WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross loves a lot of things in life. WWE, BBQ and his beloved Oklahoma Sooners football team. As the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) bowl games get underway today, JR offers his picks for the winners, the losers and the Sooners for the 2009 Bowl season.

Rose Bowl
Jan. 1, 4:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Penn State vs. Southern Cal

This is essentially a home game for USC and even though the alums at rival school UCLA like to say the USC Trojans are named after a condom – not that there is any thing wrong with that – I see USC having too much speed for Penn State, under normal considerations. However, the return of 80-something year old Nittany Lion coach Joe Paterno, who was rumored to have taken Mae Young to his high school prom, has me thinking. I want JoePa to win this game. Who knows when the “old timer” will make it back to the Rose Bowl at his stage of his game? Yeah, I’m sentimental, so what? USC has a magnificent program, is the Alma Mater of one of my heroes, John Wayne, and are a nine point favorite. I’m taking JoePa’s boys and the nine and only wish O.J. was out of jail so he could give the Trojans a “pep talk.”

Orange Bowl
Jan. 1 - 8:30 p.m. ET (FOX)
Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech

I saw Cincy play in person in Norman this year against OU and they are tougher than a $2 steak – tougher than seeing “The World’s Angriest Announcer” in a good mood – tougher than a government mule – and even tougher than understanding what in the hell ESPN’s Lou Holtz is saying most of the time. Va. Tech is well coached and we know that some of their alums are dog lovers (Michael Vick) and they play physical football. However “Beamer Ball” has been in the “big city” and under the “bright lights” before, but this is a new piece of business for the Bearcats. In the name of Skyline Chili and the Montgomery Inn BBQ Restaurants, along with my late pal Brian Pillman who grew up in Cincy, I’m laying the 2 ½ and going with Coach Brian Kelly’s Bearcats.

Cotton Bowl
Jan. 1 - 2 p.m. ET (FOX)
Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss

Tech represents the Big 12 South and now that the game isn’t starting at 10 a.m. local time, I feel the Tech head honcho, “Mad Scientist” Mike Leach, will be able to sleep late, watch a pirate movie and then outcoach a man named Nutt. Red Raider QB Graham Harrell needs to be healthy from a broken finger and be able to throw to arguably the best wide receiver in college football, Michael Crabtree, who has to put the NFL $$$ out of his mind for a few more hours for Tech to win. Objectively, (he says with a smile) Crabtree should take the cash and make a made dash for the NFL. Tech can win their 12th game of the season and, if so, Leach overtakes loveable, sweater wearing Bobby Knight as Lubbock’s most popular celebrity if he’s not there already. Mississippi’s Houston Nuttm who essentially lost a loser leaves his home state match last year at Arkansas has done a remarkable job in Oxford, not England…Mississippi, and the Rebels will be ready to play. But I like Tech to regroup from a throttling at Oklahoma and barely getting by an over achieving Baylor at the end of the regular season and to cover the 4 ½ point spread. Beware of this game.

Liberty Bowl
Jan. 2 - 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)
East Carolina vs. Kentucky

I bring this one up as both Vince and Linda McMahon are East Carolina alums and if Skip Holtz, ECU’s head coach doesn’t win, Mr. McMahon might show up and pop a vein screaming, “YOU’RE FIRED!!!” Plus I hear the King is the official chaperone for the cheerleaders of both teams. So this game, played in the home town of Jerry Lawler and his cousin the Honky Tonk Man does have some hidden meaning for the WWE. ECU has won nine games and Kentucky only six and I don’t think six win teams should even be in a bowl game so I’m leaning toward the University of McMahon and laying the 3.

Sugar Bowl
Jan. 2 - 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
Alabama vs. Utah

Nick Saban has nice hair and he may be known as “Little Nicky” in his former hometown of Baron Rouge, but he’s not one of my favorite people – I’m just saying. However Utah, who is 12-0, should have lost to TCU in the regular season and ‘Bama has only lost once and that was to Florida in the SEC Title game. The legendary “Bear” Bryant still lives in my heart and even though I’m not a Saban guy (Saban would have made a great wrestling manager as he is SO easy to dislike), and even though Utah has nothing to lose and every thing to gain, I reluctantly lay 9 ½ and take the Crimson Tide because I like their fans and ECW’s Todd Grisham is a major ‘Bama booster. If one took Utah and the points, Bama could still win and not cover, which might merit further consideration if you catch my drift. I just can’t pull against a team that has Dreamland BBQ near their campus.

