Jim Ross
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Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsbarbq.com. Here are a few excerpts:

On Smackdown Going Live: Smackdown is taped on Tuesdays for cost efficiency, travel issues, wrestler scheduling, and to allow the TV crew, largely who are freelancers to be able to work two consecutive days for the WWE. This schedule is likely to never change and any case one can make about Smackdown going live most likely isn’t going to happen.

On About TNA Comments on WWE TV: I see no common sense reason for the WWE to mention TNA on WWE airwaves, nor do I feel that it provides TNA any advantage whatsoever when they mention WWE on their programming. Does it sell tickets or PPVs? Hell, no. That “controversial” ship sailed when the Monday Night Wars ended and everyone is much better off now devoting their air time to promoting their own product.

On Favorite WrestleMania: Wrestlemania 9 will always be special for me because it was my first ‘Mania. I was a fan then as I am now and my schedule allowed me to watch a ton of TV wrestling, which I did. I had no issues in picking up the WWE story lines or TV issues. I always have been a preparation freak so being prepared for WM9 was no issue, but I was still nervous working with a new company and with new broadcast partners in a new system.

In his latest blog, Jim Ross talks about the current Randy Orton storyline and the successful return of Jeff Hardy:

On Randy Orton Concussion Storyline: I don’t feel as if the WWE is exploiting the seriousness of concussions with the Randy Orton storyline, but are certainly drawing attention to the dangers of suffering from a concussion. There has always been a fine line between fact and fiction in wrestling which, in some circles, is referred to as suspending one’s disbelief. When the announcer’s change their tones or their delivery, it is to better fit the moment that we are in and often times is a function of how announcers are produced.

I have no idea what we will ever be able to do when our “levels” reach those that some remember for bona fide, tragic moments other than step aside and have new announcers without these experiences handle the show because there will be times when that particular delivery is called for.

On Jeff Hardy Return: Jeff Hardy’s return to the WWE and his subsequent “breakthrough” as a singles star is one of the great stories of the year. Jeff is arguably as popular as anyone on Raw as is proven by the reaction Jeff receives every time he is introduced. I am genuinely happy for the younger of the two Hardy brothers. Matt is doing great on Smackdown as well and who’s to say that both brothers couldn’t be champions at the same time as individual performers?

Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsbarbq.com. Among the highlights:

On Hogan and Goldberg Return: Bill Goldberg and Hogan returning to the WWE would be most interesting and most likely stimulate ratings but it “ain’t going to happen.” It takes two to tango and they aren’t dancing these days. Not that there is any thing wrong with that.

On Randy Savage on The Surreal Life: I will absolutely watch Randy Savage on the Surreal Life. Mrs. J.R. loves that show and I have also enjoyed it on occasion as well. It’s the proverbial car crash one can’t take their eyes off.

On Who is Most Likey to Wrestle Again in the WWE, Austin, Rock, or Hogan? Officially I do not know, however, my educated guess would be Hulk Hogan.

On the Great Khali: He is an attraction, a head turner, and is very tall.

Here is the latest from the blog of Jim Ross:

On RVD's Post-WWE Status: I don’t know RVD's future plans but I wish him well no matter what he does. It wouldn't surprise me to see Rob take some time off and allow his body to rest and to heal. Rob is a special talent and he married an Oklahoma girl so you know he ranks high on my list of favorites. It is tough to say if Rob will ever return to the WWE as that is a question for Rob himself to address.

On Lilian Garcia in playboy rumors: Just my opinion, but Lilian Garcia posing for Playboy isn't too likely. She’s definitely physically qualified.

On The Big Show: The last I heard, The Big Show had dropped mucho pounds and was training to perhaps get into boxing, which is in dire need of a heavyweight "star" that isn’t a Russian, not that there is anything wrong with Russian athletes especially Anna Kornikova who is a stark departure from the lovely and talented Russian, lady shot putters of the 60’s who often times resembled George "The Animal" Steele.

