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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JR, please tell Ric Flair that I am currently reading his autobiography for the fifth time. I truly enjoy all the stories he tells about wrestling in the golden years. I have no comments, good or bad, about your bbq, you have no sites in the South Bend Indiana area, but, you might consider putting one up near the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend.
Sounds like you are a loyal Flair fan of which there are thousands. I am happy that the WWE realizes how big a part of the fabric of the business that "Naitch" still is.
Jr. It’s an honor to be able to communicate with you. I think it’s great that Ric Flair is being inducted into the hall of fame. What is your thoughts about the great super groups. Most notably the “Fabulous Freebirds” entering the Hall Of Fame. Maybe the Von Erichs I know there are many worthy candidates but when do you foresee the Birds making it into the hall!!
With Terry Gordy already deceased it would be great if the Freebirds could enter while Hayes and Roberts are still alive and can appreciate it. Perhaps in 2009.
Hi Mr Ross, I was just wondering if you still keep in touch with your old mentor ‘Cowboy’ Bill Watts at all?
We talk by phone occasionally and he emails many of us daily. I have been a guest on his radio show on the TulsaSports Animal occasionally as well. He seems to be in good health, is single and living in Bixby, Oklahoma.
hey jr uk based fan here,if you could choose two wrestlers from any era past or present to compete in a match who would they be? thanks dave halliday
Jack Brisco vs. Bret Hart for starters…..Terry Funk vs. Stone Cold for another…..Bruiser Brody vs. Mick "Cactus Jack" Foley….how are those for starters?
Hello! I’ve been a big fan of the Undertaker for a long time now, and am aware how frequently he tries to change his character slightly every so ofter to keep it from becoming stale. My point is it seems that the character hasn’t really changed much since his return to the darkside at WM20. Do you have any opinion as to where the character can go in regards to changing the look, time on the mic etc? Thanks.
I like it as is. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Hi JR I live in the UK and was wondering if you know of any reason that WWE 24/7 Online does not accept UK credit/debit card addresses? Is there licensing issues we may not know about? I have heard of numerous people in the UK being turned down and I’ve tried numerous different cards and addresses (my own, friends, parents etc) WWE have this incredible video library yet UK fans are not able to see it due to a generic third party error message stating my card is not valid even when I can use it elsewhere. Helpdesk fob me off and tell me to check my address, but I know my address! Honestly! I’m sure WWE would rather accept purchases rather than deny more profit lol! It is incredibly frustrating to have this goldmine at our fingertips only to be denied at the last step with a meaningless, unhelpful generic error! Also have you heard anything about a WWE 24/7 TV channel starting up in the UK? Thank you JR, don’t ever stop! Big G
That’s a WWE business question. They have to solve your issue and I am sorry that I can’t.
Hi JR! I have always been a HUGE Ultimate Warrior fan. I know he is one of the most disliked personas in the wrestling buisiness, but to me, as a fan, he rules. I grew up watching him and nothing he did behind the scenes will ever change my opinion of him. My question is- will us Warrior fans ever get a DVD that compiles more of his matches? I already have the current WWE DVD, but that only has four of his matches. FOUR!! C’mon!! Will us Warrior fans forever be penalized because of his actions outside of the ring? I really want to own more of his matches and feel WWE can make a dang good amount of reveneue with a compilation DVD release! Thanks JR!
I have no idea but perhaps the WWE staffers that read out site will take note.
Hey J.R., do you have any idea as to why in the world wwe.com is advertising TNA, and ROH events, along with TNA results?
One would assume to be of more full service to their sitevisitors.
what are you thoughts on a recent roh pay per view only being bought by 36 people?
I did not watch the show either but that number is a killer if it is accurate.
