*Official Jim Ross Blog Thread*

[LG]

Source: JRsBarBQ.com

Jim Ross is back with a new blog over on jrsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights:
- @TheRock says that he 'might' have wrestled his last match. I say its not the season for 'mights' and that a performer/athlete like Dwayne Johnson goes out on his terms and not because of a fixable injury.

- If I were the NXT talents I'd add a little sauce to my meal this Thursday night at Full Sail University for the TV tapings. The next call ups should be all that those kids should be thinking about and more specifically, am I on that list?

- I'm not planning on doing a podcast at this time but will be a guest on @steveaustinBSR podcast in the future.

- Some fans still believe that a TV rating, specifically TV14, is what makes a wrestling show either good or not. Some fans continue to clamor for WWE to return to a TV14 rating but I don't see it happening. What made the Attitude Era successful was the talent roster that was dotted with main event level, hungry, competitive athletes who had no issue pushing a peer out of the way to get to the main event level and then fight like hell to stay there. I contend that great talents can make PG rated TV be ultra successful over the long haul if the presentation is smart and strategic.

- I see @RealJackSwagger stepping up his game, especially lately, and @WWEZeb deserves much of the credit. Even a pet coon goofy blind man can see that Swagger is a great athlete but there is more to becoming a star in ring performer than just athleticism of which many of us covet. It's the intangibles such as in ring psychology that must also be in place. The veteran Zeb looks to be an excellent tutor for the former Sooner wrestling all American.

[Rob]

Sun, 04/28/2013 - 11:22am — J.R.
Posted in:Wrestling
After storms destroyed our home's roof, guttering, etc a few days a go, we are now bracing for a sunny, 80 degree day or two here in the bipolar weather center of the universe, Norman, Oklahoma. Let's grill....

Enjoyed UFC 159 last night on PPV from Newark headlined by the incomparable @jonnybones aka Jon Jones first round defeat of Chael Sonnen. Jones has upped his game and his long, athletic frame is problematic for any one who can't match up with Bones physically. The former amateur wrestling star prospect, at least for the present time, is his own worst opponent as I don't see any one on the current UFC map that can handle him including the legendary Anderson Silva.

If Jonny Jones doesn't allow out of Octagon issues to adversely affect his game he has the @UFC world by the Spauldings. A major, stadium event vs. Silva seems doable in the future and I feel that it will be highly successful. I'd love to see it in Cowboys Stadium as that would be a drive for me to be able to attend in person.

BTW....I don't think that Silva can beat Jones.

For those asking, No I do not think that @sonnench aka Chael Sonnen will be migrating to WWE any time soon. Could I see a 'one off' type of performance by the talkative and talented Sonnen in WWE? Possibly. But Chael has too much to offer UFC as a broadcaster notwithstanding who said that Sonnen was definitively done as a fighter? Sonnen is a UFC guy and I see him contributing to the brand's continued growth for year's to come.

Enjoyed @JoeRogan candor when it came to the officiating and the issue of inadvertent eye pokes during UFC159. Rarely is a broadcaster given the latitude to be open and honest about a subject that likely many fans are thinking about as well. @DanaWhite is street smart and certainly has his finger on the pulse of the UFC fanbase to allow the talented Rogan to be so honest with Joe's opinion.

Thought the booking of UFC159 was on the money especially with how the PPV kicked off. The importance of a great start on a PPV whether it be in the sports world of UFC or the entertainment side of WWE, can't be stressed enough. It sets the stage for the event that the fans paid good money to see and engages, hopefully, the live audience to verbally embrace the presentation.

WWE.com reporting that WWE Champion John Cena has sustained an injury while on the European Tour. The report states that Cena has issues with his right, Achilles tendon which can be a dicey matter. Achilles injuries can be puzzling especially if they aren't torn and don't require surgery. In other words these types of injuries can linger if one doesn't get the proper rest and allow the tendon to heal. The injury is legit as Cena has been suffering through this matter for several days even though he hasn't missed any bookings. Always said the man has the work ethic and toughness of an offensive lineman which is a good thing.

Imagine being gone for close to two weeks, away of one's home country, visiting several other countries a few hours at a time and then, on the last night of your long, odyssey, having to take a two hour bus ride to catch a flight from Warsaw, Poland to get to Columbus, Ohio...yeah...non stops are scare...just to get to work Monday night. Critics of the sports entertainment genre can blow all the smoke that they want but when it comes right down to it, the work, sacrifice and dedication hat it takes to be successful these days in WWE is amazing. It's so much harder than in the territory days of wrestling when the vast majority of trips were made via car and were more comparable to a weekly or bi-weekly route where airplane trips were infrequent.

Based on my previous experience with some talents, that will remain nameless, after a long, albeit successful, European tour here's what I suggest that some do with their gear....BURN IT! Not even the strongest Febreze application can cure what ails some of the tights, ETC that have visited several countries the past several days.

Second suggestion, if you have multiple pairs of any thing 'black' in your travel wardrobe, replace it. It's likely toxic.

One of the reasons that the former 202 pound QB Lane Johnson grew to become a 6'6"-303 pound offensive lineman at Oklahoma University and become the 4th overall pick of the NFL Draft by Philadelphia was the work that Lane did in the weight room under expert supervision and the athletic training table where the proper foods were provided the athletes. Yes, I Know that genetics has a hand in this matter too. This is the same, basic theory of having a full time strength and conditioning coach at the new, WWE Performance Center along with a world class weight room. NXT prospects will be provided the opportunity to get bigger, stronger and faster the right way under trained, expert supervision. The results will, ideally, result in a better developed level of athlete in WWE rings as time moves forward.

