J.R.'s Family Bar-B-Q

Being John Cena...97% Fat Free Beef Jerky Gaining Popularity!

Wed, 08/27/2008 - 3:35pm — J.R.

Posted in:

Wrestling

Late Tuesday afternoon/early evening I am sitting in a make shift catering area in the old Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh going over my notes for Friday Night Smackdown that was to be taped in a few minutes. The catering area was essentially a ghost town as the ECW taping was in progress and others were getting ready for SD. I needed a quiet place to re-write my announcer notes and catering was it. Then came a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see who it was and low and behold it was John Cena....fresh out of surgery.

I was shocked to see John, who had just had neck surgery earlier in the day, up and around much less dropping by the ancient Igloo to simply say hello to "the boys." As I understand it, a disc in Cena's neck herniated and a fragment stuck into his spinal cord causing obvious discomfort and numbness down his right arm and into his hand. Dr. Joseph Maroon, a renowned Neurosurgeon and Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers expertly handled the Cena's repair. This was a procedure that Dr. Maroon called an "emergency surgery."

John's surgery was a micro-surgical removal of a large piece of disc material that infringing John's spine. Cena told me that the doctors took a small piece of bone from a cadaver to use for the neck fusion.

Cena is expected to begin physical therapy next week and could be back in the ring in between 2-4 months according to Dr. Maroon.

Wednesday morning as I was going thru the Pittsburgh Airport one of the security guys said Cena had come thru earlier alone and in excellent spirits and moving just fine.

Cena's surgery wasn't as drastic or invasive as what some other WWE Superstar's have endured and one thing that helped was the quick response time of Cena himself. If John had ignored the symptoms this matter would have ended up an entire different story without the quick and positive results of Tuesday.

Cena, a former offensive lineman in college, still has that blue collar work ethic and toughness that O-Linemen are known for. On the flight back to Oklahoma from Pitt, I got to thinking about how many wrestlers, obviously those not long on character, would have "milked" this injury for all its worth.

Whether one is a fan of Cena's work or not is beside the point in this discussion as no one with any reasonable amount of common sense can deny Cena's passion for the business and his dedication to his vocation.

I do know that the WWE is a much better place with Cena than without him.

Friday Night Smackdown was a nice wrestling show, in my view, featuring two particularly good matches including Jeff Hardy vs. MVP and HHH vs. Shelton Benjamin. Add a couple of debuts of newcomers plus a live appearance by the Undertaker and I would suggest that Friday Night Smackdown is a keeper. The show was long on wrestling and not overly long on talk which is always a nice formula in my old school eyes.

We are really selling a bunch of our Championship Original 97% Fat Free Beef Jerky which now comes in a new bag. Also, we still have autographed J.R.'s Cookbooks available for only $9.99. Check 'em out....and thanks!

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.

J.R.'s blog
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Wed, 09/03/2008 - 1:10pm — miketop3

There is no one that I know that wishes injury upon Cena. It's a terrible and scary thing to undergo surgery, especially when you're dealing with a neck injury. I'm sure that every wrestling fan, Cena Hater or Cena Lover, wishes him a successful recovery.

I personally think that Cena's break from television is very refreshing. It forces the writing team to shift gears a little bit and think outside the box. As a founding member of the Anti Cena Army, I look forward to the next few months being Cena-free.

SMACKDOWN = A SHOW!

Mike Top

Wed, 09/03/2008 - 4:34am — UWFPro

I got nothing but respect for John Cena to be honest. Hes truly redefining what dedication to the business is.

Sure he might not be the ring technician some are, sure his previous gimmicks may have rubbed people the wrong way....but how could anyone doubt a worker that will get up off the damn surgery table and head right back to work like that? Theres been a multitude of similar neck and back injuries and I've never heard of a single one of them that literally got out of surgery and went right back to work like this.

I've never really bought into the "Cena sucks" stuff. Hes improved his work a lot since 2001 and is as good a talent as I've ever seen in the business....and this level of dedication to the company and to the business...just shows that he lives and breathes what he does and I can't do anything except salute that in respect.

Even if he was the worst wrestler in history...and hes not, this alone would show that John Cena is the real deal. A new school super star with an old schoolers life investment into the business thats made him who he is.

Fri, 08/29/2008 - 1:03pm — pooppool33

John Cena, I have always respected him but, unfortunately he seems to always get stuck wrestling people that I am more of a fan of except, Batista. Anytime somebody knocks him down I appreciate that. Back to Cena, I was sad to hear of his neck issues, thankfully he took care of it and will return to ring and WWE television.

One suggestion for WWE, get over JBL and CM Punk please. I have not enjoyed any of their in ring stuff. CM Punk desserves way better in my views. JBL is great on the mic and really is okay in the ring but, maybe he need a protege to manage and stay on the sidelines. Like a suggestion again, have Ted Dibiase dump that goon of a partner and take him under his wings.

I appreciate this forum to give my opinion, thanks JR you are the man...pooppool33

Fri, 08/29/2008 - 8:28am — Frankenstorm

You already receive this question on your last blog but I have to ask, do you have any news on Elijah Burke? This guy has IT and he's not even use anymore. ECW (or any show) could use his talent, it's sad.

Another question I already ask a year ago maybe is why on WWE DVD, the "F" is blurred on the WWF Attitude logo but not on the old logo? What is the reason for that?

Thanks you J.R.!

Fri, 08/29/2008 - 7:28am — Demolition

Hey JR,

I absolutely am addicted to your BBQ sauce, always buying my monthly supply :).