J.R., I have been watching all wrestling promotions and organizations since I was 5 and I will be 36 in May. My lovely wife has purchased tickets for One Night Stand this year as my birthday present and I can’t wait. I have been in the Navy for 17 years and am currently stationed in San Diego. This will be my second pay per view. My first one was the very first Vengeance. My birthday present is without a doubt just awesome but there are still a few fantasy items missing from my collection. 1. Is there any possible way that we will see a DVD set in the near future with all of those hilarious memorable moments from Gorilla and Bobby on Prime Time Wrestling? I know there has to be tons and tons of recorded footage in that vault locked away. 2. How about the best of TNT and the Slammy award collections? I have the funniest moments DVD but it lacks all the classic moments. Like when Andre knocked out Gorilla and he was out cold in a mud puddle. I know this is long but the last item is, How about the collection of the greatest wrestling announcer moments to include bloopers. I know that the list is endless for future DVD’s but this is all memorable and should be in any true fans collection. You all did which I thought was the impossible by getting all the Pit segments on Roddy’s collection and I sincerely thank you for that. That was like being born again. Okay, I have bored you long enough. Thanks for all the hard work and everything you and the king have done for every organizaton. You are both icons in this business. Very Respectfully, Jim Gaydos
Monsoon and Heenan had great chemistry as they genuinely liked each other and they were not over produced or micro-managed.I was a big fan of Prime Time Wrestling as well and rarely missed a week. I too would love to see a compilation of their efforts.Announcersdon’t sell tickets or do any thing for the ratings or so I have heard so I am assuming an announcer orientedDVD is out of the picture.
hey JR hows it goin? i just want to say congrats to jake the snake an scott hall for bettering there self’s and do you think maybe anyone would consider giving hall another run in the wwe i know he no showed a couple times to a couple different promotions but then took up vinces offer for help i heard he was going to be at the HOF ceremony my opnion is hall deserves to be inducted its guys like HBK mainly he is was an forever will be the single greatest superstar in my eyes but anyway him,razor,sid,nash,old school undertaker there the guys that made wwe survive ever since hbk won the rumble in 95 up until hbk lost to stone cold were the best years in wwe to sum up what im getting at is there any chnce in your eyes that we will ever see hall or even nash inducted? sorry it was so drugout ive never wrote to u before and i would LOVE to just talk wrestling with u for hours even if you dont post this thanks for reading i appreciate it very much
I would never say never butnot in 2008. I would see Hall and Nash both in the HOF some day.
J.R., Now that the Big Show has returned looking better than he did in his old WCW days, it looks as if the demanding WWE schedule had a lot to do with his weight issues in the past. Do you think he can keep himself in better shape this time around?
Eating right hasmore to do with personal choices than travel issues. I hope Show stays around 400 or so and lives to be a rich, happy old man.
Hey J.R. Great site. My questions is about the I.C. Title. Is it me or does it just not mean anything anymore? And if so why is that. The I.C. belt used to have great prestige, now it gets defended every three months it seems like. The fact that it will not be defended at Wrestlemania just tells me, the WWE has lost confidence in what it stands for.
Let’s see what happens with the title with Jericho (as I write this) as the new champion.
J.R., I have a hypothetical question for you. Let’s say Vince McMahon comes to you and asks you to pick a show-stealing main-event match at a future RAW or PPV. You can have your pick of any current superstar on any brand. What match would you most want to see? If Vince put this in your hands, how would you respond? My response would be that the match could potentially involve 3 superstars: HBK, Jeff Hardy, and Rey Mysterio. I can envision all 3 in a Triple Threat or HBK vs either one in an Iron-Man match or Hardy vs Mysterio in a Ladder Match.
I will let you dothe booking Patrick. I have already done my share. Booking is as more about execution than simply writing names down on a piece of paper.
Hey j.r., I know ECW has received a lot of criticism because it isn’t what it used to be. However, I love the new ECW because of the up and coming talent such as CM Punk and john Morrison as well as the show being primarily focused on wrestling rather than promos. I just wanted to know what ECW’s status is and will it be here for years to come?
Hard to say what will be around for years to come but even though the show does in the low 1’s in the ratings it is still one of Sci Fi’s highest rated shows plus it is live, original programming for them. I too hope it lasts long term. The kind and gentler Joey Styles along with Tazz are fun to listen to and I like the exposure many of the new talents receive. Nonetheless it is old school ECW in name only. J.R. Says
Hey Good ‘Ole J.R., Since this is my first time posting, I’d just like to say that you are bar none, the best wrestling announcer I ever heard in my 15 years of being a fan. Hope you will choose to stick around for years to come. I was wondering…has WWE ever considered doing a RAW or maybe a Smackdown or ECW with the spring break theme with the pools around the ring like wCw used to do? It was always one of my favorite Nitro’s every year and from what I’ve heard on the net, it was very popular among fans. Also, can you see the mega star potential in Cody Rhodes? He is young now, but as I watch, he just gets better every week. I think if he keeps getting better, within 3 years he could have classic feuds with the likes of Randy Orton or Mrrrrrrrrrr. Kennneddddyyyyyyyy……………..Kennedyyyyyyyy.
