Greetings from under the black hat and thanks for checking out our blog here on the omni powerful WWE.com,  the home of my favorite dot com piece of business..... WWEClassics.com.

That's a lot of dot com's for one paragraph.  

This week yours truly had a nice trip to "the Island" no, not the Bahamas, but Long Island where, for some reason, folks in that part of the world thought that I "talk funny." How could that be??

Bottom line is that I did not frequent one BBQ place while visiting the Nassau Coliseum Tuesday for the taping of Friday Night Smackdown. That's a mortal sin. For any potential investors out there, Mr. McMahon are you listening, a J.R.'s Family BBQ on Long Island would be a cash cow. I'm just saying. 

Not sure when some of you will read this but don't forget to check out WWE Superstars on WGN America Thursday night at 8/7Central. Rey Mysterio vs. Mike "Fort" Knox is the main event and a "guest commentator" joins the "announcers" at ringside. 

Damn, what a physical match Christian had defending his ECW Title Tuesday night against "Big Beefy" Tommy Dreamer. I really enjoyed the physicality and was even more pleased it was someone else getting beat to dickens and not your favorite Okie. Physically wrestlers can't have matches very often such as we saw Tuesday night between the ECW Champion and Yonkers favorite son on Sy Fy starring Josh "I'm A Single Man" Mathews and Matt "Good Thing I Got Out Of Teaching" Striker. Really nice work done by all.

Friday Night Smackdown seems to be another solid broadcast headlined by a red hot, personal issue for the World Heavyweight Title as Jeff Hardy defends his championship against C.M. Punk. This rivalry just seems to get better and better each week and I don't think that you will be disappointed in what you see Friday night. This match features multiple surprises that, as a fan, I really enjoy. 

We'll also determine the #1 contender for the IC Title Friday night in a Fatal Four-way pitting Finlay, Mike Knox, R Truth, and Dolph Ziggler. The winner meets Rey Mysterio for the IC Title in Los Angeles in a few weeks at Summerslam.

I assume everyone knows why I refer to Finlay as "The Quiet Man" but if not stay tuned.

Chris Jericho is in one on one action Friday night against JTG in a very intriguing bout. Really a clash of in-ring styles and life styles. No, I do not think that Big Show with his new shave looks like the "World's Largest Amish Man" because I know that Show reads this blog and I have always felt that the Big Show has "ruggedly handsome" feaures much akin to The Fink.  Plus, I can't see Show selling delicious jellies and jams.  

Summerslam is so big this year that I'm heading to L.A. on Friday just so I don't miss any thing. Lots of really cool fan activities are being planned from what I hear.

Plus, I will have a MAJOR surprise for some folks at Summerslam. Gosh, I love surprises.  

Off the record, Stocky Balboa is hosting a private party in L.A. with all you can drink Nestles Quik. Gonna be a heck of a time....karaoke, charades, and Stump The Fink.  Thank goodness Stocky isn't serving Tang because when 'Ol J.R. drinks too much Tang....well, it's not a pretty sight.

Hey are there any BBQ joints in Edmonton close to the airport? I enjoy visiting cities like Edmonton because their Arena is old school and the site of many "Gretzky Moments" from back in the day of the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL....you know, that pro sports league that few in the States watch.

Did hockey ESPN analyst and former NHL Coach Barry Melrose's hair/mullet start growing when he was in Edmonton. Brother's got some hair, now. He's like Grisham, loves the hair gel.  

Stu Hart, patriarch of the legendary, Hart wrestling dynasty once played pro football for the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League. That one would not have stumped "The Fink" but it might be new info for others.

I wrote on my blog at www.jrsbarbq.comthat Jeremy Piven was/is a ladies man. Is that so wrong?! Piven had to have been in Heaven on Earth hanging with all the smart, sexy, and powerful WWE Divas Monday night. Not a bad gig if one can get it. One can only imagine the numbers of the lovely women in Piven's IPhone. But what's with that 5 o'clock shadow business, Jeremy? I tried that once and my whiskers all came in sort of, uh, white. There,  I said it. 

Just because I know so many of you are keenly interested, the Oklahoma Sooners started football practice this week. That's it from the sports desk.

