Howdy from beautiful Norman, Oklahoma where it is sunny today and, as always, is football and BBQ season!

Enjoyed watching Monday Night Raw and peeking at Monday Night Football and the World Series. Don't think that the Mrs. was overwhelmed with my channel surfing but she did spend a fair amount of the evening at our warehouse helping her sister ship out orders from www.jrsbarbq.com. Orders that came in yesterday or over the weekend were shipped Federal Express on Monday. 

We have improved on how we cook our J.R.'s Championship Original Beef Jerky and that's not just hype or a flimsy excuse for a sales pitch. The proof is in the tasting and we have a 6 Pack offer that includes a free, autographed photo all for less than $20 that includes FREE SHIPPING! If you like Beef Jerky, ours is 97% FAT FREE, then you'll love ours.

The Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne experience exceeded my expectations Monday night on Raw. I thought they were exposed the proper amount and they seemed to have fun.

Sharon Osbourne is a very bright lady, to say the least, and has kept 'Ol Oz above ground and seemingly somewhat sane for many years now.

Sheamus, the large, nasty, pasty white, Irish rouge with no last name, sorry about that Sheamus, is turning heads. He's got a middle linebacker's mentality and as a former rugby player is combative - as Jamie Noble will attest. Ireland has been known to produce some tough dudes but Sheamus has a chance to be bigger than Danno Mahoney. (Google it, kids or ask The Fink). Who do you think invented the "Irish Whip," Hornswoggle?!

Nice to see Raw Divas get some "love" and I mean that in the most PG of ways. Melina will defend her title against A. Fox. Nice. When? It might not be a presentation akin to the Fabulous Moolah vs. Judy Grable from back in the day but it will be full of sizzle.

Or Elvira Snodgrass vs. June Byers.   

BTW a fellow came in to J.R.'s Family BBQ recently and told me that he thought Matt Striker was "smart, sexy and powerful." I said, "Good for you buddy. Thanks for stopping in."

Striker and Todd Grisham will continue as the new dynamic duo this week on Friday Night SmackDown. I enjoyed listening to them last Friday night on MyNetworkTV and expect them to be even better this week. I am optimistic that they will be handling the SD commentary for the foreseeable future.   

Kofi Kingston is perculating on Raw. Let's see where his slow burn takes him. Kofi has "it" and "it" will get a guy places if one knows how to use "it." Got it?

For the record, Randy Orton is REALLY good. It's challenging to dislike RKO's in-ring persona due to his amazing skills.    

DX was entertaining on commentary Monday night, having some fun with Michael "Oh, My" Cole and my fellow WWE HOF'er Jerry Lawler.

So let me get this straight ... Joe E. Styles had "Oh My GAWD, " King used to have some to say about young canines, the great Gorilla Monsoon had, "Will you Stop!" The Brain had "Humanoids" Ventura had " SHUT UP McMAHON!" JR had (and still does for the record) Slobber-Knocker ... and the man from Syracuse (good school BTW) has "Oh, My" and "Vintage." Very interesting.

Hey, it must be working, and it is from where I'm sitting, as Michael is the lead broadcaster on WWE's top TV priority.

Dusty Rhodes won a still unknown bet from Jerry Brisco on the Texas Longhorn victory over Oklahoma State in college football last Saturday night in Stillwater. "The Dream" gave his fellow Hall of Famer a whopping 20 points when the spread was only 9 points....or so I am told.  

While I have been off the road sparring with Bells palsy #3, I have immersed myself with BBQ Sauce (that was a joke), WWEClassics.com and WWE 24/7 On Demand which I watch on my local Cox Cable outlet. Love the "vintage" footage, and when I watch I come up with seemingly a zillion ideas for programming. 

Yours truly had a nice chat Tuesday morning with my pal Mean Gene Okerlund, the first pure broadcaster to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. "Gene Mean" is a great friend and we always have hilarious conversations. Or at least we think so. It would be fun to team up with Mean Gene in the future on some WWE, TV projects. However the likelihood of that may be suspect because we are both "veterans."

