Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2007 0:16:46 GMT -5
As always, from JRsBarBQ.com
Let’s get right to business and address some of your comments. By the way, I can’t answer every comment, simply due to a lack of time so please don’t take it personally. Also, I strongly suggest you read some of our archived blogs as I have answered many of the same questions seemingly over and over.
How have I become friends with Steve Austin? The same way anyone else becomes friends with someone, through trust, working through bumps in the road, and having mutual interests all over a long period of time. The wrestling business is not known to produce a large amount of “close friends” as most wrestlers can probably count on one hand their close wrestling friends, but a longer list of acquaintances and associates. Steve and I will be friends long after we are both finished with wrestling.
The wrestlers are responsible for the security of the championship belts that they carry. Smart wrestlers NEVER check their luggage that has their wrestling gear in it, which would include any title belt they may hold at the time.
Pete - Hello… “I” won’t leave anyone off of Wrestlemania as “I” don’t do any of the booking of such events any longer. It will certainly not be my decision if Mickie James wrestles at ‘Mania or not. Completely off the subject of Mickie and not speaking of anyone in particular, I strongly feel it is not everyone’s “right” to be a part of the Wrestlemania card, but it is a privilege to be booked at such an event. With that said, I hope we do not have any matches for matches sake just to make sure wrestlers are included on the card. Some potential ‘Mania wrestlers have done little to distinguish themselves since the last Wrestlemania and need to earn their way on to the Wrestlemania card.
I read Bischoff’s book, “Cash Creates Controversy” and liked it by and large. We all have our views on “history” and how we felt during certain stages of our careers. I felt like Turner’s company, thanks to a fellow by the name of Bill Shaw, did not treat me fairly, nor was he totally honest with me. However, leaving WCW when I did was the best professional move I could have made. If you have not read Eric’s book, I suggest you give it a try and judge it for yourself.
Matt L- Nice story about the John Cena that I know with your experience with John at a Rupp Arena event. People not liking Cena simply because they perceive him to be a “white rapper” today is a little weak in my opinion.
Mikey- I do not oool at ECW as a joke. You certainly can if you choose to, but I don’t. I think the brand will make it just fine, but I do think it is a work in progress and will take some time. I hope that all the talent on ECW dedicate themselves to getting this done via their in-ring efforts even though the new ECW will never be what the original version was. If ardent ECW fans can’t handle that, I politely suggest you not watch it if it upsets you so much. It’s only a TV show.
Arnie-The days of studio wrestling will most likely never return. Too much of anything is bad including tables, blood, whatever.
I guess some fans’ thoughts on the professional demise of C.M. Punk may have been premature. But wait, if Punk fails to win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at Wrestlemania, THEN he will be on a path to obscurity, right? Punk is young and has a world of improvement he can make to become the wrestler he aspires to be. I like the young man and think he has an excellent upside. What Punk and others do with this potential is up to them.
I have no idea about hotel rooms in Detroit. That’s just a little out of my area of expertise. Why not check out Orbitz or some other website for a cheap hotel room. Good luck.
Tina- Tell your Granny that I only sing in the shower or when I have had too much to drink. And it’s not even at the William Hung level. However, I do appreciate her thoughts.
A Legends Division in wrestling probably isn’t practical as many of the veterans who are still somewhat active have had hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, etc and could not wrestle even an aggressive part time schedule without putting themselves at a physical risk. In theory, the idea is a cool one, but in reality it would not work. These matches would be comedy affairs more than not and that is a sad commentary of some of the businesses’ biggest stars of their generation. It would be like watching the “Gimmick Battle Royal” every week. No thanks.
The Rock is in progress of filming the movie version of the old TV show “Get Smart” and is playing agent 29 as I understand it. Rock has become one of Hollywood’s busiest actors.
Nitestick- I hate to “crush you” but I have heard zilch on Randy Savage getting inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, but who knows? Stranger things have happened. Plus, there is always next year and the class in 2009 will be attached to the 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania, which might be a great place for Savage to enter the Hall.
Dylan-Who is the greatest enhancement wrestler ever? No way to answer that one. I do know that I have seen prelim wrestlers who never won that were fundamentally more sound that some wrestlers who have backed into the biz over the past decade or so. I would submit that the Mulkey Brothers would rank right up there if I had to make a contribution.
