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Taker-HBK Best ‘Mania Bout Ever? J.R.’s Wrestlemania 25 Memories.
Mon, 04/06/2009 - 12:24pm — J.R.
Wrestlemania 25 has come and gone and it will provide me with positive memories for years. I plan on being around for a few more Mania’s but I never take one for granted. Here are a few random thoughts....
My 16th Wrestlemania experience was highlighted by the best WM bout I can recall broadcasting. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels bout was simply a classic. Old school approach, a magnificent story, amazing near falls, drama, surprises, intensity, and awesome athleticism were just a few of the memorable attributes of this extraordinary contest. Quite simply, it’s a wrestling match I’ll never forget and I’ve seen plenty of them. I had immense personal respect for both men going into the match but that respect swelled ten fold when this “instant classic” concluded. If any young wrestler doesn’t thoroughly study this one then they are doing themselves a gross injustice.
WWE organized a magnificent week with a myriad of activities. It’s not easy pulling off so many diverse activities but WWE did it with class and professionalism.
The TV Production was Super Bowl level.
It was wonderful seeing so many HOFers and seeing the sparkle in their eyes when reflecting on their illustrious careers. Spending time with many of my “heroes” was wonderful.
Inducting my mentor Bill Watts into the WWE HOF Saturday night created a lifetime memory. Bill’s wrestling IQ was beyond reproach and his honor was so well deserved. Bill gave a wrestling fan from rural, eastern Oklahoma the opportunity of a lifetime, a debt that I can never repay.
Having a quiet dinner with my dear friend Steve Austin on Friday night was another highlight. Just two couples catching up, telling our stories, laughing and talking about the future was great and Steve even picked up the tab! Stone Cold damned near stole the show Sunday night and wasn’t even in a match. Having our “last, wrestling beer” at WM25 was a career highlight for me. Yes, I kept the beer can, too.
Fans like ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Michael Clarke Duncan, Tampa Bay Bucs’ Chris Hovan, Kid Rock, future NFL star James Laurinaitis, and Carl Edwards enjoyed the post ‘Mania party that ended late Sunday night.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 3 man announce booth Sunday night with Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler. I thank them for carrying me through the challenging 4 hour affair in Reliant Stadium. I hope you enjoyed our broadcast and I would be ecstatic to work with my two friends any time.
Sorry to see JBL retire as John and I have a great relationship. I signed John to his first WWE contract over 13 years ago. We love talking football and I fully expect to do some Beef Jerky and BBQ biz with John in the future. John was a “throw back” in many ways and some aspects of his demeanor always reminded me of the late, great Dick Murdoch. That’s high praise for the record. John has no interest at this time in broadcasting for WWE but working with him would be something that I would truly enjoy.
Speaking of broadcasting, I don’t know who I’m working with Tuesday in Austin on Smackdown but whoever WWE selects is good by me. With the Draft just a week away, I can only assume that whoever it is could be a temporary move any way.
Thanks for stopping by and I will have more blogs throughout the week. If you’re in Austin, take it easy on me when you hear the Oklahoma fight song “Boomer Sooner.” Just kidding....have fun...enjoy the show...I’m a big boy and can handle the expected reaction. Wouldn’t have it any other way. My thanks to all the fans who ate at J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q on their way to Houston. We had a great, Bar-B-Q weekend thanks to you.
Boomer Sooner!
J.R.
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Hi JR,
Just wondering, as an announcer, are you informed of the planned finishes for all of the matches beforehand? Or do you learn the finish at the same time as the rest of us?
If I had to guess, I would say that you are told in advance, based on your surprised call of the finish to the main event of Survivor Series 1997.
JR, I have admired your commentary skills for the past 10 years, but you struck a new low at Wrestlemania during Rey Mysterio's entrance with that cheap shot at a legendary actor like Heath Ledger when you responded to King's "Is he paying tribute to Heath Ledger's joker?" comment with a "Rey's career is alive and well". That was sad, it was pathetic and it was quite honestly, disgusting. Fair enough if you dont like Ledger, to take a shot like that at a deceased person is just uncalled for, and you really ought to publicly apologize for that.
I thought WM was ok, the thing in my opinion that saved the show was HBK vs. Undertaker. Excellent showing by both men. I think this is the match people will remember from this year's Mania years from now.
Of course Ricky Steamboat definitely surprised a lot of folks with his performance, damn near stole the show.