I have never heard of a spring break oriented TV show discussed in the WWE. Obviously Cody Rhodes is a keeper and is going to be a star some day. He simply needs time to physically mature and master his trade.
Hey, JR You and King are the best. I would love to hear King and Bobby Heenan call a match sometime. I went to a Raw houseshow and Bob Holly probably got the biggest pop of the night. What are your thoughts on Bob? I’ve been a fan of his for many years and admire his dedication and divenness for the business. On a side note. I watched the WCCW DVD and I have a fantasy match up. Kevin Von Erich(in his prime) vs Rey Mysterio
Bob Holly is an old school, tough guy who is a no non-sense, hard worker. If Bob had more patience he might make a great coach some day to the developmental kids.
Hi JR, I have a few questions: I read a press release before the writers strike ended that NBC was going to move RAW to NBC to fill up the time slot on Monday so my question is if they were willing to put WWE on NBC why didn’t WWE move SMACKDOWN! to NBC instead of the much smaller MyNetworkTV? Have you heard what day of the week SMACKDOWN will be on once it moves to MyNetworkTV? For the overall product would it also not be better if WWE combined ECW and SMACKDOWN and just produced two 2 hour shows per week? I personally think if they did it should be called ECW SMACKDOWN. Since the Women’s title is on RAW why have any women who wrestle on another show? What would you think of making a 1 hour all womens wrestling show be it in place of ECW on SCI FI on Tuesday night or in place of WWE AM RAW or even in place of HEAT?
Lot’s of TV programming ideas Suzanne that both of us can only talk about. Raw was never moving to NBC during the writers strike. NBC isn’t, apparently, looking for a weekly TV show and I think Smackdown will do just fine on MYNetwork. If the product is what the viewers want to see they will find it and keep coming back.
Hey JR, I just wanted to ask you what your thoughts on the women’s division is right now… How come Mickie had a great fued with Beth and then she TOTALLY gets pushed aside for a Playboy centerfold and Candice?! Since when has getting the cover of Playboy meant that you should be at WM and ROB a more talented WRESTLER of her hard work? This Playboy Cover to WM womens match has gotten real STALE! Christy, Ashley, and now Maria have ruined far too many WM women’s matches that could have been classics! The writers should really learn how to be more creative when it comes to the divas around Wrestlemania time because it now seems like the fans will NEVER get another quality divas match at WM like Jazz/Lita/Trish, Victoria/Jazz/Trish or Mickie/Trish! Please, give the fans a match next year at WM that we will enjoy and not just happily use the bathroom on… P.S What happened to the Cruiserweight title? That makes me sad because it is one of my favorite titles.
Sex appeal and sizzle are prioritized higher than actual in ring wrestling. Young males apparently like the sex appeal more thanathleticism.
JR, Is there something you wish modern-day sports entertainment would bring back that it has been missing lately? I personally have wondered why there are not more young talents using managers: in days past, just by being associated with a manager (Heenan, Jimmy Hart, Fuji, and Paul Heyman/E. Dangerously come to mind) meant you could be in the occasional tag team with a title-holder/contender; any more, though, managers seem to have little success, such as Singh and Striker (although The Great Khali did have a stint as World Heavyweight Champion — but is more known for his feud with Hornswaggle). Another thing I have missed are some of the “classic” matches. I loved seeing Cena and Michaels go at it earlier last year for about an hour, but even 10-20 minute matches seem a rarity. Is there a reason wrestlers today seem to go for the kill, instead of wearing down their opponents, a la Arn Anderson? Side question: Any chance of a JR’s Restaurant in Michigan City, IN? Tbanks, and tell “Tiger” to cool it when Maria comes out, Brad
Today’s wrestling managers are after thoughts. They used to be main event level performers. I would like to see more wrestling and less skits on wrestling TV shows. An occasional two out of three fallmatch would not offend me. Overall not enough time is devoted to bell to bell wrestling for my personal tastes.