Jim- I was kidding about riding “mail planes” as they don’t take passengers, but I did travel to California last week on “regional jets” which are small 50 seaters that are about as uncomfortable as flying gets. The days of me riding on Air McMahon ended when I moved to Oklahoma. Yes, I am doing a couple of days of speaking at MIT in March and plan on doing more speaking in the future, especially after we get our first Bar-B-Q place open.
Aaron - Who’s the greatest wrestler to never be a major champion? Another tough question, as so many wrestlers would fit this bill. Arn Anderson would definitely deserve to be on my short list.
Corey- I don’t know who has more cowboy hats, J.R. or Dusty, but I would bet I have more black ones. Plus, I would be leery of peaking into the Dream’s closet, if you will.
Travis- Do I think that Outback Jack has a chance to enter the WWE Hall of Fame some day? I assume he has a chance, but I would take the under on that bet as I feel it is a “long shot’ to say the least. Sorry, mate.
Susan- Lilian Garcia was involved in a minor accident on Sunday at No Way Out and she should be back handling the ring announcing at Raw Monday in Fresno, which looks to be close to selling out! I came within a frog’s hair of attending No Way Out Sunday in L.A. and if I had, I would have been called into service due to Michael Cole losing his voice, which can happen to anyone. That would have put me next to JBL, which would have been fun.
I was sad to see that the Irish McNeil Boys Club building in Shreveport burned a few days ago. Back in the day, many moons ago, when I was actually young, we taped Mid-South Wrestling there every other Wednesday night in a studio like setting with maybe 100-150 fans in attendance, as I remember it. Those were some great TV shows with some of the best talents to be found anywhere. Those stars were products of the territory system and most were not learning on the job.
J.V.- Jeff Hardy is NOT in any doghouse, but if it makes you feel better to think that he is, then so be it. Jeff is one of the most popular talents on Raw and his return to the ring has been a breathe of fresh air. Just because a wrestler loses a match, no matter the execution of the match, does not necessarily mean some one is in the dog house. I remember over the past several weeks that Melina was a resident of the proverbial “doghouse” and now she’s the Women’s Champion.
Tim- Dan Rodimer has a great look, sort of a NY Giant’s Jeremy Shockey look, but has not proved that he can wrestle a lick yet. Let’s give Dan time to get more than his toe in the water before we damn him or anoint him as the next big thing. Athletically speaking, I will say that Rodimer has skills. Time will tell how well Dan can adjust to the level of talent he will be surrounded by and how well he handles travel and the other challenges of rookies on the road.
Saurabh- Thanks for commenting from India. Our merchandise will be shipping to India soon, but not the sauces just yet.
The 80s was a great era in the business simply because of the significant number of talented main event level wrestlers who were plying their trade at that time. Quality depth was not an issue in that decade.
Paul - Will Mick Foley be at Wrestlemania? Beats me, but I hope so. Mick’s new book, “The Hardcore Diaries” will be out soon and I conducted a series of interviews with Mick last week about his new literary work that will be featured on WWE.com.
Georgios- Beefcake in the Hall of Fame.? Who knows, but my guess is not any time soon. Just an opinion.
Martin- The censoring or beeping of content in the UK or on the Score in Canada is a decision made by the stations themselves. Why they do such, is a question for them. I assume it has to do with their own individual standards and practices.
Rick- Someday I will go back and research my favorite matches. When you have called thousands of bouts over 30 plus years, it takes some time and research to put together a list. I know the The Rock ‘n Roll Express vs. The Midnight Express, Dibiase vs. Murdoch, JYD vs. The Freebirds, Flair vs. Steamboat and Flair vs. Terry Funk, Pillman vs. Liger, HBK vs. Hitman, Hitman vs. Austin, HBK vs. HHH, Austin vs. The Rock, any Brisco vs. Funk match, Taker vs. HBK, and HHH vs. Foley would be on the list. Will I ever be able to name one match that stands out as my all time favorite? Probably not.
Ron- The last Legends Roundtable consisted of Eric Bischoff, Michael Hayes, Mick Foley, Jerry Lawler and yours truly as moderator. One of the subjects we discussed was the “Monday Night Wars.”
Stephan- If I never see another wrestler in a boxing match, it will be too soon. So many guys got injured that these matches are simply too costly on several fronts, primarily the athlete’s health.
