As you read this, I am in Miami, Florida where I anxiously await Thursday night’s Oklahoma vs. Florida National Championship game from Joe Robbie Stadium to be televised on Fox. Nonetheless this week’s Friday Night Smackdown features SD General manager Vickie Guerrero looking to erase the embarrassment of last week that she experienced at the hands of HHH. The vindictive G.M. is forcing The Game to wrestle three times in three, very challenging bouts against opponents not yet advertised.
A Tables Match, Handicap Match, and a Last Man Standing Match are all on tap for the Cerebral Assassin come Friday night.
There is an established adage in the WWE and that is “don’t cross the boss” and if any one should know that better than anyone it would be the former 12 time WWE Champion. Expect Mrs. Edge the throw the “kitchen sink” at the man I think might well win the Rumble Match IF he is still able to compete in it.
After last week’s impromptu, in ring confrontation, The Undertaker faces the United States Champion Shelton Benjamin Friday night on TV in a bout that will provide a platform for the Gold Standard to make his case for being the man who will win the Rumble, according to Benjamin himself. Benjamin has the skill set to give the Undertaker problems but beating the future WWE Hall of Famer is never easy for any one as the Deadman’s 16-0 record at Wrestlemania would indicate.
If Shelton Benjamin, arguably the best pure athlete in the WWE, truly wants to hunt with the really big dogs on an on going, regular basis this is his chance.
There has certainly been an ugly metamorphous as it relates to the personality of Michelle McCool since she lost the Divas Title to Maryse. Will we see yet another side of McCool this week? Something tells me that the worst is yet to come for adversaries of the self proclaimed, “Wronged” Ms. McCool.
It just feels like there are some interesting days ahead for the Smackdown Divas. Or perhaps I should say that it feels like business is about to pick up with the ladies of Friday night.
Sources say that Chavo Guerrero is not pleased to be referred to as a “Go Fer” which HHH has called the 3rd generation star over the past few weeks. Chavo is also not looking for a post WWE career in the coffee business based on his inability to keep his Aunt Vickie happy with his “Starbucks” skills.
MVP’s luck can’t get any worse can it? The former U.S. Champion is wrestling these days like the OKC Thunder are playing basketball in the NBA….not good. MVP is 0 for 2009 if you are keeping score at home. MVP is too talented to be losing so much.
THE Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson have earned a WWE Tag Title opportunity and get their shot this Friday night against the Brothers Colon, Carlito and Primo. It seems like that there should be several tag teams vying for the coveted WWE Tag Titles on the Smackdown brand.
It is interesting how Edge is approaching the WWE Title match his wife has scheduled for him against Jeff Hardy at the Royal Rumble in Detroit. Something just doesn’t feel quite right about this situation but I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is. Jeff Hardy is the hottest entity in the WWE today but something tells me that darker days lie ahead for Jeff who has seemingly invigorated the WWE Title. On the other side of the coin, Jeff loves living on the “edge”, no pun intended.
As an avid viewer of Monday Night Raw, I am really intrigued with the business relationship that HBK has established with JBL and how it may ultimately affect the John Cena vs. JBL World Title Bout at the Rumble. Knowing Shawn Michaels for his entire career since the 80’s when he debuted in Bill Watts’ Mid South Wrestling, I know that Shawn, deep in his heart, would love to wear World Title gold one more time. How this scenario works out is going to be interesting.
I thought that the TV cameras catching Kelly-Kelly speaking with Randy Orton a week ago on Raw about an alleged rendezvous that they had was jaw dropping. Mr. RKO should have learned by now that a woman scorned isn’t a good thing.
Perhaps the King will offer to counsel Kelly-Kelly through this ordeal but with Kane seemingly involved, maybe not.
Yours truly is looking forward to heading to Detroit later this month for the Rumble pay per view. The Motor City will always hold a special place in my heart as that was the city at WM23 that I was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
That distinction and our Hall of Fame rings are really special to me. “The Joe” will no doubt be rocking come Sunday January 25.
Speaking of the WWE Hall of Fame, I wonder when we will be getting any info on who might be inducted this year at WM25 in Houston. Will this year’s class have a “Texas flavor” as last year’s class in Orlando certainly had a “Florida flavor?”
