Welcome to J.R.’s Blog

JR,

Where do the TV trucks go after Tuesday? Do they go to a “Home Base” Of sorts? Or are they always on the road heading to the next week’s TV City?

Hi, huge fan, all that good stuff. Seriously, you’re great at what you do. I have two questions, one being what I tink is a seriously good idea. Since the HOF started really becoming a big event every year (no thi sisn’t another one of those questions, dont worry haha), we have seen them how that it’s not ALL about the wrestlers. They induct announcers, managers, I’m surprised they havent inducted refs yet! But question is this: What are the odds of seeing actual MATCHES put in the hall of fame? I mean, not a ton, but maybe every year, there could be one match. Who would argue that Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage at Wrestlemania III, or Bret Hart vs. The British Bulldog at Summerslam 92. I think that would be great, and really add some depth.

My second question is an easy one, that I’ve asked before but you never answered it. Who is the guy who does the voiceovers for upcoming events? Ever since I was 10 years old, I always loved the enthusiasm he put into it. “Next time on RAW” “Tune into Survivor Series!” I’d love to know who it is, and if you could pass along to him that he’s got a fan.

Thanks for always answering our questions! You’re the best!

- Pat -

Hey J.R. -

I have a two-part question about managers. First, who do you think cut the best promo - Jim Cornette or Bobby Heenan? I say Cornette, but just by the length of his tennis racket. Second, has the role of the manager all but disappeared due to economics or due to an evolutionary shift in fan reaction? Or is it something else entirely? I certainly haven’t minded the growth of the diva role in the last decade or so, but I do miss the managers on the outside of the ring. What do you think? Thanks!

Steverino

Hi JR,

I saw a documentary called “beyond the mat”. There is a part where Mic Foley brought his wife and kids to the royal rumble 99′ match where he had a match with The Rock and he tooks tons of unprotected chair shots. It was very touching and sad to see his wife and kids getting upset and worried for his life. Why does Foley want to put his family through this ordeal is beyond me.

Hi JR

Can i just ask your thoughts on what it felt like to be standing infront of friends, family and fans when you were inducted into the hall of fame

Many Thnks

I really wish they would unify the tag team belts, keep just one belt, and make the tag team division mean something again.

But enough of that rant. Of all the people the WWE has released in the last few years and never made it big in the WWE, who do you regret being let go the most?

Hope you feel better!

Hey JR.

I realsie that RAW is the flagship show in the WWE. However, it has been somewhat evident in the way the shows are conducted. SmackDown has many top guys like the Undertaker and Edge, but RAW has undoubtably been given more. Most of the main draws of the attitude era, Austin, Rock, Michaels, Foley and HHH ended up on RAW (even though Smackdown was ‘The Rock’s show!’), and even the main draw of the new generation, Cena, is on there. Sure Batista is a huge guy now, but Cena eclipses him in ‘top guy’ terms.

When Jericho was returning, it would have been brilliant for him to go to Smackdown, who were much in need of a really popular superstar and huge storyline, but he was STILL moved to RAW! He could have had great matches with Edge, Batista, Taker, and even JBL (had he not been moved), but he went to RAW, and now seems to be somewhat of a lost soul, wheras it is almost certain that had he gone to SmackDown, he would still be in the title picture or at least a brilliant storyline where he could excercise his amazing promo ability!

Sure the Big Show got put on SmackDown, but he still shows up reularly in RAW, where his storyline with Mayweather is mostly excercised anyway, so why is it that RAW and Smackdown can’t be treated equally??

One of my ultimate idols in this business is the imcompreble Shawn Michaels.

But it seems that he isn’t used properly on RAW. There are too many top guys on RAW, so he can’t get a title run, and is constantly being put in feuds JUST to help other younger guys (with the exception of this Ric Flair one.)

So would it not be better for him to be moved to SmackDown where he could get a couple of title runs again, and even another classic feud with Taker, before he has to retire??

Yes sir i have a question , When is the WWE going to put a stop to the storyline between Edge and Vickie ? It’s getting ” Boring and Stale ” !! Also when will Teddy Long get his job back as GM of Smackdown ?

Hey J.R.
I’m lovin’ the BLOG… It has been a great source of info that sometimes I thought about, but never really knew for sure. On to my question: I was just watching a UWF marathon on ESPN Classic (lots of great talent, several so-so matches) and I got to wondering, what ever happened to Nikita Koloff? He sure was a beast back in the day… As always, thanks for all that you do and have done for this great business (and tell Maria I’m LOVIN’ the new issue of Playboy)!

I cannot wait for Wrestlemania J.R!