Adam- Who came up with the nickname “Demon of Death Valley?” That would be yours truly. It fits with “Texas Rattlesnake” and “Cerebral Assassin” as some of my favorites.
Brad- A Yukon, Oklahoma native in the UK! Who would have thunk it? Fear not about the 2007 Sooners, as we are going to be pretty good and perhaps great if we can keep everyone healthy and get consistent QB play.
Nate- I am not a fan of re-packaging any team to create “new” Bulldogs, “new” Horsemen, etc because the “new” teams are never as good as the originals. Plus, it puts unfair expectations on new kids who are trying to get started in their careers. A new Hart Foundation featuring Harry Smith, for example, could work I suppose but I wouldn’t go there if I had to pull the trigger or not. Luckily, I am not in that area any longer and don’t have to make the tough decisions. Harry, by the way and in my opinion, has the potential and aptitude to be a real star in the future. When? I have no clue.
Mr. X- First of all, nice, original name. You could have used Dr. X and I would have had a flashback. I don’t know the whereabouts of David Sammartino but the last I heard he was a personal trainer living in the Atlanta area. Someone else out there might have more updated info.
I Man- You can order our sauces on our site and we will ship it to you. For us to get our sauces in grocery stores especially in Long Island is a task I don’t think we can pull off as all the big boys have paid HUGE bread for shelf space.
Jaime- I do think that it is tough to go from pro wrestling to sports in the broadcasting area, but not impossible. I have done NFL and XFL football, so it can be done, but it is not easy. Perhaps some day if the position becomes available I would love to do OU Football on radio, but that’s been a life long dream of mine. My true dream job has always been do do wrestling on TV, so I am living my dream in that regard. Sports Entertainment is a WWE term and to most it is just about the same as “wrestling.” Perhaps one could say it is wrestling with more sizzle. I was Executive Vice President of Business Strategies of the WWE for a good while, but I don’t miss the corporate world as it relates to living near my kids and granddaughters here in Oklahoma and returning “home.” If I was ever needed to return to the corporate side to help the company, I definitely would, as I pride myself in being a team player.
Marc- I think Arn Anderson could be an asset in any role he was placed in, including being a manager. I also feel AA is a future Hall of Famer. I saw his first matches ever in the Mid South territory when he wrestled as Marty Lunde. Helluva hand!
Alex- Ask me about Cryme Tyme in a year or so. They have miles to travel, just like all rookies, until one can make a valid assessment of their in-ring work.
William- Tim Horner was a skilled in-ring performer who just barely missed on being a main event level star. I remember Tim as a good guy who worked hard and was a professional at all times around me.
Ed- Ric Flair is looked at in the WWE locker rooms no differently than Jim Brown would be in a Cleveland Brown locker room, Gretsky in an Edmonton locker room or Michael Jordan in a Bulls’ locker room. If young wrestlers don’t watch every move an athlete like Flair makes in the ring and in match preparation and especially Ric’s passion then said youngsters are too stupid to be in this business.
Matt- Will Hulk be a part of Wrestlemania? I can’t say conclusively because I don’t know. However, if forced to guess, I would say no.
Sean- Yes, The British Bulldogs are Hall of Fame worthy.
Venga- The Fink is NOT retiring. Howard Finkle is a big part of the fabric of the WWE and can still ring announce as good as anyone anywhere. This year marks The Fink’s 30th year ring announcing.
Tex- Yes, Steve Austin visited friends at No Way Out and from what I understand enjoyed being back stage with “the boys.”
Marcus- Yes I watch TNA from time to time but I would be lying if I said I watched it weekly. After traveling to do Raw, watching it back on Tuesday afternoon, watching ECW on Tuesday night, and Smackdown on Friday night or Saturday morning, Mrs. J.R. has generally tapped on the TV ‘rasslin. TNA not unlike other wrestling shows, has a roster of guys who want to be stars but they seem to sometimes cram too much into their one hour time slot. That’s simply my opinion for what that is worth.
Matt- Dangerous Dan Spivey, aka Waylon Mercy, had many ring injuries and is in the construction business, last I heard, in the Odessa, Florida area. Big Dan is still not a man to be challenged as he has a rep as being a true bad ass but also being a helluva nice guy. The Waylon Mercy persona was one of my favorites.