Howard Finkel is not a native Texan but I hope “the Fink” gets a Hall of Fame nod this year at an event that he has been a part of since its inception. I think Howard, who was the very first employee hired in Vince McMahon’s WWE, is the only performer to be a part of every Wrestlemania. That’s an amazing distinction. Good luck Fink.
There is nothing to the rumor that if Fink gets the nod that his predecessor Lilian Garcia will induct Howard. Out of professional courtesy, I won’t go into any more details on this matter.
This Tuesday night we will tape Friday night Smackdown in Omaha, Nebraska which is just a hop, skip and a jump (don’t ask me to demonstrate) from my home in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma and Nebraska football fans have a long, storied but respectful rivalry that goes all the way back to the Dr. Tom Osborne and Barry Switzer days of coaching their respective teams. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini is a friend of mine who served on Bob Stoops’ coaching staff one year and did a wonderful job with the ‘Huskers this season ending with a bowl victory over Clemson.
Tazz and I are flying into Kansas City and driving up to Omaha on Tuesday morning for the double header taping. I like visiting Omaha especially if Tazz and I get to eat at Charleston’s or Mahogany Steak House where, as usual, I will likely pick up the tab. Hey, the former dominate ECW Champ does the driving so the least I can do is buy a meal. I want to spend a week in Omaha some year during the College Baseball World Series…..and no that’s not on my “Bucket List!”
Will any one in Omaha bring any “World’s Angriest Announcer” signs to celebrate my partner’s appearance Tuesday night? I’m just saying. I don’t “think” that they would be confiscated. The sign police love “JR’s BBQ” signs….really.
Many thanks to those of you that remembered my January 3 birthday and sent us best wishes to www.jrsbarbq.com over the past several days. Your sentiments are much appreciated. I hope you will make our small but ever growing website one of your regular stops as we do several blogs each week along with answering your Q&A’s.
Be well every one and count your blessings every day.
Well boys and girls, I just made my first full-fledged road trip with my new partner, the Angriest Man in the World, Tazz, as we drove together from Tampa Tuesday morning to Orlando for the WWE’s flagship network broadcast Friday Night SmackDown.
Here are 10 things I learned on this particular road trip about my new partner:
Tazz wears a size 56 sport coat and has 37-inch sleeves. For a guy under 6 feet, those are some long arms.
He was a better football nose guard than an offensive guard and was benching over 5 bills when he was in college.
Tazz’s college football career ended when he cursed out the university’s athletic director. (That’ll do it every time.)
Tazz’s high school in Brooklyn was much like the H.S. in the movie “Wildcats” starring Goldie Hawn. Dangerous.
Tazz carries no loose change, so toll roads with no toll booth attendants do not endear themselves to him.
The best mood he got in was late Tuesday when I introduced him to Steak ‘n Shake and he was soothed by sipping on a vanilla shake.
He owns an Oxford Color Thesaurus and he uses it. I just bought one today. See what an influence Tazz has become already on my career?
I strongly suggest that no member of the WWE Universe (OK so I said it) approach the Human Suplex Machine for an autograph while he is dining, and for goodness sakes do not insist on shaking his hand while he is eating.
Tazz “may be” the Tony Soprano of Long Island Little League baseball but I can’t be sure.
If you put tomatoes on his sandwich you are likely going to be choked out.
Even though the appearance of the mighty Undertaker was apparently a closely guarded secret on Monday night, Tazz and I enjoyed broadcasting Taker and JBL’s fast and furious encounter during Monday Night Raw’s 800th episode celebration. I particularly appreciated the standing ovation the fans in Tampa gave me which is another reminder why I love this business so much. Our fans have embraced me for over three decades, which is significantly more than a couple of my ex-wives. Present bride excluded.
My favorite part of Monday Night Raw was watching all the old clips that were played. Did you catch The Fink hyping up the crowd on the first Monday Night Raw from the lovely Manhattan Center, all the classic Heenan material, and the obscure shot of The Fink’s actual vehicle getting its windshield broken much to Howard’s chagrin?