After 8 years, we are buying a new grill. Having a tricked out Weber Grill delivered Monday. Business just picked up in our backyard!

Another cookbook idea is being discussed but it's far from a done deal. The concept that we've come up with, nonetheless, would be a blast to write. Do you think that a cook book entitled "Flatulence Foods" is a little coarse? I'm kidding...

Hard to believe that the great Lou Thesz passed away on this date in 2002 at the age of 86. Meeting Lou Thesz was one of my greatest thrills as a professional which I assume is much akin to a baseball broadcaster finally meeting Babe Ruth. Without question, Lou Thesz belongs in the WWE Hall of Fame. Lou's stories of having 90 minute draws with Dan Hodge kept me on the edge of my seat as he had amazing recall and could remember the smallest of details. If memory serves me correctly the last time I ever saw Lou and Gordon Solie alive they were standing together at the hotel bar at a Cauliflower Alley function back in the day in New Jersey. I have the snapshot in my mind but which that I had a camera phone then to memorialize the moment.

The Q&A's are updated here on the site. Check them out and leave your own questions if you choose.

Business has picked up with the online shopping aspect of JR's family of products both at http://www.wweshop.com and in Manchester, England with http://www.americansoda.co.uk. American Soda does a great job shipping door to door within the UK, Ireland and Europe. Of course, the folks at WWEShop.com get you your JR's within a matter of days, as a rule, in the USA, Canada and far beyond.

I invite you to follow me on Twitter as we are approaching 800,000 followers @JRsBBQ

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.

[Rob]

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 10:35am — J.R.
Posted in:Wrestling
Here's hoping that everyone has a great week and enjoys the live, Monday Night RAW tonight from Columbus, Ohio at 8/7 central. Let's see how the weary travelers respond live for the world to see. Until then...let's grill

Monday Night Raw emanates from Columbus, Ohio tonight for another 3 hour broadcast that finds the talents just returning in the past few hours after an exhaustive tour of Europe.

As The King always says, "one can't grieve forever" and the show must go on and go on it will as the adrenaline of the live audience will always push the pros to deliver in their respective segments.

Perhaps Time Tebow will show up and do a "run in" as he's looking for work. Perhaps trying WWE would be a nice fit for Tebow who would undoubtedly be an antagonist in today's defiant world. Of course, I jest regarding Tebow in WWE but stranger things have happened.

Anxious to hear more info on the condition of John Cena's Achilles injury and what it means, if any thing, to his WWE Title defense at Extreme Rules vs. Ryback. Got a feeling that Ryback won't be too sympathetic regarding @JohnCena medical ills.

Cena worked through his injury while in Europe which many would not have done but I'm under the impression that he's pushed it about as far as he can at this point in the process.

Amused by the 'hate emails' that I receive at our Q&A section regarding how WWE cannot be successful being a PG rated show versus being TV14 and how stupid that I am for believing such. I read, cringe and delete while respecting the opinion's of others. However, being successful in this genre has every thing to do with compelling and 'must see' talents who are embroiled in long arcing, smart, creative storylines.

Some one asked if I thought an all womens promotion could be successful on a national basis. It all depends on the business model, I suppose, including the TV deal and the talent pool from which to select but my gut instinct would be a polite, "no."

Was asked on Twitter @JRsBBQ if I had issues personally with Bart Gunn after he KO'ed Steve "Dr. Death" Williams in the ill fated Brawl for it All, the answer is a resounding no. Was I disappointed that Doc tore his quad which essentially ended his career? Absolutely. Did I embrace the fact that many in the locker room found it amusing that "JR's boy" got his lights turned out by the powerful punching of Bart Gunn. Nope. However, that's where it ended and any speculation that I held a grudge or didn't respect Bart Gunn is simply not accurate but makes for a nice tale.

Yes, we had hoped that the late, Dr Death would win the contest to help us launch a new antagonist but Bart Gunn was simply the better man on that occasion and especially under the circumstances.

The best man won in what was an ill fated idea to begin with and the booking of Butterbean to face the winner of the Brawl for it All was something that was planned all along. 'Bean' wanted to do more business with WWE and that was to be an entree to other appearances that simply did not work out as we all had hoped.

Looks as if the trio of @MichaelCole @JerryLawler @JCLayfield will be the permanent, Monday Night Raw broadcast team or so it seems. I think that's a good idea with the flagship broadcast now being three hours long. Guest color commentators also don't hurt the presentation as it provides talents the opportunity to expose their personalities in a different forum.

I'm anxious to work with the young announcers, by the way, none of the three, aforementioned broadcasters qualify as "young", this week at NXT. We expect great things to go down at Full Sail University.

Buying a new grill today. Excited about that as we grill several times per week and got about 8 years worth of use out of our old grill. Going the Weber route this go around. @WeberGrills is rated the top of the line and if they need a spokesman, I'm available.

JR's All Purpose Seasoning/Rub can be your secret weapon when grilling or seasoning dishes in the kitchen. My wife made a 15 Bean Stew using Turkey Sausage, onions, tomatoes, and our Seasoning which made a super, one dish meal Sunday night. She soaked the beans overnight and then cooked them for several hours Sunday with the Turkey and it ended up being a protein heavy, healthy meal. I added some JR's Chipotle Ketchup to my piping hot dish and it enhanced the flavor up another level.

