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J.R. Update...Wednesday...Down For Now...But Not Out
Wed, 10/21/2009 - 5:57pm — J.R.
Posted in:
Firstly, I am absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of feedback we have received here on our site regarding my third "Street Fight" with Bells palsy. Your out pouring of support has been amazing and is the best medicine a guy could have. I have had an emotional time reading thru many of the emails that we have received but the tears I have shed have been tears of happiness. Here's the latest....
I saw my neurologist today in Norman and had a long consultation and some testing. He diagnosed me, as expected with full blown Bells palsy. It is on the right side of my face and has adversely affected my vision in my right eye more than previous bouts. We are concerned about the cornea in my right eye being damaged which is why I am using a ton of artificial tears and having to tape my eye shut at night to sleep along with using a gel in my eye under the eye patch.
Talk about tough and committed....wife Jan has to not only sleep with me wearing my sleep apnea mask but now I'm wearing an eye patch, to boot.
I can talk pretty well out of the left side of my mouth, perhaps I should consider a radio career...that was a joke...but my face has drooped some on the right side making me not TV friendly...if I ever was.....that was another joke.
We have a MRI scheduled for Friday morning to...insert your own joke here....to check out my brain to make sure that there isn't any thing going on that shouldn't be.
My time line on returning to work is unknown as I write this. I wish it was going to be this Sunday in Pittsburgh as I wanted to be a part of Bragging Rights on PPV. I think it will be a fun and a unique show that will be showcasing some new talents in key bouts. How well they perform is up to them but I hope that they take advantage of their opportunities no matter their roles. It's easy to "get lost" in a 7 man tag, for instance, but it is up to every man in the match to make their presence felt. Quality minutes is just as important as quantity of minutes.
So, Sunday night I will be at home in Norman watching Bragging Rights on PPV. I don't know the announcer lineup but it "might" be a three man team of Cole, King, and Todd Grisham but that's only an educated guess. It could be something else altogether but obviously Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler will be figured in the mix prominently.
One huge regret this week was not being able to reunite, albeit for one night only, with the King. I hope we get that opportunity again some day.
The emails/texts that I have received from some of the most prominent names in the biz have been amazing. Vince McMahon, Steve Austin, The Undertaker, The Rock, Dusty Rhodes, Gerry Brisco, Taz, Dr. Death, JBL, Ric Flair and so many others too numerous to mention. I just got a text a few minutes ago from OU head football coach Bob Stoops which was inspirational. My friends Sean and John on AM1560 "The Game" which is the top rated sports talk station in Houston and on which I appear every Wednesday at 5 have forwarded me emails from fans who may not like my Sooners but who have reached out to me with their best wishes.
So the fight continues. I will overcome this challenge just as I have before. My love for the fans and for the business and those that make the wrestling business so much fun to be a part of plus my faith will lead me back to ringside when the time is right and it is meant to be.
There are so many people that have issues much worse than mine that I use their battles to give me strength. Guys like "Dr. Death" Steve Williams, a man I love, who is battling cancer again, gives me inspiration.
For those fans that think that this is the end for me or the end is near I suggest you rethink your position. I won't allow your views to adversely affect me because I still love to play the game. I am an old school guy who still loves calling wrestling matches and sitting at ringside soaking up the adrenaline from the fans.
I firmly and realistically believe that my best days in the wrestling biz are still ahead of me. I'm 57 not 75. I might just become the JoePa of wrestling. O.K. perhaps that's taking it to the extreme.
My face may be sagging, my right eye may be not so good, my tongue is numb, my head aches and my right ear is sensitive to sharp noises but my heart and my soul are stout and my desire to get back in the game has never been stronger.
So, I will do my WWE responsibilities that do not incur traveling to TV and I'll sell a little BBQ while I'm healing. We are working with Oklahoma based Homeland Grocery Stores to put our sauces and ketchup in their stores which I hope to finalize in the next two weeks. Plus, our on line business will get a little more of my attention. I have been told to not allow myself to get too stressed out so I won't be re-watching the OU-Texas football game of last week in the Cotton Bowl. I was told by my neurologist to go watch the Sooners this week in Lawrence, Kansas and if Mrs. JR gives me a "hall pass" that's where I will be because supporting my team makes me happy....win or lose. Then I will return home in time to enjoy Bragging Rights on pay per view and calling every move in my head.