Poor Mike Adamle apparently just couldn’t take it any longer as the GM of Monday Night Raw and abruptly resigned which puts the WWE’s flagship cable show without a rudder … again. Adamle was like Sgt. Hulka of “Stripes” fame … the big toe of Raw. I know Mike was VERY upset in a bizarre sort of way during the day but Mike is strong willed and will rebound. Hell, Mike, I never got the chance to ever resign from Raw, but I’ve been fired about as many times as N.Y. Yankee owner George Steinbrenner pink slipped former Yankee manager, the late Billy Martin.
Do you think that either of the McMahon siblings will be at Raw from Manchester, England next week? I think I’ll fly in early just to find a place in the arena to watch the festivities.
Jerry Lawler, who has purchased a beautiful, new mansion in Memphis, has allegedly been counseling Hugh Hefner regarding Hef’s “female problems.” I think the bottom line, as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin would say, is that Hef shouldn’t trust any female over 25 according to Memphis’ most famous bachelor.
Don’t forget that the Friday Night SmackDown broadcast is “bigger than Wichita” as my late Dad used to say as Undertaker faces the undefeated Vladimir Kozlov who can become the No. 1 contender for the WWE Title if Kozlov’s record can remain spotless.
Wouldn’t you love to see The Great Khali execute the “Kiss Cam” in the U.K. with Amy Winehouse? Wow … now that’s a power couple who would have lovely offspring.
Does Ranjin Singh need a side burn wax or is the natural look back in vogue? I think Ol’ Ranjin may have gotten all jacked up on Diet Mountain Dew for this Friday night’s broadcast. You can be the judge.
Shelton Benjamin is the Adrian Peterson of WWE and the United States Champion is defending his title against popular R-Truth Friday night. Think of the greatest manager you can name and then think of how good Benjamin would be right now if the Gold Standard had that ringside manager. Scary thought, huh? Guys like Freddie Blassie, The Grand Wizard, Bobby Heenan, the controversial Paul “Happy” Heyman, Jim Cornette of Midnight Express fame and even General Scandar Akbar would all be able to make Shelton famous … I mean REALLY famous. What ever happened to wrestling managers anyway?
Do you know the most cunning and dangerous area of the SmackDown arena before show time? That’s easy; it’s the Diva locker rooms. I’m hearing some interesting stories coming out of those locker rooms and they are not overly flattering. Something big may be brewing in Divaland.
I am not pleased that I will miss the finals of the World Series of Poker next week as we will be in Manchester. However, the last time I was in the late British Bulldog’s hometown, we had a great meal or two in their Chinatown area, which was memorable. I’ll catch up to the final table via DVR when I get home Wednesday evening.
I’m still disappointed that Doyle Brunson did not make the final table.
I saw a promo on TV recently for “Criss Angel – Mindfreak” and remembered that Criss used to perform at WWE New York years ago. One night the illusionist confused my wife with former Diva Ivory. And this is a guy who apparently puts his own body at risk and needs to be able to really pay attention to details to survive. Amazing … useless trivia.
Friday night on MyNetwork TV, WWE Champion and the best in WWE, Triple H, teams with Jeff Hardy against the brash duo of Miz and Morrison who I thought had a heck of a showing Monday night against DX. This tag team match will provide some head scratching moments I assure you.
I saw a side of young, master Hardy that was downright perplexing.
Looks like Hawkins and Ryder may be pursuing respective singles careers, and that they could start as early as Friday night. Both these athletes have ample potential without question.
Did you know that Ricky Steamboat has been spending some mat time with Kung Fu Naki? Kung is a better grappler for it.
BTW is Jack Swagger the best amateur to sign with the WWE in years? My vote is yes and I can see future major main events for the young man who hails from the legendary Danny Hodge’s hometown of Perry, Okla. Swagger attended Oklahoma University on a dual football/wrestling scholarship and was a promising defensive tackle before giving up football to wrestle full time where he earned All-America honors at heavyweight. No one on campus messed with this dude who always had a high opinion of himself.
Speaking of ECW, I still miss the voice of Dr. Joe E. Styles who will always be “The Voice of ECW” to me, but I am really enjoying the broadcasting work of Todd Grisham and Matt Striker. However, I think Todd should start wearing “Stylized”, black suits in honor of the dot com guru, and wear his hair in a fade.
Did I tell you that Tazz insisted that Striker drink milk in a nice little hotel bar in Phoenix recently? It wasn’t pretty.