Working on a new and improved "JR's Onion Burger" that includes chopped onion and JR's BBQ Sauce mixed into the bulk 80/20 ground beef. I also have made this recipe with smaller patties and placed a slice of cheese between patties to make one main event level burger that includes cheese, onion and JR's BBQ sauce all inside the burger. Working with Turkey Burgers too.

Order JR's now for grilling season from http://www.wweshop.com or http://www.americansoda.co.uk if you are in the UK, Ireland or Europe.

Join me on Twitter @JRsBBQ.

The Q&A's are updated here on the site and I must say that the questions are getting better but they still need to be somewhat succinct. I don't need to know how to make the watch just tell me what time it is.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.

[LG]

I hope that everyone is having a great weekend and I appreciate you stopping by our site. Let's grill!!

Random Thoughts:

Great trip to Orlando for the NXT tapings Thursday night. Sell out, turn away crowd was thoroughly entertained. Four, one hour broadcasts were taped. The first one airs next weekend for the record. No, I don't know when NXT is going to air in the USA but efforts are being made to make that happen. Stay tuned and be patient in the USA. NXT has developed a great international following and there are multiple suitors for the brand in the USA.

NXT Divas are evolving nicely under the coaching of Sara Del Rey. Emma and Paige are on the road this weekend on the main tour to see how they do. Sara is a great coach.

Several kids stood out this past week in Orlando including Aiden Neville, Bo Dallas, The Bray Wyatt Family, Sami Zayn, Kassius Ohno, Summer Rae (Yep, the same long legged young lady who is now with Fandango), Curt Hawkins, Big E Langston, and Damien Sandow among others. This is not a compete list but I'm simply going off my aged memory. Some newcomers and a couple of new tag teams stuck their toe in the water plus I saw some talents who have viable verbal skills in an organic delivery which is always best.

Every talent is seemingly giving it their all. If they are not, they will be discovered and be wished well in their future endeavors. I do love their overall attitudes and work ethic. Some new individuals are being rapidly prepared to start doing significant things on NXT TV when it returns to Full Sail on Thursday May 23 highlighted by a visit by @Ryback22.

The coaching staff at NXT led by Bill DeMott are also doing great work serving as not only coaches/teachers but also as role models for the impressionable kids who are in the pressure cooker. Mentoring NXT athletes today, in my estimation, is damn near as important as teaching one the proper way to apply a headlock.

The announce teams of William Regal/Tony Dawson and Tom Phillips/Brad Maddox had their best night to date at NXT. @MichaelCole and I both enjoy working with them in pre show prep and during the broadcasts.

NXT personnel expect to be in the new, Performance Center by July if all continues to go well with the contractors. This facility will be for NXT talents AND regular WWE talents who are presently touring on RAW and Smackdown. The new strength and conditioning coach is already on the job and making a positive impact.

Once the new facility opens my plan is to be there on a semi regular basis.

Don't be surprised if Nattie Neidhart and the Bella's don't steal the new WWE Divas show when it comes to E. Natalya is a valuable asset to WWE on so many fronts as are Nikki and Brea.

Amazing TV bout Wednesday night on ION featuring US Champ Kofi Kingston and Antonio Cesaro. Cesaro is an amazing performer and along with guys like Daniel Bryan is one of the best in ring performers in the world. Bar none.

Mason Ryan has made some significant improvement since being back in NXT and I look for him to be able to contribute on the next level if he continues to push himself and receive his coaching as he has been. There's no substitute for hard work in the ring and through study out of it. To be great can't be accomplished simply while a prospect is "on the clock" but takes extra effort including studying the game.

Long car trips with one's peers has been replaced, somewhat, by individual DVD study of the business. That's not a fair trade but that's the way of the world and one either adapts and changes or one becomes irrelevant and missing in action.

Check out this podcast from earlier today...yahoosportsradio.com/?p=47294. Or if this doesn't work just hit the http://www.yahoosportsradio.com website and listen to Saturday morning's show with @SeanPendergast.

@OKCThunder caught a break against an overachieving Houston team in the first round of the NBA playoffs but my favorite NBA team has their work cut out for them against a physical, Memphis Grizzly outfit. No...I have no wagers with the King, @JerryLawler, on this series that OKC will be fortunate to escape victorious. Why? Jerry's too thrifty. I'd venture to say that I follow the NBA closer than my former broadcast partner. Losing Russell Westbrook hurt the OKC squad on the floor in multiple ways but Russ was the 'DAWG' of the team which now Kevin Durant has to assume and it's not a role that naturally fits KD. The lack of strong, inside offense and defensive presence in the paint against a big, physical Memphis team is an area of concern for OKC fans.

Our new @WeberGrills is amazing. Grilled steaks last night using JR's All Purpose seasoning, some hickory flavored liquid smoke and a hint of Worcester sauce. Home run!

@TripleH and his lovely wife Stephanie are attending the @FloydMayweather fight on PPV tonight (Saturday).

Enjoyed doing some recent work on the new, 2K WWE video game but I'm keeping the creative under wraps. Had a blast, however, I must say.

I updated the Q&A section of the site so please take a look and submit your questions if you choose.

Follow me on Twitter @JRsBBQ as I actually attempt to interact with my followers as best that I can.

Remember that you can easily order JR's products online with quick delivery from http://www.wweshop.com and from Manchester, England online at http://www.americansoda.co.uk.

Thanks for stopping by and come back again soon for another visit.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.

