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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Dear JR,
I’m Mark, 30 years old, currently living in Watertown, ny (oringinally from Lockport NY).
first of all (you’ve heard this an uncountable number of times i’m sure) you are the greatest and most memorable commentater in history. i have been a wrestling fan 22 years, since ‘86. i know alot about the industry, almos as much as you. i know alot about the history of pro wrestling, what goes on in the ring, behind the scenes, what it takes to be a wrestler, ect.
i have a love for our sport that is off the chart. (next to football, go Bills!)
just have a quite a few questions….
1. can we expect to see a possible TNA invasion at Wrestlemania XXIV? (i think it would behuv vince to work with TNA just for one night, as it would be very helpfull to our buisness, even it’s just something similar to the ECW “invasion” at Mind Games ‘96)
2. When is ECW going to be expanded to two hours? (i would love to see it revert some what to its hard core rutes, and storylines, i belive it would help the brand alot, example: BRING PAUL HEYMAN BACK!”
3. Bring back WCW!: simply turn Smnackdown! into WCW Nitro. i miss the old wars. it would be so invigerating, have bischoff gm of smackdown, he turns it into Nitro, so basicly we’ll have 2 hours of WWE on monday nights, two hours of ECW on Tuesdays, TNA on Thursdays, And WCW on Fridays. n the question would be who would be on the wendsday spot? the AWA! Vince can purchase the current AWA and combine it with the old and have a two hour show on wendsday’s. that would be my dream, wrestling on prime time, 5 nights a week. think about it.
4. why is TNA or ROH never brought up on WWE shows? at least poke fun at them. i would love to have DX come out and do a promo with a bunch of midgets dressed as TNA stars. that would be funny.
5. last, i would love to see more provacative storlines, stories involving racism, sexism, homophobia, you dealing with real issues, that would get media attention and help start another “Boom”.
well again thank you JR, you are the Dick Enberg of the WWE. by the way who is your favorite NFL team? i for one am a die hard Bills fan, they are the “Rudy’s of the NFL”
i would love to see Jim Kelly or Bruce Smith or Thurman Thomas in the WWE. personally i would love to see Tom Brady make an Apearance so Jim Kelly can start a feud with him. lol
any ways thank alot JR
your friend Mark Ritchie
Watertown, NY (formerly Lockport, NY. Barstow, CA. Fort Irwin, CA, Fort Drum, NY. Fremont, NC. Cary, NC. Fort Leonard Wood, MO.)
I suppose TNA could attempt some sort of "grandstand" publicity stunt at WM24 but it’s not likely. I would be surprised if ECW ever went to 2 hours and haveheard of no such plans. I don’t see the value in bringing other promotions no matter how small they may be and "knocking them".
Dear JR.
At the moment wwe/world wrestling entertainment is awsome and I am a big fan of orton and nearly all superstars.I think you should make kane be more of a monster than a softy/no offence but Kane is the only damn monster in the WWE.Kane should be smashing and running after people again,like some superstar shouting “MAY 19TH” at him.I think Kane should move back to raw.Raw is the best brand in the business and I think ECW is rubish at the moment.Where is all the action eg. flaming bats,tables on fire,barbed wire matches and more.Even though i think Elijah Burke,cm punk,John morison and Big Daddy V are the best superstars in ECW.Most people call it Extremely Crappy Wrestling.
Kane has a bunch of fans out there as we get lots of feedback regarding him. Perhaps Kane is not being utilized to his full potential as many suggest. A steady diet of "flaming bats" isn’t wrestling.
Hey JR,
I was just wondering, why does Triple H HAVE TO BE in Wrestlemania main events? Do the powers that be actually think Mania would not sell if HHH was not in the main event? Is he a great talent, sure. Can he elevate wrestlers, absolutely. But to me, he has never been a Hogan, Austin, Rock in terms of “must see draws”… he is a huge part of the roster, he generally has good to great matches, but I cant see why he cant be in a top Mania match without a belt on the line. I think some of the guys are ready to shine on their own (Jeff Hardy for example… but now his “Mania quest” has been squashed…)
Keep up the great work,
Chris
Was HHH in last year’s WM main event?