Would it help for the slumping MVP to counsel new San Francisco 49’ers coach Mike Singletary and get a dose of motivation? MVP is too talented to not be winning matches.
Do you smell what Obama is cooking? Apparently more American voters did than didn’t. The president-elect has inherited some interesting conundrums, but it doesn’t matter what I think.
What’s the over/under on Governor Sarah Palin making an appearance at WM25? I’m just saying...
Thanks for checking out our ever growing website at www.jrsbarbq.com and you can email me questions there that I will answer on our Q&A section of the site. We also have a store that never closes and I author several blogs there per week on a variety of topics including ‘rasslin, football, food, current events, and whatever else is on my BBQ sauced mind. Yes, I admit it. I’m on the sauce … ”J.R.’S Original BBQ Sauce.”
Yours truly will be in College Station, Texas this Saturday afternoon for the OU vs. Texas A&M Big 12 South college football game that my Sooners must win. I’ll be the one in the black hat on the Oklahoma sideline.
Ah, the times they are a-changing – and upon further review – for the better.
This Friday night will be my first broadcasting voyage with my new partner, Mick Foley, and I am looking forward to watching the airing of Friday Night SmackDown with great anticipation. Mick is one of my oldest friends in the biz, which as most vets will attest, is a business where a guy can count their bonafide friends on one hand – which is akin to most forms of sports and entertainment. Mick Foley is a great human being, a bestselling author, a legit Hardcore Legend and a student of the game. Not a bad combo for this Okie to deal with I assure you.
Upon getting drafted my reactions were one of shock and surprise. I was never disappointed about coming to Friday Night SmackDown as I am a loyal viewer of the broadcast and have been for years. Hell, I broadcast the very first SmackDown way back in the day. Friday Night SmackDown is an integral facet of WWE and I am going to put forth my best effort and make it even better.
However, after “playing for one team” for so many years and establishing routines and relationships, particularly with “The King,” I wasn’t immediately prepared to change addresses. I likely did not endear myself to some with that attitude, but I have always been honest with my feelings, and my emotions for the product are authentic, sometimes to a fault.
After all, Monday Night Raw was never about “me.” It was and always will be about the product. Announcers’ jobs are to embellish the product and to enhance the Superstars who perform in the ring. As Shakespeare said, “the play is the thing.” (Down here in Oklahoma we like to say the “sauce” is the thing, but that‘s another story.)
I want to wish Michael Cole nothing but continued success, and I hope he has as many years and as much fun on Raw as I had. I know Michael will have a blast working with Jerry Lawler just as I will in teaming with Mrs. Foley’s baby boy.
But just so everyone knows where this Sooner stands, and I consider this to be an important point, Mick and I have one goal: To become the best broadcasting team in WWE on the top TV show in the company.
The SmackDown roster has a new look and feel that will likely result in enhanced energy and an exciting, fresh dynamic for the broadcast.
Opportunities abound on SmackDown for the new athletes who now call it home. Getting a future WWE Hall of Famer in Triple H is a coup. The WWE Champion is at the top of his game, no pun intended, and will set the standard for the roster – and it will be a high standard to say the least.
Jeff Hardy is arguably the most popular Superstar in WWE by many observers’ accounts. Don’t take my word for it, as all you have to do is listen to the WWE fans’ response when the “Ultimate Risk-Taker” is introduced. Jeff Hardy’s career should reach its zenith on Friday Night SmackDown, much to the delight of Jeff Hardy fans around the world. I can foresee great things in the future for the younger of the two, talented Hardy Brothers.
No one should ever underestimate the abilities of Umaga. Athletic, super heavyweights are a rare breed and Umaga is an amazing athlete. Umaga may end up being the greatest Samoan wrestler ever when size, power, and athleticism are all considered.
From where I sit, Mr. Kennedy, Carlito and Shelton Benjamin are all main-eventers waiting to happen. If all three of these talented men wrestle to their full potential, all three are future champions.
I love Brian Kendrick’s “upside” – no matter Brian’s perceived “lack of size” which is a non-issue in my eyes. Think Rey Mysterio here.
Trevor Murdoch has the heart of a champion, and I would never tell anyone with a great work ethic (and who had the benefit of sitting under the legendary Harley Race’s learning tree,) that their wrestling dreams could not come true. Murdoch could be a real sleeper on SmackDown as a wrestler not a singer.