Seven early 20 something young men from Kansas State University stopped at J.R.'s in Norman on Thursday on their way from Manhattan, Kansas (The Little Apple) to Dallas. I enjoyed visiting with them and I must add that they are all good eaters and enjoyed the coldest brewsky in town.

I have to admit that I have become addicted to watching Poker on TV. NBC's Poker After Dark is destination TV for me. I think WWE having a Pro/Am Poker game for charity is a splendid idea for a TV special if I do say so myself. J.R. could be the "Doyle Brunson" of WWE on the felt. Plus, the World Series of Poker is now being DVR'ed in our home much to the Mrs. delight.  

I got a rise out of some of the WWE Universe when I mentioned that I thought in the future bouts such as Rey Mysterio vs. Evan Bourne or Rey vs. Tyson Kidd would be hot. Hey, I'm a fan and as a fan there are matches that I hope to be able to see some day. What's the difference in talking about matches that I personally would like to see and playing fantasy football? Case closed.

Not that I have any thing to say about what Jack Swagger does or doesn't do, but I suggest that my fellow Okie push his way onto the front porch and start looking to hunt with the "big dogs." It would be interesting to see some day how Swagger would fare against, say, HHH or Cena or even Mr. RKO.   

Count me as a fan of the Raw Guest Host scenario, Jerry Lawler LOVES them all for the record, as I enjoy seeing how people interact within the WWE world like Piven and Shaq. Especialy with it being live, any thing can happen and if it's good then we see it unfold and if it's bad then some can choose to write negative emails about it using phoney screen names which would be a first for this genre.

Just so you'll know, Dr. Ken hates decaffeinated coffee.

No, not Dr. Ken Ramey, former manager of the Masked Medics, but Piven's sidekick.

BTW don't make fun of sidekicks, folks, because I recently attended sidekick school, got my liscence and it wasn't easy. "The sea was angry that day, my friends."

Have you checked out the latest Legends Roundtable on WWE 24/7 On Demand which talks about Patriotism in Wrestling. Interesting show in case you missed it. Sgt. Slaughter, who will Guest Host Raw this Monday, was especially good on this installment of the Roundtable.

We are working on some interesting and NEW specials for our BBQ site that will offer some great deals on shipping which is a necessary evil of the Internet sales biz. Check out our site for this info, blogs, and our Q&A's at www.jrsbarbq.com.

Yours truly has not been scheduled to be in Calgary at this time but if you bump into me at the Edmonton Mall Monday afternoon (wait, that's King's gig)....never mind.

My thanks to those of you who shop at WWEShop.com for your J.R.'s products and those who shop at www.jrsbarbq.com. I appreciate the business greatly. 

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.   

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you taking the time to check out our blogs and especially appreciate you doing business with WWEShop.com and placing orders for J.R.'s BBQ products that are available there.

It will be good to get back to Philly as I have no issue telling any one that the Philly fans are loud and love to have a good time which certainly helps the PPV presentation and all of us that are involved in the process.

Plus, Ol J.R. loves a great Philly Cheesesteak and I'm not too proud to admit it. The last time I was in Philly I had TWO of the best cheesesteaks that I've ever had at a small place near the old ECW Arena called Tony Luke's. I'm sure that there are many great places to enjoy this Philadelphia speciality which is simply another reason for foodies to visit Philly. 

The Night of Champions which, in case you haven't heard is the ONLY night of the year that EVERY title in WWE is at stake, is "this close" to being sold out so Sunday night's atmosphere on PPV should be exciting. Of course, Philadelphia is the place where Santa Claus once was  booed so any wrestler that doesn't bring his or her "A Game" might hear it from the folks in attendance. More power to the fans of the "WWE Universe" I always say.(I get paid extra for saying WWE Universe.)

Did you know that you can order a case of J.R.'s Sauces in 18 ounce, plastic bottles and even mix and match the flavors and still get FREE SHIPPING to selected areas? You can get all the info on the case priced super deal and on all the things in our on line store at www.jrsbarbq.com.

Prediction time for Sunday's Night of Champions PPV from Philly....did I mention that this was the ONLY night of the year that EVERY title in WWE is at stake? (Just made another couple of extra bucks, thank you very much.)