Fiesta Bowl
Jan. 5 - 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
Texas vs. Ohio State

The fruits of Road Warrior Animal’s loins, Ohio State MLB James Laurinaitis, who will wear #33 for the Buckeyes, is one of the college game’s great hitters and a throw back to the days of Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke, Mike Singleterry, and Ray Lewis. But he will have his hands full corralling Texas QB Colt McCoy, whose dad played college football with JBL at Abilene Christian. UT obviously likes “whine” with their BBQ’ed beef ribs but make no mistake about it, the Steers has a Helluva team. Texas is favored by 8 but the line started at 10 which means lots of money is going to the Buckeyes. I saw UT beat OU in the Cotton bowl and know they have amazing athletes. UT paid their D-coordinator Will Muschamp $900K to be their head coach in waiting, what exactly does that load of manure, ”head coach in waiting” mean any way? But regarding that, it will probably end up being former Texas QB and current UT assistant coach Major Applewhite, but that’s another story. There seems to have been lots of distractions in the land of burnt orange but there’s a lot of talent in Austin. I like Ohio State and the points but I see Texas winning a close one. The best battle between these two schools would have come back in the day in a bar fight between Texas football fanatics Dick Murdoch and Dusty Rhodes against the Road Warriors in the night before the game.

BCS Championship Game (Miami, Florida)
Jan. 8 - 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
Oklahoma vs. Florida

The Gators are favored by 3. The game is being played in Florida. OU has lost their last 4 BCS Bowl games. One I missed because I was broadcasting the vaunted K-Fed vs. John Cena tilt on New Year’s night. Many pundits and most of the nation feel that UF will win to the tune of about 60 percent of those voting. I know my Okie pals the Brisco Brothers are pulling for the Gators. Dusty Rhodes is pulling for the Gators. Edge told me in his own “unique” (can you say saucer eyes?) way that HE was a Gators’ fan and hoped my team would lose. Well, in the name of such wrestling greats as Wahoo McDaniel, Cowboy Bill Watts, Danny Hodge, Dale Lewis, Dr. Death Steve Williams and even newcomer Jack Swagger, one doesn’t’ have to wonder where my loyalty lies. I have not missed an OU game all year being it at home or on the road, including traveling to Seattle and from College Station, Texas to Manchester, England. I’m sure I will hear my share of “Gator Bait” references directed my way over the next week or so, but after joining the “Mr. McMahon Kiss My Ass Club” I think I can handle it. Ric Flair was at one time a HUGE Gator fan but not so much any more –divorce has a way of altering one’s thinking – and he is great friends with OU’s Coach Bob Stoops, who used to coordinate the Gator “D” when they won a National Title under the old ball coach Steve Spurrier. So “The Naitch” is pulling for the Sooners.  As is “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who might even wear his camouflage OU ball cap for good luck. So, with no surprise, I obviously am picking the Sooners to win the National Title in what should be an amazing conclusion of what has been a great bowl season. It’s Slobber-Knocker time. I plan on being on the Sooner sideline attired in OU gear and my black hat. It’s worked more often that not this season so why not saddle up and try it one more time?

I realize that I passionately represent Oklahoma and that when I do that I set myself up to catch hell when they lose, which isn’t that often by the way – but so be it. Commitment is a good personality trait to have and I am committed to supporting my Sooners win or lose. None of this is new info but I want to clarify that I am not a hater of other teams but instead a lover of my team. That seems to be a healthier philosophy wouldn’t you agree?

Oh, yeah one final thing. No wagering please. These picks are for entertainment purposes only.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.

Happy New Year everyone! Here’s hoping that each of you have a healthy, happy and prosperous 2009.

Nice, quick trip to the Izod Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey this week to tape Friday Night Smackdown. I really admire the fans, and there were lots of them, who stayed with us until the end of the marathon taping session.