I'm looking for a cool name for a new speciality, spicy, honey mustard we are likely going to develop in 2010. Got any ideas?

If you log on to www.jrsbarbq.comand head to our online store you will find some great HOLIDAY gift ideas that are affordable, unique, and that make great stocking stuffers. We hope that you will consider using us for a portion of your holiday shopping and that you take advantage of FREE FEDERAL EXPRESS SHIPPING on many packages. Order soon and avoid any shipping issues.

Matt Hardy challenges Batista this Friday night on SD. Might get ugly considering the mood "Big Dave" has been in lately. Nonetheless, Batista's new DVD, "I Walk Alone" is a heck of a piece of business.

I got the coolest "Get Well" card signed by all the WWE.com team and it will take its place with my most prized memorabilia. Thanks, everyone! I feel better already.

There is no time table when I am returning to TV just for the record, and to dispel any rumors floating around. It all depends on when my body's wiring decides to kick start the facial nerves on the right side of my face. It could be a few weeks or a few months. I wish that I knew. When I know, the WWE Universe will know as well. You have my word.

 Thanks and God Bless.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.

www.jrsbarbq.com  

Howdy to all from Norman, Oklahoma home of J.R.'s Family BBQ Restaurant and the best BBQ Sauces and custom made, 97% Fat Free Beef Jerky in the land.

Your many, many kind emails of encouragment are greatly appreciated and sure uplift my spirts during these challenging times with Bells palsy #3. I know that I will be better soon and back in the mix in WWE so it's simply a matter of when and not if.

As I mentioned on www.jrsbarbq.com earlier in the week, I enjoyed "Bragging Rights" especially the 60 Minute Iron Man Match which I would have loved to have been a part of the broadcast team. John Cena and Randy Orton raised their game in a tough and challenging environment by battling for one hour that was both compelling and physical. My black hat is off to both men.

It seems as if the announce team on Raw were really taking the Smackdown upset victory over Raw at Bragging Rights hard on Monday night. As the King has said for years, "one can't grieve forever." For my friends Michael Cole and the King to move on and get over it would be one suggestion. I'm just saying. 

Big night for Kofi Kingston on Monday especially when he defaced Randy Orton's gift from RKO's cronies. Kofi stepped up Monday and I'm anxious to see where this takes the talented Kingston. Now, just where is this talented, young man from, again?

Interesting dynamic between U.S. Champion The Miz and native Oklahoman Jack Swagger. Both are talented albeit arrogant dudes and I, personally, don't care if they beat each other like Government Mules or not. Have at it boys! All over the affection of a woman (Eve) which is dangerous ground for a grappler to tread.  

Smart move by Raw getting the services of Sheamus but it's too bad the lad doesn't have a "behind name." That's as in a front name and a behind name....never mind. Talented cat who can be physical and does have a mean streak. Former rugby player in Ireland. I really like his "up side" and look for Sheamus to be a star on Monday nights....a "vintage" star.

Yoshi Tatsu is a skilled, young athlete on ECW but Yoshi, like 'Ol J.R., needs to work on his English. Yoshi can also be more physical than we have seen him which I attribute to just being young and inexperienced. Don't get me wrong, I like Yoshi Tatsu and feel he is a perfect fit for now on ECW.

I largely watch ECW for two reasons, ECW Champ Christian and the vastly underrated William Regal.  

Congrats to Bryon Saxton for getting the nod to join Josh Mathews on ECW's broadcast team.

Matt Striker will join Todd Grisham on Friday Night Smackdown on MyNetworkTV beginning this Friday night. I feel confident that Todd and Matt will mesh well together and may become the new "it" duo re: WWE TV broadcast teams. I, for one, wish them well. TV producers like youth and look and both these young men have those bases covered plus they are both hard working people. I applaud the WWE TV honchos on this decision. Nice move.

Let's see....what do I like best about the Abraham Washington Show? Oh, that's easy....WWE HOF'er Tony Atlas Ed McMahon-esque laughter. Yes, I'm easily amused at this stage of my life. :)

Hey, check out my feature on the Spoiler on WWEClassics.com which is available now. The Spoiler was arguably one of the greatest masked men in wrestling history and could tell a compelling story even with his face covered up. Old school fans of the biz will remember the late Don Jardine and new fans should get to know him and his in ring work.

