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

Quick update from Cincinnati where Oklahoma plays the Bearcats tonite @ 6 eastern on ESPN2.

Sorry to hear of the passing of Giant Gonzalez this week at the age of 44 due to complications from diabetes. Jorge was a kind soul who inadvertantly  backed into the wrestling biz after a failed attempt to join the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. Hawks head honcho Stan Kasten told Jim Herd and me that the 7'7" former member of Argentina's Olympic basketball team was being cut and if WCW, another Turner property along w/ the Hawks at the time, would like to see if we could utilize Jorge as a wrestling 'attraction.'

George was a really nice guy who probaly was closest to Havey Whippleman of any one in the biz. George even contacted Harvey a few years ago needing to borrow money. I am under the impression that Gonzalez bought a small farm in his home country but also cared for many of his family member's financial needs.

I can recall a WCW PPV from Phoenix where Dusty Rhodes produced some vignettes w/ Gonzalez where Dream had to teach the big fella how to dance.  That was quite the sight.

Giant Gonzalez was limited as to what he could do in the ring but was a true, see him occasionally on a card, wrestling attraction. My first Wrestlemania featured an Undertaker vs Giant Gonzalez bout.

George will never be remembered as a great wrestler but he should be remembered as a nice, respectful man who knew his physical limitations but always tried to do his best in the ring.

WWE sold out Paris, France Friday night to the tune of a $1M plus gate. The traveling superstars are all healthy.

FCW has some amazing ethnic diversity. Very positive and needed in all businesses. Plus some of the 2nd generation, 3rd too, athletes have solid chances to be successful if they continue to come to work with the mindset to leave work better than when they arrived.

Byron Saxton had an overall, impressive week. Abe Washington was one of the stars w/ promo work.  A Steamboat vs Colon 15 minute, FCW15 bout was really sound. I'm always excited to watch the FCW TV shows when I receive them.

Rookie PXP man Mark Martalo had an impressive first taping session working along side the entertaining Abe Washington in Tampa.

Big nite in MSG Saturday w/ WWE honoring Bret Hart who hasn't been at the Garden in over a decade. HOF'er Howard Finkle will be there to lend his familiar voice to the proceedings. Wish I could have been there but OU football calls tonight.

Be well and let us send you some sauce, ketchup and beef jerky. Thanks.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.