I’ve enjoyed the return of the Undertaker’s darkside persona since WM XX, however I feel that a heel turn could possibly freshen up his character one more time, as I feel the ‘good’ guy ‘Taker has gone slightly stale. Do you agree?

Hey J.R i wanna know is the ECW Championship still considered a World Championship? coz in the Royal Rumble ‘08 Cavo participated!! does that mean that the ECW title lost its World status?

How about this for a Legends round table. Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Vince McMahon and HHH. It would be huge.

hi jr.does wwe look at putting people in the h.o.f that has never been in wwe.such is sting,akbar,mangum ta.ext,ext these guys also helped pave the road for the younger guys……………….keep up the great work

TNA featured on WWE.com under “industry news”? WWE publicly acknowledging TNA? That almost looks like an olive branch. Or is my naivity showing? I may just be talking crazy here, but could the 2 biggest promotions in wrestling today actually *gasp* get along? Batista and AJ Styles notwithstanding, of course. Or is seeing Steve Austin AND Shark Boy “Stun” Vince or The Motor City Machine Guns VS Paul London and Brian Kendrick a bit too much to ask for? What’s next? Scott Hall at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony? looking forward to loving some of that BBQ sauce on a slab of ribs! I wanted to get your thoughts on the new “industry news” section on WWE.com. I think it’s an interesting move and was wondering if you had any idea of what is behind their decision to make such an offering including TNA news and results. I personally think it’s a brilliant display of how secure WWE is with their position in sports entertainment. This tells me that even with WWE helping to publicize TNA news, we still won’t be seeing another Monday night war anytime too soon. happy that Raw is coming back to Oklahoma City but I dont see it on the WWE schedule and didnt know when tickets went on sale so I was wondering if you could tell Me? I went to My first Raw 2 years ago and had a blast besides the lights going out. How much will you be in the resturaunt when you come down. I hope to see you soon. Boomer Sooner Chris

Here in central Iowa I grew up watching Bob Geigal and Harley Race’s Central States Wrestling, I’ve read the wonderful compliments you’ve given to wrestlers I watched as child like Race, Ted Dibiase and Buck Robly. I was wondering if you ever crossed paths with some other heroes of my youth such as Bulldog Bob Brown, Rufus R. Jones, Pat O’Connor and Mike George, if so what are thoughts or memories of these men? I believe only George is still with us. Thank you for your time and keep up the great work on Monday Nights. Bill Norwalk, Iowa

Hi JR, the Wahoo/Flair story with the Rental Car is priceless!!! A book by you/with others would be a great read with those “road stories”. When will Raw come back to the Twin Cities?

JR, please tell Ric Flair that I am currently reading his autobiography for the fifth time. I truly enjoy all the stories he tells about wrestling in the golden years. I have no comments, good or bad, about your bbq, you have no sites in the South Bend Indiana area, but, you might consider putting one up near the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend.

Jr. It’s an honor to be able to communicate with you. I think it’s great that Ric Flair is being inducted into the hall of fame. What is your thoughts about the great super groups. Most notably the “Fabulous Freebirds” entering the Hall Of Fame. Maybe the Von Erichs I know there are many worthy candidates but when do you foresee the Birds making it into the hall!!

Hi Mr Ross, I was just wondering if you still keep in touch with your old mentor ‘Cowboy’ Bill Watts at all?

Hi jr

Is it just me or does the upcoming wrestlemania match between floyd merryweather and big show sound like it could be a disaster of brawl for all proportions. Its also good to see big show back in the wwe looking slimer then he has ever done in the past i realy thought when he left that he would never grace a wwe ring again im glad i was wrong maybe he could give the fatso’s big daddy v and mark henry diet tips

JR,
What do you think of the payday Floyd Mayweather is making for Wrestlemania. $20 is a lot of money to pay a guy who could possibly greatly affect buyrates. I realize he’s a big deal in the boxing ring and will get publicity but do you see WWE making all that money back? I’d almost wish you all would have thrown a ton of money to the Rock and see if that would have made him have interest in appearing. Just a thought as these type of gimmick matches with celebs and non-wrestling atheletes always seem to leave the fans disappointed. I’d rather see the Big Show wrestle anyone on the roster rather than a boxer.

I am proud to say I have watched Ric Flair’s career since the beginning. (I had to sneak into the TV room to watch wrestling and not get caught…not easy to do in the pre-remote control days) I look forward to seeing his induction into the HOF. I am not sure if WWE is aware of this, but Jack Nicholson, yes THE Jack Nicholson has said he has an interest in inducting Ric Flair. Please check Mr. Nicholson’s bio at http://www.imdb.com as my source. Any idea if this will actually happen?

It’s awesome to see you addressing all the latest rumors & news.

