Mysterio's WWE Return, Flair/WWE, Y2J, & More
Jim Ross recently updated his blog on his website. We found a few of his most interesting notes and posted them here.
Concerning Ric Flair being inducted into the class of 2008 Hall of Fame:
Lots of speculation about Ric Flair going into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008 in Orlando. Nothing has been confirmed, but there is obviously no doubt that "Naitch" is Hall of Fame worthy, if any one ever was. Again, I will wait for Ric to make the announcement about his wrestling future before I run with a story that is unfounded. Nonetheless, when I am asked which Flair matches I most remember, I always think of his Mid South Wrestling issues with Ted DiBiase, Dick Murdoch, and JYD among others. Later on when I went to work for the dysfunctional WCW, Ric's ordeals with Terry Funk and Ricky Steamboat were classics as well. Naturally, these are not all the super matches, the greatest living wrestler was involved in, but these are the ones that I can remember as if they were just a few days ago. Ric donated a beautiful pair of red, patent leather boots he signed for us to display in J.R.'s Family Bar-B-Q. Talk about cool!
On Rey Mysterio's return to the ring:
I hear that Rey Mysterio is improving and that we might see the high flying masked grappler back in the ring by summer's end or before, if we are lucky. I suggest to you that Rey will be better than ever, as he has had a chance to heal from not only his surgically repaired knee, but other nagging injuries as well. Rey Mysterio completely dispels the myth that an athlete has to be of a particular size to "make it" in the big time. Talent combined with opportunity have lead to Rey's spectacular success. Rey's popularity is amazing and the Latino star has as passionate a fan base as anyone in the WWE has had in decades.
On the Work Schedule of WWE Superstars:
It amazes me when ex-wrestlers or almost ex-wrestlers continue to harp that today's wrestlers are on the road "300 days a year" which is inaccurate and simply not true. Today's WWE Superstars work 4 days on and 3 days off, approximately 50 weeks a year and can have more time off if requested. I don't ever remember turning down a wrestler's request for off time during my tenure in talent relations in the WWE. That is not to say the road schedule isn't challenging, because it is, but it has improved over previous generations and, as in any other business, I would suspect more tweaking will ensue.
On Chris Jericho's Recent Media Appearances:
I enjoyed former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho's comments on various "news" shows this past week. I like Chris' new hairstyle and he looked great and was more articulate and informative than virtually anyone I heard all week on these "infotainment" broadcasts. I had the privilege of writing the foreword for Chris's upcoming book and even though I have not read it, as of yet, I have heard it is one of the better books by a wrestler in years. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I have great respect for Chris Jericho, for the record.