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.

Why am I still full from Thanksgiving? Probably because I feel like I have been eating TURKEY FOR A WEEK!!

Man, I’m glad I got that off my chest. Now on with the show …

If you miss Friday Night SmackDown this week, you will be punished by having to “Out-Think the Fink” in your own living room, followed by a sleepover with the future WWE HOF’er and then a trip to the sauna together.

Is this week’s Friday Night SmackDown big? Oh, hell yeah!

Undertaker vs. Big Show inside the dreaded, steel cage is the main event and what a match you’re going to see. I thought this was one of the best matches between these two, rather large gentlemen that I have ever seen them have and it was more intense, in my humble opinion, than their Casket Match at Survivor Series.

Remember, if you are quizzed, Undertaker’s submission maneuver is now called, officially, “Hell’s Gate.”

Many of WWE’s finest are entertaining our troops this week in Iraq or thereabouts and should be commended for their dedication and their efforts. The annual “Tribute to the Troops” broadcast will air on NBC Saturday night Dec. 20 at 9/8 CT.

The late, great Bob Hope (you youngsters can ask your parents who Bob Hope is) would be proud.

Dr. Joe E. Styles, who is with the WWE traveling party and will no doubt keep us all updated on his experiences abroad on the Tribute to the Troops trip on WWE.com, wanted to travel in uniform but his Boy Scout “uni” from Stamford elementary missed fitting by “this much.”

WWE Champion Edge wrestles for the first time on Friday Night SmackDown in a good while this week. Is it just me or are Edge’s eyes channeling the late actor/comedian Marty Feldman these days? “Wild-Eyed and Crazy” might be a valid suggestion for a country tune about SmackDown G.M. Vickie Guerrero’s other half.

What’s the over/under on how long the Edge/Vickie relationship lasts … this time? Not that I am wishing them any back luck … I’m just saying.

I’m actually happy Edge is back on Friday night’s as he is as unpredictable and talented as anyone in WWE.

Speaking of “I’m just saying” Hurricane Helms returns to the proverbial squared circle this Friday night sporting a brand new, huge tattoo on his back and from what I could tell it did not say “Gregory.” Perhaps you can figure it out.

Divas Champ Michelle McCool seems to be a little stressed these days. Ms. McCool wrestles Maria Friday night on SmackDown, which is akin to mixing oil and water as opposed to the oil and vinegar salad dressing my broadcast partner “The World’s Angriest Announcer” eats on his salads.

FTW Tazz is a very healthy eater and can still Suplex most mortal men out of their shoes and socks.

There is some very compelling interaction Friday night between Triple H and Jeff Hardy who will oppose each other when they face Edge for the WWE Title at Armageddon in Buffalo, N.Y., on Sunday Dec. 14 in a Triple Threat Match.

ECW Champion Matt Hardy makes yet another appearance on Friday Night SmackDown this week after doing his younger brother Jeff “a solid” last week when Matt outlasted the clock and extended undefeated Vladimir Kozlov past the magic number of 12:13 to eliminate Kozlov from WWE Title consideration at Armageddon.

“Sources say” or my favorite, “they say,” comrade Kozlov isn’t in the holiday spirit as a result of last week.

Are you in the holiday mood yet? Lots of folks are and are scarping up our cap/shirt combo offer and our personalized, autographed cookbooks that include FREE SHIPPING in the states at www.jrsbarbq.com. We are also selling lots of our sauces and rubs as we have plenty of gift selections for under $20 and several under $10.

So, as ECW G.M., the esteemed Theodore Long might say, “Get to steppin’.” Please and thank you.

Word on the street has it that the breath mints that The Great Khali uses before his “Kiss Cam” escapades are the size of a toasted bagel.

Ranjin … the sideburns are big enough to have their own show and zip code. Plus, Tazz and I feel you might want to try some herbal tea or some decaf before coming to the ring. You might be just a “touch” over the top if you know what we mean. But what ever makes you happy … 

What a Monday Night Raw next week in Philly. Tazz and I will join the other broadcast teams to be a part of the HUGE, 3-hour special that starts at 8/7 CT on USA Network. It is always nice for yours truly to venture back into the land of Raw where the King and I broadcasted more than 600 episodes. The lineup for Monday is big time.

It’s too bad that TWAA (The World’s Angriest Announcer) Tazz will want to steal the show from the broadcast position at ringside in his old ECW stomping grounds of Philly and, as his loyal sidekick; I will do my best to help.

Competition makes everyone better don’t you think?

Hey, didn’t you used to be the New York football Giants Plaxico Burress? Here is a little advice to you young folks, if you go to a night club and the door man is wanding people looking for weapons like GUNS, turn around, leave, and find another establishment where weapons are not an issue.   

What is JBL up to on Raw regarding a business venture with HBK? I don’t know where this matter is headed and not to be overly cynical but something doesn’t feel right about it. However if the two were to establish a business relationship perhaps some of Shawn’s positive traits could wear off on the wealthy Texan turned Manhattanite.

And then again, maybe not.

Of course I still watch Raw on Mondays AND I watch ECW on Tuesdays hoping to hear Matt Striker make a Mildred Burke or Elvira Snodgrass reference and to actually make it relevant.

Little known fun fact ... Todd Grisham is an Alabama Crimson Tide fan which doesn’t make him a bad guy just as long as he doesn’t start combing his hair like the arrogant ‘Bama Coach Nick Saban. If Todd does a “Saban” then we might have a little problem that Tazz and/or his people would need to address. Saban is a great coach but he ain’t no Bear Bryant.

Lots of competition for the many Slammy Awards this Monday night. It’s going to be interesting to see who leaves with a statue and who leaves with a boo-boo face. Some people are not good losers in WWE in case you haven’t noticed.

I never knew Dolph Ziggler went to Ball State University until Michael Cole laid that info on us Monday night in D.C. I wonder if fellow Ball State alum David Letterman is aware of this matter and, if so, if he cares?

Did you know that our Original J.R.’s Beef Jerky is 97 percent fat-free and is a great, low-carb snack? Well, now you do.

I will be flying up to Kansas City on Saturday to watch the Oklahoma Sooners attempt to qualify for college football’s National Championship game Jan. 8 in Miami. Beating a talented Missouri team, the alma mater of both Snitsky and Evan “Air” Bourne, will not be easy no matter what the biased media says. Is the BCS system that broke the players’ hearts from the University of Texas and Texas Tech University’s whacked or what? I’m proud of my Sooners but this whole BCS rankings system finally needs to be addressed and I totally agree with President-elect Barack Obama that college football needs a playoff. (But please don’t raise our taxes Mr. President-elect.)

It will be Philly cheesesteak time for me on Monday in the boisterous city of “Brotherly Love” and I can’t wait! Good food, three hours of Raw with a show loaded with PPV quality bouts sounds like a tasty recipe to me. Then it is on to Bridgeport on Tuesday night for ECW and SmackDown right up the road from where Mrs. J.R. and I lived for many, enjoyable years.  See you there!

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.