I Just want to say J.R. that I am a big fan of your work and I have been watching you since the UWF days.
Every one is talking about the Hall of Fame, where do you think the Von Erich family fits in.
I also wanted to ask you about Teddy Hart I know he is infamous for his bad attitude I am guessing that is why he was released from his development contract. Thank you for time J.R. .
Doug Stewart
The Von Erich family is obviously deserving of the HOF and it is simply a matter of when. I don’t know the reasons for Teddy Hart leaving the WWE again but I am relatively sure it was for a legit reason.
JR, I just read Hulk Hogan wants to wrestle Ric Flair at WM 24 with Vince McMahon as special guest ref. What do you think of Hogan’s proposal? Personally, I think it is great! I heard rumors of HBK vs. Flair, but how about adding HBK to the equation… imagine the drama! HBK vs. Flair vs. Hogan with Vince as special guest ref. I think WWE cannot turn this down, especially seeing how Hogan is adamant about wrestling Flair at ‘Mania.
Finally, I see the IC title will not be defended at Mania this year. That marks six years in a row the title will not be defended. It was last defended at WM 2002, where RVD took on Regal. As a big fan of the IC title and its history, I find this disappointing. But I understand the circumstances. Still, when was the last time Jeff Hardy actually defended his IC title? Not counting the Raw Orton debacle, which turned out to not even be a match, it’s been forever. Your thoughts, JR?
Hulk vs. Flair isn’t going to happen at WM24. Hulk though is a master of milking the media and getting fans talking. The IC Title could definitely use some "shine," i.e. focus.
Hi JR
I recently bought the new “legacy of stone cold” DVD and I found it awesome. I was wondering if Steve will be able to compete someday in the futur as a regular wrestler or if he is out definitively because of neck’s problem. I watch wrestling for 15 years now and I think that young wrestlers today don’t lack the talent but the emotion and charisma WWE had a few years back. HHH, Michaels, Taker won’t be able to carry the company for that much longer. I have never seen in any of Orton, Cena, Batista or Edge matches, even though they all have a lot of talent, the emotion I relived watching Austin vs HHH at survivor series 2000 or Austin vs Rock at wrestlemania 17. Thx for reading me.
A wrestling fan forever from Rimouski Quebec Canada 
Austin’s in ring wrestling days are history. However I do see Steve coming back onto TV from time to time for the right reasons. Guys like Austin and Rock are special talents that are not, and sometimes never, easily replaced.
Hey JR. I may be delayed in sending this message as we are already on the road to Wrestlemania, but what’s your take on how the WWE and John Cena were able to pull a big surprise for his return at the Royal Rumble? In a day an age where I could find out what a superstar had for breakfast on the net, how did the company keep the this sealed tighter than CIA secrets?
Beats me as things usually leak for various reasons. Wrestling surprises generally work well. I thought it was a nice touch.
Hi JR:
I’d love to get your input on a couple of Hall of Fame-related questions / thoughts. I’d like to see the WWE do something similar to baseball’s Hall of Fame ceremony, where living Hall of Famers are invited to the ceremony, are introduced to the crowd, and sit on stage during the event. This is a great way for us to see our favorites again and probably a nice reunion for them as well. What do you think?
Also, with his appearance at the Raw 15th anniversary show, is there any hope that the great Bob Backlund is finally willing to go into the Hall? Thanks for your time.
I think, and have suggested, thatall the living WWE HOFers should be invited back each year especially next year at the 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania. I think that would provide multiple DVD opportuntites with these colorful characters and could create the opportunity to create some great, collector’s merchandise signed by some of the biggestnames in the business. I have not heard any recent updates on Backlund, but there is always next year where it would seem Backlund would fit nicely.