We are still selling some great packages from www.jrsbarbq.comthat include FREE SHIPPING to many areas of the United States. We have specials on our Beef Jerky and both our Original and our Hot BBQ Sauces not to mention the popular Chipolte Ketchup. We have 3 packs, 6 packs and cases prices all with FREE SHIPPING. Plus we have FREE, bonus gifts such as autographed photos and koozies. I just wrote a new blog over there, too, plus we answer your Q&A's throughout the week.

How can you not watch Ozzie Osbourne in front of a live audience next Monday on Raw? "The Prince of Darkness" could provide us with some memorable TV. "SHARON!!!"

The march to Survivor Series is in process and I hope that I'm back in action for that November classic. Time will tell and I'll be watching Friday Night Smackdown along with the rest of the WWE Universe this week to see where the "blue team' heads especially as it relates to World Title still held by the Undertaker.

Be well every one and count your blessings. Thanks again for keeping me in your prayers. I am battling my way through this bump in the road and won't quit the fight.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R. 

www.jrsbarbq.com

I just wanted to check in and thank the WWE Universe for all their thoughts and prayers during my most recent Bells palsy attack which marks the 3rd time this wacky ailment has gotten to me.

My medical care has been timely and I got started on the meds I needed the very night I was stricken which was Monday when I was on my way to Columbia, S.C. to tape Friday Night Smackdown. There was some scary moments on the plane as many Bells palsy symptoms are akin to having a stroke which, luckily, wasn't my issue.

The healing process for this disease is slow and requires patience, something that my friends will tell you that I have not been blessed with an over abundance. I had my 1st attack in 1994 and the second one in 1997 which took me about 4 months from which to return to broadcasting.

I don't feel that this particular incident will take that long to heal from but, again, only time will tell. I know this...I will remain positive and I will be back at ringside "Sooner" than later.

Thanks to my friends Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler for taking up the slack in my absence in Columbia while my regular partner Todd Grisham was on his honeymoon.  King and Cole will handle the announcing for Smackdown Friday night and they will, without question, do a great job. 

I can only assume that perhaps Michael Cole, The King, and Todd will handle the PPV Sunday in Pittsburgh. That's only my assumption but no matter who broadcasts the show it is shaping up to be an interesting one from where I sit.

Ol J.R. won't be hard to find Sunday night as I will be in Norman at our home watching Bragging Rights on PPV.

The 7 man tag intrigues me and I know that SD is the underdog and Raw has a strong team but one never knows how these multiple person bouts will come out. For Smackdown to win it will take some good fortune and perhaps Raw imploding somewhat but that's what makes these events interesting....not being able to clearly call the winners. However I have a hard time thinking any team captained by DX won't win a big, PPV bout.

When a champion defends his title in a multiple person bout said champion loses his "championship advantage." In other words disqualifications and count outs can't salvage ones title. The Undertaker enters the Fatal Four-way as the World's Champ but when the bell rings he loses his advantage and has the same standing as C.M. Punk, Batista, and Rey Mysterio. This one feels awfully unpredictable and seeing a new World's Champion crowned wouldn't shock me. 

Hopefully, I'm wrong as the Undertaker is one of my all time favorites and can still dominate any match that he is in no matter the competition. All the Deadman's opposition are challenging but keep an eye on "The Animal." He's big and dangerous, is Batista, and he seems particularly hungry like the large carnivore that he is.

I have always been a fan of Ironman Matches and the 60 minute version of the Cena-Orton saga this Sunday in "The Igloo" has me waiting with great anticipation. I text John Cena good luck today because he will need it against his great rival and one of the great, young stars to come along in WWE in years, one Randall Orton. Mr. RKO seems to be able to always rise to the occasion but for some reason I think that we haven't seen the best of Cena just yet but this Sunday at Bragging Rights I feel that we will. 