Joey- Where is the Iron Sheik these days? I assume in the Atlanta area where he lives, but Sheik dances to the beat of a different drummer, so I really can’t say. When I first met Khosrow Vsari he was about 190 pounds and had hair and traveled with Danny Hodge. Needless to say, those two had zero issues with wrestlers or rowdy fans while on the road.
Jordan- I don’t see Rey Mysterio leaving the WWE for any organization. Rey is a huge part of the WWE team and has made more money in the WWE, I would suggest, than he’s made anywhere else. I am proud that I hired Rey, which was really a no brainer.
Dwight- My memories of the late Eddie Gilbert was that he was extremely passionate about all phases of the business and had the potential to become one of the businesses best all time matchmakers. Eddie understood the business being a second generation wrestler and being a life long fan. He combined his dad Tommy and his boy hood hero Jerry Lawler’s in-ring styles to create a very entertaining in-ring persona. Eddie was destined to be a key front office type before he met his maker in Puerto Rico. Eddie had great mental and physical skills that few others, I have met along my journey, could equal. The personal demons some wrestlers allow into their lives are abhorrent.
John Q.- The mail plane thing John, my good man, was my attempt at humor. When recruiting potential wrestling talent, I look for athletic ability, passion, product knowledge, work ethic, character, and honesty. Size can be an asset, but it was never a deal breaker for me. Still isn’t.
Joe- All 3 announcing teams working the same event or the same match is a cluster. I don’t like it because there are too many personal agendas that seem to manifest themselves, which takes away from what the wrestlers are doing in the ring. However, all the announcers might make for an interesting radio show or show on WWE.com.
Coolio- IF there is another “Gimmick Battle” Royal I hope that Mean Gene and Bobby The Brain get the nod to broadcast it. These type matches are essentially comedy presentations which some folks like and some others don’t. It also takes away from some deserving younger talents from competing at Wrestlemania. It is a subjective thing and I had fun watching the old timers at Wrestlemania 17.
Brhett- I am a big fan of Bret Favre and the Packers history/heritage. Bret was a rookie with Atlanta when I was broadcasting Falcon games. That was one of the dumbest trades in the history of the National Football League. I have seen Bret on his knees throw a frozen rope 50 yards just for the helluva it. Plus, most folks don’t realize how physically tough Bret it. He is a linebacker playing QB. He was also a Freebird/Mid South Fan growing up in Mississippi.
Joe- No, Joe I have NEVER Bungee jumped and it is doubtful that I ever will. However, I think Diva Bungee Jumping has merit.
Mark- As I understand it, High Def is definitely being addressed and is in the WWE’s future.
Kent- I felt bad for Michael Cole, who I think is a hard working, son of a gun who I consider a friend, after he lost his voice at No Way Out. I am sure he endured his share of grief for being under the weather. If I had known he was not feeling well, I would have been happy to sit in for him, but I would suggest that my interaction with JBL would be somewhat different that Cole’s. You know, it’s the Oklahoma/Texas thing, plus some new viewers might think they were listening to a country version of commentary a la “The Grand Ol’ Opry.” Every announcer loses their voices from time to time except maybe golf or tennis commentators who could do their jobs after consuming a few cocktails or between naps.
Bob Cook- one of the VERY best and most underrated wrestlers to ever lace up his boots. And what a right hand Bob could deliver! Many long time fans will remember Bob who was a true pro, and had in-ring skills that many youngsters today should strive to develop. It was great hearing from you Bob and I hope you are healthy and doing great.
Steve- I have worked with many outstanding broadcast partners over the years. The King has become my favorite because we have become close friends. That’s unusual in this business. However, I have also enjoyed working with Jim Cornette, Paul Heyman, Jesse Ventura, and Bob Caudle, among others. Cornette and Heyman were both very underrated color commentators and both were fun to work with. Ventura was a big name and had a great delivery and sense of timing. He also enjoyed being an antagonist and the former Minnesota Governor loved being controversial. Bob Caudle was a long time play by play man who became an analyst after we were paired up in the Crockett territory.
Sign Guy- I don’t remember the 1991 Great American Bash off the top of my head as that has been about 16 years and thousands of matches ago. If I had an “off night” just chalk it up to the many I am sure I have had over the years. I do remember having a Bash w/o Flair felt uncomfortable.
