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

Just spent most of the day Monday (these 4 a.m. wake up calls are killing me) working on an upcoming Starrcade DVD and hosting the final, top 5 bouts in Starrcade history for WWE 24/7.

I won’t divulge the results of the voting for the top 25 bouts, especially the top 5, but I will say that some major stars are going to be POed, if you will.

After reviewing all the Starrcade cards beginning in ‘83, I must say Crockett’s original idea for Starrcade to be the NWA’s answer to Wrestlemania was on the money.

Problem was that McMahon’s ‘Mania worked and Starrcade did not for a variety of reasons. Some cable company’s not carrying the early events did no one at JCP any favors.

Nonetheless, what an array of matches featured over the years at Starrcade. What was your favorite? Really a subjective issue.

I enjoyed working w/ Matt Striker, who was named after the character in the film “Airplane” (that’s not true...is it?) on Tuesday night’s ECW broadcast. Striker has a bright future and could well find himself in line for a promotion if he continues to improve. I like a guy who preps for his broadcast and Matt does his homework. I hope you will check out the show.

I like the “youth movement” on ECW. Good strategy in my view giving the young guys a chance to carry the ball. (Obligatory football reference.)

Speaking of Columbus, Ohio, I thought Tazz and I had our best outing yet on a show that kicks off with a strong tag team bout featuring HHH and Jeff Hardy vs MVP and THE Brian Kendrick. Excellent action throughout this bout.

Jack Swagger (nice name) is turning a few heads within the WWE. Swagger has a fair ways to go but man does this athlete have potential. He will always be the 2nd best wrestler from his hometown of Perry, Oklahoma behind the greatest living wrestler, Dan Hodge.

Fellow Oklahoman and WWE HOFer Jack Brisco celebrated his 67th birthday a few days ago and it reminded me of a 60 minute draw I refereed between Hodge (OU alum) and Brisco (OSU alum) in Little Rock when the amazing Brisco was NWA Champ. Remind me to tell you about it some day. It was a clinic to say the least.

Check out our Q&A section as I answered many of your questions while sitting in LaGuardia Airport.
Thanks to all of you who actually are customers of this site’s store. We do appreciate it.

My Sooners have a tough one this week at home Saturday nite vs undefeated TCU. It will likely be a physical Slobber-Knocker between 2 well coached teams. More football later in the week.

Boomer Sooner!
JR