C.M. Punk vs. Jeff Hardy for the World Heavyweight Title...Hardy REALLY wants this championship and I'm going with Jeff to reach the top of the mountain once again. It's the ground game of Punk vs. the Aeriel artistry of Hardy and while I prefer the ground attack, it just feels like a "Hardy Party" in Philly on Sunday. A Hardy loss may mentally crush Jeff.

Randy Orton vs. HHH vs. John Cena in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Title...the reigning Champ has no advantage whatsoever when entering a 3 way match with every man for himself. HHH is looking for title #14 which is an amazing milestone. The Game should be the favorite in the arena Sunday as I expect the Philly crowd to be tough on Cena. Nonetheless it is a road game for all three men  but I'm going with Orton to retain his WWE Title in a mild upset. As an ode to my hero Michael Cole, this might be a controversial, VINTAGE, Orton win.  

Rey Mysterio vs. My Name is Dolph "I've out punted my coverage with Maria" Ziggler...for the Intercontinental Title...I can't imagine Maria ever interfering on Ziggler's behalf but I've been wrong about other women in my life time. Nonetheless Dolph is hot and building momentum and might beat Rey straight up Sunday but that's not what I think as I'm hanging my black hat on Mysterio to retain the IC Gold. However, just to cover my BBQ lovin' backside, don't be surprised if Ziggler leaves Philly with some Gold. 

Kofi vs. Big Show vs. MVP vs. Carlito vs. Jack Swagger vs. Miz for the U.S. Title in a 6 Way match where, as I understand it, the first man to win via pin or submission leaves as United States Champion. Again, the Champion who is Kofi Kingston for the record, loses all championship advantages in a match of this structure. Kofi retaining against 5 other men doesn't sound likely and your guess as to who wins is as good as mine but just for the heck of it I will go with fellow Oklahoman Jack Swagger. Of course, Jack Swagger does have two names, a front name and a behind name, which may not work in his favor. 

Tommy Dreamer defends the ECW Title against Christian in Tommy's old stomping grounds of Philly from Dreamer's ECW days. That info is all true and makes for a nice story plus I am a fan of Dreamer's passion and dedication but I don't see Sunday being a great day for the Yonkers, N.Y. native. Christian wins the ECW Title this weekend but at the end of the day I wish Christian was a member of Friday Night Smackdown starring Todd Grisham.  

Chris Jericho and a partner of his choosing defend the Undisputed Tag Titles against Legacy, Ted "I'm Not The Million Dollar Man" DiBiase and Cody "If You Will" Rhodes. Obviously, the big question here is who will Jericho not only anoint as his partner but essentially grant that person one half of the Undisputed Tag Titles which is a lofty and lucrative distinction. I'm almost as interested in who Jericho tabs as his partner as I am with the match itself. This one is hard to pick because of the aforementioned unknown element but I'm sticking with Smackdown's Jericho and whoever to defeat Legacy. I just hope that Jericho selects a SD roster member because I am a loyalist to a fault for the team for which I play. 

Mickie James vs. Maryse for the Divas Title...Maryse is only the second ever Divas Champion and has improved greatly over the past several weeks. Maryse some "something" special which you can take any way you choose. Mickie is the better and more experienced wrestler in my opinion but sometimes the better wrestler doesn't always win. This one will be close but I'm a slight lean toward the incumbent. Take the under on the "Puppy" inferences by Jerry "The King" Lawler in this one.

Michelle McCool vs. Melina (sorry, no last name) for the WWE Women's Title...Melina may make this bout sound like the women's final at Wimbledon (she's a screamer ala Sharapova) and will no doubt put her heart into this match Sunday. However, it seems as if McCool mentally NEEDS this title more than does Melina. I look for Michelle McCool to retain the title in what I hope is an athletic, physical Divas bout.

Oh My! The Cleveland Cavaliers' Shaquille O'Neal is the guest host of the live broadcast of Monday Night Raw this week emanating from Washington D.C. Shaq-Daddy is "The Man" and has been a devout WWE fan for years. Monday's Raw should be intriguing to watch as it relates to how "hands on" Shaq will be in D.C.

