It has taken me almost two days to warm up after our quick trip to Omaha and then on to Sioux City, Iowa this week for Raw. The King and I both flew into Omaha on Monday morning and then made the 90 mile or so drive up to Sioux City for the broadcast. The drive straight up I-29 was through the Iowa country side and reminded me of my days as a young man growing up on our family farm in eastern Oklahoma. But brother was it frigid! I admire the folks who live in cold weather areas and rarely complain about the weather. I got back to Norman and it was 70 degrees and I felt like jumping into our pool. But, I didn’t have the courage to join the “polar bear club.” Severe shrinkage my friends isn’t flattering for a man of my stature!

Raw delivered a 4.1 rating but had the most total viewers it has had since June of 2005. Raw had 5.8 million viewers Monday night in the United States. Raw was the #1 TV program Monday night among Men 12-17 years of age in the USA.

The star-studded opening segment, with a wide array of stars not normally seen on Raw, really made the beginning of the show feel big time. I hope between now and Wrestlemania we continue to see Smackdown and ECW Superstars on Monday night as we seriously begin to count the days until ‘Mania 23.

The Ric Flair promo was one of the brighter spots on Raw from my perspective. “Naitch” still has an unbridled passion for the business and even though he will soon be celebrating birthday #58 (I think) Ric can still deliver better than most men half his age.

Raw in the states this week airs on Thursday night at 8/7 central time on the USA Network due to the annual Dog Show on USA. Should be an interesting show, especially with the “Battle of the Billionaires” featuring Mr. McMahon and The Donald, as in Trump. No Rosie O’Donnell though. Looking forward to heading to Portland and the Rose Garden, and hopefully seeing Rowdy Roddy Piper.

Lots of Wrestlemania related questions and feedback from many of you this week. Some have asked how many people are expected to attend the event this year at Ford Field and I am estimating that it will be between 60-70,000. It won’t be 93,000 as it was 20 years ago because Ford Field isn’t as big as the Silverdome, from what I understand. Will The Fink do some ring announcing? I sure hope so. It wouldn’t be Wrestlemania without Howard Finkle. I am guessing that there will be a Money in the Bank Match but that is purely my assumption. I do like the concept and it seems the fans do as well. We will know sooner than later. Some have asked if Mick Foley would be at Wrestlemania 23 and I can’t confirm such, but it certainly would not surprise me. It might be more likely that Foley will be at ‘Mania more than Hulk will, but who knows?? Perhaps they will both be there and wrestle each other. I would say that would be an entertaining piece of business if they did. Mick’s new book, “The Hardcore Diaries” will be out next month, as I hear it, and I am really looking forward to reading it. I have read and enjoyed all of Mick’s books. I hear he has a chapter or excerpt in the book about what he thought of the “Dr. Heinie” skit satirizing my colon surgery in 2005. Apparently Mick has some pretty strong comments about that Raw TV segment, that I barely remember, thank goodness….and no, I did not record it either. Fans often ask about Wrestlemania for their cities such as Philly, a great city, and D.C., how can ‘Mania not be hosted in our nation’s capitol, and the usual inquiries from the UK which is one of the WWE most valued territories. I am sure if we are all around long enough that Wrestlemania will make a much anticipated stop in each of the aforementioned markets. Patience my friends, patience. Regarding Wrestlemania 24 being in Orlando, no one from the WWE has told me such, but I have heard plenty of rumblings from fans who live in the Orlando area. If this site or another has been confirmed, one would assume it will be announced at this year’s Wrestlemania.

HBK left the WWE for almost 4 years due to a bad back and “burn out.” The sabbatical was probably the best thing for Shawn’s physical and mental health as he has been absolutely awesome since returning to the WWE. “Burn out” is not that rare in our business or others with high stress levels. I can certainly relate to it. Nonetheless, don’t bet against HBK stealing the show at Wrestlemania 23.

Snitsky’s eyebrows??-I assume he shaved them or lost a bet. I know I don’t have them, I swear. The former University of Missouri offensive lineman looked Kane-like Tuesday night on ECW. And yes, I do watch ECW every Tuesday night on Sci-Fi and, no, I don’t particularly care if some nay sayers believe that or not. You’re always welcome to drop by on any Tuesday night and join me.

News flash: ECW is being re-designed and it will most likely never resemble the original ECW ever again. I am sorry to be the bearer of this particular piece of bad news but let’s see where it goes over the next year before some long time fans contemplate watching the NHL….only kidding about the NHL.

