Jim Ross:
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on May 22, 2013 at 3:13 pm
Representing WWE, Jim Ross will be meeting with officials from the NFL Players Association in Washington, DC. Ross is looking to develop a working relationship that could see the NFLPA send players whose football aspirations have ended to WWE for tryouts.
Ross told Alex Marvez and Jim Miller on their SiriusXM NFL Radio show Tuesday night:
“Everybody doesn’t make the 53-man roster. Some guys are going to be looking for work, and we’ve got some job openings. Maybe we can put the synergies of those two entities together and create something wonderful some day.”
JR also told Marvez that he has spoken with WWE executives about initiating a relief effort for victims of the Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes this week. Ross lives in nearby Norman, Oklahoma and watched as the storms hit.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on May 16, 2013 at 10:20 am
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross published a new blog entry on JrsBarBq.com. Here are some highlights.
Hog hunting with Shawn Michaels: 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.
Elimination tag match on Monday’s Raw: 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.)
John Cena going into Extreme Rules: 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.
HHH vs. Lesnar: 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?
Extreme Rules: 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.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on May 16, 2013 at 9:38 am
Credit – Wrestling Observer
As noted before, the May 27th RAW from Calgary will be Bret Hart Appreciation Night. This will be for TV also, not just the local crowd. Bret is still having some trouble getting around and is going through the recovery process from his second knee replacement back in February. As noted, Shawn Michaels will be returning for that show.
At the May 24th RAW live event in Salt Lake City, it will be Shawn Michaels Appreciation Night. No word yet why they’re doing a Shawn Michaels night on a Friday in Salt Lake City of all places. Jim Ross noted on Twitter that he will be appearing for the festivities. Apparently other Legends are being brought in also.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on May 15, 2013 at 4:01 pm
Top independent wrestler Sami Callihan has been pulled from Big Japan Pro Wrestling’s Strong Style Tournament later this month because he is apparently about to sign with WWE.
We noted last week that Callihan was going through the pre-signing medical tests for WWE.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on May 10, 2013 at 4:57 pm
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com As always, you can buy JR’s delicious line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
The Next NXT Star To Get Called Up To WWE:
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.
Best NCAA Champion To Become A Pro Wrestler:
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.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on May 9, 2013 at 5:16 pm
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross published a new blog entry on JrsBarBq.com. Here are some highlights.
Dolph Ziggler’s Concussion: 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.
WWE’s New Performance Center: 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.
Bray Wyatt & Corey Graves: @WWEBrayWyatt and @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.
Jake Roberts & Scott Hall: @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.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on May 7, 2013 at 5:08 pm
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross published a new blog entry on JrsBarBq.com. Here are some highlights.
Brock Lesnar destroying Triple H’s office: “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.”
Which member of The Shield will break out as a singles star: “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.”
Jerry Lawler returning to the ring: “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.”
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on April 25, 2013 at 7:47 pm
As noted, independent wrestler Sami Callihan was recently undergoing some medical tests for WWE. These are the tests done right before signing a deal so he may be officially with the company here soon.
WWE picked up several wrestlers from the recent tryouts and one of those may be Mike Bennett from Ring of Honor.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on April 24, 2013 at 5:18 pm
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross published a new blog entry on JrsBarBq.com. Here are some highlights.
Ryback’s Heel Turn: “Ryback had a productive week in his transition to becoming a ‘villain’ and challenging the polarizing, WWE Champion John Cena. I think that these two will have sound chemistry when they meet at the Extreme Rules PPV and wouldn’t be surprised to see Ryback win the WWE Title. Seems as if it is enviable that the Vegas wrecking ball will be ‘the man’ at some point in the future as he is one of the more focused and hellbent on success performers that I have encountered in many years.”
The Shield’s Progress: “Even though the Shield had some indy experience before joining NXT, the training that the trio received in Florida has served them well. Further proof to me that NXT is the true future of WWE as it relates to the TV product which is what drives the entire company. Nothing’s more important than talent and television within WWE.”
“The Shield had a pivotal week in the world of WWE TV and it continues this Friday night on Smackdown. Already some fans are clamoring for the trio to break up and go their separate ways. I content that it’s too early for that and that there are many productive miles left in this new, hot faction that has a chance to become one of the more significant groups ever assembled in WWE.
Undertaker Wrestling on Raw: “It’s always great to see Undertaker on free TV and he never fails to give me my monies worth but, admittedly, I am extremely biased. I made a statement on Twitter earlier in the week @JRsBBQ that many disagreed with that I thought that Taker had overtaken Andre the Giant as the Greatest ‘Big Man’ in the history of the biz. Frankly, factoring in tenure, leadership, productivity, tickets sold, etc, a viable argument can be made that the Undertaker isn’t the greatest star ever in the genre.”