Yours truly is going with Cena to win at Bragging Rightsand stay on WWE's flagship broadcast, Monday Night Raw. 

BTW that's no knock on SD but I spent many, many years on Raw and know that it's still the top TV priority in WWE even though SD has seen vast improvement too over the last year or so thanks to the superstars who do their thing inside the squared circle. 

Back to Ironman Bouts, I still vividly remember some of the 60 minute bouts that I have personally seen including Harley Race vs. Dory Funk, Jr., Jack Brisco vs. Danny Hodge, Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat, and Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels. There have been others that I've seen but those just popped into my head.

The potential show stealer Sunday night in "6Burg" might be the Morrison-Miz contest pitting two of the brightest, young stars currently performing in WWE. The former tag team partners know each other well, are both athletic, and both have healthy egos. This is a great opportunity for these two to display their wares and I am anxious to watch it on PPV this Sunday. 

Many of you have written to me at my BBQ website some amazning messages. Check them out at www.jrsbarbq.com. 

We also updated our popular Q&A section of our BBQ site today and will be blogging on a somewhat more regular basis while I heal from this bump in the road. Our on line store also is still offering FREE SHIPPING on both our BBQ Sauces and our dee-licious Chipotle Ketchup plus our 97% FAT FREE J.R.'s Original Beef Jerky. I think you'll love them and encourage you to try 'em.

Thanks, again for everyone's support as I sincerely appreciate all the heartfelt wishes and the prayers that are coming my way. There's no better group of folks any where than the WWE Universe and for that I am thankful. 

Be well and continue to count your many blessings. I know that I sure am and I look forward to seeing all of you again soon at ringside. God Bless.  

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.                

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the most read blog on WWE.com. Your support is the reason why. Does that distinction give me some "Bragging Rights?"

This has been a unique week for me. Most importantly, my Pittsburgh native, Italian wife, Jan and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary on Monday. Yes, indeed, I out punted my coverage when we married on October 12, 1993 in Las Vegas. Three months later on Super Bowl Sunday 1994 I suffered my first bout of Bells palsy and a couple weeks after that I was moving from Connecticut back to Atlanta. 

My bride never waivered and remained supportive of me and my passion for the biz that I've now been associated with for over 35 years. 

Yes, indeed, I'm one lucky Okie. 

So, this week I asked for my first day off a TV taping in 16 years with WWE to celebrate our anniversary. I enjoyed being at home and doing husband stuff and not having to board an airplane even though I would have loved to have visited Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky again.  

Raw's "vintage" announcer, Michael Cole, will join soon to be married Todd Grisham (Todd gets hitched this Saturday) this week on Friday Night Smackdown. Thanks, Michael, for helping out. I'm anxious to watch the show Friday night on the omnipresent MyNetworkTV and see how Grish and Cole mesh. 

Plus, I hear that Smackdown is an interesting show that determines the SD team that will face the Raw team in the 7 on 7 tag bout at "Bragging Rights" one week from this Sunday night in Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena.

Call me cynical but I might suggest that if one is making a friendly wager to take the Raw "Magnificent Seven" and lay the points. No team with DX leading it is likely to lose at a PPV inside the boundaries of the United States.  

But, then again, I could be wrong.

With SD having four of its biggest stars involved in one match, The Undertaker, Batista (That would be "Dave" Batista), Rey (As in Mysterio) and C.M. (A man who only needs initials and no first name) Punk, the SD seven might be a little out-manned, especially on paper. However, this 7 on 7 tag at "Bragging Rights" won't be fought on paper but on canvas so may the best team win. 

It's a little like the Oklahoma vs. Texas college football game in Dallas this Saturday that I plan on attending. No one outside the Sooners' locker room is giving them much of a chance against the powerful Longhorns but that's why they play the game. Upsets do occur as we all know. 

For more, check out my "7 Points to Ponder":
ouinsider.com/news/story.php?article=372...

Speaking of upsets and while I'm thinking about it, I hope that Jerry Lawler wins the Mayor's race in Memphis this Thursday even though the King is a huge underdog. Good luck, Jerry. If the King wins, perhaps he would consider appointing me as the "Baron of BBQ" for a city known for many things including Elvis and "Q." 