Do you have any questions for yours truly? I can address them if you write our Q&A section of our BBQ website which is www.jrsbarbq.com. 

I am dabbling into working a little sports talk radio into my week with the local sports talk station here in Norman, Oklahoma which is KREF AM1400. They have streaming, live coverage of all their studio shows all day of which can be accessed on the worldwide web. You can be any where in the world and check it out and even email your questions to the station. I did a little cameo with KREF yesterday and promoted Night of Champions, Shaq on Raw, Todd Grisham on Smackdown, Stocky Balboa's Marina Sauce...O.K. so perhaps some of those aforementioned items were embellishments but I did promote the PPV and Shaq.

In Richmond this week, I recorded some thought on the Great Muta which will be featured on WWEClassics.com soon. I strongly suggest that you sample WWEClassics.com as I truly believe that you won't be disappointed especially if you like old school action and want to relive some of the most significant moments in the ring from the past and remember many of your personal favorite stars and bouts.  

Eat more BBQ and count your blessings. I hope that you will enjoy Friday Night Smackdown and Sunday's Night of Champions.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.                        

Thanks for stopping by ... hope everyone is well. This week's blog is a collection of random thoughts from under the black hat ... while sitting in J.R.'s Family BBQ in Norman, Oklahoma.  

Friday Night SmackDown this week emanates from Miami, Florida, which is always a super place to visit. Although I will have to admit that I had a better time this week while in South Florida than I did back in January when the University of Florida defeated my Oklahoma Sooners for the National Title of College Football. But, as the King would say, one can't grieve forever.

SD is an entertaining broadcast this week with a chaotic ending to the show. I mean a really chaotic conclusion that gives the viewer plenty to think about.

Jeff Hardy and Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho and Dolph Ziggler comprise the main event on a show that also prominently features World's Champ CM Punk who faces John Morrison and Kane vs. R-Truth.

I wonder if Jericho will ever refer to the equally egocentric Ziggler as "Grasshopper" during the evening?

We also have an exclusive interview with Edge regarding his surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon that has threatened Edge's career. Thank goodness for Dr. Jim Andrews who did the surgery just as the good Doctor repaired NFL quarterback Brett Favre's biceps several weeks ago not to mention Batista's large guns.  

Don't miss Friday Night Smackdown on MyNetworkTV starring Todd Grisham as Todd Grisham....and Jerry Mathers as "The Beaver."

Actor, comedian, director, producer, rich guy, creative guru, and all around good dude Seth Green, if that is his real name, seemed like he had a great time on Raw Monday night from Orlando. Seth may have been the most unique "guest host" yet on Raw even though I am still partial to the Million Dollar Man because I am, gasp, old school.

To those Internet geeks who think that going from young and hip Seth Green to Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famers ZZ Top as this week's Raw guest hosts is too much of a stretch, please allow me to say this.....bovine manure.

ZZ Top is one of the classic rock 'n roll bands of all time and it makes no difference when they debuted as they still do great touring business and their music is played in every city in America every day. Plus, I know for a fact that Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill are legitimately, huge fans of WWE and have been following the genre of wrestling for years and years. That should count for something. ZZ Top has enjoyed J.R.'s Family BBQ in Norman on more than one occasion and we have a signed ZZ Top guitar in our store in Norman just as you enter the front door.

O.K. so I'm pals with the band and I may not be totally objective regarding this matter but some pundits just over think things and when they dump on my friends it raises my ire.  

Plus, who said we "veterans" still can't contribute at a high level? I'm not buying into the Hollywood theory that youth and looks outweigh experience and talent.

Did You Know....that WWE Divas answer your questions here on WWE.com? Keep your questions clean and don't take their tax advice.

Just curious but do you think that Cryme Tyme is paid by the "Yo?"

Who is the best young wrestler on WWE's Flagship Broadcast, Monday Night Raw? My vote would be for Perry, Oklahoma's own Jack Swagger the former roommate of Chicago Bears defensive tackle Dusty Dvorachek.

Speaking of young and talented, the Hart Dynasty are just that and every time I see them I think of the awesome WWEClassics.com.

