To all those celebrating Thanksgiving I want to personally wish all of you a day full of peace, rest, great food, and most of all a day that adds to a lifetime of family memories.

There are so many things that I am thankful for so here’s a list with just some of them:

The many members of the WWE Universe who have provided thousands of good wishes and prayers for my recovery from Bells palsy #3. 

The hard-working young people who work for WWE.com and who have been so supportive of my work on the best Web site in existence.

For Todd Grisham and Matt Striker who are evolving as the new SmackDown broadcast team and I hope that they have many, many years together on Friday nights.

For my long-term friendship with Jerry Lawler of whom I hope to someday work with again on WWE TV.

For Michael Cole keeping me entertained and supplied with “material” by his use of “vintage” and the Dick Enberg classic, “Oh, my!”

The Legends Roundtables on WWE 24/7 On Demand which takes a look at the history of wrestling and as I have said no one can navigate the future with out knowing something about the past. This month we talk of the “Art of Managing” in wrestling. Several young, WWE Superstars would be well-served to have a great manager at their side today. I hope to be doing projects for WWE 24/7 and for WWE Classics.com for years to come and long after I’m off of weekly TV.

The many friends like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair and SO many more that keep in regular touch with me while checking on my health.

Members of the WWE Universe who visit our ever growing Web site www.jrsbarbq.com to read our blogs, submit questions and comments, that I actually answer, and to place orders from our online store. BTW our business as we head into the holiday season has been “brisk” to say the least. Thank you.

That I’m not a participant in the Ladder Match at the TLC PPV in San Antonio in December as Christian and Shelton Benjamin have the ability to “steal the show” as both eluded to Tuesday night on ECW on SyFy.

For Jesse Ventura hosting Monday Night Raw and setting the bar to the level of just how much a guest G.M. can contribute to the WWE’s top TV priority. Good luck to Verne “Mini Me” Troyer and let’s hope that he can “measure up” (sorry) to “The Governor” next week in Baltimore.

For not having any Baltimore flashbacks where I once passed kidney stone fragments during a WCW Great American Bash while broadcasting from the stage at the Arena. Ouch.

For not having to have to thoroughly explain the synergy between William Regal, Vladimir Kozlov, and Ezekiel Jackson based on what I saw Tuesday night on ECW.

For hearing my pal Joe E. Styles actually deliver his memorable “CAT FIGHT” line on live TV in person once upon a time. BTW if you were able to look into Joe’s ‘fridge at home you would see Ol J.R.’s face (scary thought, huh) as he and his family are big fans of our sauces and ketchup.

For not being booked as a guest on "The Abraham Washington Show."  But I do enjoy hearing WWE HOF’er Tony Atlas’ laugh.

For being able to contribute to the soon to be released Jeff Hardy DVD prior to going on injured reserve. I’m anxious to see how many of my comments made air because they were extremely candid. Jeff Hardy will always be one of my all-time favorite competitors and I can’t wait to see this upcoming DVD that’s available to the masses next week.

That I won’t have to be on Raw when it emanates from Dallas and espouse a “I love the guy” mantra on Guest General Manager Mark Cuban, if that is his real name, as he wanted to kill OKC’s chances of getting an NBA franchise which has helped the community of which we make our home. Nonetheless Cuban, who owns the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, is an entertaining personality who will hopefully get RKO’ed … again.

That I remembered to DVR Raw Monday night beginning an hour earlier. The three-hour marathon was an hour too long for me but one of the better Raws I’ve seen in a good while. I’ve watched it again since seeing it live.

That younger fans got a chance to hear McMahon and Ventura together again on commentary, albeit for one night only one would assume. I always thoroughly enjoyed their broadcast team and thought that they ranked among the best ever. Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan were awesome too but I will always, yes I’m biased, rank The King and JR at the top of the talker mountain. Hey, I said I was biased. Lighten up, Francis.

That I wouldn’t want to be Batista, who seemed to show his true colors when he backed away from Kane on Raw, when those two large bulls collide Friday night on SmackDown.  

That Chris Jericho hangs his shingle on Friday Night Smackdown as he is the type of “lightening rod” every WWE TV show needs, love him or not.

That I am not a “nameless” WWE referee.

That I don’t have to win a trivia contest with “The Fink” who proudly wears his WWE HOF every day as he should.  

That a newcomer, Sheamus, has the opportunity to compete for the WWE Title on a WWE PPV at TLC in a Tables Match against WWE kingpin John Cena, which I feel will be a physical, Slobber Knocker. To some fans that I have heard from on www.jrsbarbq.com  they feel Sheamus is void on “sizzle.” I don’t agree but that’s those folk’s opinion but there is no way that the tough, Irish lad is short on “steak.”

That TLC is being held in beautiful San Antonio which is the home town of one of the greatest of all time and, arguably, the best in ring performer ever, Shawn Michaels. San Antonio is a great place with the River Walk, the great food and friendly people. It’s also the site of where I got “drafted” to Smackdown back in June of '08. Yee Haw.

For Kofi Kingston exploding to become the hottest, young wrestler in the entire WWE for my BBQ bucks. Being not so easy go lucky and becoming more intense and serious has elevated the young man from Ghana on a meteoric rise up the WWE ladder. What’s next for Kofi….perhaps a prestigious championship? I would say yes IF Kofi can survive Randy Orton because you gotta know that confrontation is just beginning.

For being able to provide FREE SHIPPING for many domestic orders of our J.R.’s BBQ Sauces and our Chipotle Ketchup along with our Championship Original Beef Jerky (97% FAT FREE) and many more great holiday gift ideas at www.jrsbarbq.com.

And finally, I’m thankful for you stopping by WWE.com and checking out our blog every week.

Be well and count your blessings.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.

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