Hi Jr, I’m wondering what do you think the chances are of Van Hammer being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame someday? Also, any chance of him making an appearance on WWE TV someday soon like so many other past stars do on a frquent basis?
What have you been smoking, Gregory? Did you eat paint chips as a child?
hi jr)-I think if john cena did more of his freestyling(rap)/ribbing on his opponents like he used to he might earned back more popularity points.it was always entertaining when he did that. -A great kahli/big show confrontation.sooner or later? - And finally, and sorry to bring up TNA,but can you comment or have you ever seen their “elevation X” match(es)?it’s interesting to watch the crowds reaction to these. please take care.
Talk about the proverbial bowling shoe ugly match, Khali vs. Show would provide a dandy. TNA isn’t the Antichrist here James. I don’t watch as much of them as I probably should. I have seen some of their X Division matches and with all the flying around andextreme action it is somewhat like the old ECW stuff.
hey JR i got a few things to ask 1)how tough than a $2 steak. 2)how dose one go about geitng on a wwe show as far as being a jober? i have never heard about how that works and would like to know so when im done with my wrestling training i could maybe jobb on heat or a drak match 3) whens raw or smackdown coeming back to oregon? 4) do you think the 3 story cage used on wcw could ever work? i loved the idea of the match but i think wcw did the match way to wrong thanks for your tim JR
Tougher than your great aunt’s kisseswho happens to have a thicker mustache than you. Damn tough in other words.You need plenty of time in the independent world before attempting to work for the WWE on anylevel and access to "spell check".
Hi JR, I’ve been watching wrestling since some time in the beginning of 06, so you could say I’m relatively new to it. Before then I didn’t think much of it(but I was a little interested in martial arts) but I saw a PPV with my step brother and started to noticed some of the things the wrestlers did. One of the first moves that made me go “whoa” was a spinning hurricanrana(not sure who but I’m guessing Lita, Kelly does the move now) and since then I’ve become a fan of guys like HBK, RVD, CM Punk, London + Kendrick, Jericho, Undertaker and others(less so of the bigger, slower guys). What(and who) got you interested in wrestling?
The reality based story-lines and the pure athleticism of men like Danny Hodge, Bill Watts, Jack Brisco, The Assassins vs. The Kentuckians, and the fact that the shows were paced to a degree that I could remember what occurred a few days later.
Hello JR. Hope you are having a wonderful week. My question for you is.. Since its coming up soon May 5th when RAW is going to be in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I was wondering do you enjoy traveling to Canada and what is one of your favourite memories about being here? Yours Trully: Jessica
I have been to Canada and Toronto specifically dozens of times. TO is like New York City in that it has the best of every thing available. Canadian fans have always supported my career and for that I will always be thankful. I will arrive in Toronto on Sunday prior to the RAW so I can spend some time there prior to the big event at the ACC. I have many great memories of Canada including Wrestlemania atSky Dome and visiting the StuHart’s Dungeon and being showed a couple of Stu’s favorite maneuvers.
J.R. I am a huge Stonecold fan and I was wondering what he has been up to latly, and do you think he will ever come back to the ring anytime soon.
Steve has been in the UK promoting "The Condemned". I hope to see him in Orlando for the HOF. He is about to get busy with a couple of movie projects for 09 release. Steve is like family to us.
Hey JR, Do you have any idea how the Koloffs (Ivan and Nikita) are doing? I was a big fan of theirs back in the 80’s and really enjoyed their feud with the Rock N Roll Express. Ivan was fantstic on the mic and Nikita’s look was so damn intimidating. I always thought Nikita was going to be a huge star one day. I think he could have been had he made the jump to the WWE. Look forward to hearing you on Monday night!
Both the Koloff’s have been touched by God’s hand and are involved in speaking, etc. Ivan did the best Russian impersonation ever especially considering that Ivan was Canadian. Nikita wasn’t bad for aMinnesota boy, either.
hey jr, have you ever been to Ilio DiPaolo’s restaurant in buffalo ny? great food and lots of wrestling stuff….if not, you must go next time your in buffalo!
