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

I hope every one is having a great week. Things are well here in rainy Oklahoma and we have been fortunate to not have had any tornado issues in Norman unlike some of our neighbors to the west and north of us. The construction at our restaurant is coming along really well and it looks like we will be open for business on June 27 as it now stands. We will be open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner or “supper” as we often times refer to it here in Oklahoma. We will try and get some photos of the restaurant on the site to keep every one abreast of how things are progressing. I do know that we will have a huge sign that will feature my black hat about 50 feet up in the air which should be quite the sight. We recently bought a state of the art smoker for use at our restaurant and our crack staff led by master smoker Tim Smith, who is hard at work breaking it in. We plan on sampling some of Tim’s cooking this weekend with family. Exciting Bar-B-Q times certainly lie ahead for us and I hope many of you are able to visit us in the future.

There were a slew of comments this week about the announcement of Edge winning the world title prior to it airing on Friday Night Smackdown. This is a subject matter that probably doesn’t have a totally right or totally wrong answer. I wasn’t personally bothered by the announcement and as a matter of fact it makes me really want to see how it all comes about and I have already set my DVR just in case something causes me to miss the original airing. Those that don’t like it will never like it but some on the fence may have a definitive opinion on this matter if the Smackdown TV rating is enhanced this week. Time will tell as it relates to the ratings but I know I will not miss this TV show this week come hell or high water.

Great to hear that Matt Cappotelli is doing well after successful brain cancer surgery. I have been emailing Matt for quite some time during his illness and have great respect for Matt’s character and courage. In the time when many are making much to do about Edge’s title win being announced ahead of it airing, the spinner title belt, who’s being “held back”, etc Matt Cappotelli’s situation really puts things in perspective. When it was feared that I might have colon cancer almost two years ago I realized there were many more important things to fixate on than `rasslin politics, internet gossip, and who’s in the proverbial “dog house” this week. Say a prayer for Matt as we count our blessings for our good health and happiness. I went through this same sort of thing with Dr. Death’s cancer issues, Doc is about 3 years cancer free now, and it really makes one think of what is really important in our lives. By the way I sure hope you give Dr. Death’s book, “How Dr. Death became Dr. Life”, a shot. It is one heck of a story let me tell you. Nothing less than a miracle.

Comment time:

Shaqdog- I have not read Jody Hamilton’s book yet but I no doubt will. Jody was a part of the most feared tag team that I remember from my youth. The Assassins were an amazing duo, Jody Hamilton and Tom Renesto, and I can vividly remember their physical rivalry with The Kentuckians from the early 60’s in Oklahoma. If I were a tag team looking to be unique and effective inside the ring, the Assassins would be one of the teams I would carefully study. Jody rarely ever raised his voice on his promos which made one listen even more intently.

Steve- The Undertaker is such an enduring individual that his presence will remain strong with or without a title around his waist. The mark of a true superstar is that they are just as viable without a title as they are with one and Taker is at the top of that list these days without a doubt.

Manny- Toronto has been one of my favorite cites to visit and to do Monday Night Raw for years. I would have to say T.O. is in the top 5 cities worldwide as far as rabid fans who always turn out in droves and like to raise a little hell. The ACC will be rocking on May 28!

Lou- The Sheepherders that I am most familiar with are Luke Williams and Butch Miller, aka Bob “The Chest” Miller back in the day, who were later the Bushwhackers in the WWE. The Sheepherders flag bearer Rip Morgan was Butch Miller’s nephew and who I think is now back in New Zealand. Last I heard was that Luke was in Puerto Rico. The head of the WWE’s talent relations department John Laurinaitis was also a former flag bearer for the Sheepherders. The ‘Herders were hardcore and “extreme” before it was fashionable or “cool”. (Additional note from Moderator – In the old San Antonio, TX wrestling circuit, Jonathon Boyd was the manager at one time for the Sheepherders. Another fun note about the Sheepherders is that one time on TBS wrestling, one of the other wrestlers paid Luke and Butch $10 each to lick David Crockett’s face as he was trying to conduct an interview with them!)

Tim- I know nothing of the WWE’s plans on having a full time roster in Europe. Many things are discussed internally that don’t always come to fruition just as in any other business. To have WWE models around the globe is a great goal but one that most likely is years away.

Sam- It is hard to say who would be on my list of potential great color analysts from the current crop of wrestlers. The job of a color commentator isn’t an easy one as an individual needs to learn to speak in “sound bytes” and not run on sentences. Some of the game’s best promo men have had some painfully, long nights sitting at ringside attempting to do commentary. Some of the biggest names in the business have made it clear to me that they “never” want to try commentary again after some of their initial outings. Several current wrestlers probably have the skills but are they willing to work just as hard at being a commentator as they were at being a wrestler ala JBL?