I was just wondering if you had heard anything about the rumored wrestling promotion being started up by Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff.
Nothing new and I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you that it will ever happen. As I have said, I am leery of seeingEric want to deal with a traveling road show and having to deal with a troupe of wrestlers at this stage of the game.
J.R.
As always, it’s a pleasure to read some thoughts/opinions/feedback from someone so close to the business.
A HUGE shout out to ‘Naitch for his upcoming HOF induction. No man is more deserving.
I know this may be a sensitive issue, but at what point does the WWE have to put behind them the entire Benoit tragedy? As unfortunate as it was, I am of the opinion that there are too many question marks regarding the tragedy, and in no way will anybody ever truly find out what occurred and why. Despite that, I feel it overshadows the dedication and commitment that Chris Benoit gave to the wrestling business.
Furthermore, do you feel Benoit is deserving of the HOF? Regardless of how everybody perceives him now.
This has been talked abouta great deal. I don’t know if there is a right answer on the exact date that Chris Benoit’s images will reappear on WWE products. It might never happen for all I know. The whole horrific tragedy is still an indescribable blur to me.
Ken and Ryan Shamrock was a borther sister tandem in WWE.
Yeah, I know. Spur of the moment info that was not accurate. I’m glad you are paying attention though.
JR you and “The King” both said that every “money in the bank” winners have all gone on to become world champions, but didn’t Kennedy win last year?
Kennedy won…Edge took the MIB Contract and subsequently won the World’sTitle. It’s live TV Lucious and sometimes we can all make mistakes.
Will we ever see the cruiserweight title again, or Jushin Liger, Ultimo Dragon, Jay Lethal, in the WWE? And what about Title vs Title matches of the old days, those seemed fantastic.
I’d also love to see a Steamboat DVD.
I was dissapointed that the Sting DVD didnt come out and id love to see one, and id love to see Sting in the WWE.
There is a lot of love in this comment. The lovely Cruiserweight Title seems to be in moth balls. I don’t see a Steamboat DVD on the schedule for08.
What has been, to the best of your knowledge, the biggest crowd atmosphere in the past decade or so? I watch alot of the past attitude era matches, and for me it has to be Backlash 2000 when the Rock won the title. To this day, for me, that crowd reaction has yet to be matched.
Hard one for me to answer but it would likely not include any domes because it is so hard to capture the noise in a dome. Toronto’s Sky Dome at the last Wrestlemania was pretty loud thanks to the great fans that were there.
YO, JR! How awesome would a Best Of Owen Hart DVD be and whats the likelyhood of one? It sucks he cant be in the Hall Of Fame due to his widow not wishing for it 
Also whats your take on Hulk Hogan wanting a piece of Ric Flair at Mania? We never did get this on WWE PPV but maybe a bit late, eh?
Cheers!
Yo David…..perhaps someday on the Owen DVD but my gut tells me no time soon. Hulk is simply getting people to think of himregarding non controversial matters.
Hey JR,
I believe I can shed some light on the Cena hate. Being a 23 year old male who went through adolescence with the Attitude Era, our “Good guys” were always tweeners. They had good sides and bad sides… JUST LIKE US! The innocence of youth makes us want perfection, but part of growing up means we idolize those who achieve and don’t give into being a clone.
Having just overcome testicular cancer, I can understand the desire to see someone fight against impossible odds like Cena does. Though I have to ask, would it really hurt if he wasn’t so very perfect? I’m not talking about going all out like when Orton attacked Mr Cena. I’m just saying be a little more edgy and not quite so clean cut all the time. Matt Striker is irritating because he’s “technically” a good guy. One of those really annoyingly good people who never let their hair down and try to make us, the audience feel bad because we regularly have a beer… Like Mr Austin did.