The welcome mat goes out to new, SD Divas Mickie James and Beth Phoenix, it's nice to see both ladies have retained their last names, as their in ring skills should help elevate the Diva division on Friday nights. Nice move by Nancy O'Dell of Access Hollywood fame not to be confused with Mary Hart of Entertainment Tonight who started her TV career in Oklahoma City....but I digress.

So I'm reading WWE.com because I LOVE WWEClassics.com and I check out the top 100 moments in SD history and me coming over in the "Draft" in June of 08 doesn't even crack the list but the "Boogeyman" does. Take a look at this illustrious list elsewhere on this site. Who comprised this list? The ex-wives of past and present wrestling broadcasters??

Guess where old J.R. will be this Sunday? I will be attending my first ever U2 concert as U2 plays here in Norman at the Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. I'll likely be the only dude there wearing a black hat among the 50 or 60,000 others in attendance including the Mrs who I surmise would quickly leave me for Bono. But nonetheless when Ol J.R. celebrates an anniversary I celebrate an anniversary. It's a week full of fun and frivolity.

I am anxious to see the HHH-Cena main event Monday night on Raw which will be hosted by the ubitquitous Snoop Dogg. It will be interesting to observe Santino Marella interact with Snoop 'cause you know it's gonna happen. Nonetheless the HHH vs. Cena bout should be a stout main event. 

The Miz vs. Morrison bout of former tag team partners at "Bragging Rights" could be a potential show stealer. Both men are young and on the rise and this is an important bout for each especially with it being on PPV.

I hope that you will enjoy SD on Friday just as I will be doing in the comfort of my hotel room in Dallas. I'll be back on the air next week for Friday Night Smackdown and will be in Pittsburgh for "Bragging Rights." Todd Grisham will be on his honeymoon next week so I will broadcast SD next week with a "player to be named later." 

Perhaps it "could" be Dr. Joe E. Styles....or The King...or Mr. McMahon. I'm just saying. Stay tuned.  

Don't forget to check out our blogs and provocative Q&A section at www.jrsbarbq.com where we offer FREE SHIPPING on many great products including our J.R.'s BBQ Sauces, Chipotle Ketchup, and 97% Fat Free Beef Jerky.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R. 

Wow...what a road trip for yours truly as I was gone from the friendly confines of my home state of Oklahoma prior to the Boston SD taping of the "Decade of Smackdown Celebration" until this past Wednesday afternoon after the SD taping in Trenton, New Jersey.

Plus, I squeezed a quick trip from the northeast down to south Florida for the Oklahoma-Miami college football game, and then headed back to Newark for the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. Whew.

On a personal note, I enjoyed HIAC, but it's obvious that having three, main event level bouts with the same stipulations is a daunting task. 

I was happy that "The Grish" and I got our biggest bout, C.M. Punk defending against The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title inside Hell in a Cell, done early while we, or at least I, was still full of P&V.

For those that have written off Punk I suggest that you reassess your flawed thinking. C.M. Punk's style is not only unique but effective against bigger men as Punk as the skill set to destroy the verticality of his larger adversaries especially when he attacks their quads with his kicks that are "money." I would be shocked if I did not see Punk once again the World Heavyweight Champion in the future. 

Chris Jericho, who is as good as any one that wrestles for a living, and The Big Show, a budding movie star in his own right, have renewed my interest in tag team wrestling. Having spent many, many years of my career when the tag division was flourishing, it's always great to see a stout tag team title bout, and we got that from Jericho/Show vs. Batista/Rey last Sunday in HIAC. 

Drew McIntyre vs. R-Truth found themselves on the HIAC card, which was good for both of the young competitors, and the Mr. McMahon-endorsed McIntyre had a solid outing in his first ever PPV bout that was succinct, albeit effective. Scotland's contribution to WWE has great potential as he seems to have all the physical tools it takes to be a main event level star. I will reserve anointment until I see more of the young man but WWE can't develop too many top hands.

