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.
Webmaster
JR,
Where do the TV trucks go after Tuesday? Do they go to a “Home Base” Of sorts? Or are they always on the road heading to the next week’s TV City?
They move on to the next TV locale.
Hi, huge fan, all that good stuff. Seriously, you’re great at what you do. I have two questions, one being what I tink is a seriously good idea. Since the HOF started really becoming a big event every year (no thi sisn’t another one of those questions, dont worry haha), we have seen them how that it’s not ALL about the wrestlers. They induct announcers, managers, I’m surprised they havent inducted refs yet! But question is this: What are the odds of seeing actual MATCHES put in the hall of fame? I mean, not a ton, but maybe every year, there could be one match. Who would argue that Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage at Wrestlemania III, or Bret Hart vs. The British Bulldog at Summerslam 92. I think that would be great, and really add some depth.
My second question is an easy one, that I’ve asked before but you never answered it. Who is the guy who does the voiceovers for upcoming events? Ever since I was 10 years old, I always loved the enthusiasm he put into it. “Next time on RAW” “Tune into Survivor Series!” I’d love to know who it is, and if you could pass along to him that he’s got a fan.
Thanks for always answering our questions! You’re the best!
- Pat -
Thanks for the kudos….refs are eligible for the HOF and some day I am sure one will be inducted. I don’t know the voice over guy’s name, as he is an out of house voice over talent, but he has some pipes without fail. Speaking of the Hall of Fame, I would like to see it moved to the Friday before Wrestlemania instead of the night before.
Hey J.R. -
I have a two-part question about managers. First, who do you think cut the best promo - Jim Cornette or Bobby Heenan? I say Cornette, but just by the length of his tennis racket. Second, has the role of the manager all but disappeared due to economics or due to an evolutionary shift in fan reaction? Or is it something else entirely? I certainly haven’t minded the growth of the diva role in the last decade or so, but I do miss the managers on the outside of the ring. What do you think? Thanks!
Steverino
That’s like asking me if I like ribs or brisket better. How can one go wrong with either guy? You won’t get an answer on this one from me as I love both guy’s work. Why aren’t there more great managers? Do you think guys like Jim Cornette or The Brain can be invented. They are people that come along only every so often in our lifetime.
Hi JR, great blog as always. As a life long fan from here in the UK I attended One Night Only 1997 in Birmingham (and many more since) I just wanted to know during there great match did you expect Bret Hart to get such a mixed reaction from the croud. bret seemed genuinly shocked as was I. Great emotion for the match with a split croud though. Keep up the great work
I was surprised as well.
Dear Mr. Ross
What do you think about TNA stealing WWE themes such as the macho man and stone cold?
Who cares? Stone Cold certainly doesn’t. Why should we?
Great website JR keep up the great work!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Alex….we do our best.
Greetings from Nashville JR. I am interested in getting into broadcasting in some form, particularly radio. You are someone in the field of broadcasting that I hold in very high regard, and this is the reason for my question. Do you know anyone who has gone to Connecticut School of Broadcasting? They have a campus here in Nashville and I am considering attending sometime this year. I’m just curious to see if you’ve heard any feedback as to the quality of education they provide. Thanks for your time and looking forward to Wrestlemania as always.
They are a viable school who has been around for years. Ask them for a list of some of their graduates that you can contact and get a referral.
Hey J.R. I just wanted to say that I was watching the WM 22 Match between HBK and Vince and damn you did such a great job in that match that has to be one of my favorite matches you have ever called. I was wondering do you ever see the tag team division returning to the prominence it once had in the 80’s? Boy I miss the teams like demolition, the rock and roll express, and the rockers not these odd pairings of today!
Thanks Ian, the HBK-McMahon match was like a train wreck and full of passion. I do think the tag team scene will heat up some day.
Thank you for answering my question on Jeff Hardy JR. When he comes back he has a long way to go to get back on top
As my dad would have said, "No hill for a stepper."
Hey JR. I have always been a wrestling fa and i wouldnt like it as much if you werent there. I was wondering, do you think john morrison deserves to be the wwe champion, cause he’s an amazing athlete and less athletic guys are getting bigger pushes than him. What number would you rate him on the most athletic people in wwe today???
Morrison is an exceptional athlete, but I think he has some more miles to travel before he wears WWE gold. He’s on the right track, nonetheless.
Hey JR, I’m 20 and from Northern Oklahoma. I got to meet Danny Hodge in Perry about 7 years ago. He’s a great man and VERY intimidating. As a matter of a fact, he about broke my hand when he shook it. He said you guys are great friends. Can you tell me how you two met?
Also, I’m a broadcast major and it’s been a dream to do what you do for a living. Any advice after college?