Did you know that there is a Vickie Guerrero action figure and that it is hot? If you tune in Friday night you might see more of it than you ever dreamed thanks to HHH. I know that “The Fink” has an extensive collection of Diva action figures including his favorite Gladys “Kill'em” Gillem and one would assume that Mrs. Edge’s will be added to the future Hall of Fame Ring Announcer’s collection soon.

Just please don’t tell me that Fink alternates the action figures’ attire. Bad visual and we shall move on.

The tag team duo of the ruggedly handsome Great Khali and the “Quiet Man” Dave “We can’t call you Fit” Finlay joining forces this week invoking my use of the term “corned beef and curry”, not to be confused with biscuits and gravy.

Hey, didn’t you used to be Hawkins and Ryder, former WWE Tag Team Champions…the pride of Long Island…and two gentlemen formerly known as “Edgeheads?” Just checking. Perhaps the two of you should try your hand at singles’ careers and seek a trade. Or think about playing for the Long Island Ducks. I’m just saying.

Once of my trusted sources, Stocky Balboa, says that Finlay is having some issues with his mischievous son, Hornswoggle. Seems the little person is just plain ornery as he is in obvious need of a shave and is known to run up his dad’s tab at hotels watching endless movies while Dad’s away. 

I did not see the effervescent Maria this week thanks to the ambush by the uncool Michelle McCool who used to be the Divas Champion. McCool’s change of attitude certainly isn’t becoming of her. What must FSU’s Bobby Bowden be thinking of the Seminole alum?

The new Divas Champion, who never met a mirror she did not like, Maryse, suffered a dislocated knee cap recently but isn’t expected to miss much ring time. The French Canadian can return to Montreal and enjoy a healthy portion of smoked meat…..from Schwartz’, which is world famous in Montreal.

Is it just me or does the WWE Divas hair grow faster than any other human beings on earth? 

Are Jesse and Festus cousins or brothers or uncle/nephew or all of the above? I do know they like the sauce ... J.R.’S Original BBQ Sauce that the two purchase by the case.

THE Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson are seemingly getting one step closer to the WWE Tag Team Titles or so it seems. Jackson seems destined for a one on one career at some point but the duo have the ability to keep people off balance with Kendrick’s speed and Jackson’s size/power.

How does one say Sledgehammer in Russian? Nonetheless the undefeated-on-Friday-Night-Smackdown Vladimir Kozlov, the man who cost HHH the WWE Title, meets the popular Hurricane Helms Friday Night on Smackdown. Helms is a huge MMA aficionado who may have to break out the Brazilian stuff to handle the big Russian Friday Night. Helms also might want to bring both Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley along for backup as both WWE alums are now pursing MMA careers as many of you know.

The Royal Rumble match is my favorite match of the entire PPV calendar but it is also the hardest to broadcast. It is long, ever changing with a new participant every 90 seconds or so, and doesn’t truly begin in earnest until all 30 men have entered. The first time I broadcast with Tazz was when he and I called a Rumble match a few years ago.

One has to assume that this year, six announcers will be used representing all three WWE brands which can resemble a multi-car crash or can be a lot of fun. It all depends on whether or not Tazz decides to render Matt Striker unconscious before or during the match.

Friday night on Smackdown we announce a few of the names that will be competing in the 2009 Royal Rumble match. It’s difficult to say who the favorite is and who isn’t because in my view it is all about the luck of the draw and who’s still in the match once one gets out there. However, the money a wrestler can earn by winning the Rumble and then headlining WrestleMania is staggering.

I know that many of you are waiting with baited breath, what the hell is “baited breath” any way, for the debut this Friday night of “Kizarny.”  Did you know that the guy was once a sword swallower in a carnival? Rumor has it Kizarny was trained by Jake “The Snake” Roberts.

How would you term Mr. Kennedy’s promotion of his new DVD “Behind Enemy Lines...Columbia?” How about “shameless” for starters? Kennedy’s almost making me feel sorry for MVP who MR. KENNEDY seems to interrupt and make life miserable more than one of my ex-wives did yours truly way back in the day.