[LG]

Credit: JRSBARBQ.com

Jim Ross posted a new blog entry today. Here are the highlights…

On The Possibility of Tim Tebow to WWE: My idea that Tim Tebow might find success in WWE apparently struck a chord with some media types. It’s not the worst idea I’ve ever spewed. Tebow is young, 25, big and athletic, enjoys working with charitable organizations ala Make a Wish Foundation, etc and is coachable. Tim could be a positive role model in the ring and touch lives around the world via the WWE’s global footprint. (Of course, being a positive role model in the ring in today’s world often times means getting booed out of the building.) Is Tebow to WWE a long shot? Absolutely. I doubt, but don’t know, that it’s ever been seriously discussed within the WWE. But it’s certainly an intriguing idea if for nothing else for a well constructed, long-term storyline that could culminate at WrestleMania 30 in New Orleans. The headlines an offer would garner, if formally made to the former Heisman Trophy winner, would be widespread. ESPN’s Skip Bayless would likely be appalled. Oh, the humanity….

On WWE Pre & Post Game PPV Shows: For those that have asked, I am unaware of when WWE will have another on-site, pre and post game show for a PPV. If I had to simply guess, I’d assume it would be at Summer Slam but that’s far from official. I’m also not aware of what talents would appear on said show if one does air. Personally, I had a great time participating in the last one but I’m not sure that many fans were aware of it or even watched it nor do I know if it will be on the WM29 DVD.

On NXT’s Enzo Amore: Keep an eye on Enzo Amore in NXT as he made a great, first impression on yours truly last Thursday night at the NXT taping at Full Sail. Significant, verbal upside. Not that familiar with his in ring work yet.

[LG]

Thanks for stopping by for a quick visit...always appreciated. The Q&A's are updated as of midday Tuesday. Check them out too. Grilling with JR's season is upon us so...let's grill!

Really enjoyed the guest commentator's interaction on RAW Monday night featuring Zeb and Mark Henry joining the RAW team of Cole, Layfield, and Lawler. The contrast entertained me and it sparked some fun debate and opinion. Occasional, verbal fireworks at the announce table, when well timed, can really add to a show especially one that is three hours in length.

Paul Heyman seemed to enjoy himself a little too much while watching Brock Lesnar ransack, intimidate and destroy WWE property all captured by @HeymanHustle himself. At one time I used to office in that same space after leaving Talent Relations and working in Business Strategies.

Did you catch the photo of the JR's Cookbook laying on the floor in the wake of the "Psycho Viking" figurative F5 tore through the office?

Mark Henry is one of the most intimidating and legit beasts in all of WWE and he "feels" it without question. The stout Texan isn't playing a role. The World's Strongest Man is who he says he is. Mark Henry is who we thought he was...thanks Denny Green.

The aftermath of a strap..Country Whipping..type match can be long lasting. I stumbled through two of them ala a cow on ice once upon a time and enjoyed not a single minute of either. One has to swing for the fences with a leather strap for the integrity of the bout. The most sadistic guys that wielded a strap in my memory were the Freebirds who might have just liked the pain...just a little too much.

Any one who can conclusively say who out of the Shield is going to spin out the trio and become THE top, singles star is zooming themselves. There are too many uncontrollable variables to factor into that equation to put all one's cash on one talent.

Why can't all three become top, singles hands in time? I think that might be the goal. But let's not rush the process.

Regarding the Shield, some wrestling fans have the patience of a 5 year old or maybe it's just that there are 5 year old's on Twitter bitching about every phase of creative.

Loved the tale of the tape WWE used to tease the Ryback vs. Kane match. Nice nuance.

Thought Jack Swagger had a beastly appearance on RAW in Roanoke. Perry, Oklahoma's second toughest man is nasty with a ladder in his hands.

I'm working on 2-3 pretty exciting new projects and will inform you when the time is right.

Scheduled to go hog hunting with @ShawnMichaels next week on his Texas ranch. This will be taped for a future episode of HBK's Outdoor Network TV show. I might end up being a cross between Si on @DuckDynastyAE and the patriarch of the family on American Hoggers. I'm going to use a cross bow to 'harvest' some feral hogs. Yep, a BBQ is being planned as well.

We're counting on your support throughout the summer especially when allowing JR's products to be a part of your grilling experiences. Shop efficiently and safely online at either http://www.wweshop.com which carries EVERY product that we make including our amazing, JR's Beef Jerky which comes in 5 flavors. OR, check out http://www.americansoda.co.uk which is based in Manchester, England and they ship quickly throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Read online that @JerryLawler is returning to the ring for Dory Funk, Jr promotion in Ocala, Florida on May 25. I haven't talked to Jerry in a good while but wish him well if this is what he wants to do. Obviously, King's cardiologist has been consulted one would assume on this matter. Jerry had much rather wrestle than announce any day and he's getting back in the ring north of 60 years of age because he loves it and not because he needs the cash. I wish him the best as always.

Enjoyed talking to Cowboy Bill Watts recently who just turned 74. He's excited that WWE is going to be marketing some of the Mid South content that WWE owns after the acquisition of the Watts Family video library. The multi disc set comes out in September which is exciting. Certainly some of the bouts on the DVD will have to come with a warning because they are intensely graphic in nature.

Some ECW enthusiasts might not agree with this statement but Mid South was 'Extreme' long before it became a marketing slogan and mantra for ECW of which I was a fan.

