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.