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Let’s get right to business and address some of your comments. By the way, I can’t answer every comment, simply due to a lack of time so please don’t take it personally. Also, I strongly suggest you read some of our archived blogs as I have answered many of the same questions seemingly over and over.
How have I become friends with Steve Austin? The same way anyone else becomes friends with someone, through trust, working through bumps in the road, and having mutual interests all over a long period of time. The wrestling business is not known to produce a large amount of “close friends” as most wrestlers can probably count on one hand their close wrestling friends, but a longer list of acquaintances and associates. Steve and I will be friends long after we are both finished with wrestling.
The wrestlers are responsible for the security of the championship belts that they carry. Smart wrestlers NEVER check their luggage that has their wrestling gear in it, which would include any title belt they may hold at the time.
Pete - Hello… “I” won’t leave anyone off of Wrestlemania as “I” don’t do any of the booking of such events any longer. It will certainly not be my decision if Mickie James wrestles at ‘Mania or not. Completely off the subject of Mickie and not speaking of anyone in particular, I strongly feel it is not everyone’s “right” to be a part of the Wrestlemania card, but it is a privilege to be booked at such an event. With that said, I hope we do not have any matches for matches sake just to make sure wrestlers are included on the card. Some potential ‘Mania wrestlers have done little to distinguish themselves since the last Wrestlemania and need to earn their way on to the Wrestlemania card.
I read Bischoff’s book, “Cash Creates Controversy” and liked it by and large. We all have our views on “history” and how we felt during certain stages of our careers. I felt like Turner’s company, thanks to a fellow by the name of Bill Shaw, did not treat me fairly, nor was he totally honest with me. However, leaving WCW when I did was the best professional move I could have made. If you have not read Eric’s book, I suggest you give it a try and judge it for yourself.
Matt L- Nice story about the John Cena that I know with your experience with John at a Rupp Arena event. People not liking Cena simply because they perceive him to be a “white rapper” today is a little weak in my opinion.
Mikey- I do not oool at ECW as a joke. You certainly can if you choose to, but I don’t. I think the brand will make it just fine, but I do think it is a work in progress and will take some time. I hope that all the talent on ECW dedicate themselves to getting this done via their in-ring efforts even though the new ECW will never be what the original version was. If ardent ECW fans can’t handle that, I politely suggest you not watch it if it upsets you so much. It’s only a TV show.
Arnie-The days of studio wrestling will most likely never return. Too much of anything is bad including tables, blood, whatever.
I guess some fans’ thoughts on the professional demise of C.M. Punk may have been premature. But wait, if Punk fails to win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at Wrestlemania, THEN he will be on a path to obscurity, right? Punk is young and has a world of improvement he can make to become the wrestler he aspires to be. I like the young man and think he has an excellent upside. What Punk and others do with this potential is up to them.
I have no idea about hotel rooms in Detroit. That’s just a little out of my area of expertise. Why not check out Orbitz or some other website for a cheap hotel room. Good luck.
Tina- Tell your Granny that I only sing in the shower or when I have had too much to drink. And it’s not even at the William Hung level. However, I do appreciate her thoughts.
A Legends Division in wrestling probably isn’t practical as many of the veterans who are still somewhat active have had hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, etc and could not wrestle even an aggressive part time schedule without putting themselves at a physical risk. In theory, the idea is a cool one, but in reality it would not work. These matches would be comedy affairs more than not and that is a sad commentary of some of the businesses’ biggest stars of their generation. It would be like watching the “Gimmick Battle Royal” every week. No thanks.
The Rock is in progress of filming the movie version of the old TV show “Get Smart” and is playing agent 29 as I understand it. Rock has become one of Hollywood’s busiest actors.
Nitestick- I hate to “crush you” but I have heard zilch on Randy Savage getting inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, but who knows? Stranger things have happened. Plus, there is always next year and the class in 2009 will be attached to the 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania, which might be a great place for Savage to enter the Hall.
Dylan-Who is the greatest enhancement wrestler ever? No way to answer that one. I do know that I have seen prelim wrestlers who never won that were fundamentally more sound that some wrestlers who have backed into the biz over the past decade or so. I would submit that the Mulkey Brothers would rank right up there if I had to make a contribution.