DH Smith was born and bred to be a wrestler, and my instincts tell me that Smith has a mean, aggressive streak that we have yet to see. When any “insiders” talk about young wrestlers with unlimited potential, DH Smith’s name always comes up.
These are just some of the new individuals who will be provided the opportunity to build their WWE legacy on Friday Night SmackDown. Plus, the list of incumbents lead by the World Heavyweight Champion Edge is extremely impressive as well. Edge is arguably the best in WWE doing what he does.
The Friday Night SmackDown roster, from top to bottom, is as good as any roster has been in WWE in years.
In the meantime, let’s not forget that Night of Champions, a pay-per-view exclusive emanating from the sold-out American Airlines Center in Dallas this Sunday, will further shape the new landscape of WWE. With every match a title bout, something’s got to give in “Big D.”
Don’t think that I won’t be in Oklahoma City on Monday for Raw, as it is one of the biggest nights of the year in my home market. J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q is a co-sponsor of the event, which will rock the home of the future OKC NBA franchise. I might score a ringside seat for the show, but I will definitely want to experience the OKC/Raw experience firsthand. I might even hand out thousands of huge signs that say www.jrsbarbq.com just for the hell of it. That was a joke, by the way.
Plus, I am looking forward to SmackDown next week in Tulsa, which is where my journey in wrestling began in the ’70s. It will mark the first time that I have broadcast a wrestling event there in at least 20 years. UWF Wrestling made Tulsa its TV home for some red-hot Sunday nights under the leadership of Cowboy Bill Watts, who still lives in the area. It will be like old home week.
Life is good … and so is the BBQ!
Boomer Sooner! J.R.
Editor's Note: You can read J.R.'s previous
Superstar of the Week columns at his column archives page.
Greetings from under the black, custom made hat from WWE’s resident Okie fresh back from Utah where, surprisingly, The King did not marry three new wives or buy a hardware store. So if you had the under in the office pool, you won!
Seriously, the Salt Lake City crowd was red hot as was the 90-degree day we all enjoyed there; especially those that were wearing suits and sweating pulled pork.
This week’s Raw Superstar of the Week did not even have a match Monday night, but certainly made an impact and has Raw fans talking. The coveted award this week goes to Lance Cade, even though he was suckered into getting a barber college-like hair cut, but without question, raised his game significantly just before Raw left the air Monday night.
John Cena vs. Umaga, the saga continues, saw Cena win and not “get hurt” as Cena looks to be building some momentum going into the June 29 Night of Champions pay-per-view in Dallas where the Celtics fan will face WWE kingpin Triple H for the prized WWE Title. Cena, who has been known to enjoy the occasional cold beverage, will roll into San Antonio in a celebratory mood after his Boston team finished off the Lakers this week in the NBA Finals, but let’s not forget that the strongman could also be a draftee before the three-hour broadcast is completed.
If both Umaga and Cena remain on the Raw roster after the WWE’s Annual Draft, it will be a miracle.
Can any one speculate as to why the details of the 2008 Draft are being kept so secretive? We don’t even know the format … who picks first … why that brand would get the first pick … is it a lottery draft where all the names are placed in a hopper and drawn at random … how many draft picks will each brand receive … will trades be made on WWE.com after Raw leaves the air Monday night? Inquiring minds really need to know. This is good “dirt.”
All I know is that Undertaker is no longer in the WWE Draft and no matter who is drafted where, the line-up for Night of Champions stays as advertised.
Who knew Charlie Haas had the vocal skills to pull off MC’ing the Summertime Beach Bikini Blowout (whoever named that contest most likely never has been an announcer), but also who would have thought that Haas would have channeled Val Venis’ voice for a few moments either? BOO-YA!
Are we really supposed to believe that the purpose of the bikini contest was to feature the Divas’ “attire”? That’s about as believable as The King becoming a cabana boy for Siegfried and Roy … not that there would be anything wrong with that.
Jeff Hardy and Carlito had one of the better matches featured on Raw in quite some time. One has to assume that one or both will be gone from Raw after Monday night in San Antonio. Speaking of San Antonio, yours truly is going down early Sunday afternoon to enjoy the River Walk and to partake in some delicious Mexican food, just in case one might be wondering. I might also do some research and development by sampling some Texas BBQ seeing as though I am rapidly becoming the “Baron of BBQ.” San Antonio is a great city and the last time I was there was the 2007 Big 12 title game in college football when Oklahoma defeated the No. 1 ranked and talented Missouri Tigers.
