Have you ever heard the term “busier than a fruit merchant”? That would be ‘Ol J.R. these days, as we prepare to open our second J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q Restaurant in Moore, Okla., this coming Wednesday, July 16 at 11 a.m. This bigger version of our original store is located at exit 116 off of I-35 on the west side of the interstate.

Between helping get this new place ready, working with new staff members, traveling to and broadcasting SmackDown and fulfilling my other WWE responsibilities, I am plenty busy. For the record, fruit merchants who used to set up along busy highways found they were not selling enough product and had to move quickly to other locales because of the perishable nature of their products. I just wanted to clear that analogy up for you city folks.

The fans in attendance in Baton Rouge Tuesday night for the SmackDown taping were not “off the hook” unfortunately when it came to the noise and enthusiasm department. Maybe too much pre-show gumbo? Or perhaps some were imbibing in more adult beverages than recommended – or were too busy chanting “Tiger Bait” at yours truly – which was reminiscent of their beloved LSU football team beating the Oklahoma Sooners a few years back in the Sugar Bowl for the National Title. Ah, there’s never a dull moment on the road.

Friday night’s SmackDown features plenty of wrestling action for those of you WWE fans who prefer wrestling over talk. With the ongoing saga between scorned lovers Edge and GM Vickie Guerrero, and plenty of other involved parties playing both sides of the fence regarding this matter, there is also sufficient verbalizing to really make this Friday Night SmackDown a well-balanced broadcast.

No, I am not overly unbiased when it comes to SmackDown. Hell, I’m not unbiased at all … is that so wrong??

Triple H  makes his first SmackDown wrestling appearance as he takes on Chavo Guerrero, and how this match comes about was a little surprising. Plus, Matt Hardy and Shelton Benjamin have a strong bout, as does Edge who takes on Big Show in a No Disqualification Match, which goes to show all the guys out there to never anger their significant other.

The slow, continuous build for the undefeated Vladimir Kozlov is working as more fans are talking about the Moscow Mauler each week. In the not-too-distant future, Kozlov will be a legitimate force to be dealt with, as all the 300-pounder needs to make his way into main events is experience.

SmackDown next week will be taped in Charlotte, N.C,, which is obviously Ric Flair country. I am almost afraid of flying into Charlotte too early on Monday because “Naitch” may “force me” to hit the town with him on Monday night – when I need to be nestled in my hotel room watching Monday Night Raw like a good boy.

Monday Night Raw from New Orleans had its “moments” without question, especially toward the end of the night when it seemed as if “business picked up.” I watched the broadcast from our home in Norman on HDTV, and have to admit I had some “withdrawal” issues when the program first came on the air, but by the end of the night, all those issues dissipated, especially when Kane went on his surprising rampage. I did not envy Michael Cole, if that is his real name, being dragged over the announce table (splinters, ouch), nor did I relish seeing my pal The King being beaten to a pulp by the Big Red Machine.

I spoke with Lawler after the broadcast and he was still so woozy that he got lost in downtown New Orleans, and couldn’t find the Marriott on Canal Street. The WWE Hall of Famer either really misses his old partner who always rode “shotgun” and helped navigate, or The King’s bell was still ringing long after Raw left the air. I will be sending King some of his favorite 97 percent fat-free Beef Jerky that we are featuring as we speak at www.jrsbarbq.com to assist in Jerry’s convalescence.  

Speaking of The King, he and I will be making an appearance on Long Island Saturday afternoon prior to The Great American Bash at Franklin Park from 4 to 6 p.m.  

Finally as it relates to the Kane physicality, yours truly had his share of physical altercations on Monday Night Raw, so all I can say to my friend Cole is: Welcome to the “hot seat.”

Does any one know what “CTC” means as it was spray painted all over JBL’s gaudy limo Monday night by John Cena? Regarding the apparent Cena/Cryme Tyme relationship, all I have to say about that unique triumphant is “Yo, Yo, Yo”… Dawg.

Congrats to new World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, as I am a big fan of his, but I’m not sure I am enamored with Punk’s chances of retaining the World Title against the bigger, stronger Batista come Bash time. Punk pinning Batista on July 20 would truly help solidify the Straightedge Superstar as a potential long-term champion and silence any “doubting Toms” out there. Punk as champ certainly has provided Monday Night Raw with a fresh feel.  

Have you checked out dot com guru Joe E. Styles’ “Oh My Gawd” moment of the week, which is so prominently placed on the homepage of the vastly improved WWE.com? I am going to make Styles’ signature phrase my ring tone. I enjoy these classic, ECW moments.

BTW, I am still waiting on the self-professed BBQ guru Styles to write a “review” of our new restaurant, as he made a visit there on June 30 at a VIP party.

Man, ECW GM Theodore Long is signing new wrestlers (can I say wrestlers?) in his space, right and left. ECW has some new athletes who may be introduced with a whimper but will be asked to roar like lion’s before all is said and done. Good job, Theodore, as ECW fans, like all WWE fans, like to see new competitors get exposure.

Yours truly is still having a blast working with the entertaining and talented Mick Foley on Friday Night SmackDown, not to mention the opportunity to be home on the weekends – except for PPV weekends like the upcoming Bash on July 20. Mick and I have a lot of fun preparing for our broadcasts and Mick is still so new in his present role, that he asks an ample amount of questions which, I think, helps me improve my game. No matter what any one in WWE or in civilian life does for a living, we can all get better at what we do and those that don’t have that philosophy usually fail sooner than later.

However, I do think I’m going to have to have the proverbial “chat” with The Mick about his TV attire. That or I need to begin dressing down somewhat.

I hope you enjoy Friday Night SmackDown this week and ask a friend to watch as well. I enjoy reading your feedback about SmackDown.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.