Jim- I was kidding about riding “mail planes” as they don’t take passengers, but I did travel to California last week on “regional jets” which are small 50 seaters that are about as uncomfortable as flying gets. The days of me riding on Air McMahon ended when I moved to Oklahoma. Yes, I am doing a couple of days of speaking at MIT in March and plan on doing more speaking in the future, especially after we get our first Bar-B-Q place open.
Aaron - Who’s the greatest wrestler to never be a major champion? Another tough question, as so many wrestlers would fit this bill. Arn Anderson would definitely deserve to be on my short list.
Corey- I don’t know who has more cowboy hats, J.R. or Dusty, but I would bet I have more black ones. Plus, I would be leery of peaking into the Dream’s closet, if you will.
Travis- Do I think that Outback Jack has a chance to enter the WWE Hall of Fame some day? I assume he has a chance, but I would take the under on that bet as I feel it is a “long shot’ to say the least. Sorry, mate.
Susan- Lilian Garcia was involved in a minor accident on Sunday at No Way Out and she should be back handling the ring announcing at Raw Monday in Fresno, which looks to be close to selling out! I came within a frog’s hair of attending No Way Out Sunday in L.A. and if I had, I would have been called into service due to Michael Cole losing his voice, which can happen to anyone. That would have put me next to JBL, which would have been fun.
I was sad to see that the Irish McNeil Boys Club building in Shreveport burned a few days ago. Back in the day, many moons ago, when I was actually young, we taped Mid-South Wrestling there every other Wednesday night in a studio like setting with maybe 100-150 fans in attendance, as I remember it. Those were some great TV shows with some of the best talents to be found anywhere. Those stars were products of the territory system and most were not learning on the job.
J.V.- Jeff Hardy is NOT in any doghouse, but if it makes you feel better to think that he is, then so be it. Jeff is one of the most popular talents on Raw and his return to the ring has been a breathe of fresh air. Just because a wrestler loses a match, no matter the execution of the match, does not necessarily mean some one is in the dog house. I remember over the past several weeks that Melina was a resident of the proverbial “doghouse” and now she’s the Women’s Champion.
Tim- Dan Rodimer has a great look, sort of a NY Giant’s Jeremy Shockey look, but has not proved that he can wrestle a lick yet. Let’s give Dan time to get more than his toe in the water before we damn him or anoint him as the next big thing. Athletically speaking, I will say that Rodimer has skills. Time will tell how well Dan can adjust to the level of talent he will be surrounded by and how well he handles travel and the other challenges of rookies on the road.
Saurabh- Thanks for commenting from India. Our merchandise will be shipping to India soon, but not the sauces just yet.
The 80s was a great era in the business simply because of the significant number of talented main event level wrestlers who were plying their trade at that time. Quality depth was not an issue in that decade.
Paul - Will Mick Foley be at Wrestlemania? Beats me, but I hope so. Mick’s new book, “The Hardcore Diaries” will be out soon and I conducted a series of interviews with Mick last week about his new literary work that will be featured on WWE.com.
Georgios- Beefcake in the Hall of Fame.? Who knows, but my guess is not any time soon. Just an opinion.
Martin- The censoring or beeping of content in the UK or on the Score in Canada is a decision made by the stations themselves. Why they do such, is a question for them. I assume it has to do with their own individual standards and practices.
Rick- Someday I will go back and research my favorite matches. When you have called thousands of bouts over 30 plus years, it takes some time and research to put together a list. I know the The Rock ‘n Roll Express vs. The Midnight Express, Dibiase vs. Murdoch, JYD vs. The Freebirds, Flair vs. Steamboat and Flair vs. Terry Funk, Pillman vs. Liger, HBK vs. Hitman, Hitman vs. Austin, HBK vs. HHH, Austin vs. The Rock, any Brisco vs. Funk match, Taker vs. HBK, and HHH vs. Foley would be on the list. Will I ever be able to name one match that stands out as my all time favorite? Probably not.
Ron- The last Legends Roundtable consisted of Eric Bischoff, Michael Hayes, Mick Foley, Jerry Lawler and yours truly as moderator. One of the subjects we discussed was the “Monday Night Wars.”
Stephan- If I never see another wrestler in a boxing match, it will be too soon. So many guys got injured that these matches are simply too costly on several fronts, primarily the athlete’s health.
