JR: HBK's Retirement, Stars Shooting On Him, TNA A Ratings Threat, Overseas Injuries

[John]

Jim Ross has a new blog online. Before you read the highlights, remember to check out his Store after reading for some great BBQ sauce:

- Did I think that in 1996 that HBK would eventually wind up his career as arguably the greatest in ring performer of his generation? Honestly, no. Shawn's life style was rather controversial at that time and did not lend itself to having a long, illustrious career. Thank goodness that Shawn made dynamic and distinctive changes in his life which then propelled him to the rarefied air of greatness in the pro wrestling biz. More importantly than re-establishing himself as one of wrestling's greats of all time, Shawn Michaels became a much better man which is more important that being anyone's show stopper.

- Does it bother me when some former WWE talents bad mouth me in 'shoot' interviews? Not really. Disgruntled talents in the world of sports and entertainment are a dime a dozen. I will readily admit that I was not perfect in a 'can't win for losing job and in a job where one could never make every one happy' but it's not my fault that guys who made big money did not save it, pay their taxes or act like responsible adults. When one hears the proverbial 'shoot interviews' and people go on their manufactured, soap boxes and take pot shots at a variety of people or, even more ridiculously, take credit for other's successes in a manner where the disgruntled, self promoting underachievers are almost breaking their arms patting themselves on the back, then I suggest that you take most of what they rant about with a grain of salt. Most are trying to regain relevancy and to sell a DVD to justify a pay day.

- The role of being in charge of a talent roster dotted with talented, hard working, egocentric, well paid men and women isn't an easy one and one will never make all that comprise the roster happy. Obviously, just as any one else in varying aspects of their lives, I would love to go back and change a few things that went down but that's hindsight and hindsight is always 20/20. I will go to my grave knowing that I worked diligently on a daily basis for years, was fair and that several men and women had their biggest, financial years on my watch.

- Will TNA ever become a TV ratings threat to WWE? What is the definition of a ratings threat? Does it mean, will TNA ever beat Raw on Monday nights? If that's the question, then my guess is "No" but I don't think that's TNA's goal. The USA Network provides Raw with a great advantage on cable TV in exposure and over all network ratings considering that USA is generally the #1 rated cable network. Small example but many hotels that I have stayed at over the years almost always have USA Network whereas few generally feature Spike. Point is that USA is a much stronger network than is Spike, no offense intended to Spike. My suggestion is that both WWE and TNA need to focus on what they do and build their own new stars that are involved in intriguing and compelling personal issues and let the chips fall where they may. TV wrestling is 'star driven' and 'storyline fueled' in which long term planning is a key component in order to facilitate, fun and easy to watch, episodic TV. It's also WAY over thought in many circles.

- What did I think of the 'Hardcore Title?' Generally it was o.k. but became too gimmicky and watered down therefore devalued.

- Yes, Curt Hawkins is in FCW working on his game in hopes of making it back to the primary WWE roster. I admire the veteran Hawkins essentially starting over to do all he can to attract positive attention and regain a position on WWE's primary roster. If work ethic and desire have any thing to do with it, Hawkins will make it.

- Read on line where fans saw Ezekiel Jackson get apparently injured at a WWE event this past week in the UK. Sounds like it may have been a quadriceps injury. Ugh.

- Another emailer wrote me who attended a WWE event this weekend where Ted DiBiase had to have medical attention on a cut he suffered on his head. Likely stitches or staples but unlikely that young Ted will miss any ring time or at least I hope not. From what people tell me, the current, WWE International Tour is doing well.

PWS

[DUKE NUKEM]

thanks for the post John