Greg- I am sure the “Igloo” was a fun place to be Tuesday night. Pittsburgh is another great wrestling city with a long, rich heritage of wrestling.

Jesselee- Many wrestlers have said they would volunteer to come to our restaurant to make appearances in the future. I have nothing booked, but as time goes on I am sure we will have some “special visitors” in Norman.

Harry- Ah, the old car question, huh? I drive a 2004 black Cadillac Escalade w/ about 28,000 miles on it and it loves premium fuel!

Adam- Do I dislike Hulk? No. Do you? I do feel badly that his relationship with the WWE is strained but that is not my hill to die on. Time heals many wounds even those that are sometimes self inflicted.

Joseph- I have said many times that Edge is one of the best the WWE has ever had in the ring or on the mic. Edge being the World’s Champion will most likely see him end up on Smackdown more often than he will appear on Raw which disappoints me. Edge is a student of the game who will make a viable champ. Again.

George in Scotland- Yes George, I agree that Chris Jericho returning sooner than later would be a welcomed sight for many. However, this is a decision that the intelligent and talented Jericho must make for himself. If Chris is not mentally ready to return to the grind then it won’t work. Some guys get off the road and never are able to adjust fully to a full time travel schedule again. I don’t think Chris fits in that category and I would love to see him back on TV in the future. If I was forced to make a wager I would take the “over” that Jericho is back, perhaps as early as this year. And no I don’t have any “inside” information. Sorry to you Oliver Stones out there. Perhaps this is simply wishful thinking on my part.

Marcus- Mentioning Brian Pillman and Candice Michelle in the same comment is… unique. I traveled through Cincy last week and thought of my dear, late friend Brian. My memories of him usually bring a smile, or as best as I can smile, to my face. Yes, Candice is improving in the ring and, yes, Brian would have loved Candice…. so to speak.

Adam- Thanks for the tip on Stooky’s BBQ. The King and I will try and get by there while we are in Wilkes-Barre. I love all the tips we get on great Bar-B-Q places around the country. Thanks!

Jason- My first XFL game was in the Citrus Bowl and while it is not as slick as Ford Field. I am sure the Florida Citrus Bowl folks will have the old ball field looking fine on March 31, 2008. I am looking forward to being in Florida next spring. Warm weather!!

TFK- The Gino Hernandez-Tully Blanchard issue in San Antonio was really well executed by two highly talented wrestlers with experience, skill and unique abilities. Gino was a natural who should be known as one of the best ever, instead of being known for dying from an apparent cocaine overdose. I remember one night Gino worked in Mid South on his way from Houston to Vegas to hook up, according to Gino, with Farrah Fawcett. I was just a little envious. Tully was a great athlete, a college QB at West Texas, and a 2nd generation competitor which usually never hurts. This issue was reality based and had a great sense of urgency and evolved into a personal issue, the best single ingredient to make compelling TV. TFK, cooking ribs over an open fire is dangerous business. I don’t know if I would ever try it. The ribs will cook too fast and won’t “fall off the bone” like they should if they cook too fast. Low and Slow is the only way to go to prepare ribs.

Dan in Edmond, Oklahoma the hometown of Charlie Haas -As I mentioned J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q plans on being open around June 27, but I will keep every one updated as to the exact date. I hope you come see us.

Tyler- I am a big fan of longer TV matches personally. I like the longer action as it helps me create the all important emotional investment in a match. The argument against this preference may be that younger people, which leaves me out, have shorter attention spans and therefore don’t like the longer bouts.

Jason- Are you serious? Did I “sabotage” the “Amazing Pedro” from Gotebo, Oklahoma in 1996 from making it to the WWE? I have never “sabotaged” any wrestler from making it in the WWE and to the contrary. I have helped facilitate many, many wrestlers in getting their opportunity in the WWE when I was head of talent relations. I would be extremely proud to have more fellow Oklahomans make the WWE roster. Either you have a great sense of humor or someone is B.S.’ing you big time.

Phil- How do I sleep on planes? I drink lots of water prior to flying and little to no caffeine. I am able to block out the noise for some reason, but if you can’t get yourself some headphones. The “collars” or “donuts”, not Krispy Kremes donuts by the way, that many travelers, especially many wrestlers utilize, helps as well. Reading also makes me sleepy not to mention not usually getting more than 4-5 hours of sleep on Monday nights helps one take a nice nap on those Tuesday flights back to Oklahoma.

Nick- Last time I checked, Paul Birchill was wrestling in OVW in Louisville. I like Burchill’s potential and think he will eventually be on a WWE roster.

Steve- If you are looking for another legend’s name to watch on You Tube, check out Jack Brisco. Jack belongs in the same breath as Lou Thesz and Dory Funk, Jr.