Jim Ross has updated his blog at www.jrsbarbq.com...

On Ric Flair Being Inducted Into Hall of Fame
Lots of speculation about Ric Flair going into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008 in Orlando. Nothing has been confirmed, but there is obviously no doubt that "Naitch" is Hall of Fame worthy, if any one ever was. Again, I will wait for Ric to make the announcement about his wrestling future before I run with a story that is unfounded. Nonetheless, when I am asked which Flair matches I most remember, I always think of his Mid South Wrestling issues with Ted DiBiase, Dick Murdoch, and JYD among others.

Later on when I went to work for the dysfunctional WCW, Ric’s ordeals with Terry Funk and Ricky Steamboat were classics as well. Naturally, these are not all the super matches, the greatest living wrestler was involved in, but these are the ones that I can remember as if they were just a few days ago. Ric donated a beautiful pair of red, patent leather boots he signed for us to display in J.R.'s Family Bar-B-Q. Talk about cool!

On the Return of Rey Mysterio
I hear that Rey Mysterio is improving and that we might see the high flying masked grappler back in the ring by summer's end or before, if we are lucky. I suggest to you that Rey will be better than ever, as he has had a chance to heal from not only his surgically repaired knee, but other nagging injuries as well. Rey Mysterio completely dispels the myth that an athlete has to be of a particular size to "make it" in the big time.

Talent combined with opportunity have lead to Rey's spectacular success. Rey's popularity is amazing and the Latino star has as passionate a fan base as anyone in the WWE has had in decades.

Jim Ross has updated his blog over at jrsbarbq.com. Here are a few excerpts from it:

Jim Ross On 3 Hour Raw: I think 3 hour Raws are exceedingly challenging to pull off, especially if we broadcast 3 hours live 51 weeks a year. I prefer the two hour versions except for the occasional special edition which are fun when they are kept special.

Jim Ross On Brock Lesnar/MMA: I think Brock Lesnar is getting firmly entrenched in the MMA world and he seems to have a wealth of potential in that area. I saw Brock’s first fight and he looks as if he can evolve into a major player in the MMA world if not rushed. If the MMA management can wrap their arms around how to market and promote Lesnar, they have a gold mine on their hands but just as with every other star that the MMA folks build, for how long??

Jim Ross On Ric Flair Retirement Match: I have heard zero about Ric Flair having a retirement match at Wrestlemania 24 and until I hear it with my own ears from Ric it is simply another internet rumor. Plus, the term retirement match as it relates to wrestling is essentially oxymoronic in nature.

Jim Ross has updated his blog over at jrsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights:

Jim Ross On Rick Rude: Rick Rude is certainly a viable Hall of Fame candidate in the future.

Jim Ross On Randy Savage’s Rap CD: Have I listened to Randy Savage’s rap CD? Nope. I don’t listen to any rap as a rule. I am out of that demo at this stage of my life and simply stick to classic rock and a little country.

Jim Ross On Who Had The Best Ladder Match Career, HBK Or Jeff Hardy? HBK’s career will always be remembered for having the first, high profile Ladder Match, at least in my opinion, but Jeff Hardy has had more Ladder Matches and his legacy will probably be more joined at the hip with his Ladder Matches than HBK’s.

Jim Ross On Ironman 60-minute matches: I am a fan of the Ironman 60-minute matches. There is not an over-abundance of wrestlers these days, who can pull this off successfully, but any combination of wrestlers like Triple H, HBK, Benoit, Edge, to name just a few on a short list, could get it done and tear the house down. Ric Flair has probably done more one hour matches than anyone I have known.

Jim Ross On Goldust: The last I saw of Goldust was at the 2007 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony. I don’t know his future plans, including a return to the WWE, which I would consider a long shot at the moment.

Jim Ross has updated his blog over at JRsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights from it:

Jim Ross On Nash/Hall WWE Return: I don’t know if Hall and Nash will ever return to the WWE to wrestle a full time schedule, but I would strongly doubt it, at this stage of their lives. I would surmise that Hall and Nash have better odds of going into the WWE Hall of Fame than resuming their tag team career in the WWE.