It is a special night for all of us on Friday night Smackdown as the Brothers Hardy reunite in tag team action this Friday night against the dubious duo of Edge, the #1 contender to the WWE Title, and the World’s Largest Athlete. Just thinking out loud, but all four men in the main event of Smackdown Friday night will likely be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame some day and one has to wonder if Matt and Jeff will go in as a team or as individuals.

Speaking of the WWE Hall of Fame, we should start hearing some rumblings as to who is being considered for induction in the class of 2009. I am curious to see if Dr. Joe E. Styles’ juggernaut known as WWE.com will be involved in any degree in the voting process. I don’t have a vote but I know who I would nominate.

Some fun loving WWE fans sitting at ringside in Jersey had some fun with me regarding the upcoming Oklahoma vs. Florida National Championship football game which the Mrs. and I will attend on Thursday January 8. Of course, they implied they were Gator fans and that the Sooners were going to be “Gator Bait” come next week. It was all in good fun but you can bet that some the WWE stars who hail from Texas will have their share of fun with Ol J.R. if OU loses. Sometimes the camaraderie in ‘rasslin is downright perverse. However, I am a positive thinker and the thought of the Sooners losing hasn’t entered my mind.

Seems like we are getting lots of emails at our website about what constitutes a good sign or a bad sign at a WWE event which is probably getting more play that it merits. Be sure and check out www.jrsbarbq.com for the latest in Q&A’s and our weekly blogs.

Ham and eggers like me don’t get much media stretch but did you know that WWEShop.com sells all kinds of J.R.’s products including J.R.’s Original BBQ Sauce and our 97% fat-free beef jerky. It’s one of the best kept secrets in the biz.

Check elsewhere here on WWE.com, I dare you to find it, my BCS Bowl game predictions with a “hint” of wrestling seasoning. Thanks for dropping by this week. Tell a friend….don‘t drink and drive….and be safe, happy and healthy.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.

Greetings, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all from a BBQ loving, Oklahoma Sooner football fan who is happy to be home as holiday air travel is about as enjoyable as discussing the BCS with JBL.

My suggestion to those of you that have a choice of flying or not this holiday season would be, “Are you nuts?!” Tuesday morning I was at the Toronto airport at 4:30 (that’s 3:30 Oklahoma time) and the place was an insane asylum.

It was a worse scene than our pal the Fink OD’ing on chocolate covered pretzels.

How hot was Trish Stratus Monday night when she teamed with Raw’s #1 man John Cena? Trish got the proverbial “Road Warrior” pop when she was introduced to her home town fans. Just curious, but why have some of my most unforgettable moments happened in Oklahoma City, my adopted hometown? Just a coincidence, I’m sure.

Speaking of Monday Night Raw, is any one more topical than Randy Orton these days? RKO has a ton of new ink on his arms, a new faction-in-the-making, and arguably the best finishing maneuver in the WWE. Orton is ultra controversial and his strange popularity cannot be denied.

Friday night Smackdown is wrestling heavy this Friday night on MyNetworkTV which yours truly always considers a good thing.

One thing you will notice this Friday night is that HHH is just a touch “edgy” which might not be the best descriptor but the “Cerebral Assassin” has a nasty, mean streak that he seemingly is having trouble controlling. Perhaps getting cheated out of the WWE Title by Vladimir Kozlov has contributed to “The Game’s” level of consternation.

What do you think that Chavo Guerrero is getting his Aunt Vickie for Christmas this year, a membership to the Coffee of the Month Club? If their relationship continues down its rocky road Chavito might be cut out of the Smackdown General Manager’s will.

If WWE fans start calling Chavo “Gopher” it will not be flattering or well received by the 3rd generation wrestler.

Hurricane Helms is in his first big match since returning from over one year off recovering from neck surgery this Friday night. The North Carolina, MMA aficionado challenges South Carolina native Shelton Benjamin for the United States Title. The U.S. Title has actually only changed hands once in Canada and it was in Toronto on December 18, 1978 when Ricky Steamboat defeated Ric Flair.

Is there a better finishing name than Hurricane’s “Nightmare on Helms' Street?”

BTW the fans in Toronto that enjoyed Friday Night Smackdown, all 17,000+ of them, went crazy for WWE Champion Jeff Hardy which should come as no revelation. I’m just saying.