IMan- No, I don’t think wrestling is in a slump. Not sure how you took something I said and came to that conclusion. Not every event sells out, but by looking at the WWE financials, I would say that the company is definitely not in a financial slump. Creative is a different matter, as that is not measured by the same standards as dollars and cents but by personal likes and dislikes. The financials are in black and white, while creative issues are extremely subjective. Wrestling isn’t immune to “popularity slumps” as you term it but I don’t feel that we are in one at this time.

Desperado…. One of my favorite Eagles’ songs, but I digress. To answer your question I do think that there are too many chairshots in wrestling. I like “wrestling”. Wrestlers use holds, athleticism, and strategies. Wrestlers should not rely on barbed wire and thumb tacks, but the occasional use of same is fine. Notice I said occasional. Same goes for steel chair shots to the skull.

Jonny- I will write a book someday most likely, but time will tell. Do I have enough stories and experiences to fill a book? Definitely. Probably two or three. Writing about one’s career is a very personal thing and I am simply not ready to go there yet. But if and when I do it will damn sure be honest.

Hank- Charcoal or propane? Grilling or smoking? If I am smoking ribs I prefer to use charcoal. If I am grilling burgers or steaks propane works, but charcoal is old school and usually preferred.

Vinnie- Yes, Vinnie I remember 1992 and the Summer Slam event in Wembley Stadium. I was referring to the “next” major PPV to be held hopefully in the UK some day, not the first. For anyone who saw that event, how can any one not say the Bret Hart-British Bulldog match wasn’t the best on the card? It certainly was for my money and that is literal as I bought that PPV while working for WCW in Atlanta.

John- Leo Burke was one of the most underrated wrestlers of his generation. Leo is also a great trainer and teacher of wrestling. I know that Bret Hart always had a high opinion of Leo Burke which is good enough for me. Many “old timers” have always spoken highly of Leo Burke.

David- Stop the madness! You read an internet rumor that said that London was being considered for Wrestlemania 26 but it was vetoed. Where do people come up with this stuff? That’s three years from now and I can virtually assure you that the WWE decision makers have been thinking about much more timely issues than were Wrestlemania will be in 3 years.

Chris- Elijah Burke is a keeper. Enough said.

Jason- When all the TV monitors on our announce table are destroyed, we watch the Titantron or simply watch what is going on in the ring. The monitors are an announcer’s life line nonetheless.

Michael- Is there a sense of panic in the WWE due to all the injuries to wrestlers? I am not in HQ any longer, but I seriously doubt it. We had the same sort of things happen when I was an executive with the company over the years and one doesn’t panic, but there is, I’m relatively sure, a sense of urgency. I always utilized “crisis management” on a daily basis, just to be prepared for the inevitable injuries or stupidity that can occur with some athletes. Injuries, unfortunately create opportunities. Finally, MVP has the skill set to be a great one. I like his chances and his “desire” to be great. I am not as optimistic about his ring attire.

Mat- Thanks for the feedback on Jake the Snake in the UK. Jake is an ultra talented albeit complex individual. If the playing field were level for all involved, Jake could be a wonderful asset teaching young wrestlers and who is to say that he won’t some day. I hold out the faith and belief that Jake Roberts can still be an asset in today’s wrestling business if he so chooses.

Tom in Indiana…hello! How’s that for a Larry King impression? Nonetheless, I do agree that Chris Benoit is still one of the elite wrestlers in the world. He can play on my team any time. The business needs more dedicated, serious students of the game and tough son of a guns like the native Canadian.

Johnny- Having a Canadian developmental territory has always been a viable idea. I hope it happens. If so, I wouldn’t object to seeing Lance Storm involved. That’s just my two cents.

We have had to order more Jerky and it continues to sell awesomely. We may even add a 5th flavor. I hope you will try it if you haven’t. It’s the real deal. Our Hall of Fame offers are still in effect too with the autographed caps included with the Jerky, but I understand that they might not be lasting much longer according to the marketing folks in today’s meeting. We are also thinking of ordering some of “J.R.’s Cookbooks” which are not easy to find these days. If we do and provide you an opportunity to buy an autographed copy, would you be interested? Let me know. We discussed today that they might make nice holiday gifts. What do you think??

I leave Sunday night for Norfolk, and then on to Hampton for Monday Night Raw, which is in the heart of Flair Country and home to the United States Navy. Not a bad combo. Bad news is I will miss The Sopranos and there is only 4 episodes left! Not to worry, I will catch up on the fellas from Jersey when I get back to Oklahoma. In the meanwhile, don’t give me any hints as to who gets “whacked” Sunday night.

Now get to shopping, you bunch of knuckleheads, and hurry back!

BOOMER SOONER!

J.R.