Adam- Who came up with the nickname “Demon of Death Valley?” That would be yours truly. It fits with “Texas Rattlesnake” and “Cerebral Assassin” as some of my favorites.
Brad- A Yukon, Oklahoma native in the UK! Who would have thunk it? Fear not about the 2007 Sooners, as we are going to be pretty good and perhaps great if we can keep everyone healthy and get consistent QB play.
Nate- I am not a fan of re-packaging any team to create “new” Bulldogs, “new” Horsemen, etc because the “new” teams are never as good as the originals. Plus, it puts unfair expectations on new kids who are trying to get started in their careers. A new Hart Foundation featuring Harry Smith, for example, could work I suppose but I wouldn’t go there if I had to pull the trigger or not. Luckily, I am not in that area any longer and don’t have to make the tough decisions. Harry, by the way and in my opinion, has the potential and aptitude to be a real star in the future. When? I have no clue.
Mr. X- First of all, nice, original name. You could have used Dr. X and I would have had a flashback. I don’t know the whereabouts of David Sammartino but the last I heard he was a personal trainer living in the Atlanta area. Someone else out there might have more updated info.
I Man- You can order our sauces on our site and we will ship it to you. For us to get our sauces in grocery stores especially in Long Island is a task I don’t think we can pull off as all the big boys have paid HUGE bread for shelf space.
Jaime- I do think that it is tough to go from pro wrestling to sports in the broadcasting area, but not impossible. I have done NFL and XFL football, so it can be done, but it is not easy. Perhaps some day if the position becomes available I would love to do OU Football on radio, but that’s been a life long dream of mine. My true dream job has always been do do wrestling on TV, so I am living my dream in that regard. Sports Entertainment is a WWE term and to most it is just about the same as “wrestling.” Perhaps one could say it is wrestling with more sizzle. I was Executive Vice President of Business Strategies of the WWE for a good while, but I don’t miss the corporate world as it relates to living near my kids and granddaughters here in Oklahoma and returning “home.” If I was ever needed to return to the corporate side to help the company, I definitely would, as I pride myself in being a team player.
Marc- I think Arn Anderson could be an asset in any role he was placed in, including being a manager. I also feel AA is a future Hall of Famer. I saw his first matches ever in the Mid South territory when he wrestled as Marty Lunde. Helluva hand!
Alex- Ask me about Cryme Tyme in a year or so. They have miles to travel, just like all rookies, until one can make a valid assessment of their in-ring work.
William- Tim Horner was a skilled in-ring performer who just barely missed on being a main event level star. I remember Tim as a good guy who worked hard and was a professional at all times around me.
Ed- Ric Flair is looked at in the WWE locker rooms no differently than Jim Brown would be in a Cleveland Brown locker room, Gretsky in an Edmonton locker room or Michael Jordan in a Bulls’ locker room. If young wrestlers don’t watch every move an athlete like Flair makes in the ring and in match preparation and especially Ric’s passion then said youngsters are too stupid to be in this business.
Matt- Will Hulk be a part of Wrestlemania? I can’t say conclusively because I don’t know. However, if forced to guess, I would say no.
Sean- Yes, The British Bulldogs are Hall of Fame worthy.
Venga- The Fink is NOT retiring. Howard Finkle is a big part of the fabric of the WWE and can still ring announce as good as anyone anywhere. This year marks The Fink’s 30th year ring announcing.
Tex- Yes, Steve Austin visited friends at No Way Out and from what I understand enjoyed being back stage with “the boys.”
Marcus- Yes I watch TNA from time to time but I would be lying if I said I watched it weekly. After traveling to do Raw, watching it back on Tuesday afternoon, watching ECW on Tuesday night, and Smackdown on Friday night or Saturday morning, Mrs. J.R. has generally tapped on the TV ‘rasslin. TNA not unlike other wrestling shows, has a roster of guys who want to be stars but they seem to sometimes cram too much into their one hour time slot. That’s simply my opinion for what that is worth.
Matt- Dangerous Dan Spivey, aka Waylon Mercy, had many ring injuries and is in the construction business, last I heard, in the Odessa, Florida area. Big Dan is still not a man to be challenged as he has a rep as being a true bad ass but also being a helluva nice guy. The Waylon Mercy persona was one of my favorites.
