Family, food, football and the Survivor Series mean it is time for WWE’s “Fall Classic” this Sunday on pay per view.

It’s hard to believe that the Survivor Series started in 1988, which was six years before I left WCW to join the WWE team. Even when I was “working for the enemy” I always watched the Survivor Series on pay-per-view because I was and am still a fan, plus I love the elimination tag team format.

The first two Survivor Series main event captains were the legendary Andre the Giant and the immortal Hulk Hogan who both reside now in the WWE Hall of Fame. As a side note, I highly recommend the new WWE-produced Hogan DVD which takes one back to the late ‘80s and some classic Hogan bouts. Plus, it’s a chance to hear the King and me reunite as we call three, long Hulk bouts against Bob Backlund, Andre, and Kamala. Some of these bouts were in Hulk’s “hairy back” period when he was managed by Classy Freddie Blassie. Great stuff. Check it out if you can as it is available now.

Allow me to make a couple of observations before I make my Survivor Series fearless predictions.

1. When competing for championships and the prestige and money that goes along with being a titleholder, friendships can take a back seat. DX isn’t immune to that observation any more than is Chris Jericho and the Big Show.

2. Triple Threat Rules don’t do the reigning champions any favors. The first man to score a pin or submission on anyone becomes the champion as the rules are now. Is that fair? Some say yes and some say no. Personally, I would like to see the reigning champion have to be pinned or made to submit to lose their title. For the champ to NOT be involved in the decision and still LOSE their title is somewhat of a head-scratcher.

Prediction time … please, no wagering …

John Cena retains the WWE Title with a “vintage” victory as I can see the competitive Triple H and HBK imploding long enough for Cena to escape with his title.

There’s no “Peaceful, Easy Feeling” when it comes to The Undertaker defending his World Title against Jericho and Show. I could see the resourceful and opportunistic Jericho slipping out the back door with the World Title in tow Sunday night in D.C. That’s akin to sneaking into the smoker room at J.R.’s Family BBQ in Norman and leaving with a rack or ribs without laying down any cash. Not a good deal.

Angry Dave … as in Batista … seems too big and too strong for even the amazing Rey Mysterio to overcome in a contest wrought with personal emotions that will take place in the large bully’s hometown. A Batista win Sunday is where I’m hanging my black hat.

Elimination tags are so unpredictable and largely depend on what team can co-exist and who gets a break here and there.

The Miz will no doubt be better leading his team that he was on the Food Network’s “Dinner Impossible,” although both Miz and Santino Marella were show stealers with Chef Robert Irvine last week. Miz is leading a crew that consists of a band of egocentric, talented, young, up and comers that include Drew McIntyre, Jack Swagger, Sheamus, and Dolph Ziggler against Intercontinental Champ John Morrison’s squad. Both teams are loaded with talent but I think Miz’s guys are on more of a roll and that they win at Survivor Series.

Kofi Kingston stole the show Monday night on Raw from Madison Square Garden when he brawled with Randy Orton all over The World’s Most Famous Arena. Kingston is smiling less and fighting more these days and this self-proclaimed “Baron of BBQ” likes what he sees. If Kingston can lead his soulful team with the same passion that we saw on Monday night, there is no way Mr. RKO and his men can win. Kingston is “this close” to taking his game to the Promised Land and a big win Sunday on PPV might do the trick.

It’s the “friendly” Divas versus the “mean-spirited” Divas” in another 5-on-5 elimination tag on Sunday that is a Survivor Series tradition. Mickie James and Michelle McCool, who likely won’t be exchanging holiday greetings this year, leads their respective teams. Beth Phoenix may be the difference maker in this match. King has always said that size matters and The Glamazon is the biggest, strongest lady in the contest. So, for my pal and former broadcast partner who is nursing a sore jaw thanks to Sheamus, I will give the McCool team the slight nod. The King always was a sucker for the “bad girls.”

With so many inter-branded bouts on tap, how will the announcing assignments be doled out? Beats me but it does pose a few interesting questions.

What announcer will be the first to describe the WWE Divas as “smart, sexy, and powerful?”

Will the ECW duo get some camera time and a “cup of coffee” in our “Nation’s Capital?”

What’s the over/under on Michael Cole using the word “vintage” during Survivor Series? Oh, my.

Will The King wear a signature King T-shirt or break down and wear a sport coat?

Who will apply more hair gel on the new SD announce team, Todd Grisham or Matt Striker?

These and more “riveting” questions will be answered this Sunday in Washington D.C. (Our Nation’s Capital) on pay-per-view.