Thanks for the visit. Come back soon.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R. @JRsBBQ

[LG]

Thu, 05/09/2013 - 10:16am — J.R.
Posted in:Wrestling
Our online, family business continues to grow at http://www.wweshop.com which carries everything that we produce and for our UK, Irish and European fans at http://www.americansoda.co.uk. The only place to purchase JR's, retail wise, is still the four, Norman, Oklahoma @HomelandStores. Thanks for everyone's support and now...
LET'S GRILL!.

WWE World Champion Dolph Ziggler has a serious concussion which may be a redundant statement because what concussion isn't serious? There's no timeline as to Ziggler's return as WWE will be particularly cautious in dealing with any injury but especially a head injury.

Scary thought is that years ago, in the territory days specifically, wrestlers worked through a litany of injuries including concussions because if they didn't wrestle they didn't get paid. For those that constantly love to embrace the "good, old days" as the be all, end all, keep that in mind. I miss many aspects of yesteryear as much as any lifelong fan but how talents were medically treated back in the day is unsettling.

Certainly the same can be said of the NFL as the horror stories as told by former players and coaches of the "good, old days" sound similar to pro wrestling in previous generations.

The medical advances in WWE are extremely understated. A team doctor is at every WWE event including a licensed, certified athletic trainer. Medical evaluations done on an annual basis and to all who enter the developmental program are extensive and through.

Jerry Lawler would be dead today if it had not been for the medical procedures that WWE has in place.

It worries me to think of the issues that many independent wrestlers face as it relates to injuries in today's world because many of them do not have affordable access to needed medical care and many of the promotions and promoters can't afford it either.

The new, WWE Performance Center will always have a full time trainer on hand, ready access to medical personnel and a full time Strength and Conditioning coach who will help the athletes get stronger and more fit as that will help prevent some injuries.

New talents coming to WWE go through a through, extensive process including through medical evaluation before they are allowed to report to work.

Hard to debate that anyone on WWE TV this week was MORE effective than @TheMarkHenry as he and @Sheamus prepared for what appears to be a Leather Strap match at the Extreme Rules PPV. Mark has come into his own over the past couple of years and his "realness" resonates through the TV screen. Sheamus' very white skin will be marred with painful images when these two men finish with one another at the next WWE PPV. In my opinion, Henry has slowly evolved into a franchise type antagonist and his facials and promo skills as as authentic as one could ask for.

My two experiences in a Strap Match or Country Whipping Match as a 'clumsy as a cow on ice, why in the hell am I in a wrestling match' came against Jonathan Coachman on RAW from Chicago and in a tag with @JerryLawler vs. @MichaeCole & @RealJackSwagger on PPV. There is just no way to go through that process without significant pain being a part of the presentation.

If there is, then I didn't get the memo.

The Fabulous Freebirds were the most memorable guys that I recall who made the leather strap matches really standout as they brought it in those 'not for the weak at heart' bouts.

@WWEBrayWyatt and Corey Graves @WWEGraves will be on the next WWE, live event tout this weekend as the NXT representatives get the opportunity to gain more experience with the main roster. Both men are keepers and Wyatt especially has some special traits that one cannot teach. He's a near 300 pounder who has the valued and rare, second gear and has a natural gift of gab much like his grandfather, the legendary Blackjack Mulligan, WWE HOFer.

Graves is a Pittsburgh kid who sort of reminds me of a young, @CMPunk at times. Very bright and very aggressive.

@JakeSnakeDDT is earning remarkable success in his battle to gain sobriety and change his life. It will be a daily battle until the day that he dies that I pray he will endure and succeed and the same for @ScottHallNWO. Even though I truly believe that both men can add value to ANY creative process and have the skills to help many young talents, the focus of them regaining their health has to remain their top priority which it seems to be.

Too many of Jake and Scott's fans only see their return to the ring as the ultimate end game of which I totally disagree. Those returns, it they ever occur, are only going to be a by product of the success that they achieve through their efforts to become clean and sober. @DDPYoga is to be commended for his role in this effort.

If you have questions for me please utilize the Q&A section of this site. It's free, no obligations to use it and I read every question even though I don't answer all of them as some are, well, pet coon goofy.

I am not a devout, learned European football fan but I can appreciate the accomplishments of Sir Alex Ferguson. Funny how I got lambasted on Twitter @JRsBBQ for even mentioning it by some of Sir Alex's detractors and by his fans for calling it a "news item." Can't win for losing sometimes.

Too much bitching about sports officiating on @ESPN, etc. It's a part of the game and has ceased to become a compelling topic of which to hear talking heads and others pontificate. The beauty of sports is that the game is played and largely governed by humans and no humans are perfect or infallible. MLB umpires and NBA officials make mistakes...just like the coaches and players. Get over it.

Raw is in Tulsa on Monday night and tickets are moving briskly and are still available. It's going to be a big night in 'T Town.' Sorry I'll miss it as I will be hunting feral hogs with @ShawnMichaels. There will be no taking the hogs down and hobbling them for me, as we will be using crossbows and...I hope...side arms. We're also going to have a big BBQ which will be documented for HBK's TV show and will air later this year.

I will be in Salt Lake City to host "Shawn Michaels Appreciation Night" on Friday May 24. Will fly there from NXT the night before in Orlando. Really excited to meet some great fans in SLC and to be a part of a special night honoring the WWE HOFer. Hopefully we will have a big, loud crowd.

The @steveaustinBSR podcast is money. Check it out.

Also, highly suggest you check out the @MichaelCole and @JCLayfield show online. That's significant praise from an Okie to two men with Texas roots. Download the @Layfield Report. Very handy for news, opinion and more.