Let me assure you that nothing makes me happier professionally than broadcasting wrestling and being around the product. I love our business and I can assure you that you haven't seen the last of me yet.
Thanks again for the well wishes and especially the all the prayers. I hope that I can someday help all of you as much as you are helping me.
God Bless.
J.R.
- J.R.'s blog
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Hi Good OL' JR,
Sorry to hear that your ill and I know ur going to win your third iron man match, your the best play by play announcer there is and it wont be the same till you get back on your feet.
Get well soon from me and the UK.
Hope you get well soon, JR. It's good news about your scans. WWE is not the same without your voice.
Jim,
We hope you get well soon and get back to doing what you do better than anybody else.
Best Wishes,
Joe & Esther
That's the Spirit J.R!! Never give up and never lose hope. When Life knocks us down we're suppsosed to get right back up and keep fighting on. If there's anything I've learned from my dad who is a multiple amputee is no matter what struggles you go through giving up is not an option. And he gets around better than most in his condition and is a true inspiration.
oh JR.
I really hope you get better soon! I grew up watching you and the King together (and still rally for you two to be calling RAW together soon! )
When I was 14 I got Bell's palsy,and a lot of my friends and family made fun of me. It was my dad and fellow WWE fan that reminded me...
"Your hero had it,and he's doin' fine."
Which is true,two fold. You are my hero and you're doin' fine.
Can't wait to see you again! (Hook 'em!) :D
-ity88 Dallas
JR,
You have been one of my favorite personalities in the WWE since I was little. I sincerely hope that you feel better soon. I can't imagine how you must feel, but I know that it is probably terrifying.
You are an inspiration to all WWE fans and I hope that you are well sooner rather than later. I also hope you get a chance to reunite with the King again one day. Throughout the Attitutde Era in the 90s, one of the aspects of the WWE that I enjoyed the most was your commentary.
Get well soon and get back to calling the slobberknockers!
j.r.,
i know how you feel and i hope you get better. i myself and recovering from bells palsy. im in the army and i was in afghanistan when it happen and i was medevac back to the states for recovery its a scary ordeal. i hope you recover and get back on your feet soon. good luck in your recovery.
geraldo
Hey JR,
Get better soon!
Matt
JR,
I just read your comments on WWE.com. I was unaware of your condition until now. I will hope and pray that your recovery is quick and that you don't suffer like that again.
Wayne
J.R I'm sorry to hear that Bell's Palsy has hit u again. You will beat this again.You are a true champion You will win this "last man standing" battle once again.You are the true iron man.
get well soon
mark nova scotia canada
Hey J.R.
I am just learning of your attack this morning. You will kick Bells Palsy's a## again. I have that confidence in you and the strong being that you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hurry Back, wrestling is not the same without you. You are the voice of the WWE.
Take Care
Jason
Hope you get better soon JR. ive been a fan of the WWE for almost 23 years now. Unfortunatly due to my location is hard to go see a live event. Which I will eventaually as I am going to schedule my holidays around it in a couple years. Making my lifelong dream a reality.
Lately, I have been reading the novels by superstars. I have read, Eddie guerreo, Hardy Boyz, Shawn Micheals, Batista, Steve Austins (reading chris jericho now) . and from what im reading so far you are a very caring individual. Even putting your own spin on things thoughout the novel or even at the start with a nice page written by yourself. Just comes to show how much the WWE is a family.
As for your bells palsy. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Its not fair that you have to endure that, but the fighting spirit you are. I know you will fight through this and I know you will be back on Smackdown soon. So that being said.
Get well soon my Friend
Keith
Newfoundland/Canada.
J.R.
Tonight, I just learned of your recent attack from belpasy. I wish you nothing but the best and a speedy butt kicking and recovery from this. I have been a fan of your's for a very long time, you (plus the King) are the voice of the WWE (WWF for this old timer). You are a true fighter and please keep fighting. I hope to hear your voice again, calling matches.
God Bless to you, Good 'Ol J.R.
Anthony
JR,
You are a great asset to WWE. You are an amazing person and over all the years I have watched you on TV I have enjoyed your sense of broadcasting. I look forward to you returning on Smackdown. May you be back and stronger than ever. You are in my prayers and thoughts and long live the WCCW with all the greats from the Sportiutiom In Dallas, TX. God bless and get well soon.