I met Danny Hodge when I broke into the business and started refereeing matches in the mid 70’s. He’s a classic and we traveled thousands of miles together. I would suggest you try and do some broadcasting for an Indy promotion and get some of your work on a demo tape…..and lose your Oklahoma drawl if you have one.
I just wanted to say thanks for keeping the website up, the Q+A and update sections make it a must read for my fix. The best part about the commentary on this site is that it is unfailingly positive, rather than several of the other sites. Some other writers of news tend to skew their comments to the negative, and then speak about how it should have been done. I feel SOME fans have forgotten that the reason things looked so great back in the day was because there was more suspension of disbelief. Everyone thought that Randy Savage WAS really crazy, and were scared of him, which is one of the key elements that made him great. We all thought that Kamala was really a cannibal, because he looked scary as heck. (If The King was really responsible for that, he’s just as much a genius as I always thought he was.) Once you know everything, what else is left that holds wonder and excitement? People forget that this is supposed to be fun to watch and enjoy. Nothing is worse for my money, than getting into a wrestling discussion and people telling me about what they read on the internet about behind the scenes stuff and running everything about the shows down.
I really have no quetions, just felt like commenting.
Great job, Ill be listening every Monday Night
Art
Thanks Arthur. Wrestling is supposed to be entertainment, but some folks really take what they see too seriously and take a vested, personal interest in the backstage politics of the business. To each his own.
hey JR is there going to be a best of the british bulldogs dvd?
I know of nothing on the horizon at this time.
Hey JR! Long time fan of the WWE here and I must say am loving the blog as per always! I know you get a lot of comments regarding HHH’s so called ‘backstage politicking’ and I for one am sick of it. HHH has to be my favourite wrestler and I believe he is in the position he is in because of his phenomenal work ethic, unbelievable ring skills, and fantastic persona. I can’t think of many athletes that have come back from two career threatening injuries to get back to the business that they love.
HHH gets a tough rap without question. He stands up to the pressure well though, which is admirable. I know HHH’s father in law better than most and I can assure you that if HHH was merely average HHH would not be in main events. He’s there because he is good and has earned his spot.
I’ve been a fan of your announcing at the commentators booth for years, and there are two performers that I can’t help but notice that you’ve really put emphasis in announcing their matches: Stone Cold Steve Austin & Sting. Now Sting has been my favorite and I feel any wrestler hasn’t accomplished anything in the sports entertainment business until they have been to the Grandaddy of them all, WrestleMania.Do you believe Sting will ever join the WWE? and Do you believe he is one of the best to have been in the business?
All announcers make emotional investments in talents and sometimes more for some than others. I am as guilty as anyone. I am not an actor and sometimes I get caught up naturally in the moment I have to admit. The Sting question has been posed before but as best I know Sting is under contract to TNA plus he’s not a kid any longer with many, many more years to invest in the ring.
Heya J.R.
I know that moving constantly throughout the year can be very taxing, do you notice any superstars that have a hard time dealing with it (speaking in Present Superstars)?
Also, do you ever believe Dean Malenko will make it into the Hall of Fame? He has contributed alot, and come on, he knows 1000 moves! =]
I firmly believe that the travel schedule is everyone’s enemy. I am not a fan of being on the road 51 weeks a year I assure you. If someone said to me that you are coming off RAW and just going to announce the PPVs, I most likely would be disappointed, but would "get over it" sooner than one would think. I would suggest the bigger bodied guys have more travel issues than the others, but it is not fun for anyone especially when there is no off season.
Hello JR,
I think I’ve said this before, but I’ll try for a response once more. I’ve been a fan almost from the moment I took my first step,and I owe some of that devotion in part to your great work beside the king, so thank you both. Now, while I love HHH, and Y2J calling HHH the king of kings, and Chris our savior doesn’t sit wel with me. It just seems wrong. I agree with what ferretjohn who posted here previously said, sometimes WWE crosses the line (except for the Hornswoggle thing, I didn’t much care for the Mcnugget) Anyway, I’m not here to judge or damn anyone to hell, not even Mr. McMahan. I just want to know wear you stand, and your thoughts on this.
Thanks for the feedback and point well made. I am not a fan of bringing religion or politics into wrestling intentionally or inadvertently. I never looked at Jericho’s slogan as being a religious one but I can see how some easily could.
Hey JR, big fan. I just wanted to get your thoughts on the mic work being done nowadays. It seems like outside of Cena and HHH, we never get to see the guys who really need to be doing as much backstage and in-ring mic work as possible (Jericho and Edge especially). Outside of the Edge/Vicki angle, which to be honest is getting a little tiresome, I can’t remember the last time Jericho was involved in a backstage plot, or Edge consistently getting some mic work outside of the ring, like back in the Edge and Christian days. Jericho especially is a guy who really feeds off that sort of thing and it just seems like he’s being randomly tossed around and only gets about 10 seconds to speak every time. I just remember his back and forth stuff he used to do with the Rock and some of the spats with the McMahons being amazing, and it seems really rushed and disorganized now.