I'm interested in why CM Punk doesn't use a submission as a secondary finisher for men who are larger than he is. It seems he has trouble executing his GTS to make it look good on larger guys and/or the opponent isn't selling it to it's fullest extent. I'm wondering if some of the agents in the back don't feel that Punk is a good worker at all (ie Spot Monkey), and don't want him to be given the "easy" way out and work through with it to prove that he is a worker. I kinda of see him in the same boat as Shelton Benjamin as a guy who can work his own unique style, but is having a more difficult time adjusting to the WWE style. As for my opinion, ever since Punk has become World Champion, I feel that his matches are usually the best matches on Raw, and he has given JBL his best series of matches since his return.

Thu, 08/28/2008 - 2:26pm — EKennedy

My 2 sons and 1 daughter watch every single WWE show, and WITHOUT a doubt, JOHN CENA is there favorite superstar. Yes, they are only 3, 7, and 10....But they are the future WWE ADULT audience...and they LOVE him. So does my wife for totally different reasons...lol....

And he is my favorite performer, in and out of the ring....but I love the Old School you get with the Undertaker....

Anyway, CENA is always missed in my household when he isnt on TV.

Eric Kennedy

PS------BUY JR's MUSTARD, IT IS DELICIOUS!!!! (of course it all is)

Thu, 08/28/2008 - 1:52pm — CPatt

I like Cena as a person, he seems very dedicated to the WWE and stays out of trouble, but the way the WWE pushes him sometimes really annoys me. Such as about a month ago when he single handedly took out DiBiase and Rhodes in a Handicap match. I don't understand the point of that. Here's Cena coming fresh off a loss at SummerSlam and then he beats the Tag Team Champs by himself. That not only makes them look weak but he looks stronger, even though he doesn't need it.

So people keep saying that he's losing his PPV matches and such, but he's still built up strong all the time, and I think that's why a lot of fans are angered by him, which is a bit unfair to Cena himself.

The other thing in wrestling really interesting me right now is the contracts of Team 3D and my personal favorite wrestler(at least for now ;)) Christian Cage. The three all have expiring contracts by the end of the year, and as always, there are rumors they may come back to the WWE. That's one thing i'll definitely be watching with great interest in the coming months.

Thu, 08/28/2008 - 1:14pm — Kevin808

Hi JR, I've been a WWE fan for 17 years and I'm a big fan of Howard Finkel, do you think he has a chance to ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame (and become the NEEEEWWWW WWE Hall of Famer, The Fiiink !) ?

Thu, 08/28/2008 - 2:06pm — Miss Paula-Topeka KS

The awesome healing power in prayer; may the Lord Jesus continue to bless and keep you safe, Sir John (and your colleagues - that includes you too, Sir J.R.).

Miss Paula, Topeka, KS USA

P.S. - Oops, me thinks I sent this twice:):):) That's ok - more prayer, more power:):):):)

Thu, 08/28/2008 - 11:34am — WhoDaddy

I like Cena personally. (Well, not that I've actually met him) But he seems very personable and genuine.

God speed to him and Kennedy as well as the other stars out with injuries...

J.R., question.

What is your thoughts on the Bearcats coming to town?

We have an incredible, fast and ballhawking D and run the Spread O. I know we are looking forward to the game. I'm not so sure we'll win but I am curious to see where we stack up against a perrinial beast.

Thanks for all you do.
Honestly, thanks.

Thu, 08/28/2008 - 1:56pm — Miss Paula-Topeka KS

The untapped healing power in prayer; may the Lord Jesus smile upon you, Sir John Cena, and may He continue to keep you (and your colleagues - that includes you too, Sir Jim Ross) safe.

Miss Paula-Topeka, KS USA

Wed, 08/27/2008 - 10:16pm — Thaynes

Cena's a great guy. I love that he cares for the kids and I love that he'd rather be up and working than lying at home forcing a pity party. He's my kind of guy. I too wish him a speedy recovery as I would love to see him in Atlanta for the November Raw show^^

Miss T

Wed, 08/27/2008 - 8:31pm — John H

Cena certainly is a trooper I'll say that. I am not his biggest fan, but I certainly respect him and his ability. This is proof he is definitely one with real passion for the business. Just hope he doesnt try to rush recover and come back too soon.

Any time the Undertaker is on is a great show. He was definitely missed. No disrespect to the rest of SD talent roster though.

I definitely need some more beef jerky.

Wed, 08/27/2008 - 7:49pm — showtimeterryring

JR it was great seeing you in Pittsburgh again.

You referenced the "old" Mellon Arena, Smackdown! referee Charles Robinson also mentioned the arena being sub-par when I spoke with him.

It is old, but it has sooooo much history including the famed Hell in a Cell match as well as the Iron Man Match with Chris Benoit and Triple H (I know you remember that one!) =] .

Not to mentioned countless other great moments.

Don't you hate to see all that great WWE history go?

Even for a new arena.

I was not aware that John Cena was in attendance in Pittsburgh, that's great he was there.

Wed, 08/27/2008 - 6:12pm — johnafirth

I agree. I personally am not a fan of Cena's work, but he seems like a good guy, does lots of work for Make-A-Wish, clearly loves wrestling, and tries to improve all the time.

I'm glad he got this looked at early. Neck injuries aren't something to toy with.

Wed, 08/27/2008 - 5:21pm — F5Fury

"Whether one is a fan of Cena's work or not is beside the point in this discussion as no one with any reasonable amount of common sense can deny Cena's passion for the business and his dedication to his vocation."

You're completely right JR, people may like or may not like John Cena or any other performer, but total respect for those guys is inevitable.

Even if the procedure was micro-surgical and non-invasive it still does sound bad!

I just can wish him a speedy and full recovery, too bad for him that after years he was just starting to gain my appreciation as a Wrestler too ;-)