Have you ordered your "Ricky O Rally Towel" yet? Me neither. I am interested, however, in a Howard Finkel ring tone.

We just received a HUGE shipment of J.R.'s Chipolte Ketchup and HOT BBQ Sauce and have case prices available with free shipping at www.jrsbarbq.com.

Is Jeff Hardy putting to much pressure on himself to win the World Heavyweight Title? Some folks think so but I hope not as the days draw near to Night of Champions.

I am going to have to hit, I think this is the name of it, Tony Luke's for a Philly Cheese Steak when we get into Philadelphia for the PPV.

C.M. Punk no doubt has his fans but the Straight Edge World's Champ isn't the most popular dude in the SD locker room. Word has it he's just a tad "preachy."

I wonder how the Million Dollar Man and the American Dream honestly feel about their sons being essentially "lapdogs" for Master Randall Orton, the WWE Champion? When are Ted and Cody going to have their fill of being errand boys as Brando said in "Apocalypse Now?"

Thanks for reading and for supporting Friday Night Smackdown on the elusive MyNetworkTV. If you want to read more blogs and our Q&A's from around the world please check out www.jrsbarbq.com.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.

Thanks for dropping by and checking out our blog. Between processing orders for bottles of sauce and merchandise on our BBQ website www.jrsbarbq.comand traveling for WWE, things have been hectic as we've been as busy, as my Grandpa would say, as a fruit merchant. That's not a complaint by the way.

Friday Night Smackdown on MyNetworkTV is a solid broadcast that I encourage you to check out if for nothing else but to enjoy the return bout between Rey Mysterio and Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Title.

I defy any one to watch this match in its entirety and honestly proclaim that it wasn't one of the best bouts ever on SD.

If one likes old school wrestling that is void of wasted motion and head scratching maneuvers that make little or no sense, then this is the main event for you. Two future WWE Hall of Famers rock the house with Jericho looking to become the only 10 time Intercontinental Champion in WWE history.

ESPN, despite all their talking heads (sans Jonathan Coachman) who love to often times, with their witty banter, make the stories that they cover about themselves and not about sports, would make Friday night's Mysterio-Jericho title bout an "Instant Classic."

Friday Night Smackdown arguably has two of the top young talents in all WWE in John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler and they face each other on SD this week. At this early stage of their evolution, wins and loses always count but not nearly as much as as it will when these two men finally reach regular, main event status and are competing for titles.

C.M. Punk seems to be slowly losing favor with many of the fans who once supported him but who am I to say without proof that Punk doesn't have an eye injury? Punk vs. Jeff Hardy will take place for the World Title in Philly at the Night of Champions in a couple of weeks in a contest that feels as if it has enormous pressure on Jeff to win the title for his own sanity and well being.

Jeff Hardy can beat C.M. Punk, without question, but whether or not Jeff can do it with excessive self imposed pressue on himself is another question for which I don't have an answer.

Jeff faces Kane on Friday Night Smackdown which is never a fun task as Kane has returned from an extended leave and looks to be fresher and healthier than he has been in a while. I still get questions as to whether or not Kane will ever return to wearing his mask and to that one I say, "I don't know." We do have an authentic Kane mask, the last one he actually wore, on display at J.R.'s Family BBQ in Norman, Oklahoma just off I35 south of OKC at exit 109.

It looks as if Jerry Lawler has thrown his crown into the race for Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee in a specially called election that will be held this fall. The Mayor's job is a full time position which would mean that if Jerry were elected that he would have to suspend his WWE responsibilities while being his hometown's chief executive. This is no publicity stunt and Jerry is very serious about helping his community of which he should be applauded. I wish him the best of luck and hope that the citizens of Memphis recognize that Jerry is not a professional politician but merely a man devoted to making is hometown a better place to live for all the folks who reside there.

WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Brisco and I talked Thursday just a few hours after Jerry under went heart surgery to repair some birth defects in his ticker with which the Oklahoma native just recently discovered. The surgery was successful and hopefully Jerry will be at his lakeside home in Tampa beginning his recuperation by the time you read this. BTW you can see many of the greatest stars in wrestling history by checking out WWEClassics.com.