The mic work by every wrestler, and announcer, can be improved upon especially if more of them were left to their own devices and creativity. I do know that if a wrestler rarely speaks or can’t speak well that they most likely won’t make it to the Promised Land.
Hi! i have been a long time fan. I love your BBQ sauces and your Jerky. It is the best I’ve had. I read that Stone Cold might be a partner in your New restaurant. That is cool. Will he be at the restaurant often if he does this? You’re the best JR!……….Kirk
Stone Cold has eaten in our first place and I am sure he will be dropping by store #2 at some point as well. He usually tries to make it to Norman to see an OU game every fall.
JR,
I sent ypur store an e-mail about 2 weeks ago about this, but am not sure you read those. You were asking about shipping suggestions, and I have one for you. I switched my business to pay-pal and have GREATLY reduced the cost of shipping. If you link your store to their site you could save even more. I was able to drop my costs by over 70% and average about $5 for Priority from about 10-15. You would also be able to accept any form of payment known to man and should help you sell to those that have no credit cards. If you ship Priority, all of your boxes would be free as well. It is simple to set up, and you are financially protected down to the nearest penny. The service costs a few cents per transaction, less than a normal credit card.
Love the sauce, you have won a lifetime customer here. Hope to see it in Wal-Mart soon.
Jesse
Jesse your feedback is really appreciated. We are doing all we can to make our site, our products and the entire experience a more positive one and your feedback is helpful to say the least.
J.R. I have enjoyed watching you since the old Days of Mid-South Wrestling to the present and finally got to eat at your restaurant last December. After two bites, I called my wife and told her I found the ULTIMATE Bar-b-que. Since then I try to get down there at least once every other week. Can’t wait until you open in Moore! Those other joints might as well pack it up. Besides, you will be almost across the street! LOVE the “Duke” decor also!
If you need some John Wayne decor for your Moore store, let me know.
Later Pilgrim……
Mark “King Size King”
You sound like my kind of guy. I hope we get to meet some day and I want you to know we appreciate your business. I am glad you love our food and the Moore store which opens now around June 14 or so will be a great spot to visit. I will keep you in mind about the "Duke" stuff but I think we are covered.
hey jr how u doin firt off i just wont to say that i thank your a great commentator 2nd how do u thank the sonners will do this year and 3 i hear the wee was not comin back to atlanta because of the benoit incident somethin to with georgia officals could u just clear this up for me plz cuz wwe is a good draw for atlanta usually sales out every time wwe is in atlanta o yeah boomer sooner
Thanks Steven….glad you like my work….OU is ranked #2 in the preseason but time will tell. The WWE will definitely be back in Georgia in 2008.
Hi JR,
I’ve seen you write a lot about being a fan of more pure wrestling. The next time the WWE has the ridiculous idea to replace you with someone else, would you ever be interested in doing commentary for a place like “Ring of Honor”?
Plus, what do you think about WWE.com adding the “industry” section to their site. I, personally, enjoy seeing companies acknowledge and support each other. The wrestling industry seems too small today to be fighting each other.
I have great respect for ROH but when my WWE days are over that will most likely be it for me as far as wrestling goes.
JR:
First off, thanks for being a long-standing presence on RAW each and every week. You and the King are a key element to its broadcast and enjoyability.
Second, I’m sure there’s a lot of questions regarding the paycheck Mayweather is getting for WM. Big cash for a man who’s only competing one night, doing some promos, and took a bump out of the ring. $20 million? Sounds like a work! I never would have looked at this guy and took him seriously as a boxer. He looks like a big kid.
I hope you feel better!
Signed,
Paul - Huge Morrison Fan! (met him in Tampa, great guy!)
Speaking for The King, we are happy you enjoy listening to us. We are taking the "high road" more these days but we will still make you smile occasionally, I hope. I don’t know the exact amount of Floyd’s check for WM24 but the $20M sounded high from the get go but no one can deny that Mayweather and Show were pretty damned amazing in Orlando.
Morning JR. First off let me say that your resturant is simply heavenly. I really think that the good lord himself has bestowd us with such a great resturant. A couple of quick questions though. First, have you thought about opening a resturant in Topeka, KS or a surronding area? We are in desperate need of a fantastic bar-b-q place and having to drive 4 hours from Topeka to Norman just isnt fisable every weekend. And I love starting my weekends off with some great bar-b-q.