It was a pleasant surprise seeing Ric Flair do a cameo on Monday Night Raw from Salt Lake City. I never dreamed that we would be seeing Ric back on TV this soon after his “retirement,” but I’m not complaining. Ric is still working for WWE as an ambassador, but has no plans whatsoever to return to the ring. One can argue that building up Flair’s return would have been advantageous, but no one can deny that the surprise element didn’t work.
The tag team scene on Raw gets stranger by the week. Monday night’s eight-second or so bout between the World Tag Champions, remember them, Hardcore Holly and his complete opposite Cody Rhodes, who had quite the contest (he says with tongue in cheek) with the equally red-hot Cryme Tyme. Thanks for making the trip to the Great Salt Lake, gentlemen, as yours truly is wondering who young Ted (don’t call him Teddy!) DiBiase will select as his partner to become the new World Tag Champions … DiBiase’s words, not mine.
The mixed tag match between Kennedy … Kennedy and Women’s Champ Mickie James and the Burchill siblings did not fare well for the Americans. As a result, Katie Lea Burchill has the opportunity to become the first-ever Brit to be WWE Women’s Champion at Night of Champions, and I wouldn’t want to bet a slab of our delicious, hickory smoked ribs that Ms. Burchill doesn’t prevail. However, take into consideration: When was the last time I was right with a prediction? The mid-90s?? Just so you will know, Katie Lea has one heck of a grip, and when she shakes one’s hand, it’s like sticking it in a vice. Her grip reminds me of some girls I used to know who worked on their folks’ dairy farm and milked cows twice daily.
WWE Champion Triple H and Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho, who have never really cared for each other, had a dandy main event Monday night and it even looked as if Jericho might pull one out of his proverbial hat when young Lance Cade decided to get physically involved and assault the WWE Champion.
What’s Cade’s agenda? Yes, Cade was trained by HBK back in the day, but so what? Is Cade jealous of HBK’s friendship with The Game? Does Cade hold some deep seeded animosity against Michaels? Did Cade simply want to get everyone’s attention? Is Cade setting up Jericho? Stay tuned is all I can suggest.
Did anyone see The King circa 1988 when he was the AWA Champion on ESPN Classic recently sporting a lovely, wavy MULLET?? Mullet Mania was running wild in the ‘80s, BROTHER!! Seriously, many younger fans of today don’t realize just how good a wrestler The King was back in his prime and, quite honestly, he’s likely better than a fair amount of the competitors we all see on TV these days.
This is another busy week as yours truly will join Ric Flair, JBL and Mick Foley along with my favorite host “Mean” Gene Okerlund to tape of couple of what should be intriguing Legends Roundtables for WWE 24/7. Spirited debate will be the order of the day without question.
J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q Restaurant No. 2 will open in Moore, Okla., just after the Fourth of July holiday. After spending a couple of days in the store and looking at all the memorabilia on the walls, this store, which is much bigger than our original store in Norman, is going to be spectacular. If anyone is traveling I-35 between OKC and Dallas this summer, please drop by one of the locations and check them out. We will soon have new photos and the return of our Q&A section of our newly redesigned Web site at www.jrsbarbq.com. Please visit us if you have the time.
Thanks! See you in San Antonio for Draft night in WWE!
Boomer Sooner! J.R.
Editor's Note: You can read J.R.'s previous
Superstar of the Week columns at his column archives page.
Greetings friends and neighbors from under the black, custom made hat from your resident Okie who is just returning to Norman, Okla., from Las Vegas after having a great time Tuesday and Wednesday visiting with so many wrestling legends and fans at the Cauliflower Alley Club’s 43rd Annual Reunion.
Raw No. 785 emanated from Oakland, Calif., and was perhaps the first-ever “sports-entertainment game show” in the history of television. Picking a Raw Superstar of the Week is challenging, but after looking at the broadcast again, it became clearer. This week’s Raw Superstars of the Week are Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels simply because their interaction was the most memorable in ring activity we have experienced on Raw in quite some time from where I was sitting. Jericho’s physicality on HBK was the most compelling moment of the night for yours truly and I am anxious to see where this extremely personal issue goes this Monday night in Salt Lake City.
