don’t have any stupid questions, just wanted to say thank you for being the person who most made wrestling interesting and enjoyable to watch over all of these years; no disrespect to anyone else, it wouldn’t be the same without you, as we found out some time back. Oh, and tell Jerry that if he doesn’t want Stacy around any more, to send her to Houston!
Thanks Doug. I loved traveling down to Houston on Fridays for the Friday night wrestling show at the Sam Houston Coliseum. Mr. Boesch was an interesting man, highly intelligent and a man of character but very territorial. I will elaborate some day but great memories nonetheless. I think the Stacy ship has sailed for the King and he has moved on to a younger lady.
Hi Jim I cannot wait to see The Rock making an appearance at the Hall of Fame to induct his grandfather and father. My queston to you is what sort of reaction do you think he’ll get, a John Cena or a Hulk Hogan type reaction? Thanks alot, Roll on Wrestlemania!!! James, England.
Rock should be respected for his contributions. Why wouldn’t he be cheered unless it was the defiant fan who is starved for attention doing the booing?
Hey JR, I’m loving this new Q&A section. My questions are, seeing as The Rock is now a huge “movie star”, did you ever believe that The Rock would reach the height of success that he has reached in Hollywood? And, what when will JR be appearing in a WWE film??? Thanks
I think Rock will achieve great success and major acclaim as a film star. He’s not doing too bad as we speak. Some people just have an overwhelming work ethic and drive to be the best in their field and Rock has "it". I would suggest that ‘Ol J.R. will be the last guy on the roster you will ever see in a WWE Film. In other words, no. It has been said that Bells palsy sufferers are lucky to even be on TV much less the "silver screen".
Hey J.R., first of all best wishes for you from Germany!! I have been enjoying watching wrestling (especially WWE) for over ten years now. Unfortunately it´s not possibly to watch your PPV´s in any pub or another public place in Germany. If it´s for missing demand, legal issues or just nobody doing it i don´t know. I would love to share experience with other fans who just aren´t able to attend a live event or anything else. I often watch the PPV´s with some friends and its so much fun. So my Question. Is there any kind of public viewing or PPV´s presented in a pub or someting like that in the USA so that fans can come together watching a PPV live and having a great time? Especially in your country it would make a lot of sense. Thanks for reply in advance, hope my english is ok for you and have a great time!!!
There are establishments that show the PPVs such as "Blast Zones" and Sports Bars. German PPVs will happen in time.
Howdy J.R.! Love your work on RAW. You and the King have fantastic chemistry that may likely never be duplicated. For Christmas, I got some of your sauces and jerky to try out and found them to be simply awesome! I went to order some on my own and was astonished by how much the shipping costs are. I intended on buying $90 something of product and the shipping was nearly $70! Sadly, I had to rethink my order. Are there any alternate shipping options I may have missed, or a way that I can find out if there are any local (to me) dealers? It would be a real shame to have to do without now that I’ve gotten the “bug”, simply because of shipping cost.
We are working on shipping costs. We realize it is a bad deal are doing what we can to ease the burden. We are open to suggestions. Media mail has been suggested. We feel your pain I assure you.
Greetings from down the turnpike! We will be visiting good ol’ JR’s BBQ Saturday and we are looking forward to trying your new menu. I know you are opening soon (if not already) in Moore, but have you thought about another store/restaurant in Lawton? Just a thought….. Keep up the good work on RAW; we also love seeing you on the sidelines in the fall. Boomer Sooner!
We really appreciate you visiting our place. The new menu is working out really well and we have received some great reviews and feedback on it. Lawton is definitely on our radar screen for a J.R.’s and the Moore store looks to now be ready to open in June. Rest assured I am not leaving the OU Football program as I am "in" win, lose or draw. I love my team.
Just wondering if you personally get any access to the archive of matches the WWE has, if you really wanted to watch a match you can’t find anywhere else and if you know of any releases (i’m thinking old VHS’s) with either Macho Man vs Bret Hart or Macho Man vs HBK on Thanks
/ I do not. I am sure I could obtain something if I requested such.
On differnt web sites that discuss history, they comment on Greg as being “the untalneted Son” of Verne, and this was the opinion through the industry. I saw Greg a lot, and he wasnt Verne, but I thought he was very smooth, and a great tag team with Jim Brunzell . He certainly wasnt anymore scrawny than the Rock - Roll Express or Jim Cornetts first teams……..Your thoughts ? wondering is if you have ever worked with their other well known colleague, the late, great Lord Alfred Hayes and what your opinion is on him? I feel that he never quite got the credit he deserves for his work in the WWF/E during the original boom period.
Greg Gagne wasn’t his Dad Verne but neither was anyone else. Greg was a solid hand who was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t much akin to David Flair. I found "His Lordship" most entertaining once we broke the ice thanks to the late Gorilla Monsoon. Alfred was a helluva in ring talent and an outstanding manager but is largely remembered as being cast as a "buffoon" on Tuesday Night Titans. He was also a legit bad ass.
Hey JR, I just watched the Steve Austin DVD and I have a couple of comments: 1) Steve proves that you don’t have to win the match for it to be good. 2) He was a great story teller regardless of the length of the match, even though most of the matches featured were long matches. 3)The Hollywood Blondes were a great team. Also, which title did he hold for over a year? was it the TV title or the US title? John in Ozark, AR
I don’t remember John, but most likely it was the TV Title. Austin became a sensation while not on any winning streak whatsoever. It is all about execution and the story telling and now who always gets their hand raised that fans remember over the long haul. Steve loved working with Brian Pillman but it was fate that broke them up which served Steve the best over the long haul. I can’t believe it has been over 10 years since Brian passed away and I still miss him.