I personally could've done without Kid Rock, or at least not have him out there for so long. The crowd didn't seem too enthused by it.
Keep up the good work, J.R and I'm looking forward to the draft show on Monday.
My friend invited me to watch WrestleMania 25 . It was awesome. the Taker / HBK match was fantasic. I liked seeing HHH beat RKO's tushy. It was just, Tthe whole show was a WOW MAN , kind of thing. Thank you and everyone at the WWE, for the great entertainment. Plus Jericho getting punched by Mickey Rourke (One of my Favorite actors) was a true bonus. Kudos to Roddy, Ricky and Jimmy, and all of the WWE.
With much love and good wishes,
From,
Mama Kass
I was dissapointed to see the Miz-Morrison/Colon's match not on the card at WM 25. I thought this was a great opportunity to get those tag titles back to the higher status they once held.
And to add to it, the Mysterio v JBL match is left on the card and ends in less than 30 seconds. ?????
Let me get this straight, Rey Mysterio has a match at WM 25 but Swagger, Evan Bourne, Umaga and Kozlov don't. Oh I get it, WWE needs tap into that male latino 18-34 with increasing expendable income segment of the market rather than make realistic matches.
I don't need to see anymore of Rey repeatedly kicking his opponenet in the hamstring while he slaps his own leg for sound effect. I see enugh of that on RAW.
I know this has been said a million times since Sunday but I have been a wrestling fan since I can remember and have watched every promotion that I can get my hands on but HBK and Taker's match was possibly the best I have ever seen..... It's been said by someone else on here but when I was watching I was so proud to be a wrestling fan at that moment.... I was hoping the match would go on for the rest of the night....It was simply amazing.... I happen to be HBKs biggest fan and sunday really showed why.... He always entertains the fans and leaves everything in the ring when it's all over and done with.... Please tell him or show him this message and tell him that the fans really really appreciate him.... I don't think some of these guys really know how much we appreciate their hard work...... JR I didn't forget about you because I couldn't have imagined anybody else calling that much but you and the king.......... The most magical moment in wrestling since Austin/Hart
Today the Passover Seder.
Today Jewish ritual.
The Undertaker to retire than WWE He is impression in UFC.
The Undertaker to retire than WWE He is impression in Ufc.
I to be happy Triple H win Randy orton at Wrestlemania 25.
I sad for Jeff Hardy he lose to brother firstborn Matt Hardy at Wrestlemania 25 Extreme Rules match.
I am to give respect toThe Undertaker 17-0.well done!
JR, seeing Ricky Steamboat go like that was amazing. He still has it. Do you see a dream match of Steamboat and HBK in the works?
JR,
We just caught WM25 on AFN and loved the show. Thanks for all you do.
Boomer Sooner!
Jon
HBK Vs The Undertaker did steal the show, Shawn Michaels got the punishment he deserved for being so arrogant, and I'm also happy Orton got his ass kicked pretty bad by Triple H.
However I think that HBK Vs Undertaker is not far from HBK Vs Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 21, but that the latter remains the better one.
But what's the matter with Rourke, how could he knock Y2J out with one punch...?
For the record, the guy who posts as "TOMVINAKOR" is an idiot. O.k., I feel better now.
Charles Robinson referee WWE.
www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/c/charlesrobinson/04.jpg
if Charles Robinson to referee match at Wrestlemania 25 ?
JIM ROSS if you person good to operate that WWE to arrive Isreal please.with love Tom vinakur.
president IPWA Gery Roif .
PRO WRESTLING HISTORY IN ISRAEL.
img2.tapuz.co.il/forumArticles/articleImages/2911200574861.jpg
www.ipwa.co.il/
The Streak of The Undertaker is secure for ever .
Vince McMahon to give respect to The Undertaker.
16-1 why???????????????
17-0
HBK Undertaker match Wrestlemania 25 the most good history WWE.
I am That The Undertaker no to participate Wrestlemania 26.
JIM ROSS to talk with Vince McMahon on this.
17-0 enough.
why 18-0?!
The Records The Records of Every Wrestler to Compete in WrestleMania. prowrestling.about.com/od/wrestlemania/a/wmwrestlerrecor.htm
The Undertaker 17-0
Shawn Michaels 6-10
Jhon cena 5-1
Edge 5-3
Big Show 1-8
Triple H 6-7
Randy Orton 2-4
Matt Hardy 2-5
Jeff Hardy 0-5
Rey Mysterio 3-2
JBL 2-8
Chris Jericho 3-6
CM Punk 2-1
JIM ROSS nice to give respect The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels bout was simply a classic.
if you to become to give respect Shawn Michaels This to be disrespect in Shawn Michaels because of Shawn Michaels no like to lose.