Loving our new, @WeberGrills. Wife Jan aced this purchase as she got the S-330 model and I've used it several times already and we've only had it a few days. Last night 85/15 burgers seasoned only with JR's All Purpose seasoning and then Pepper Jack Cheese the final minute or so of the grilling process. Home run...or as the beloved Nancy Grace would shout..."BOMBSHELL!!"

Thanks for dropping by...please tell a friend about our site...and follow me on Twitter @JRsBBQ.

BTW...great day to order JR's online.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.

[LG]

Fri, 05/10/2013 - 11:04am — J.R.
Posted in:Wrestling
The weekend is upon and we hope everyone enjoys their's. It's always a good weekend to go online and order JR's products from http://www.wweshop.com or from our British friends in Manchester at http://www.americansoda.co.uk. If you are in the Norman, Oklahoma area you can get JR's at the four, Norman @HomelandStores and save on shipping and handling. We are still attempting to make a variety of deals to get JR's products into grocery stores and as soon as something positive occurs I will let everyone know. With that said.....Let's Grill!

I'm getting hammered by SEC football fans on Twitter @JRsBBQ over comments that were casually made by my friend and OU head football coach Bob Stoops this week where he acknowledged the SEC's dominance in college football, especially the top half of the SEC, but also added that the Big 12 wasn't so shabby either.

CFB pundits, especially those in and around Alabama, have taken strong exception to Bob's casual, factual statement as the well earned legacy and reputation of the SEC does receive ample and positive PR from many media types. That's really no revelation sports fans. The media loves to follow the big winners.

The irony here is that Stoops and 'Bama coach Nick Saban have great respect for each other and are friends.

It's another case of the college football media, on a slow news day, shooting their own angle that they can't pay off.

Craziest question I've gotten today...what type of cell phone does the Undertaker use? Following my Twitter timeline @JRsBBQ is actually pretty entertaining. We get some 'beaut's.'

Happy Birthday today to Darren Mathews aka @RealKingRegal who is one of the most valuable assets within WWE not to mention one of the funniest, most organic/natural performers in the entire company. Very few wrestlers can pull off a comedy skit on a wrestling show but Regal can as good as anyone I've ever been around. He's also a treasure as it relates to WWE Talent Development. We've been down many roads together and I consider the Blackpool lad one of my best "wrestling friends." Tough dude too...not to be trifled with.

In case some of you are wondering, I don't direct message (DM) strangers on Twitter as I don't want to get indirectly implicated in BS that is none of my business. I also don't want to see my statements taken out of context and then used in the Internet Wrestling Community.

I can be reached at Contact Us which is located on the homepage of this site.

Who's the NXT big star to matriculate from developmental to a main, WWE roster? No one knows for sure. No one. Too many variables involved in the situation to adequately answer to the satisfaction of any one with an average IQ. However, @WWENXT has several young talents currently training that have a legit shot to make it to the next level. Many don't want to hear this as it's not as exotic a story as the" mysterious, powers that be holding someone down" theory but success is largely dependent on who one sees in their mirror. Irresponsible, young wannabe stars who keep shooting themselves in the feet aren't gonna win any races. It's really simple...essentially "Do Right" and devote ample time outside the facility to better prepare for what hopefully will come in time. I wonder how many DVD's the majority of the NXT talents studied this week. Hmmm.

Been asked a lot lately with the weather warming up but, YES, http://www.wweshop.com ships JR's regularly to Canada as we have NO retail outlets in Canada at this time. Shop safely and efficiently online at WWEShop.com.

Best former NCAA Champion turned pro wrestler? Easy for me but I'm biased...the late, Jack Brisco who lost one match in college was a two time all American at Oklahoma State, National Champion and then had the mountainous task of being the NWA World Champion when the title was arguably the most prestigious in all the biz. No former NCAA Champion Wrestler traveled more miles and had more great matches than did "Handsome" Jack who is considered by any aficionado of the genre to be Rembrandt-like and the wrestling ring was his canvas. That means that I respectfully go with 'BRISCO' over Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar who I both worked closely with at WWE from their star in WWE.

Next week is my feral hog hunt with @ShawnMichaels for his Outdoor Network TV show. Unlike those folks on 'American Hoggers' I'm not hobbling any wild pigs just so you know. Should make for some fun TV.

@OKCThunder MUST win a game in Memphis to live to fight another NBA series. Not sure that OKC's interior can hold up against the Grizz.

Here's a dandy match idea for you fantasy bookers....Chael Sonnen @sonnench vs. @TimTebow as a special attraction contest at WM30 in New Orleans. @NFL @ESPN @UFC entities would claim blasphemy of sorts.

Anyone else get the feeling that @UFC is hoping that one of their talented heavyweights picks up the pace on the media side to create a little more interest in what should be their most marketable division? @DanaWhite is teh best salespeson in UFC whichis akin to the old school promoters being their own star because they knew that they could always depend on themselves. I find that marketing strategy to be on the money/

Grilling idea...grill the fish of your choice and when the fish has been turned and is about a minute or two away from being finished, drizzle on some JR's Main Event Mustard. If you season the fish with JR's All Purpose Seasoning you have done enough but by adding a drizzle of our mustard you have made the grilled fish even more special.

I will be doing the @steveaustinBSR podcast soon. Download them all. Good stuff from Steve.