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on April 21, 2013 at 1:18 pm
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on JrsBarBq.com. Here are some highlights.
WWE scouting: WWE will continue to look to colleges, the NFL, etc for world class athletes who have TV friendly personalities and the aptitude for sports entertainment. College athletes will come from wrestling, football, basketball, etc…no sport will be not considered if all the previously listed criteria is in place. For example, I’m planning on attending an upcoming major, Strongman competition just to see if there may be one individual who might have the youth, strength, look and personality for WWE to consider as a potential developmental talent.
For novice athletes who aspire to join WWE, I suggest that you attend a credible wrestling school and obtain proper training. After one gets proper training, do all you can to work as many indy dates as possible, get your body of work in place and then make inroads to WWE Development with a DVD of some of your bouts and of you doing succinct promos.
Would a beginner walk into a NFL training camp and expect a tryout? Obviously, no.
WWE tours: The current WWE International tour is doing sellout or near capacity business nightly which is another statement of the global growth and the massive, media footprint that WWE has established over the years and that continues to grow. I’m of the belief that one of the reasons for success is that WWE tours these areas no more than twice annually. Some international markets are better served once a year while others are still developing their TV following and will be added to the schedule in the future.
Brock Lesnar’s performance: Watched Brock Lesnar’s performance on Raw Monday again on DVR and it always amazes me how naturally animalistic Lesnar is and what an amazing athlete that he is. Lesnar got to the ‘first team’ quicker and the most effectively of any one that I can recall that we signed back in my era in talent relations. No one we ever signed was more athletically gifted than the former NCAA and UFC heavyweight champion. No one. Brock was making amazing money in WWE quicker than any of his predecessors or any one since.
@BrockLesnar was the best rookie that I recall seeing in WWE.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on April 18, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Jim Ross received a tour of UFC headquarters and met UFC President Dana White on Wednesday. He tweeted:
“Thanks to my friend #UFC VP @MarcRatnerUFC Ratner 4 the tour of UFC offices today. Enjoyed meeting @danawhite. Cool dude. Great hospitality.”
At the moment, there is no word as to what the meeting was for or if it was just a simple visit.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on April 9, 2013 at 11:16 am
The pre-game and post-game desk show WWE did at WrestleMania with Jim Ross, Dusty Rhodes, Kofi Kingston and Scott Sanford is scheduled to be part of every pay-per-view going forward.
No word yet if Kofi will be a regular.
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Posted by Jim Williams on April 7, 2013 at 5:04 pm
Jim Ross took to Twitter this afternoon to let fans know what he’ll be doing at WrestleMania this evening.
[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/JRsBBQ/status/320992645465903104"]
Seeing as how in the past, Ross has kept his one off announcing appearances as a surprise from his followers on Twitter, this news does not necessarily rule out the chance that Ross could call a match on tonight’s card.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on April 6, 2013 at 11:55 am
- Steve Austin is currently in Mexico to film the next season of CMT’s Redneck Island.
- Jim Ross noted on Twitter that he’s been working on WWE Network interviews while at WrestleMania week.
- Big Show will be appearing on Nickelodeon’s Supah Ninjas tonight at 9pm EST.
- Big Show, Darren Young, Titus O’Neil and Layla were at last night’s New York Knicks game. Here they are with the Knicks Dancers:
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on April 3, 2013 at 11:54 am
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with a new blog on jrsbarbq.com, where he talked about the three top WrestleMania 29 matches and Monday’s RAW:
- Thought that the final segment of Raw involving Taker and Punk was controversial and dramatic and it made me want to see the match between the two even more. I can certainly see where some viewers were uncomfortable with the presentation but perhaps that was the intent. Mark my words, @CMPunk vs. Undertaker will be tougher than a $2 steak to follow.
- The hay is in the barn for Rock vs. Cena. It;’s been over a year since this rivalry started and Sunday is the time for the talking to end and the show closer to deliver. Following everything on the card and attempting to engage the audience who has been at the stadium for hours is daunting but that comes with the territory. I have every belief that the two men that I signed to WWE contracts will rise to the occasion.
- Thought the addition of HBK in HHH’s corner vs. Brock Lesnar was a timely touch and that Paul Heyman was excellent on the mic representing his client. Slobber Knocker time for the Cerebral Assassin and the former WWE and UFC champion without question. This one won’t be a Brisco vs. Funk catch as catch can masterpiece but it will be car crash-like. I see some sweet chin music in @HeymanHustle future in Jersey. Just saying.
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