“They” say (no NOT my pal Stocky Balboa) that the Bella Twins and the Colon Brothers may be becoming “an item.”  Uh oh, wrestling relationships generally spell trouble. Stay tuned.

Why hasn’t THE Brian Kendrick and his large friend/associate Ezekiel Jackson been afforded a tag title opportunity on TV recently against Carlito and Primo?

Has any one done a background check on referee Aaron “Jerry” Mahoney? Does any one under 40 even know who Jerry Mahoney is? Try a Google of Knucklehead Smith.

I hope that Edge and Vickie’s relation ship doesn’t’ collapse like Madonna’s. Although Madonna’s soon to be EX is going to become a very wealthy man soon. If Madonna was 30 years younger, she’s 50, The King would be hot on her trail. Jerry is very hip and can sing all the hits of the Dave Clark Five AND Herman’s Hermits.

Speaking of Edge and his Mrs., are they staying at the “Hotel California” this holiday season as it fits their relationship in that one can check out but can never leave. 

Maryse gets her Diva Title shot at Michelle McCool Friday night and as I have been told by the “World’s Angriest Announcer” (that would be Tazz) the odds are the “blonde will win it.”

MVP’s luck is so bad that he most likely won’t even get a lump of Michael Cole in his stocking this Xmas. If I were MVP, I would spike the Egg Nog, like was done, reportedly, at the WWE.com holiday party, and drown my sorrows.

At least MVP hasn’t fell victim of the Great Khali’s Kiss Cam which is a visual I am already regretting.

Did you know that Ranjin Singh’s sideburns have almost as large a cult following as Lilian Garcia’s boots? That’s what “sources say.”

Umaga is headed back to Smackdown. If the current Governor of Illinois gets impeached he would make a great manager for the Samoan Savage. Hey, it’s merely a suggestion. 

Would G.M. Vickie Guerrero be content to eliminate all the viable competition for Jeff Hardy’s WWE Title except for her beloved husband? You know, the-husband-that-was-caught-red-handed-with-the-wedding-planner-who-now- dances-on-Tuesday-night-ECW-starring- Matt Striker-and Tommy Dreamer as The Beaver? Whew.

Who’s got the inside track on winning the Royal Rumble? What are the odds the winner will come from the Friday Night Smackdown roster? I’m not going with the old philosophy that the biggest men in the bout have the best chance to win it. To win the Rumble it takes skill, luck and a number in the late 20’s. Number 27 has won it more than any other entrant the last I looked.

I just answered a slew of questions on the Q&A section of our website as well as writing a fresh blog at www.jrsbarbq.com. I invite you to check it out.

Enjoy this special time of the year and don’t forget to count your blessings. I am blessed with good health, a wonderful family, and having a job of which any wrestling fan could only dream.

Finally, all I want for Christmas is for Oklahoma to win their last game of the collegiate football season. Is that so much to ask?

Boomer Sooner!
J.R. 

Happy Holidays to all from under the custom-made, black hat from WWE’s resident BBQ aficionado/restaurateur who has yet to spend one minute shopping for the holidays.

Sunday was a great night for the Hardy family in general and specifically for the new WWE Champion Jeff Hardy who most likely is the first WWE Champion ever that has not only designed his own ring attire but also actually sewn his own ring attire. Jeff winning the main event, yes I said the main event, at Armageddon Sunday was one of those “moments” that will stick with many fans, including yours truly, for a long time.

The state of New York has had more WWE Title changes than any other state, but this one was a first for the city of Buffalo which has a rich, wrestling history including the likes of such stars as the late Ilio DiPaulo, who had hands the size of Andre the Giant’s, and The Masked Destroyer, who built a franchise for himself in Japan, and who was actually in attendance in Buffalo but I unfortunately missed getting to say hello to him.

Many of the Buffalo Bills were provided front row seats just a few hours after blowing an NFL game against the New York Jets, but one couldn’t tell it as the Bills employed The King’s philosophy of “one can’t grieve forever” by impersonating the 9th grade gym class when shown on camera.