JIM ROSS lover Shawn Michaels respect you.
The Undertaker win match to you reach respect.
I no to give respect to Shawn Michaels because of That he lose however respect The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels bout was simply a classic. in Isreal to broadcast live broadcast once first Wrestlemania and once second PPV to broadcast NO WAY OUT live broadcast .
Come on people get over it already, we didn't have Hogan vs Austin because they've paid their dues, they've headlined their Wrestlemanias and continued on with their lives, PLEASE let it be.If you want to see Hogan or Austin perform at mania buy the dang Wrestlemania box set and wear your remote controls out. Now on to the card, the MITB match was great, I'm not a huge Kofi fan but he stole that match, he was just amazing. Legends match very well done, yeah Steamboat looked good but Y2J pinned 3 of the greatest of all time, and no matter what age they may be that is an accomplishment in itself. Maybe Hogan should have been there, Jericho could shut some people up by pinning him at Mania. The newest diva Santina was funny as heck.World title match wasn't the greatest but still very entertaining. The strength of Cena is unbelievable, WWE title, very good. And finally Taker vs HBK, no words can describe the goosebumps from that one. So in conclusion, thanks to everyone for a great show and I can't wait till Wrestlemania 26. I almost forgot the Hardy's and IC match. IC match way to short, but I got it. Hardy's match was ok but nothing that stands out.
well done! on Shawn Michaels bout was simply a classic.
Shawn Michaels lose match vs The Undertaker but match to give to you respect.
I like Shawn Michaels because of he human.
what That couldn't to tell on The Undertaker That The character calm human.
this match the most good of The Undertaker in match Wrestlemania The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels .
What WWE do That two icon to retire who to hold WWE level That WWE Today?
Good Ole JR, First I would like to say this is a very good site. WM25 was better than I thought it would be. Ricky Steamboat really looked great in the ring, really didn't seem to have lost much at all. Also was great seeing Dory and Terry Funk. And Terry looked like he could get back in the ring. Now to my question. I have been noticing of late there has really been any blood in the matches unles it was accidental. Is there a reason behind that? pLease answer if you can. Thank You for all the years of color commentary.
Jay
J.R.,
Please send my thanks to Michaels and 'Taker. I've been a wrestling fan for 22 years. I've seen every organization that ever existed. I am one of the ones that to be honest, were very critical of wrestling now. I always said that wrestling isn't what it used to be. That there were no more great matches. That wrestlers these days don't know the value of a good match and that storytelling is non existent.
Even last night, I was critical of Wrestlemania going into it. But, I looked forward to Michaels-Taker because they've never had a bad match. What I was about to see, blew my mind.
In the 31(!) minutes that the match lasted, I felt like a kid again. I felt like I was 4 years old, watching Flair-Steamboat again. That match made the fan in me truly come alive and for the first time in many years, I was screaming at the TV for a different reason, not to criticize, but to cheer on both men. One moment, I wanted Shawn to win, another moment I wanted Taker to win. I was captivated for the first time in years and just when I thought all hope was lost, that match. that one match, made me proud to be a wrestling fan.
I think that I have a new favorite match of all time. No matter how many more matches those two may work, I will consider that their swan song. I don't think I'll ever see another match like that again.
I just hope that everyone, fans and wrestlers alike, look at that match last night as how wrestling is supposed to be. Like J.R. said: Old school approach, a magnificent story, amazing near falls, drama, surprises, intensity, and awesome athleticism.
It's nice to see that in this day and age, with the internet seemingly taking the magic out of everything, we can see a match that reminds us all why we're wrestling fans to begin with.
God bless them all.
Wow JR. So many people have so many things to say but most of it's negetive. My thing is, if you only wanted to watch one match then why bother to order the Pay Per View? Watch the one match you cared to see and forget about the rest. No use in complaining.