And my second question is why doesn’t the WWE stop by the midwest that much. It seems like every time you come to Kansas or Nebraska or Mizzo (*shudders at the last 2 states…… GO HAWKS AND SOONERS!!!!!*) the fans have an overwhelming showing at the house shows and pack the arena for RAW, ECW, and SMACKDOWN. But the WWE only comes like every couple of years at most!?! Why?? And does the WWE have autograph and/or Q & A sessions before shows other then just before PPVs? It would be teriffic to get a chance to meet and chat with some of the wrestlers before or after a show!!
Keep up the legendary announcing each and every week, get well soon, and keep up the wonderful bar-b-q!!!!!
Wow…you do like our food! Thanks for the kind words Adam and I hope to see you at our place again soon. I think we all would like to see the WWE tour more often in our neighboring cities, but just as they are doing this year in OKC it has been about two years since the WWE came to my backyard. The objective is to not over expose any market but it still makes it tough for some of us. At many of the PPVs the WWE does autograph events.
jr i would just like to say thank to you an your sweet wife we were at your restraunt on 03-13-08 an i was getting a surprise for my husband an everything i tried to get you were out of so your wife brought my husband some nuts up there an you made his day an mine he has 2 of your hat an your suaces in the fridge we are from the denton tx area an we drive there just to eat there my 3 an 4 yr boys love you also every time my 3 yr sees your sign he says hi jr your restraunt truley is the best an your staff as well we just want to say thanks for all an we love you
You are special Jackie and we appreciate you and your family driving up from Denton and eating at our place. My wife Jan is a wonderful woman…..I really out kicked my coverage when I married her. I hope to see your family soon.
Hey JR, I just wondered, do you think we’ll ever see a Shane DVD, since I can think of a good half a dozen matches of Shanes that are high quality including the brutal king of the ring match against Angle.
Also do you have any details on what kind of apperances Stone cold will be making, specificly TV wise…the rock was on Johnathon Ross a week and a bit ago and it’d be great to see Austin on as well.
Hope your eye sorts itself out.
Shane-O-Mac has done some wild stuff so who the heck knows about a DVD? There is plenty of material but unless he returns to TV on a more regular basis it is somewhat of a long shot.
J.R., I agree with you wholeheartedly. I have been a fan of the WWF/WWE for almost 30 years and I think Jeff Hardy deserves to be the Heavyweight champ on either brand. He just needs time and support to set his priorities and get back to the top of the WWE. These “substances” lead us down a path of destruction that leaves nothing but sad memories in their wake. So, I hope for his sake he gets back to the top real soon. Take care and I love your broadcasting!!!
….and we love your feedback. I’ll keep broadcasting and you keep watching. Deal?
Hello JR!
A technical suggestion would be to have the webmaster of your site force a person to go through a FAQ before they can submit a question! This way folks can read that you don’t know what the heat is between McMahon and Savage, Jim Warrior Hellwig wants nothing to do with WWE and does not want a HOF induction (as per statements from his website), Rock won’t wrestle anymore, etc. Even better, one must buy some jerky or sauce before they can submit a question or comment! 
To be honest I struggle for questions as there is not much I really am curious about the industry that has not already been exposed in shoot interviews, books, meet ‘n greets (like when Jerico told me that creative was originally against his putting Stacy in the walls but he fought for it), and websites like yours. But I once heard a shoot interview in which it was said that if one was to ride in a car with big Yokozuna be prepared to have gangsta rap blasting from the radio! Not exactly what I would have expected from the late Yoko! Is there anyone else who would surprise everyone with their music choice? Kane a classical music buff? Bob Holly a Spice Girls fan? Maria into N.W.A.? John Cena into choral chanting? HHH an expert diggadaroo player?
Yoko was notorious for his love of Gangsta rap, lots of mayo on his sandwiches, and for the occasional flatulence (not that there is any thing wrong with that) and a dry sense of humor. Yoko had the best timing for a big man I think I ever saw. Samoan athletes are really amazing in my eyes. Bob Holly and the Spice Girls might not, but perhaps Ol Hardcore is a Dixie Chicks guy, who knows? Your music options have gotten way beyond me….I’m a ZZ Top and an Eagles man myself.
What Up J.R, I Know that this is a very silly question(1 and 2) but here it is:
1) Will there ever be a Sting vs Undertaker match in the WWE?
2) Is it true that WWE will give Ric Flair another run at the WWE, World Heavyweight Championship?
3)What are your thoughts on Samoa Joe in TNA(Wrestling skills, mic skills, potenital, etc.)
Sting vs. The Undertaker at Wrestlemania would be huge but it is highly unlikely to ever happen. Nice fantasy booking though. Ric has retired and says he will never wrestle again and I hope he sticks with that mindset. He’s given us enough in the ring and now at 59 years of age he needs to enjoy life and let his body heal. I have not heard Samoa Joe much on the mic but I like his intensity and physicality in the ring. Like I have said, the Samoan athletes are often times very special.