The beginning of Friday Night SmackDown this week is really fun and the fans in Baltimore seemed to really enjoy the Jeff Hardy celebration. Hardy is as hot as the Boston Celtics these days and his demeanor during his first official Friday Night SmackDown appearance as champion was really cool.

It was a legit “Hardy Party” which I think would make a great T-shirt along with WWE selling those florescent, green belts Jeffrey Nero Hardy wears.  

Jeff Hardy is living proof that if one doesn’t forsake one’s dreams that any thing is possible.

Edge is impactful Friday night as well and comes off about as popular as disgraced scam artist New Yorker Bernie Madoff who allegedly bilked many hard-working, honest folks out of billions of dollars in an elaborate Ponzi scheme. Here’s some advice that you can take or blow off … if a “deal” sounds too good to be true it usually is and there is no such thing as “easy money.”

Nonetheless Edge is back to being a lightning rod on Friday Night SmackDown and has returned to the top of his game, for better or for worse, just in time for his red hot DVD to be released. Edge’s WWE career since 1998 has been quite honestly amazing and this DVD is excellent.

“Sources say” (don’t you just love that term?) that after being punted in the head by Randy Orton on Raw that Batista is going to be out of commission TFN. There is something strange about this matter that I can’t quite put my finger on as it seems as if some vocal WWE fans support the controversial Orton and almost approved of RKO’s actions on Monday night. It certainly confirms that some of WWE Universe (had to get it in at least once) enjoy cheering the anti-heroes. The way I see it if you buy a ticket to a WWE event you should cheer who ever you choose as long as it isn’t in a profane way as there are lots of kids at WWE events these days and everyone should respect them and their parents.

Back to Edge, there are times on this week’s SmackDown, and you can be the final judge, that he seemed “this close” to snapping with his saucer eyes and his delusional behavior. I would also make the observation that his blushing bride and SmackDown GM Vickie Guerrero switch to decaffeinated coffee. You’ll see what I mean Friday night on MyNetworkTV.

Miz and Morrison show up on Friday night SmackDown this week and the ubiquitous pair are as talently obnoxious as ever. Nonetheless the new World Tag Champions have demonstrated the in ring stylings of such teams as the Midnight Express, Brain Busters, early Hart Foundation, and the overall arrogance of a young version of the Fabulous Freebirds … all outstanding combinations who made significant contributions to the biz.

Speaking of Miz and Morrison, what brand are they officially a part of these days? I assume Raw but doesn’t any one truly know? Perhaps I will ask “The Fink,” the sage of WWE.

Carlito faces Ezekiel Jackson Friday night in a singles bout, that’s one-on-one and not a battle of unmarried wrestlers, and the San Juan southpaw makes two mistakes early in the bout neither of which have to do with wrestling. See if you can identify them.

In speaking with my old pal Stocky Balboa, he tells me he spends endless hours on WWE.com looking at the hundreds of Diva photos that are available but one can only wonder how many hours some of our younger, male fans spend looking at the tastefully but at times scantily attired ladies of WWE.

For the record, The King is a huge Kelly Kelly fan, at least until she turns 25, which I hope doesn’t get back to Kane. Speaking of The King, if I had the opportunity to make one match happen for WM25 it would include The King who has never wrestled at a WrestleMania event.

A match to determine a No. 1 contender to Michelle McCool’s Diva Title will be held on SmackDown Friday night. The fiery redhead Maria meets French Canadian beauty, no not Pat Patterson, silly, but Maryse. I should have thrown in a shrieking “Cat Fight” reference in honor of Dr. Joe E. Styles but I suggested it to Tazz and he threatened to suplex me so I thought “never mind.”

For you fans of fishing out there in WWE Universe (that’s twice) my old friend and former wrestler Pat Rose is now on the pro bass fishing tour and one of his sponsors is Castaway Rods. I guess that makes Pat the “World’s Most Dangerous Bass Fisherman.” I met Pat in the Mid South Wrestling days working for the bombastic and enigmatic promoter and wrestling star Cowboy Bill Watts who the late Richard Murdoch once said couldn’t ride a saw horse. The line never made air but “the boys” got a kick out of it during Wednesday interviews in Shreveport.