I appreciate what you do with this site btw, essentially putting yourself in the firing line for a lot of negativity but always handling it well. Kudos to you Mr Ross.
Kudos to you for overcoming testicular cancer. That’s more significant than any thing that is written about here I assure you. I don’t see Cena as perfect but that’s just me. Nonetheless, you makevalid points. I am not overly worried of the "firing line" at this stage of the game. One develops thick skin over time.
Hello J.R,
My name is Samir Chokshi and currently reside in Canada. I have been a WWE fan for a very lone time now and one of my favorite events is the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony. I have only one question though. Do you think we will ever see an actual builing for the WWE Hall of Fame? A builing that fans can go in and see pictures/videos of all the different Hall of Famers, meet the hall of famers and even purchase merchandise. Most sports have a “hall” or “building” for their hall of fame, so I was just wondering if the fans would ever see something like that. Just your opinion, thats all. Laterz.
-Samir C.
I do think the WWE will erect an official WWE Hall of Fame some day. This has been discussed internally for years. When this will happen or where it will be are questions I don’t have answers for.
JR,
Is OU scheduled to be back in OKC soon?
Do you mean RAW? If so, yes on June 30.
Hi JR,
This is Shawn from Bangalore, India…I’ve been a Flair fan all my life and i cant imagine wrestling without Flair…
In my opinion, Flair’s best matches have been against Sting and it would be great to see Sting ending Flair’s career…it would also bring back memories of the final broadcast of WCW Nitro at Panama City Beach…what is your opinion on this? Also in your opinion, what are the chances of Sting making this one off appearance?
Slim and none my friend.
I have been a long time fan of wrestling for a very long time and have had a question that has bothered me every time I go to a live event. Why don’t we hear any commentating in the arenas? I understand that it is most likely a distration to the competitors, but is that the only reason? My lady friend and I always try and go as much as possible when you guys come to Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland and it always seems that it is always a better show than most places, but we have to miss your and the Kings awesome commentary that would go along with that great show. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the kind words as we hope we add something to the proceedings.
Hi JR,
Does the brand extension still exist? Also, do you think Jeff Hardy should drop the Intercontiental title so it can actually be defended at this year’s WrestleMania? The title hasn’t been defended on a pay-per-view since SummerSlam 2007.
The brand extension is still in effect albeit not as stringent as it once was. Man, the IC Title is getting a lot of love.
JR…..
Your are the man….. Love how you and King feed off of each other….. It always reminds me of the late great Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby The Brain Heenan…… Monday Night’s show was awesome until it got to the Horneswaggle part……. Vince spanking him with the belt hey I was cool with that…..Handcuffing Finlay I was cool with that…. But not for nothing the JBL stuff with him throwing him into the cage and the fall away body slam and kicking him in the head….. That part was very hard to watch and it was the first time ever I wanted to turn from the show and hey I know its all story lines and everything but I’ll be honest with you this was one night I wish Stone Cold or The Rock was there to clean house…. It took me back to the night when the Horseman broke Dusty ankle…… Will always still watch but like I said that was just a bit much thats all……..
Sounds like that particular piece of business worked.
Hello JR,
I was wondering why there’s been a decline in the Intercontinental storylines. Maybe it’s justt me, but I’ve noticed that there’s virtually no title chase. It’s all about the WWE title, and I feel that robs fans of potentially historic rivalries, and matches. I’d love to hear your thoughts, and know where you stand on this. Thanks!
I have addressed this one Rose on many occasions. The IC Title is largely an after thought these days but that could changewith just a few TV shows.
Hello Mr. Ross. Do you agree with me that Chris Benoit should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame based on his wrestling, not on the tragedy that was? Also, if you had the chance, would you vote Goldberg (Bill) into the Hall of Fame? Keep up the great work on Mondays and on here! Hopefully, one day, you can expand your restaurant up here to PA!
Thanks,
JT
I would have to wait for the Benoit induction and I am not surefor how long. That’s a tough one for me. Goldberg in the WWE HOF is an interesting talking point.I don’t hate the thought.