What’s the over/under this Monday night that Mr. McMahon won’t have a beautiful Diva at his side as his “Vanna White” and perhaps even having the lovely lady dialing the telephone? Congratulations to all the winners of Mr. McMahon’s Million Dollar Mania and don’t forget to pay your taxes.
One can assume that we can expect to see more of Kennedy-Kennedy against the affluent Brit, Paul “Don‘t Call me Churchill” Burchill, or his sister Katie Lea. Furthermore, something tells me that Miss Burchill has Mickie James’ Women’s Title in her sights.
The Glamazon is not in a good mood these days, and Melina is largely the reason why. Bottom line: Mickie James should not trust either The Glamazon, Melina or Miss Burchill, but it does seem that the fiery Latino Melina and Beth Phoenix are on an intriguing collision course. Perhaps they will have a match held entirely ON the announce table which would make my broadcast partner so happy that he would have to have the smile sandblasted off his face.
Charlie Haas is looking for your mouthwash donations. Sorry, Charlie. The Great Mae Young strikes again.
So the Triple H/Cena issue isn’t personal, huh? Of course it’s not, and beginning right ... now … The King doesn’t admire handsome, young women. Right.
John Cena seems to have JBL’s number and that has to P.O. the former Texan turned Manhattanite to no end. It’s enough to make a man load up on Mamajuana and lock himself in a Marriott.
Again, the interaction between HBK and Y2J Monday was great TV and Michaels was lucky (as best I know) that he did not get any glass in his eyes. I would love to see these two get it on in Dallas on June 29 at the Night of Champions pay-per-view event for the Intercontinental Title. These two might just steal themselves a PPV.
Wasn’t it amazing how Umaga was cheered Monday night upon taking the fall in the non-title tag team match against Holly and Rhodes? Fans in the Bay Area have long loved the Samoan athletes since the Cow Palace days of the High Chief Peter Maivia. That had to be the first time Snitsky has been cheered since his former dentist and staff gave Snitsky a standing “O” when he of brown teeth decided to stop seeing his dentist except in Olympic years.
Cody Rhodes and Bob Holly have “issues” and one has to assume that doesn’t bode well for the long term success of their duo. This team seems to have little in common. Let’s put it this way, Cody is an iPod and Hardcore is an 8-track tape, not that there is any thing wrong with that, Bob.
Jillian Hall and Trevor Murdoch in an American Idol-like sing off on Raw …”Oh, My!” (Compliments of Michael Cole.) (Not to be confused with the timeless, “OH MY GAWD,” from our colleague Joe E. Styles.)
What broadcaster has the coolest TV wardrobe in WWE … The Adamle … The King? My vote goes to The Tazz for his colorful The Shirts. Just thought I would mention that….now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Yours truly was a little surprised to see Cryme Tyme upset Santino and Carlito in oh-so-hot-tag team action Monday night. One could go out on a limb and even declare that the Raw tag team scene is in a little turmoil … a storm … a conundrum … a calamity … a date with “The D List’s” Kathy Griffin … a long car trip with Adamle … you get the picture.
Having WWE Champion Triple H and No. 1 contender John Cena sitting in on commentary Monday night was fun for the King and me. I hope we can have more guest broadcasters join us in the future. It adds to the unpredictability of the broadcast which makes it feel more like a vintage Monday Night Raw.
Jeff Hardy received arguably the loudest ovation of the night Monday, and the Thrill Seeker came out looking pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good at the end of the evening.
Triple H and Cena were not pleased with each other as we left you Monday night, but remember, “It’s not personal.” Right … and “Ol J.R. doesn’t like barbecue.
I hope you will check out our Web site at www.jrsbarbq.com , as we are doing some new and exciting things there, which should be happening this week. Our newest J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q will be open just after the July 4th holiday in Moore, Okla., on the west side of I-35 at the 19th street exit. Stay tuned!
Boomer Sooner! J.R.
Editor's Note: This is J.R.'s first Superstar of the Week column to be published at WWE Fan Nation. You can read J.R.'s previous Superstar of the Week columns at his column archives page.