We now have our new, J.R.'s HOT BBQ Sauce in stock along with our famous Chipolte Ketchup and they are both available at www.jrsbarbq.com with immediate shipping. We also have case prices, 12-18 ounce plastic bottles, for your convenience that includes FREE SHIPPING to many areas. 

It was great seeing the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase on Raw Monday night. Ted and I both got our starts in Mid South Wrestling working for WWE HOF'er Cowboy Bill Watts back in the 70's. One of the greatest and most talked about issues to ever air on Mid South TV involved the late Dick Murdoch, DiBiase, and then NWA Champion Ric Flair. 

I hear that former Mid South and UWF alum, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, may be writing an autobiography. I would love to read of Jim's journey from Glens Falls to SMU to the NFL to working with Watts and then McMahon not to mention Hack's battle with cancer. The happy go lucky Jim Duggan many WWE fans have known over the years was a brawling, physical, tough, son of a gun in Mid South and was a far cry from what the vast majority of fans remember him being on WWE TV. Jim Duggan was one of the biggest stars Cowboy Bill Watts ever developed and arguably may rank only behind the Junkyard Dog. 

I think it is a great tribute to their uncles, Bret and Owen Hart, for the Hart Dynasty to wear the pink and black colors in their ring attire. I am anxious to see Natalya Neidhart get involved in the Divas scene on SD at some point in the future. 

Good luck to former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar this Saturday night during his title fight at UFC 100. Lesnar will be unfairly booed by many in attendance because he was once in WWE which makes little to no sense to to whatsoever. Lesnar's in ring, catch as catch can wrestling skills were developed in WWE just like many of the young talents we watch weekly on ECW.

I thought Ricky Ortiz had his best TV outing since he's been in WWE in a losing effort against the charismatic and exciting R Truth Thursday night on WWE Superstars on WGN America. Ortiz is a big, strong athletic man who should continue to improve if he doesn't get to immersed in all this "Rally Up" business. 

BTW I'm still waiting for my invite to throw out the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game and sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch. One of my broadcasting heroes, the late Harry Carey, was able to pull it off with a cold beverage so why couldn't this Okie? I'm just saying.

How's this for planning ahead....I have my travel handled for getting from Lincoln, Nebraska to Omaha to Chicago to Manchester, England to Sheffield, England in November already put to bed. I will be attending the OU-Nebraska college football game on Saturday and then flying to the UK on Sunday arriving in Manchester EARLY Monday morning.

I recorded some TV commercials for the United Way early Friday morning with the likes of Heisman Trophy winners and former OU Sooners Steve Owens, Billy Sims, and Jason White that will air soon in Oklahoma. How I got into such elite company is beyond me but flattering nonetheless.

The WWE/Topps Trading card set that I did some writing for will be out in October. For trading card and memorabilia collectors I think that you will really enjoy them. 

I got a kick out of the interaction on ECW this week between ECW Champion Tommy Dreamer and newcomer Abraham Washington....if that is his real name. Dreamer may have found his post wrestling calling as he demonstrated a quick wit and verbal creativity that bodes well for TV broadcasters in this genre.

Enjoy the grilling season with the world's greatest BBQ sauces from www.jrsbarbq.com while you spend quality, family time during these beautiful, summer months. 

I also hope that you enjoy Friday Night Smackdown and SD's #1 broadcaster, sorry Funaki, Todd Grisham and his trusty sidekick, that would be me, as we hope to see many of you in Miami, Florida this Tuesday night for the next taping of Friday Night Smackdown.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.   

Random thoughts from under the custom made, black hat from an Okie who's happy to be home from our hot, California sojourn and who needs his "fix" of J.R.'s Family BBQ.

The C.M. Punk/Jeff Hardy issue is evolving at an interesting clip and I'm willing to bet a bottle of J.R.'s Original BBQ Sauce, available at www.jrsbarbq.com, that their World Title Bout at Night of Champions will be a gem dandy. Hardy seems to be feeling the pressure to win the World Title while Punk continues to play enough mind games to add to the youngest Hardy's angst.

To top that off, Jeff and C.M. will be tag team partners Friday night on Smackdown on the elusive MyNetworkTV and will face the new, Undisputed Tag Team Champions, "Team Ego," Chris Jericho and Edge. 