Hey JR. I have two topics for you. (1) When was the last time you spoke to/heard from Chaz Warrington? Do you know how he’s doing? (2) Without knocking superstars or creative, what would you say was the worst WWE Pay Per View you’ve called? Thanks a bunch for answering my questions.
I don’t recall when I last spoke with Chaz. Perhaps I saw him at a Raw but it has been a long time ago. There was a Bash that did not click that seemed like it featured a Scaffold Match that was pretty suspect.
Funny how many shots JR takes at the internet wrestling community considering we make up 90 percent of his readers.
JR is starting to sound like a cranky old man
I can be a cranky old man but I try not to be all the time. I do have my "bad" days. I assume taking shots means I know not of what I speak, even though I have read things that I know were untrue. Many in the wrestling community on the Internet are great people but some don’t seem like they do a lick of home work. I like readers but I love customers which is the sole reason this site exists.
so is tommy dreamer going to another company’s show a sign of disrespect or is it nothing more than visiting friends?
Visiting friends would be my theory. It was made to be a "big deal" but it seemed pretty harmless to me.
HIYA!(that was me saying hello, not Karate chopping you.) My question is this JR, I watch a LOT of early 80s, to mid 90s wrestling a la DVD.I find that today everything seems scripted and forced. Back in the day, it all seemed off the cuff, or in the heat of the moment, ad libbed, and the shows seemed way more, oh, I dont know,Important, or magical, there seemed to be so much more meaning when Jake Roberts Tore the pants off Rude, or Brutus cut Jimmy Harts hair. In your opinion, these days, are ideas running thin, or is this the problem- todays talent is Stifled by the upper management, or maybe worse, there just arent very many truly original innovators these days? Whats your honest opinion JR, was wrestling “better” 10-20 years ago, My opinion, yes.
The in ring product in wrestling was better a generation or more ago but the moneythe wrestlers earn certainly wasn’t.
As a wrestling fan, im kind of bored with the same hand-full of wrestlers getting all of the airtime, but that doesnt mean the product is lacking. One thing that keeps me watching is the commentary. JR and the King keep things interesting and the action moving. I put them up there with the match-up of Gorilla Monsoon and The Brain. Even though watching the same guys hog the tv time, thanks for the commentary, it is the entertainment.
We do our best and just as in every one else’s job some weeks are better than others. I will always consider being compared to Monsoon and Heenan as a helluva compliment.
Hi JR ,
This is my first time ever writing to anyone in the wrestling business. I actually had the pleasure of being able to see you almost up close and in person. In fact , I waved to you when you were sitting next to King at the announcers table and you actually waved back to me! This was when WWE Raw was live in Baltimore in 2004 and you and King sat by the entrance ramp. It was a great feeling.
Anyways, I am writing to you to tell you that I quit watching the WWE Product once TNA went to two hrs. I was not a TNA fan prior to that. I really miss the product that the WWE used to put on back in the early 2000s. Its just not the same anymore and I feel it is too family oriented. Kurt Angle has done some personal interviews lately and I feel what he says is true. In a recent interview that he did in the UK for wrestlezone.com , he said that he feels the WWE is hurting, that it lacks talent , and that they focus more on character and size than wrestling. I feel that the WWE no longer caters to the fans in the 18-24 age group (especially to the fans of the Attitude era). TNA seems to cater more to that demographic by putting on high quality matches with various stipulations. I think WWE really needs to be aware of TNA. Their ratings are increasing and their talent is amazing. I think within a year or two it will be ratings war between WWE and TNA. I do think your an excellent commentator though and I enjoy reading your blogs. Thank you for your time.
- Matthew
Thanks for your comments. Competition is good for everyone but the WWE seems to be doing o.k. and I doubt that the WWE wouldtrade rosters with TNA, in all due respect to them.