John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler seem to be developing a viable rivalry and Ziggler can't get any closer to winning the IC Title than he has his last three chances. From where I sit, it's not a matter of "if" Ziggler wins the gold but "when." The two young men from the college ranks, Morrison from UC-Davis and Ziggler from Kent State, are two of the better reasons to watch Friday Night Smackdown.

Speaking of Friday Night Smackdown, this week's broadcast is impressive. Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho can never be any thing but good. Plus, Batista faces CM Punk and Punk's ability to ground a bigger, stronger foe will be challenged again. But wait....there's more....J-Mo (see how hip that I can be) is putting the IC Title up once again against Mr. Zig Zag. 

Plus, you get to see young Todd Grisham in his next to the last SD broadcast before becoming a married man for the first time as Todd weds Oct. 17 in Pennsylvania to a lovely, young woman. Congrats to both. 

BTW Trenton, New Jersey is not only the capitol of the Garden State but also the hometown of the former manager of the Four Horsemen, J.J. Dillon.

J.J. now works for the New Jersey Corrections Department, so if you're ever imprisoned in Jersey you might run into one of the best managers ever in wrestling and a great guy to boot. 

WWE HOF'er Rowdy Roddy Piper, one of my all time favorite people, is a little under the weather these days and he is on my mind as I wish Rod a speedy recovery. What a talent and he would be printing money if he were in his wrestling prime today.

Did you know that we offer FREE SHIPPING on many of our money saving packages of our great products such as J.R.'s Original BBQ Sauce, J.R.'s HOT BBQ Sauce, Chipotle Ketchup (awesome) and our 97% Fat Free Beef Jerky?Please check out all these deals at www.jrsbarbq.com.

My dear friend Steve "Dr. Death" Williams, who was almost cancer free for 5 years, has had cancer return to his stomach and is now undergoing chemotherapy treats again. Surgery or radiation isn't an option but Doc is a fighter with amazing resolve who remains steadfast in his faith in God and his will to beat cancer again. Your prayers and good thoughts for Doc are sincerely appreciated. 

BTW, there is a misconception that Doc trained former OU Sooner Jack Swagger, but that isn't true. Swagger came out of the Oklahoma wrestling program and was trained in the WWE system, but had Swagger, or any other young wrestler have had the opportunity to be coached by the good Doctor they would be benefited. 

WWE's next PPV, "WWE Bragging Rights," will be held in Pittsburgh which is home of the "Sixburgh" Steelers, starring Big Ben Roethlisberger, the great Bruno Sammartino who celebrated a birthday this past week, and my soon to be bride of 16 years, Jan. I always enjoy working in Pittsburgh and still vividly remember The Undertaker vs. Mankind HIAC match there that fans still ask me about when I'm on the road or in J.R.'s Family BBQ Restaurant in Norman, Oklahoma. 

My most recent blog on www.ouinsider.com can be accessed for free by checking out ouinsider.com/news/story.php?article=368.... Please check it out as it is a quick read and I would like to see how the WWE Universe can positively affect the number of reads. I appreciate it. 

Steve Austin's next movie, "Damage," will be out soon and Steve is in the UK promoting the film. I heard that many fans stood in line for 13 hours waiting on a recent DVD signing by the WWE Hall of Famer. I've seen the trailer of "Damage" and I plan on buying my copy as soon as it becomes available. And that's the Bottom Line because the Baron of BBQ said so!

If you have sent me a question or a comment to our BBQ website, www.jrsbarbq.com, it may have been answered as I caught up somewhat on our Q&A Section of the site while on the road as I broke down and bought a new Netbook laptop computer.

Yeah....I'm catching up with technology and can even carry on a conversation with Cryme Tyme. How "fly" is that, Dawg?

It's football time in Oklahoma this weekend as the Baylor Bears visit Norman to play the Oklahoma Sooners Saturday afternoon on ABC so one can easily assume where I will be. If you're in the area drop by our BBQ Joint and say howdy as I will be around especially after the game.

Remember...FREE SHIPPING at www.jrsbarbq.com.  

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.