Jim Ross On Bret Hart Return: I have not heard a single word about Bret Hart returning to the WWE in any capacity. I find this rumor to be “highly unlikely,” even though personally it would be great to see The Hitman on a regular basis. There is no doubt that Bret would be a positive influence on all young wrestlers, but I hear he’s busy working on his autobiography and has no interest in a full time gig with the WWE, or anywhere else.

Jim Ross On Victoria In Playboy: Will you ever see Victoria in Playboy? Never say never, as I assume she would be willing to bare all. That would be “a nice.”

Jim Ross On Muta Coming To WWE: doubt if the Great Muta will ever wrestle in the WWE, and certainly not on a regular basis. Muta’s knee problems would prevent him from wrestling full time or from being his same old self, especially on a regular basis. In his prime, Muta was definitely special. I am sure we will all enjoy some of Muta’s best moments on WWE 24/7, when his old WCW stuff airs.

Jim Ross On JBL Return To The Ring: There was apparently some talk about JBL making an attempt to return to the ring if his back injury healed to the point he could function as he once did. I have not heard anything about this matter recently and don’t know the condition of John’s back, except I suspect it is still problematic. If it is, I would recommend that JBL either stick with announcing, or call it a day in the business. One’s health is our greatest gift and not even our beloved business is worth mortgaging our health for. John is too smart to do that anyway, but I do feel he is very frustrated that he can’t compete and to end his in ring career on his terms.

The following highlights are derived from Jim Ross' latest blog entry from jrsbarbq.com:

On The Big Show: "I have heard nothing of Paul Wight returning to the WWE. Paul wrestled with Hulk in Memphis recently on an indy show that did o.k., but I think Paul has his sights set on other non wrestling projects (movies?) at this point in time. I have heard the big guy has lost significant weight, which will do nothing but help his general health. I have always liked my apple butter eating friend, Paul Wight. And no, he doesn’t have the “Andre Disease,” but did at one time, but was cured."

On Goldberg's Return: "Let’s not hold our breath on Goldberg returning to the WWE. Bill’s tenure in the WWE, according to Bill’s own words, wasn’t overly positive. I think Bill has moved on from wrestling and if he ever makes a return somewhere to the ring I would suggest it will be a cameo at best."

On JBL Returning To The Ring: "I have heard rumors of JBL wanting to return to the ring and he and I have even discussed it. I think JBL’s heart is there, but I am not so sure about his injured back being willing. John has done a tremendous job going from wrestler to commentator and I would suggest to him, I did actually, to not return to the ring unless he was 100% healthy.

At this time I would surmise that the chances of JBL returning to the ring would be less than 50/50, but that could change if his back could be treated. That’s too bad too, as JBL has plenty of fuel left in his tank and he loves to compete."

Once again, Jim Ross has updated his blog as jrsbarbq.com. Here are two highlights from it:

On Shawn Michaels' Retirement: "I have heard no rumors about Shawn Michaels retiring any time soon. HBK seems to be as good if not better than any one in the biz right now and he seems to be having fun. That’s notwithstanding Monday night but no one I know would enjoy being choke slammed through a wooden table by a 7’3” 420 pound human. Michaels wrestles because he loves his craft/vocation not that he isn’t making major bucks.

HBK already has major bucks but one can’t put a dollar value on Michael’s passion and the future Hall of Famer, who is definitely a changed man from a generation ago, will, in my opinion, continue to wrestle until either his “fire” is extinguished or his body says it is time to go home for good."

On Ric Flair's Last Match: "Who should be Ric Flair’s last ever opponent? That’s a hard one. For me I might suggest Ricky Steamboat. Edge wouldn’t be a bad choice and neither would HBK or HHH. However, I don’t think we are on the verge of seeing that last match for the record."