Random, BBQ'ed thoughts from under the black, custom made hat from Norman, Oklahoma....home of J.R.'s Family BBQ Restaurant.

Summerslam delivered the summertime goods in LA. I think Fan Axxess helped create a nice "vibe" in the Staples Center area that helped feed the enthusiasm level of the 17,000+ that were in attendance.

Also, starting the broadcast off hot as in Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler for the IC Title never hurts any thing either.

Years ago the late/great Eddy Guerrero expressed his displeasure to me in being in the first match on a PPV. Eddy felt it was "a slap in the face." We had one of our many personal discussions and I pointed out how important it is on a PPV to really get the show started with substance, get the audience to emotionally invest early, and to set the tone for the night. Eddy "got it," with a smile, and promptly went out and stole the show as I recall.

On a blog post last week on www.jrsbarbq.com I predicted that Summerslam would likely have some significant surprises but I certainly did not forecast the surprise return of The Undertaker. That was a heck of a way to end Summerslam and I will refrain from the obligatory "it was a Smackdown Main Event that closed the show" dribble. 

Guest host idea for Detroit....#1 draft pick of the Detroit Lions, QB Matthew Stafford, who will have more fun guest hosting Raw than he will as the signal caller for the Lions this season.

The main event for Friday Night Smackdown this week, as most every one should know by now, is for the World Title inside a "solid," steel cage (are there any other kinds of cages used in wrestling?) pitting Champion C.M. Punk vs. Jeff Hardy. Awesome presentation and you can trust me on which I speak.

"It's BIG Jerry, Big!" (Obscure Seinfeld reference.)

While reading "Norm" in the Las Vegas newspaper, great stuff by the way if one enjoys celeb and sports "dirt," and saw where Mr. McMahon celebrated his 64th birthday after Monday night Raw at a swanky eatery called Moon located in the Palms Hotel. I guess my invite got lost in the mail. Nonetheless my belated congratulations to the Chairman of WWE on his birthday and for being the "big toe" of WWE.

Saw a photo of the coolest man in the world,Jack Nicholson, Lorne Michaels (SNL Big Cheese), and Sir Paul McCartney sitting behind home plate at a New York Yankees game this week. A couple of observations, I would wager a slab of the world's greatest ribs that the seats were freebies.....why was Sir Paul the only one NOT wearing shades....and was that Stocky Balboa in a dark suit sitting near this impressive entourage providing security?

The Rise and Fall of WCW DVD is getting lots of play from various sources. This controversial DVD has some folks singing its praises, including me, and others blasting it for a variety of reasons. As Bruce Wayne once said, "I THINK I have a plan." The purpose of producing a controversial DVD, in addition to selling many, many units and earning mucho dinaro, is to create talk and this recent release has successfully done so. When I originally reviewed this DVD last week at www.jrsbarbq.com I mentioned that I watched it until about 4 a.m. one morning and especially loved the bouts that were included. Critics of this who have BBQ'ed yours truly like a Brisket need to understand that my opinion is just that, my opinion. I also have a unique perspective on this subject as I lpersonally lived through it which would give me a different point of view than one who watched all the developments occur from afar. Bottom line, as Steve Austin would say, is that every one should watch the DVD and then draw their own conclusions.

Old friend and former wrestler now Pro Bass Fisherman, Pat Rose, the world's most dangerous angler, has become affiliated with Secret Weapon Lures. Good deal for Pat and a good deal for Secret WEapon Lures. Keep that in mind the next time you decide to drop your line in the water. 

ANOTHER guest host idea for Monday Night Raw....Paula Abdul. Unlike Floyd "Money" Mayweather, Paula would actually arrive at work on time, coming straight from "happy hour," if need be and dance her way to the ring at the top of the show with The Fink. Without question, this couple would epitomize the marketing phrase of "Smart, Sexy and Powerful."

"Turning Point" will be a unique PPV presented by WWE in Montreal, home of Georges St. Pierre of MMA fame, and aptly enough the main events at "Turning Point" will be submision bouts in some form or another. When pins are eliminated from the equation, wrestling bouts depart from the norm and new ground is traveled. There is no shame in losing a match via submission and I am surprised that more competitors today don't better utilize submission maneuvers. Manipulation of an opponent's joints negates size and strength advantages one might have to overcome. 

The Wrestlemania 25 special airs on most NBC stations this Saturday night at 9/8 central. Check your local listings as some markets airing of the network premier of WM25 may vary. I got a sneak peak at the presentation of the Undertaker-HBK match and it was emotionally awesome. 

Friday is the last day of our HUGE SALE at www.jrsbarbq.com. Just wanted to throw that in there as "baby needs new shoes." Check it out...if you will. 

Just a casual observation but my photo used on this website makes me look like "The Hanging Judge" Roy Bean....who, for the record, was a ruggedly handsome man.   

The photo looks like I am either auditioning for a role in a western film or that I just returned from a "local, medical facility" after my annual check up from Dr. Heiney. 

UGH.

I'll be writing a succinct blog this football season for www.ouinsider.com which will be posted at the end of the week during the season. If you are a football fan, that's American, tackle football, then I invite you to check it out.

I strongly suggest that you join us this Friday night for Friday Night Smackdown (was I just redundant?) as the Cage Match for the World's Title is a thriller and the broadcast is an emotional roller coaster from its start to the very end of the night.

That's it for this week....I've got to go sell some BBQ Sauce and some Beef Jerky. Be well and always count your blessings.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.