Ryan
Hi! My name is Debra & I live in San Diego, Ca. I am sorry to hear of your disease. I am praying for you & watch smackdown every week & I am sorry that you won't be there. I am praying for your speedy recovery & hope to see you on TV.
-Love always: **Debra**
Long live JR. You will be victorious.
David Kaplan
Stay strong and God bless.
Jim,
Greetings from Music Ciy, USA in the heart of Big Orange Country.
I am so sorry to hear about your latest battle with Bells Paulsy. I know that you have plenty of fight in you and that this is just a temporary setback. I have enjoyed your work in the past and look foward to enjoying it again in the near future.
Please get well soon and good luck to your Sooners.
Ed Stein
JR, we love you and our prayers are with you. Your voice has been the soundtrack to my youth, teens and now adult years. I cant wait for you to return better then ever.
All the best
Nic
Our thoughts are with you from Sweden.
I myself suffer from bells palsy (even though I'm told it's not so common when you're young. I was 20 when I first had a spell of it), and I know it's a challenge to live with.
Get better soon!
**********************************************
Wrestling isn't just entertainment- it's a way of life
Hey JR,
Words can't express how sorry I am for your latest episode of BP. I know your resolve and willingness is in place to beat this again. You have a great attitude and that's why I say to "HELL WITH BELL'S!"
You keep fightin' and keep writin'!
Please get back to booth soon, because Smackdown will suck without ya! (sorry Todd)
Warmest Regards,
Ralph Barbato
Staten Island, NY 10309
J.R.,
Just wanted to add my name to the list of those wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
I've been enjoying your work since the UWF syndicated show brought the most action-packed hour of "must see" wrestling excitement to Johnstown, PA in the mid-80s and I thank you for the hours of entertainment you've provided to us all!
Your positive attitude and outstanding support system will serve you well in your battle. Don't hesitate to lean on us if you need to. Consider it a receipt for everything I mentioned above that you have done over the years.
God Bless and be well!
J.R, they say that laughter is the best medicine so I went out into the World Wide Web to see if I could find a good joke. I couldn't so I thought well I'll find an alright joke and share it with you on here.
"A man and a friend are playing golf one day at their local golf course. One of the guys is about to chip onto the green when he sees a long funeral procession on the road next to the course. He stops in mid-swing, takes off his golf cap, closes his eyes, and bows down in prayer.
His friend says: “Wow, that is the most thoughtful and touching thing I have ever seen. You truly are a kind man.”
The man then replies: “Yeah, well we were married 35 years.”
So there it is, hope you enjoy. And remember, there's plenty more where that came from, unfortunately.
My very best wishes to you and your family, I hope you get well soon.
Dave
J.R., I hope you make a swift recovery very soon. There's nobody to touch you on commentary, as solid as Todd, King and Michael Cole are, and while there are no better big match wrestlers than Undertaker and HBK, there's no better man to call them than you. Hope you feel better soon and get back to doing what you do best.
Take care
James (UK)
J.R., Just wanted to let you know that Husky nation and all of seattle is thinking about you and praying for a quick recovery with your latest bout. Get well soon. Hope to see you back in Seattle in the near future.
Jeff Bearden
Go Dawgs!
R.Davids
Hi.JR
One's again I wish you all the best in recovery. I think this is a time when everybody should be happy living their life without roadblocks. It is a shame, not seeing you at ringside with you newly wed, Todd Grisham giving the other broadcasters a go, but thats just one man's opinion, I hope you get better soon, and get you're ass back to ringside(what will wwe broadcasting be without "slobber knocker" and O My G.....Almighty)
Hope to see you back in Two weeks time, you can't leave Todd alone, with the best shows on TV to date. best regards. and all the best to you're BarBq joint and family.
JR.
Sorry to hear about you setback. Good luck in your recovery. My family and I will keep you in our prayers. We'll see you on Smackdown again soon! You are without a doubt the best play by play wrestling anouncer in the game. Houston loves ya.
Dana Deans
JR:
I have been a big fan for many years and I'm glad to hear your doing better. Your in our prayers and I hope you have a speedy recovery and will be back in the broadcaster's table soon. We miss you and love you!!! Take care!!!
Kelly R. (MO)
Jr:
I too have had bell's palsey 3 times and I can relate to the struggles you are dealing with somewhat. I have been fortunate to not suffer long term effects from this strange illness but I know the stress it can cause. So I can honestly say my heart goes out to you during this illness. I pray that this does not leave any damage to your eye.