I am looking forward to this Monday night’s Supershow in Toronto that will feature a Friday Night SmackDown taping and a live Monday Night Raw broadcast. The Air Canada Centre is a virtual sellout, and I am confident that the TO fans will greatly enhance this marathon albeit star-studded event. I have never had a bad experience in Toronto and would love to be able to say hello to one of Canada’s greatest exports, Trish Status, while in her home town.

My Oklahoma Sooners have lost two key players for their National Championship game against the talented Florida Gators on Jan. 8 in sunny (I hope) Miami. Some folks love to enhance one’s misery by laying it on thick regarding my Sooner team and hoping they lose the last game of the year. I am braced for the verbal onslaught if my team does lose, but that thought isn’t even a significant blip on my radar screen. My “beloved co-workers” enjoy kicking one’s Spaulding’s especially many of the individuals from Texas who still are squealing ala “Deliverance” that their beloved ‘Horns aren’t playing in “the big game.” Their angst would bring a tear to a glass eye.

I live my team and will always support them, win or lose. It’s called loyalty and being a true fan. If others don’t share my feelings, that is cool too because “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

Don’t forget to check out WWEShop.com for J.R.’s Original BBQ Sauce and our Original J.R.’s Beef Jerky which is 97 percent fat-free and a great healthy snack which also makes a neat stocking stuffer. You can also find more of our J.R.’s Family BBQ products, several weekly blogs, and our popular Q&A section on our Web site, www.jrsbarbq.com. I will be at both J.R.’s in Norman and Moore, Oklahoma during the holidays so if you are in the area please drop by and say hello.

Have a great week and enjoy Friday Night SmackDown featuring the “Angriest Announcer in the World”, Tazz, and a cast of dozens.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.                

Somehow we have survived a chaotic, three-hour Monday Night Raw marathon in Philly, an unpredictable night of Friday Night SmackDown in Bridgeport, Conn., Tuesday evening, a late-night trip to a LaGuardia Airport area hotel Tuesday night where I wouldn’t want to take a leisurely walk after midnight without weapons, AND riding the “loop” with the “World’s Angriest Announcer” Tazz who is in full Long Island Baseball mode smack dab in the middle of winter.

Oh yeah, I also took a side trip driven by the dominating, former ECW Champion, the Human Suplex Machine, by the original ECW Arena in Philly and had not one but two Philly cheesesteak sandwiches from the world famous Tony Luke’s in Philly after Raw which felt like we had just broadcast the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon in terms of time.

The WWE crew that traveled to Iraq for the annual “Tribute to the Troops” should be commended for their dedication, time and efforts for making this year’s journey another successful venture. My hat is off to every man and woman who participated, and I am anxious to see the TV special that will air on NBC on Saturday Dec. 20 at 9/8 CT.

Dr. Joe E. Styles and Michael Cole, who both made the trek to Iraq, both had some interesting stories to tell about their experience, with Mr. Dot Com especially having some unique experiences considering that this was his first trip to Iraq while Cole is a veteran of this long and challenging journey.

I can tell you that there were many WWE stars “dragging” a bit on Monday afternoon after most of them arrived at their homes at various hours on Saturday before having to report for work for the “Gone with the Wind-like” Raw in Philly. Much coffee was consumed on Monday in the City of Brotherly Love. 

Friday Night SmackDown was taped Tuesday in Bridgeport at the Arena at Harbor Yard, and is headlined with one of the most intense confrontations I have seen in quite some time between Jeff Hardy and Triple H. These two held nothing back considering that Armageddon is this Sunday on PPV in Buffalo, N.Y. (Ahh, balmy Buffalo in mid-December, the perfect booking if one wants to break out one’s new, winter outerwear.)

Matt Hardy is Edge’s guest on “The Cutting Edge” this Friday night, which is a volatile situation to say the least. Edge is still trying to sell the bill of goods that it was Triple H who assaulted Jeff Hardy in the infamous Boston hotel stairwell Survivor Series weekend, which is about as likely as Olympian Michael Phelps not looking dorky even though he is allegedly dating a Vegas stripper.