Personally I enjoyed watching the show. I actually enjoyed Kid Rock. I thought he was full of energy and he did a great job. I thought every match had something good about it. For instance, I found the Triple Threat match humurous. It was some good wrestling in it but I got more comedy out of it than anything else. HHH and Orton had a good match. I don't understand why so many people hated it. Orton's a good wrestler and the game is too. It was intense and I think it was a good way to close the show IF Taker and Shawn weren't on the card. LOL
I cried because I like JBL. I'm one of the crazy people that would have been cheering for JBL in ATL next week. I'm sure going to miss him. He kicked butt on the mic and was one of my Wrestling Gods.
By the way JR, I hope I can get an autograph from you in ATL Monday night.^^
I was absolutely amazed by the legends match. It was one of my favorite matches second only to Shawn and Mark. Roddy Piper slapped Jericho around that ring a few good times making me laugh and wow. Ricky Steamboat is in GREAT shape. I really, REALLY wanted them to win but even though they didn't, they STILL kicked butt!
But hands down, the match of the night was Shawn and Mark. I loved HBK's entrance and I loved Mark's as well. It was one of those matches where you really didn't know. Of course I didn't bet against The Streak but one couldn't help but to secretly wish for Shawn to win. Ahh well he did his best and as a result, the new match of the year so far and one of the greatest matches of all time.
Hope you're feeling better JR. You still did a great job!
Tenechia
"I will put on a show like you've never, ever seen before. Why? Because I can."~~~HBK
First of all Good Ol" JR, I know you're a busy man. I'm REALLY hoping you reply back to this comment, (trust me, I think you'll want to) the only way I guess I can assure myself that you will is by attacking you where it hurts. I am being sincere when I say this, ...Oklahoma SUCKS!!!!!!, my Carolina Tarheels made them look like a Highschool JV team!!!... Now that I got that out of the way, I'd like to know who the HELL is writing this crap recently for WWE, most importantly, who the HELL is doing the writing and set up for Wrestlemania 25??? How can you have the 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania without THE MAN who basically started it on his own??? Along with of course Vince McMahon, How THE HELL can you have Wrestlemania 25 without The Immortal Hulk Hogan????!!!!! I feel old saying this, but I'm actually still a young guy, I've been watching the WWF or WWE for 23 years now, this is the first Wrestlemania that I did not bother ordering, and I'm sure there are millions of other loyal Hulkamaniacs out there who feel the same way, this was probably by-far the worst Wrestlemania (along with Wrestlemania XI) ever. The WWE should run a contest, the winner should get the chance to be on the creative team, help with storylines or scripts. The Wrestlemania card Sucked already, EXCEPT for HBK/Undertaker which is THE ONLY match worthy of being called a Wrestlemania match, the only match this year that will have a "Wrestlemania Moment" if not a lot of them. You could've had the Triple H/Orton match without having the WWE title involved. Having it as a title match just cheapened the rivalry and match, it showed that it really does pay off do be married to the owner's daughter (I prefer Candice Michelle or Trish Stratus myself, but that's another story) You should've had Jeff Hardy/Edge OR Jeff,Matt,Edge,and Christian in a Fatal Four-way TLC match for the WWE or World Heavyweight title. You SHOULD"VE finally had Hulk/Stone Cold, but another good choice would've been having John Cena (since the WWE is trying their hardest to make him into the next Hulk Hogan,...IT AIN'T WORKING!) challenge The Immortal Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 25. When Hulk fought The Rock is was probably one of the top 5 greatest Wrestlemania matches in history (behind of course The Immortal Hulk Hogan/Andre, and The Immortal Hulk Hogan/Warrior) BUT it was later cheapened because it was supposed to be the passing of the torch from Hulk to The rock, rock sold out, turned his back on the company that named him and even dropped the name "the rock" which was the only reason Hollywood wanted him in the first place. It would've been great to see Hulk vs Cena, it could've been the real passing of "the torch" since Cena claims he'll never turn his back on WWE like the rock did. That would've been very interesting. Another excellent choice would've been to have The Immortal Hulk Hogan vs Jericho. What better legend to shut Jericho's mouth than the one who helped make Flair, Piper, Steamboat and Snuka Rich, as well as house-hold names????? Having Mickey Rourke knock out Jericho??? What a joke! As I said before, I did not bother to order or watch Wrestlemania, but I can read wwe.com. As far as the Hall of Fame, I think it's an insult to have Stone Cold inducted by Vince McMahon, I know he's your best friend, and he may have helped "revolutionize" the wwe with attitude, but he was not the first wrestler or sports entertainer to make being a bad guy cool, he was not the first one to convince fans to cheer for heels, it was The Immortal Hollywood Hulk Hogan and the nWo who did that. Stone Cold was great but if anyone deserved to be inducted by the father of Sports entertainment it was the Hulkster, The Man who is the reason that Wrestlemania and WWE is popular to this day, he started it all. ...And that's the bottom line because this Hulkamaniac said so!