Yours truly will be driving from Norman to Lubbock, Texas, on Friday afternoon to attend the Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech Big 12 slugfest on Saturday. Then it’s right back after the game to begin the countdown for the 2009 WWE Survivor Series.

Please take a quick trip over to www.jrsbarbq.com and check out all the amazing specials that we have in our online store that features FREE SHIPPING on many packages. Our products make great, holiday stocking stuffers for those of you that enjoy stuffing your stockings this time of the year. We appreciate your consideration on making www.jrsbarbq.com a destination for a portion of your holiday shopping. Our products are affordable, unique, and your business is truly appreciated.

My thanks to all for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers during this 3rd bout with Bells palsy. I am sure that I will be back soon and long before Wrestlemania which was reported on another Web site this week. Hey, it “might” take that long for the facial nerve to regenerate but I think not. I choose to be more optimistic and I go to bed every night thinking that tomorrow morning when I awake that I will be good to go.

Enjoy the Survivor Series Sunday on PPV as I know that we will in the Ross home.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.

Greetings from under the custom-made, black hat from JR's Family BBQ in Norman, Oklahoma where the ribs are as juicy as "rasslin' gossip."

Firstly, thanks to all of you who have sent us get well wishes and especially to those who have been praying for my recovery from Bells palsy #3. I feel that I am making slow but steady improvement and will get more info after a follow-up appointment with my neurologist on Wednesday afternoon. I can almost tell you what he is going to say. "Be patient because there is no time line as to when the facial nerves are going to regenerate."

So, we wait.

Monday Night Raw with guest host UK boxing legend Ricky "Hitman" Hatton emanated from Sheffield, England which was the site of the very first international assignment I had with WWE right after WrestleMania 9. Does any one remember that televised event which I think was only seen in the UK?

Much of Raw's focus is on the Triple Threat bout for the WWE Title at Survivor Series pitting John Cena vs. Triple H vs. HBK. These three men have been surprisingly sportsmanlike with each other "thus far." I stress "thus far" because I don't believe for a minute that all three of these men think that their main event at Survivor Series is going to be a scientific contest with ample "attaboys."

Will a "wrestling boot" (instead of a shoe) drop this Monday Night at Madison Square Garden between the three men who all seek to leave Survivor Series as the WWE Champion? 

Guest host and WWE Hall of Famer Rowdy Roddy Piper likes controversey and has been known to "stir it up" so any thing could happen on Monday night from the World's Most Famous Arena.

One thing is for sure, the main event on Raw this Monday rivals anything I've seen on TV lately without question. Putting Cena and The Undertaker together as a team is going to be awesome.

Triple Threat tags are unique to say the least and Raw from the Garden should be a special night and bring out the best in all the WWE Superstars. If it doesn't,  they need to re-evaluate thier line of work.

Loved the ECW Title tilt Tuesday night featuring Christian defending against one of Britain's favorites, William Regal. This was one heck of a match that really hooked me into the contest. Great effort by both men who may be two of the more underrated superstars in WWE. 

So Kofi Kingston is captaining a Survivor Series team as is The Miz. Nice to see some "new blood" at the helm of a prestigious Survivor Series, traditional, elimination tag. 

Miz, by the way, really stands out on Wednesday night's Food Network presentation of "Dinner Impossible." He can be a real "tool" or "kitchen appliance' and I mean that in the nicest of ways. :)

Can't wait to see The Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho this Friday night on SmackDown. I have to make sure I don't listen too closely to the commentary and not watch what I would bet a case of JR's BBQ Sauce will be a super contest. I think that Grisham and Striker are doing very well and expect them to be the SD announce team for a long while.  

Some of the photos used for Ol J.R. make me look like the Hanging Judge Parker who Rooster Cogburn used to stand before in Ft. Smith, Arkansas ala "True Grit." Or Judge Roy Bean...Google it. If western films come back in fashion,  I might have a future if this wrestling thing doesn't work out. 

Back to Miz, what in the heck is up between Mike the Mouth and Jack Swagger? Someone help me on this one...I'm inheriently slow plus I've been ill. BTW...Eve you can do better.

We have some amazing specials in our on line store at www.jrsbarbq.com that will make great holiday gifts and many come with FREE Federal Express shipping. Several of our gift packages are less than $20. Check out our many blogs, Q&A's, and our great in store items 24 hours a day at www.jrsbarbq.com. 

I'm catching up on watching several WWE DVD's and will be providing you my thoughts on these releases soon. Plus I can't stay away from WWEClassics.com. I think I might need an intervention.

Thanks again for all the kind words and I look forward to getting back in the saddle Sooner than later. I remain positive and look forward to the future. Life is good. 

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.

www.jrsbarbq.com               

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.