Did you know that you can buy many of our soon-to-be famous J.R.’s Family BBQ products right here on WWE.com from WWE Shop. J.R.’s products may not get any DX-like mentions on TV but the good folks at WWE Shop sell our sauces and our 97-percent fat-free Beef Jerky.

Speaking of J.R.’s BBQ, acclaimed actor Billy Bob Thornton stopped by J.R.’s in Norman, Okla., on Monday with his band, The Boxmasters, and freaked over our “Q” and even took several boxes with them for their two-day bus trip back to L.A. Billy Bob even left wearing one of our black, J.R.’s trucker caps with our logo.

As former Arizona head football coach Dennis Green once so passionately mentioned during a press conference, “THE SLAMMY’S WERE WHAT WE THOUGHT THEY WERE.”

Pet peeve of the week … cash for gold dot.com commercials on TV where ugly women talk about selling their diamond wedding bands from their FIRST marriage for cash.

Congrats to Todd Grisham and Matt Striker for winning the Slammy for Announce Team of the Year. “Atta boy” is all I can say to Todd and Matt which is something I am relatively sure that they don’t hear often. These two are the main reason I watch ECW on Sci Fi on Tuesday nights.

If OU’s Sam Bradford doesn’t win the Heisman Trophy Saturday night, not to be confused with “The Adamle” won by Striker and Grisham, it will be, as my late, mentor Gorilla Monsoon would say, a miscarriage of justice.

Did anyone else think that The King was channeling ESPN’s Lee Corso at times Monday night? Might have just been me.

For those that don’t think native Canadian Edge and Chris Jericho won’t have their share of fans in Buffalo Sunday you might want to think again. Edge grew up in nearby Ontario and Jericho was raised in Winnipeg which is also a part of Canada the last I looked.

Some fans enjoy booing World Heavyweight Champion John Cena as if he were the Governor of Illinois, who was apparently caught trying to “sell” President-elect Obama’s Senate seat. Cena doesn’t mind and the louder the boos the harder Cena competes.

However, even though Cena is the defending champion and is likely a prominent favorite Sunday, don’t ever count Jericho out of the equation.

My money is on Edge retaining his WWE Title in Buffalo as it seems as if Triple H and Jeff Hardy are on a collision course to cancel each other out. However, I’m usually wrong with my predictions which may mean that Jeff Hardy shocks the world Sunday night. There is only one way to find out … either ask “The Fink” on the Live Blog or watch the event.

The Great Khali, now how’s that for a segue, has a new name for his chokeslam and it’s “The Punjabi Plunge.” You heard it here first.

What happened to the WWE Tag Team Titles on Friday Night SmackDown? How often do the Colon Brothers, Carlito (big hair) and Primo defend the titles?

Hurricane Helms has a huge tattoo on his back with the name “HELMS” prominently displayed. What did you expect him to have tattooed on his back, “GREGORY?”

Is MVP the Detroit Lions of WWE … can’t get a win come hell or high water?

Did you know that you can e-mail www.jrsbarbq.com and that I will answer the e-mails on our Q&A section of our ever-growing Web site? We aren’t anything like the powerful and omnipotent WWE.com, but we are hanging in there and invite you to check us out.

With the momentum he garnered on Monday night, I can see Randy Orton beating Batista Sunday at Armageddon. The RKO finishing maneuver is a difference maker as are Orton’s young allies.

Will Matt Hardy be the first man to hang a pinfall or submission loss on the undefeated Russian Vladimir Kozlov Sunday? Highly unlikely from where I’m sitting.

Prediction … The Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson will be the WWE Tag Team Champions “Sooner” than later. 

Word on the street has it that an individual new to WWE will make his first appearance on Friday Night SmackDown this week.

Tazz and I aren’t sure what bouts we will call this Sunday at Armageddon other than the Triple Threat Match for the WWE Title which should go on last, but we do plan on stealing the broadcast.

I’m just saying.

Thanks for all of you that have done a little shopping at www.jrsbarbq.com as your business is greatly appreciated. We are doing personalized autographed cookbooks and affordable cap/shirt combos as a couple of items we have awaiting you for the holidays.

See you Sunday in Buffalo and then on Tuesday in Baltimore. Be well.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.