Joey- Where is the Iron Sheik these days? I assume in the Atlanta area where he lives, but Sheik dances to the beat of a different drummer, so I really can’t say. When I first met Khosrow Vsari he was about 190 pounds and had hair and traveled with Danny Hodge. Needless to say, those two had zero issues with wrestlers or rowdy fans while on the road.
Jordan- I don’t see Rey Mysterio leaving the WWE for any organization. Rey is a huge part of the WWE team and has made more money in the WWE, I would suggest, than he’s made anywhere else. I am proud that I hired Rey, which was really a no brainer.
Dwight- My memories of the late Eddie Gilbert was that he was extremely passionate about all phases of the business and had the potential to become one of the businesses best all time matchmakers. Eddie understood the business being a second generation wrestler and being a life long fan. He combined his dad Tommy and his boy hood hero Jerry Lawler’s in-ring styles to create a very entertaining in-ring persona. Eddie was destined to be a key front office type before he met his maker in Puerto Rico. Eddie had great mental and physical skills that few others, I have met along my journey, could equal. The personal demons some wrestlers allow into their lives are abhorrent.
John Q.- The mail plane thing John, my good man, was my attempt at humor. When recruiting potential wrestling talent, I look for athletic ability, passion, product knowledge, work ethic, character, and honesty. Size can be an asset, but it was never a deal breaker for me. Still isn’t.
Joe- All 3 announcing teams working the same event or the same match is a cluster. I don’t like it because there are too many personal agendas that seem to manifest themselves, which takes away from what the wrestlers are doing in the ring. However, all the announcers might make for an interesting radio show or show on WWE.com.
Coolio- IF there is another “Gimmick Battle” Royal I hope that Mean Gene and Bobby The Brain get the nod to broadcast it. These type matches are essentially comedy presentations which some folks like and some others don’t. It also takes away from some deserving younger talents from competing at Wrestlemania. It is a subjective thing and I had fun watching the old timers at Wrestlemania 17.
Brhett- I am a big fan of Bret Favre and the Packers history/heritage. Bret was a rookie with Atlanta when I was broadcasting Falcon games. That was one of the dumbest trades in the history of the National Football League. I have seen Bret on his knees throw a frozen rope 50 yards just for the helluva it. Plus, most folks don’t realize how physically tough Bret it. He is a linebacker playing QB. He was also a Freebird/Mid South Fan growing up in Mississippi.
Joe- No, Joe I have NEVER Bungee jumped and it is doubtful that I ever will. However, I think Diva Bungee Jumping has merit.
Mark- As I understand it, High Def is definitely being addressed and is in the WWE’s future.
Kent- I felt bad for Michael Cole, who I think is a hard working, son of a gun who I consider a friend, after he lost his voice at No Way Out. I am sure he endured his share of grief for being under the weather. If I had known he was not feeling well, I would have been happy to sit in for him, but I would suggest that my interaction with JBL would be somewhat different that Cole’s. You know, it’s the Oklahoma/Texas thing, plus some new viewers might think they were listening to a country version of commentary a la “The Grand Ol’ Opry.” Every announcer loses their voices from time to time except maybe golf or tennis commentators who could do their jobs after consuming a few cocktails or between naps.
Bob Cook- one of the VERY best and most underrated wrestlers to ever lace up his boots. And what a right hand Bob could deliver! Many long time fans will remember Bob who was a true pro, and had in-ring skills that many youngsters today should strive to develop. It was great hearing from you Bob and I hope you are healthy and doing great.
Steve- I have worked with many outstanding broadcast partners over the years. The King has become my favorite because we have become close friends. That’s unusual in this business. However, I have also enjoyed working with Jim Cornette, Paul Heyman, Jesse Ventura, and Bob Caudle, among others. Cornette and Heyman were both very underrated color commentators and both were fun to work with. Ventura was a big name and had a great delivery and sense of timing. He also enjoyed being an antagonist and the former Minnesota Governor loved being controversial. Bob Caudle was a long time play by play man who became an analyst after we were paired up in the Crockett territory.
Sign Guy- I don’t remember the 1991 Great American Bash off the top of my head as that has been about 16 years and thousands of matches ago. If I had an “off night” just chalk it up to the many I am sure I have had over the years. I do remember having a Bash w/o Flair felt uncomfortable.
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Boomer Sooner…..J.R.