Thanks for stopping by and please check out the Q&A's here on our site. Feel free to ask your questions there too.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R. @JRsBBQ

[Rob]

JR's Mother's Day Memories

Sun, 05/12/2013 - 10:52am — J.R.
Posted in:Wrestling
Happy Mother's Day to all observing the special day. Here's a short blog with my Mother's Day thoughts before I fo fire up the @WeberGrills in the backyard.

My Mom, Elizabeth Ann Ross, died suddenly on December 5, 1998 in Westville, Oklahoma at the age of 64. My Mama was my biggest fan and never missed a single Little League Baseball game or a football game in which I played throughout my childhood. I was an only child and I was the center of her life which was both, at times, a blessing and a curse. Most 'only children' can relate to that statement but at the end of the day I wouldn't have had it any other way.

My Mom also was a devout viewer of Monday Night RAW and the TBS WCW Saturday Night show before that and would often have some of her friends over to her mobile home in Westville, Oklahoma to watch her son on TV. Her homemade BBQ sauce is the inspiration of our family brand of sauces and condiments. Yep, Mama continues to influence my family's life long after she's been gone.

I was traveling with my WWE family on the day Mom passed and was sitting in a small, London Hotel room when the obnoxiously, loud ring of the telephone awakened me. It was my wonderful wife Jan calling me to give me the sad news. Jan was brave, full of love and so caring when she succinctly broke the news to me that Mama was gone. No wife should ever be dealt that hand but my Pittsburgh Italian bride rose to occasion.

Jan had already talked to Vince and Linda McMahon earlier that morning to let them know the news as she knew that I might not mention it and internalize it especially considering that we had a WWE, UK PPV to get on the air. Capitol Combat emanated from London and was a big day for our company and the great fans of the United Kingdom and beyond.

The McMahon's were gracious enough and willing to fly my wife over to London from our Connecticut home to be with me or fly me home to begin funeral arrangements for my mother. I opted to stay at work because I truly believed that's why my Mom would have wanted. I still believe that to this very day.

So the PPV went off, seemingly without a hitch but I don't really remember much of it , except for the fact that I suffered another attack of Bells palsy which would put me on the sideline from December 6,1998 until March 28, 1999 when I would return, face hanging, to Philadelphia to call the main event at WrestleMania XV which was the first @steveaustinBSR vs. @TheRock main event at 'Mania of the three that they had.

My Mama's fiery attitude and passion, for whatever she was doing, along with the support and love of my wife Jan and our WWE family pulled me through that day in Philly as I had never been more scared to walk out of the curtain in my life as I was that day. Not even at WM9 on my debut in Las Vegas. I looked like a stroke victim and also knew that I would have hold my face in place so that I could be understood while calling a main event of which I had made a significant, emotional investment in the two talents who were headlining the biggest WWE event of the year.

So now, every Mother's Day brings with it a plethora of special memories that generally relates to my Mama and to some form of the business that I love. My Mom indulged my crazy passion for the business when I was a kid. Even while my Dad said that pro wrestling was show biz, my Mom allowed me to suspend my disbelief and enjoy the product for whatever I perceived it to be.

Now, today, is the first Mother's Day that my wife is experiencing without her Mom who passed away a few weeks ago. She was a wonderful woman who was the perfect mother in law. A highly skilled professional in the nursing field, Lois Grillette was a Renaissance woman who loved to travel and to see the world. I always felt honored to marry into the family largely because of the matriarch who was a fun loving adventurer and who lived her 80 years to their fullest. I pray that I'm as full of P&V when I'm 80 if I'm allowed to hang around that long.

So, no matter if your Mom is still with you or not, enjoy Mother's Day and recreate some of the wonderful times and memories that you have had with your Mom over the years. Memories last a life time and no one can ever take those memories from us. Embracing the lady who brought you into this world with a hug, whether it be literal or figurative, should be the order of the day.

Never take days like this for granted and remember that none of our tomorrow's are guaranteed. Count your blessings and hug your Mama.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R. @JRsBBQ

[LG]

Wed, 05/15/2013 - 12:28pm — J.R.
Posted in:Wrestling
Rainy day in Norman, Oklahoma so a good day to pen a quick blog. Remember that you can order JR's products here during the grilling season from http://www.wweshop.com and from http://www.americansoda.co.uk which is headquartered in Manchester, England. Ordering online is quick, easy and provides home delivery. Let's grill...

I had an amazing time this week going on the first hog hunt of my life with the great Shawn Michaels, @ShawnMichaels, and his hunting partner Keith Mark, @KeithMarkmra, on HBK's Texas ranch. This hunt will be televised later this year on MacMillan River Adventures which airs on the Outdoor Network.

Arrived at Shawn's sprawling, Texas ranch after approximately a 6 hour drive on Monday mid afternoon and within a hour or so we were in a deer blind waiting for a pack of hogs to come near us. I was armed with a crossbow which was another first for me.

To show you how fortunate that I was, with my first shot at a live animal I scored the hit that we were looking for and the arrow hit the 300 pound hog right behind the shoulder which is actually where I was aiming. The arrow went through the animal and it and its cohorts ran for the brush and for cover. I did not think that I had hit the animal but we found the bloody arrow which traveled through the hog.

The search by foot began through cactus and mesquite trees until we finally found the animal who had expired. These hogs are of the Russian Boar species and are destructive and non productive on Texas, among other state's, ranches. The animals are given to the Texas Food Bank for processing and the meat is then provided to needy families. None of the meat goes to waste and if a land owner doesn't manage these herds of feral hogs the state will come in and do it for the landowners.