The WWE has acquired both Stampede Wrestling and Smoky Mountain Wrestling and both will be featured on WWE 24/7 in the future. I really enjoy WWE 24/7 and I understand more Legends Roundtable segments will be taped within the next couple of weeks or so. I am looking forward to being a part of them.

Paul in Fargo, you have great courage and convictions. My black hat is off to you my friend for persevering and staying positive in the face of great challenges with your health. I hope you always remain positive and refuse to put limits on yourself or what you can accomplish. I am sure that HHH would be as proud of you as am I.

Will the XFL ever return? Will J.R. ever become a Texas Longhorn fan? Absolutely not, in all due respect to UT fans everywhere including The American Dream Dusty Rhodes and the late Dick Murdoch. The XFL needed that second year to really see how the league would evolve, but I will say two things that I believe about the league. OK maybe 3 things. I had a blast broadcasting the XFL, the level of football was not where it should have been, but it also did not have a pre-season, and the NFL wanted the XFL to go away instead of allowing the XFL to be a “feeder program”.

Where are:
Todd Pettingale-Doing radio on WPLJ in MYC last I heard.
Stan Lane-living in the Carolinas, Greensboro I think, working for the Speed Network I am told.
Mike McGuirk-living in eastern Oklahoma selling real estate, but others may have more recent info.
Terry Taylor- works in an administration role for TNA. By the way, I always liked Terry, but I wasn’t a big fan of the “Red Rooster” persona. That goes to prove how little I know about this business. Terry was a very accomplished wrestler who had a great “run” in Mid-South Wrestling back in the day.
D’Lo Brown-still wrestling independents and in Japan and just became an owner of an Arena League Football team. You do know he has an accounting degree from the University of Maine, right? Nice guy too.

Fans have asked about WWE Hall of Famer Antonino Rocca, who was an under sized phenom who set Madison Square Garden on fire in the 50s and 60s. Not literally on fire but “Argentina” Rocca put butts in seats with his high flying style which basically amounted to drop kicks and head scissors. Rocca was a huge star who captivated audiences much akin to what Rey Mysterio has done in recent years. There is a fair amount of info on Rocca on the internet if you want to do a “search.” Rocca made a boat load of cash during his career, but like so many athletes and entertainers did not save it from what I am told. Rocca had a unique style and “it” aka charisma. “It” can’t be taught. Remember that nugget of info “It” cannot be taught.

Speaking of the Hall of Fame….I still do not know who will be selected, but one can assume we will find out soon. Just like me, I suggest you stay tuned as I am as anxious to find out as anyone. I love the Hall of Fame event for so many reasons. Mainly because I am still a fan and love to see the greats honored. From what I understand, Mean Gene Okerlund will be back as the emcee of the event after being inducted into the Hall of Fame last year in Chicago. Gene and I will most likely have a social cocktail while in Detroit.

Are the Undertaker and Kane retiring? Not anytime soon….thank goodness.

Was Greg Valentine ever the WWE champion if only for one night? I never heard of that one. It could have happened but I am not aware of it during the Backlund era. Does anyone have any info on this one?

Lots of Randy Savage feedback. I still know no more about Savage being inducted into the Hall of Fame than I knew last week. Some one inferred that I knew “all the dirt” on why Savage is “blackballed” and that I am “lying” to cover it up. For that person that we will simply call Oliver Stone, I don’t know why there are issues regarding Savage and the WWE and if I did, depending on what it was, I most likely wouldn’t discuss it. This little website isn’t trying to be the “National Enquirer.” If you want unfounded dirt, then there are plenty of sites you can visit to get your message board/gossip fix.

Nice to hear from a Penn State fan. I like visiting Happy Valley when the WWE is there once a year or so and would love for OU to have a home and home with the Nittany Lions. Towsend State Football Hall of Famer, former Tough Enough guru, and WWE TV producer John “Big” Gaburick is a HUGE Penn State fan as is his dad who graduated from there. Joe Pa is a good friend of former OU coach Barry Switzer who is a good friend of mine and who can tell a mean Joe Paterno story.

The Big Green Egg is one of the greatest innovations in smoking meats to come along in years! That is no joke. I don’t joke when it comes to Bar-B-Q or smoking meats.

Comedy in wrestling? It has its place when it is organic and natural and not forced. Not all performers can deliver comedy as we have seen over the years. Some talents were funny who weren’t trying to be which was some of the funniest stuff ever.

Speaking of comedy, did I ever have any thing to do with the former G-TV segments on Raw? Absolutely not.