The Big Show/Mayweather thing is stupid. Mayweather looks like a punk right now. If it does turn out to be a legit boxing contest, Big Show will kick his ass. If it’s a wrestling match, Big Show will kick his ass. I don’t see Mayweather accepting a boxing contest with Show. And I can’t see Big Show putting over Mayweather in a wrestling match. I’m definitely interested in seeing where this goes though.

Hey J.R. I live over in Connecticut, and how come there are barely any events in WWE’S home state?

Hello Mr. Ross,

I love your Blog. I’m a long time WWE viewer & also admire your dedication to the Business. I have a question & hopefully you can answer it. I noticed The Undertaker was scheduled to be @ the WM Press Conference on Monday, Feb. 25th. But for some reason his name was taken off. Why was that? Taker is such a big part of WM, he is 15-0, that is his Legacy. He should be part of the Conference as us Wrestling fans believe he should have been included.

Thank you for your time & have a wonderful & safe weekend. God Bless.

Regards,
Rosa

Dear JR,

I’m Mark, 30 years old, currently living in Watertown, ny (oringinally from Lockport NY).
first of all (you’ve heard this an uncountable number of times i’m sure) you are the greatest and most memorable commentater in history. i have been a wrestling fan 22 years, since ‘86. i know alot about the industry, almos as much as you. i know alot about the history of pro wrestling, what goes on in the ring, behind the scenes, what it takes to be a wrestler, ect.
i have a love for our sport that is off the chart. (next to football, go Bills!)
just have a quite a few questions….

1. can we expect to see a possible TNA invasion at Wrestlemania XXIV? (i think it would behuv vince to work with TNA just for one night, as it would be very helpfull to our buisness, even it’s just something similar to the ECW “invasion” at Mind Games ‘96)

2. When is ECW going to be expanded to two hours? (i would love to see it revert some what to its hard core rutes, and storylines, i belive it would help the brand alot, example: BRING PAUL HEYMAN BACK!”

3. Bring back WCW!: simply turn Smnackdown! into WCW Nitro. i miss the old wars. it would be so invigerating, have bischoff gm of smackdown, he turns it into Nitro, so basicly we’ll have 2 hours of WWE on monday nights, two hours of ECW on Tuesdays, TNA on Thursdays, And WCW on Fridays. n the question would be who would be on the wendsday spot? the AWA! Vince can purchase the current AWA and combine it with the old and have a two hour show on wendsday’s. that would be my dream, wrestling on prime time, 5 nights a week. think about it.

4. why is TNA or ROH never brought up on WWE shows? at least poke fun at them. i would love to have DX come out and do a promo with a bunch of midgets dressed as TNA stars. that would be funny.

5. last, i would love to see more provacative storlines, stories involving racism, sexism, homophobia, you dealing with real issues, that would get media attention and help start another “Boom”.

well again thank you JR, you are the Dick Enberg of the WWE. by the way who is your favorite NFL team? i for one am a die hard Bills fan, they are the “Rudy’s of the NFL”
i would love to see Jim Kelly or Bruce Smith or Thurman Thomas in the WWE. personally i would love to see Tom Brady make an Apearance so Jim Kelly can start a feud with him. lol

any ways thank alot JR

your friend Mark Ritchie
Watertown, NY (formerly Lockport, NY. Barstow, CA. Fort Irwin, CA, Fort Drum, NY. Fremont, NC. Cary, NC. Fort Leonard Wood, MO.)

Dear JR.
At the moment wwe/world wrestling entertainment is awsome and I am a big fan of orton and nearly all superstars.I think you should make kane be more of a monster than a softy/no offence but Kane is the only damn monster in the WWE.Kane should be smashing and running after people again,like some superstar shouting “MAY 19TH” at him.I think Kane should move back to raw.Raw is the best brand in the business and I think ECW is rubish at the moment.Where is all the action eg. flaming bats,tables on fire,barbed wire matches and more.Even though i think Elijah Burke,cm punk,John morison and Big Daddy V are the best superstars in ECW.Most people call it Extremely Crappy Wrestling.

Hey JR,
I was just wondering, why does Triple H HAVE TO BE in Wrestlemania main events? Do the powers that be actually think Mania would not sell if HHH was not in the main event? Is he a great talent, sure. Can he elevate wrestlers, absolutely. But to me, he has never been a Hogan, Austin, Rock in terms of “must see draws”… he is a huge part of the roster, he generally has good to great matches, but I cant see why he cant be in a top Mania match without a belt on the line. I think some of the guys are ready to shine on their own (Jeff Hardy for example… but now his “Mania quest” has been squashed…)

Keep up the great work,
Chris