As always, HBK and Keith were amazing teachers and guides while Shawn's family showed me the utmost hospitality. Using Shawn's hunting lodge as our base camp created a memorable time and provided me with the total hunting experience that I will never forget. I even got some great, hunting gear from @RockyGear including some amazingly comfortable, "snake proof" boots to combat the threat of rattlesnakes which are at home in the area.

A grilling session, of which was also filmed, will be a fun aspect of this upcoming broadcast as well.

It was the most fun that I've had in Texas since the last Sooner win over the Steers in the Cotton Bowl.

It's a must win tonight for the @okcthunder versus the Memphis Grizzlies in OKC. Gut says OKC squeaks out a win tonight but the enviable seems likely as OKC couldn't find a way to win in Memphis. Kevin Durant isn't getting enough help from is teammates and the Grizzly "bigs" are dominating. It looks like @JerryLawler and his hometown team are about ready to raise their hands in victory.

Watched Raw on DVR upon arriving back home and thought the show had some compelling moments as it relates to the building of this Sunday's Extreme Rules in St. Louis on PPV.

Thought the elimination tag match was well done. Episodic TV is infectious when done well as are matches that tell a viable, easy to follow story. Elimination tags, where the person defeated leaves and only ends when one team has been completed eradicated, are about as easy to follow as it gets. (That's why I enjoy the occasional 2 out of 3 fall bout or a rare, best of 5 or best of 7 series of bouts.)

WWE Champion John Cena is in a vulnerable position leading into Extreme Rules where many feel that the polarizing WWE Champion will fall to #1 Challenger Ryback. I can't make a valid argument against that theory.

If the Brock Lesnar vs. HHH Steel Cage match doesn't close the PPV, it's going to make whatever follows this Slobber Knocker have to really hunker down to top what I expect to be the most anticipated bout at Sunday's PPV. The physicality in this contest will be prominent and I expect a no frills, in your face, main event.

Don't discount @HeymanHustle Paul Heyman's involvement in this Sunday's ferocious festivities as Lesnar's "representative" who one would assume will be stationed at ringside. Will Heyman play a role in a Lesnar win Sunday?

I'm thinking that WWE's Extreme Rules will be somewhat of a "sleeper" PPV and that it will exceed the expectations of many who seemingly have gotten more into the card the past couple of weeks after recovering from their WrestleMania 29 hangovers.

One thing is for sure, Extreme Rules, if one objectively analyzes the card from top to bottom, has the potential for some younger talents or talents looking to regain needed momentum to have memorable nights. "Maximizing one's minutes" was never more applicable than it will be for many inside the ring in St. Louis this Sunday night.

Extreme Rules is certainly not a one dimensional PPV and I'm anxious to watch it.

It's hard to believe that May 14 passed quietly yesterday which would have been the 53rd birthday of my late, friend Dr. Death Steve Williams. I've never known a tougher more competitive athlete than Doc. He beat every thing in his path in his life except cancer. I thought of him like family. When we hired Doc to make his long awaited WWE 'run' the former four time All American wrestler from Oklahoma University was on the downward side of his illustrious career that was filled with physicality and, at times, controversy. However, we felt that Doc may have had another good run in him and that he could help some of the younger guys on the card.

The ill fated 'Brawl for it All' essentially sealed Doc's fate as he tore his quad off the bone before continuing to fight the impressive Bart Gunn, who would become the eventual winner, and who would then KO Doc. Some talents loved the outcome because of their allegiance to Bart who was legit nice guy and a great complimentary tag team partner for Billy Gunn when they were the Smoking Gunns.

The ill conceived "Brawl" has seemingly taken on a life of its own in the minds of many over the years but the event was NEVER created to be a vehicle to be used to establish Doc as a star. In hindsight, I wish the entire thing had never occurred because several talents were injured during the legit competition not to mention that it caused some mixed, and not always positive, reactions within the locker room which weren't healthy in my view.

Nonetheless the 'Brawl' was only a small detour on Doc's amazing athletic career that saw him play in four Bowl Games for Oklahoma as an offensive lineman while becoming one of the most dominating amateur wrestlers who ever competed 'part time' in Division 1. Winning All American honors four times is extraordinary for any grappler much less one that came straight from the gridiron to the wrestling mat.

Some of Doc's bouts in the UWF vs. the One Man Gang, Big Bubba Rodgers aka the Big Bossman, and Terry Gordy were bona fide classics. Notwithstanding Doc's many bouts in Japan in both tags, with Gordy as is partner, among others, and in singles bouts against the best Japanese and American wrestlers of that era. You Tube has a plethora of these bouts plus you'll get a taste of the young Doc when the Mid South DVD comes out in September from WWE.

Anyone remember the Doc/Gordy vs. the Steiner Brothers tag bouts in WCW? I sure do...some of the best I ever saw.

One can only imagine how proficient Steve Williams might have been in UFC if if had been around as it is today when Doc came out of OU looking to earn a living. @DanaWhite would have loved the good Doctor.

I miss my friend. I am happy that he is finally pain free and living a better life inside the Pearly Gates. RIP Doc.

Thanks for stopping by and please keep our family of products in mind here during the long, grilling season. http://www.wweshop.com or http://www.americansoda.co.uk await you and will be happy to help obtain the best BBQ Sauces, Ketchup, Mustard and Seasoning on the market delivered right to your front door. Plus, WWEShop.com also sells all 5 flavors of JR's 97% Fat Free Beef Jerky.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R. @JRsBBQ