Why haven’t we seen Torrie Wilson’s stinkface? I beg your pardon? Maybe because she hasn’t been wrestling much. Diva wrestling is a unique animal. I will say this; Mickie James and Melina got it on Monday Night and had one helluva match. I think by and large the divas in the WWE are on TV to appeal to males 12-17 and 18-34. That’s not to say us older gentlemen don’t enjoy observing the lovely ladies too. I think the Divas of today are prominent because of their personalities and looks and not necessarily because they would have fit in “Lipstick and Dynamite,” a film I loved by the way.

Mark Henry- is healing from his last surgery and I fully expect him to return to the ring sometime in 2007. The World’s Strongest Man has been snakebit and is due for a break.

How would I evaluate JBL’s Title Reign? Successful and probably pleasantly surprising. John over achieved by working really hard and by being physical, and along the way he became extremely proficient on the mic. JBL could talk ‘em into their seats which is becoming a lost art form. John was one of my hires who out performed what he was projected to do by many insiders. I am proud of John even though he is a Longhorn at heart.

My favorite speciality matches. Probably Hell in a Cell and War Games. Also, back in the day, a nasty Texas Death Match that went multiple falls could be pretty compelling stuff, too.

I absolutely don’t regret hiring any one I hired when I was in charge of talent for the WWE. Yes, to address a fan, I hired Kurrgan and Test and I would definitely do it all over again. Kurrgan was a role player and Test is still looking to “break thru.” Will Test succeed? That is largely up to Test and him getting a few breaks along the way.

Do I miss managing the talent roster in the WWE? No. My time came and went. I made my contributions, both good and bad. I love being in Oklahoma, seeing my daughters and granddaughters, watching OU Football, and opening a new business venture at the tender age of 55. I certainly am willing to help the company that pays me well in any way I can, but I would prefer to maintain my present schedule of events and activities as traveling 51 weeks a year isn’t as glamorous as it sounds.

A fan made a great point when he pointed out that I said Kenny Dykstra was best 20 year old I could ever remember seeing in the ring and made the point that I left out Owen Hart. I never saw Owen in person when he was 20 but I have seen tapes. Owen was amazing at 20. Point well made.

The only way Smackdown will go live every week is to change the entire touring schedule for the WWE and that is very unlikely to happen. Highly unlikely. Let’s not wear this one out folks. It is a taped show and is going to stay a taped show TFN.

Thanks to the reader in India for clarifying The Great Khali’s name. I have a difficult enough time with English much less understanding another language so thanks for the help.

I honestly thought the Cena-Umaga match at the Royal Rumble was outstanding. I never thought it wouldn’t be but it did exceed even my optimistic projections. Lots of hard work and physicality in that one. I am big on work ethic because without it, one cannot succeed in any field and John Cena and Umaga, if that is his real name, busted their backsides at the Rumble.

Why is Jesse Ventura’s voice used on some WWE projects and not on others? Ask the lawyers or barristers, to be internationally friendly. It’s all about contractual issues I won’t even attempt to tell you I know the details thereof. Case closed.

If you are not subscribing to the WWE magazine you are seriously missing out. I LOVE IT! I really do. It is highly entertaining and creative. For the record, I don’t get a financial cut for new subscribers and I am merely giving you my opinion. You asked, I answered.

Debra in Georgia- I appreciate you checking out our site but I can’t score you any Steve Austin gear as we are not set up to sell Steve’s merchandise or distribute his personal affects. I asked him recently for his ATM number and he told me “Hell, no!” Just kidding about the ATM thing. I wish I could help you but I went to the big guy on it and no can do.

Finally, to RVD420 (yes, I get it) thanks for your kind remarks suggesting that Mr. McMahon reward my hard work with a vacation. I have been on a few of those Mr. McMahon imposed “vacations” and, trust me, they weren’t that much fun. Hell, after the last one I lost 13 inches of intestines! So RVD420, I will pass on the vacation concept unless it is my idea or Mrs. J.R.’s. Now back to your “fat sack” and don’t drink the bong water.

There you have it ladies and gentlemen, another edition of Ol’ J.R.’s Blog. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you keep shopping in our store. All FOUR of our sauces are selling great! If you haven’t gotten a Slobber-Knocker cap, why not? Be the first on your block as they say on TV. Please tell a friend about us and help us grow. Thanks a million!
J.R.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 7th, 2007 at 10:20 pm and is filed under Wrestling, Personal.