For some reason, I have a heck of a time not saying/typing Edge and Christian but that's another story for another time. 

Speaking of Edge and Jericho, I specualte that these two will be challenged to co-exist over the long haul which is too bad as I would like to see someone or some team establish their superiority and hold on to a title for a long reign.

When will we next see a two out of three fall match in WWE? Yeah, I know that I'm old school but I like the occasional 2X3 fall bout as they usually eliminate "fluke" wins.

I suspect that many of my "old school" philosophies are the source of plenty of eye roll's with some of the younger pups with which I work. For the record, the Undertaker-Shawn Michaels bout at WM25, you know, the best match of 2009 and perhaps the best bout ever in Wrestlemania history, was an "old school" match.   

Even though John Morrison is still the hottest young star on Friday Night Smackdown, at least that's my perspective, don't take your eyes off of Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler has been raising eye brows in and out of the ring and if you tune in Friday night you'll see what I mean.

Did you know that R Truth has an alter ego? Stay tuned over the next week or two. 

BTW how does a guy print a boarding pass that only says R Truth? I'm just saying.

Fans in Australia and in Japan will be enjoying WWE action over the next few days as the Superstars of all three brands will be abroad for the 4th of July (No, I'm not forgetting our friends in Hawaii including Dog the Bounty Hunter.)  I plan on being in my Norman, Oklahoma backyard grilling, which isn't barbecuing for the record. Grilling is done over direct heat ala burgers on the grill while BBQ'ing is done over indirect heat meaning that only smoke is used to make your brisket, ribs, etc taste authentically wonderful. Remember, low and slow my friends. For instance,  we smoke our pulled pork for about 10 hours at approximately 225 degrees and that, boys and girls, is what I mean by "low and slow."

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart celebrated a birthday this week and I want to wish "Hitman" many more. Bret is one of my all time favorite in ring competitors and his match vs. Steve Austin at WM13 in Chicago is one of my best WWE memories.  BTW the Hart Dynasty will make the entire Hart Family very happy as their careers in WWE evolve. David Hart Smith, Tyson Kidd, and Natalya Neidhart wear pink and black in honor of Bret and Owen Hart which is pretty cool in my eyes.

While Kane's presence in the SD locker room is unique to say the least, the "Big Red Machine's" surprise return at The Bash couldn't have come at a better time. With all the youth on WWE programming these days, having a tested veteran and former WWE Champion on the Friday night program is a good thing. The Great Khali might disagree with me but between my Okie drawl and Khali's accent we can't understand a word each other says anyway.

I remember my wife, after visiting the Neverland Ranch years ago, telling me that the late Michael Jackson's nephews and neices asked her several questions about yours truly after Kane decided to "BBQ J.R." back in the day. The Jackson kids followed WWE closely and I hope that they still do. Our condolences to the Jackson family as I wish the media would simply let the man rest in peace but that isn't likely to happen for many more weeks.

Get well wishes go out to WWE Hall of Famer and a fellow Okie Jerry Brisco, a former OSU Cowboy grappler, who underwent heart surgery this week. Jerry is one of the best friends a person could have and I look forward to visiting with him Sooner, sorry G.B., than later.

Check out WWEClassics.com and click on to "J.R.'s Favorite" as coming up I am taking a close look at the 1994 Steamboat-Austin U.S. Title bout at Bash at the Beach. I'm a huge fan, no jokes please....I'm sensitive, of WWEClassics.com as I am of WWE 24/7 Classics on Demand.   

I hope that every one has a great, safe 4th of July and if you're on a beach in Connecticut and see the legendary Fink, the first and only ring announcer to ever be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, walking toward you in his New York Mets' styled Speedo, run as if your hair was on fire. Or not. 

Be sure and check our our BBQ website, www.jrsbarbq.com for more blogs and our Q&A's plus the great deals we have in our on line store including all kinds of signed memorabilia. Plus, we have case prices on our Original Sauce that provides FREE SHIPPING for selected areas.

Good bye for now from Oklahoma and good night Stocky Balboa and all the ships at sea.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.