I wish you a speedy recovery because my son and I miss you calling matches for WWE. My son who is 11 saw you in Roanoke VA back in the summer and he told me that he wants to grow up to be a commentator for the WWE. He watches you every week since he was 7 years old. He calls matches a lot of times before the wrestlers make the moves with the same passion that you give when you are calling the matches. So we never know he may grow up calling matches with you if you are still in the business by then.
Thanks for your passion for the business of entertaining the fans of WWE. My son and I are big fans of the WWE. We wish you well and will keep you in our prayers for a speedy recovery.
Nancy B.
Raven VA
JR,
I just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery. I know you are strong willed and will be back before we know it. Take care and much love to you
JP Ottawa, ON
J.R.
Thoughts and prayers are with you from all of Southern Ontario, Canada.
Boomer Sooner.
Nick
J.R.
I wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back on smackdown really soon. If you're not aware of this item it may make your nights more pleasant with your CPAP mask:
http://www.remzzzs.com/
Sam
Much like wrestling fans could not imagine Pro-Wrestling being called by the greatest announcer of that generation, Mr. Gordon Solie, I could not imagine what RAW, Smackdown, heck, Pro-Wrestling in general would be like without your golden voice and amazing announcing skills.
As the WWF journeyed into the WWE, the entire wrestling world has enjoyed your diction, your desire and love for what you do. In-ring talent has come and gone, but your voice has remained as powerful as ever.
You are right, you're only 57 yrs young and you have many more years to give the world in announcing, BBQing and being a family man.
It is with much love that all of us fans want you to return in the best possible health. We all miss you dearly and even us who don't usually do it are saying a pray for you. We love you J.R.
From the Birth Place of Extreme,
Michael
All your fans love you Jim! and we are all praying for you. You are a very strong man and we are sure you will be back in WWE soon. Hope you get to enjoy the sooner game this weekend.
Stacey and Tracey
Hello JR,
I am saddened to hear you are once again locking horns with your illness, however I am sure with your determination you will manage to record a three count.
I remember vividly the first ever WWE pay-par-view I saw on TV was Summerslam 1998, from MSG. Still to this day I can recall your opening line "It's a hot summers night in New York City". The Rock vs Triple H ladder match for the IC strap still to this day remains my favourite, and I like to think that is not only because of the great performance put in by both competitors (and their ringside company of Chyna and Mark Henry) but also because of the great play-by-play from yourself and the King. That match is what led me to become a wrestling fan, and so I can only say thank you, and I hope to hear you on Smackdown again very soon.
Best Wishes,
Craig Sandison,
Scotland.
Hi JR,
I was really sorry to hear that you are suffering from Bell's Palsy once again.
I hope you are feeling much better soon and are back doing what you love.
This may not be much of a consolation but I have been watching wrestling for almost 20 years and have gone back and watched wrestling from earlier eras as well and you are the greatest announcer I have seen and I am including Gordon Solie in that as well. It is wonderful hearing the passion that you bring to the business each and every time you sit behind the announce desk. To me you echo what we would like to say if we were eloquent enough to articulate our passion for the business.
Get well soon JR
Karl
Hi J.R.
Sorry to hear about your recent bout of Bells Palsy, I hope that you get better soon so we can get back to enjoying the best announcing in wrestling. Rest up, enjoy the football and get well soon.
God bless, Dave and Nikki from Scotland
Hi
just heard about your illness. i hope that the doctors are able to help you.
get in better shape soon
God bless
robert (uk)
JR,
just to wish all the best.
Here in Milan, Italy, a candle is lit for you and a prayer is said.
All you have to care about now is to rest, recover, and get well.
See you soon on TV!
DARIO - Milan, Italy
Rich Koz
Weigel Broadcasting-Chicago
J.R.-
Let me add my voice to the millions (and millions) who enjoy your work and have such great respect and affection for you.You have always proven to be a fighter, and I know you will do your best to be back behind the mike before too long.Tough times don't last- but tough people do- yeah, kind of a cliche, but- you know what I'm saying. All the best to you and your wife (by the way, you scored many points with my wife and daughter- already fans- when they found out you took a night off to celebrate your anniversary!)
You're in our thoughts and prayers.