Wrestlemania has come and gone ordered the ppv with several friends to split the cost. Wasn't expecting to much as it wasn't that great for a 25th anniversary show. Thought we would see more legends and past superstars on the show. The money in the back match was awful as many mistakes were made in the match. CM punk winning again didn't go well with me and many others as I heard several boos. Kane should have won the match as he hasn't been WWE champion since the attitude era. would have been nice to see him contend for the title again. Sad to see JBL go as I thought he could have gone out in a better way. Pissed about the divas match as you really didn't know who the past divas were due to no entrances. you had to look closely. I hate that the tag team match was taken out of the televised show at the last minute. Ricky steamboat looked in great shape for his match at wrestlemania. Hardy's match didn't have as much action as one would expect. HBK vs taker match was one of the best wrestlemania matches ever. Plenty of back and forth action keeping you unsure about the final result. The entrances I thought were sweet HBK lowering from the heavens above and taker rasing from the depths of hell. It should have been the main event. I was lmaf when all of the Cena look a likes came out. Match was a drag after the HBK match. It was good to see one more Austin 3:16 moment and the two of u share 1 last beer. Funny to see Austin take the path of the rock in movies now only hope that Austin makes a WWE appearance every now and then unlike the rock. The main event was a huge drag to as the crowd seemed out of it. With all the attacks and drama leading up to the match there should have been a special match type like a cage or something. The commentary was great for the show as I couldn't have picked a better team for the event great work. Many of the rivalries seemed like de ja vu as it was the same rivalries we have seen in the last few years. Overall I thought the show was good but not 25 anniversary worthy. Wrestlemania 17 was alot better.
P.S. I MISS THE ATTITUDE ERA
Wrestling isn't PG rated
Zach
J.R.- I'm sorry but Wrestlemania wasn't that great. The HBK Taker match was the match of the year, but Orton-HHH, Cena- Edge so called main events were really a letdown. Where was the Tag Team match?? Kid Rock for over 10 min?? Why waste our time and not show the tag team match? CM Punk again? Legends match fell flat( even though Steamboat looked Great) for 55 dollars and Wrestlemania I expected more.
Great speech at the Hall of Fame. I didn't get to see all the inductees, but you and the Cowboy were great. Glad to see a good man get his due.
As for a new co-host for Smackdown, I would like to think you would wait a week or so, you never know that you might get the call back to Raw and you and the King would be together again like Fred and Ginger or Lester and Earl.
If that's not the case, I think Al Snow would be an interesting guy if he's available. Or maybe Bill Watts? I've heard some of his calls from the good old days. He was good on the mic.
JR,
I just simply wanted to say thank you for providing a soundtrack to another great night. I really enjoyed the 3 man team this year. it is very rare that i get chocked up during the WWE year, but your toast you shared with your Hall of Fame friend had me close to tears.
Thank you, God bless and Boomer Sooner
Matt
Hi JR. I watched WM 25 yesterday on PPV. I would have to say that it was one of the better shows that WWE had put together in some time. I do have a personal issue however with a couple of the matches on the card. One would unfortunately be the main event match with HHH and Orton. I didnt see too many technical moves, it was all just basic punching and kicking. I do realize that the aura of the match centered around sheer physicality and brutality, however it should have gone much deeper than that in my opinion. Second thing I noticed was the Divas match. Seems to me that most of the crowd just wasnt into watching it very much. I didnt hear much of a response from the crowd at all. However on the same note, Santino, rather, "Santina", was truly entertaining im my book. Cant wait to see how this one turns out. I also did expect to see some more to do in the way of legend 'sightings', wether it be vignettes, or on air interviews, or what have you, as it was supposed to be an 'anniversary' show. Anyway, enough of my rants, Good job inducting the Cowboy. He was truly one of the greats in the business. Just wanted to let you know that come hell or high water, I WILL make it down to your BBQ restaurant and sample as much of that good ol JR que before this dude has his day,
Thanks for making WWE special, and I will continue to watch, as I have been since just shortly before WM 3 when it first aired on TV in my area.
Boomer sooner JR!
Les