Absolutely…I love eating at Ilio’s place near Buffalo! We have some of their delicious marinara sauce in our ‘fridge as we speak. Ilio DiPaolo was a real man’s man and a credit to the wrestling business. He is missed.
Hey JR, great site - fantastic that you do this for wrestling fans. My question is - do you envision a day when you open up a JR’S resturant in the UK?
Perhaps if an enterprising owner/operator wants to invest in a franchise. It would do big business there without fail.
Greetings Good ole’ J.R. This is my first post to your wonderful Q&A. Thanks for the many years and you truly are the number 1 sports entertainment announcer of all time. Now what I have is more of a comment than a question. What in the world is TNA thinking? I suggest you go to you tube and search “Stone Cold Shark Boy”. This is complete insanity. Why would they even do something as stupid as stomp on Steve Austin’s reputation and hard work with such trash. Really, this isn’t a parody or a tribute, its just ripping off the character that Steve Williams created. In all my years (25 to be exact) as a wrestling fan, I have never been so disturbed by something. Maybe I’m over reacting. Your thoughts? Thanks again for the memories.
I am disturbed that we are in a war I can’t understand…I am disturbed that many kids are not being educated and I am disturbed that some Americans don’t have health care but I am damn sure not disturbed about what "Shark Boy" is doing to try and garner attention. More power to him.
Hello JR, With all the great DVD’s being released by the WWE including material acquired from other promotions, do you know if there are any plans by the WWE to publish more of its own history? I am referring specifically to footage of the old WWWF weekly TV tapings from PA. We see some of this from time to time on 24×7 and in Hall of Fame clips. If tapes of these shows exist in most of their entirety, I would think many “really old school” WWWF fans would be interested in seeing them. Some of the old rivalries rank right up there with the all time greats. Right now, we are stuck watching bits and pieces of them on youtube. Thank you for all that you have given and continue to give to this business!
If there is money to be made I am sure the WWE will explore any and all reasonable avenues. Back in the days of which you speak many of the originals were not kept and were simply used as tape stock to be reused and taped over.
Hi JR, Love the jerky and the site. My question is, have you considered a FAQ section to your site. I think it could help the overload of Macho Man, spinner belt questions. Also if Michigan fails to land Terrelle Pryor (25% chance in my opinion, do you think they can compete this season in the Big 10. Thank You, and keep doing what you do.
We have a customer and I love it! Sorry, I lost it for a moment sort of like the King when he was told he couldn’t say "Puppies" any longer. FAQ is a great idea but we need the time to get the work done. Only two of us work on this site so any changes are major undertakings.
Hello mr. ross I would first like to introduce myself…. I am Joe and I am 12 years old. But I probly know more about wrestling that a 60 year old does. I do research every single day and I am devoted to the sport. Now most people come on here and ask your how to become a wrestler. Now I am 12 years old 4′11 and 115 My sister say’s im over weight. I agree. I want to become a pro wrestler but I don’t know if my body will handle it I have been through alot and I had a 6 hour surgrey on my kidnneys and It was bad. But That was Then. I am working on getting in shape and yes I know I am young but it is never to late to start working. if I cannot Pursue a carierr as a inring preformer I would like to be a cmentator or atleast a backstage interviewer. I was wondering if you had any advice on how I could start training to be a commentator or what classes I could take when im older? I respect you with the most respect and you are a True legend in the bussness. I hope you don’t retire for Several more years (70 or 80 Hehe). Also do you thing you will ever bring Jr BBQ to Ohio? NORTH WEST ohio? What do you think about Kane not being used as good as he could be? I think Kane is awsome but he is not being pushed as a main eventer. I also Belive That jeff Hardy has the Talent to be Champ I hate that wwe droped there cruiserweight Divsion. Vice is to caught up in Big Muccils…. Shame shaame…Shame I am sure you are probly sick and tired of me about this time into the question so I am going to end it with one other request for your opinion……… I like Shane Mcmahon as a in ring Preformer Do you? I am very sorry for my Poor typing skills =( I hope all is well with you and yours Thank You Joe Ohio 12 Years old Huge Fan
Practice Joe, practice. Do all the commentary you can in your room. Watch TV sports and turn the sound down and take over. Get in to speech and drama classes in school. Volunteer to work at your local radio station (s). Listen to other commentators and learn from them all.