DEAR JR how are doing today? i know you will be ok your a strong person and i have faith in you. and yes i can't waight for you to come back on smackdown. i think about you and i will say prayr's for you.so be good and stay strong. i know you can overcome this.ps there is a band there name is creed thay have a song call'ed overcome.this song is my song i was down and out for awile but i;m doing better now becouse of this song.this song can be reliy for anybody even you JR all you have to do is downlode it on your computer and you can hear it listion to the word's and you'll know what i mean.if you get the time no rush. your frend and fan 4 life chery from johntown ny.
Dear Jim
Just wanted to wish you all the best and a speedy recovery... its not the same not hearing your voice commentating.
Will M
JR you are the best pro-wrestling commentator I have ever heard and no bout of bells palsy will ever change that. The WWE is certainly worser off without you and I hope very much that you make a full and quick recovery.
You are an inspiration to me and many others and I hope we have not seen the last of you on our television screens.
Get well soon Jim we are all thinking of you xxx.
JR,
I am happy to hear that you are doing ok! When I first read the report, I had to ask my mom what Bells Palsy was. The first thing that I want to do is to say...THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING WITH WWE!!!! If it was not for you and everyone else, I dont think that I would be this being of a fan of Wrestling!!!! It is funny because my mom and dad use to go to the wrestling match all the time and they know the Funks and my mom was able to this them at WrestleMaina 25 being Hall of Famers!!!! I don't think that a lot of people know that I never cared about wrestling until one day I was bored and trying to find something to watch and WWE, this was right after WWE changed from WWF, SmackDown was on and after just watching the show for an hour....i loved the show so much that now, anything WWE is on, I do nothing but watch the show!!!! It is because of you, the wrestlers, and everyone that works on the show that i am a hag fan!!!! So THANK YOU SO MUCH for DOING WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO!!!!
I hope you are better soon because Friday night SmackDown is not going to be the same without you. I remember when you were traded to SmackDown, I did not like that that much because at that point, I couldn't watch SmackDown because I had classes on Fridays and plus you and King are two the best when you work side by side. Now don't get me wrong Michael Cole is awesome too, but you and King just know what the other is going to say before you say type of thing.
I hope you are back to work before the end of the year because WrestleMaina 26 will not be the same without you there, and plus I think that this may be my last WrestleMaina for the time being...but there are alwasy PPV but being there live is even better. WM 25 was my first time being there at a Live Taped show and you were just awesome.
Get lots of rest because you know that when you go back to work, you will be on the go all the time!!!! take this time to get a lot of rest and hope you are back really soon!!!! I will be praying for you to get better soon. There are also a lot of people on twitter that hope you get better soon. The twitter wrestling family on there is just so great and awesome!!!!
The person that keeps me going through it all is my friend who was killed over a year go. Here is a link to his website. http://www.virtual-memorials.com/main.php?action=view&mem_id=13976&page_no=1
Jim, I'm pulling and praying for ya! Here's to a speedy full recovery and many more Smackdowns!
Hello JR,
Get well soon. Glad to see you are keeping your classic sense of humor while dealing with this problem. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Hello, JR!
I'm so sorry to hear about your illness and I wish you speedy recovery. I believe, even during these tough times, you are a perfect example of a fighting spirit that is needed in not only wrestling business, but in about all areas of life. I have nothing but respect for you and I'm glad to see your employer showing the same, deserved respect publically.
I know you will come back stronger and better than ever before.
Needless to say, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
God bless.
J.R., once again, I cannot express how much the fans, and myself, love you so much and even idolize you to a certain degree. So many fans have expressed that you truly are an inspiration to so many people, and indeed you are. I highly respect and admire your willingness to fight this battle and live your life as normally as possible.
Your passion for this industry, and your work ethic are the things that I find very awe inspiring about you. But the best thing about you is the fact that you've made it so fun and entertaining to watch the WWE over the last decade or two, You truly are one of a kind, and the best damn announcer in the history of professional wrestling.
I love you and my best wishes to you during this difficult time.
-Stephen Miller / otherwise known as Fusionocd
jr once again im writing to wish you a speedy recovery i hope to see you at survivor series when it come to dc and hear them say and his broadcast partner wwe hall of famer good ol jr jim ross
Hey JR!
It is great to see that you have retained your sense of humor in the face of such adversity. I pray that you will be "fighting fit" soon so that we can enjoy your match calling again. However, wherever the path leads you, I will always be a fan.
God bless you,
Jonathan