JR On Ric Flair/SD, Great American Bash, Bret Hart & More

Jim Ross is back on his official website with a new blog post. Below are highlights:

Ric Flair possibly appearing on SmackDown: Speaking of North Carolina, Smackdown is taped next Tuesday in Charlotte and does any one else find it strange that Ric Flair is not "officially" a part of either of the proceedings in Raleigh or Charlotte? Perhaps we will get a Nature Boy surprise "drive by" at one of the events. With or without "The Naitch" present, there will be many "Whoo's" in North Carolina next Monday and Tuesday.

This week's SmackDown: There will be lots of wrestling on Friday Night Smackdown this week. In my humble and biased opinion, SD features the best wrestling of any WWE program this week. Edge had another memorable night of TV and is simply on top of his game and doing what he does better than any one in the WWE. I especially enjoyed the HHH-Chavo, Matt Hardy-Benjamin, and Edge-Big Show bouts in particular. Plus, the continued slow, steady growth of the "Moscow Mauler" Vladimir Kozlov is encouraging when one looks long term. Every match on the program seemed to accomplish their goals which is always fun of which to be a part.

Bret Hart becoming an uncle: Uncle Bret Hart will likely be proud of niece Natalya Neidhart on Friday Night Smackdown especially with Nattie's utilization of "The Hitman's" vaunted "Sharp Shooter". I am very high on Ms. Neidhart's potential and her approach to her work.

CM Punk vs. Batista: The C.M. Punk vs. Batista World Title Bout at the Great American Bash will be one of the most analyzed matches of 2008. Punk has a loyal, passionate fan base which somewhat reminds me of the original ECW fan base. I am truly anxious to watch this Raw contest on July 20 and I think the fans in Long Island will favor Punk over "The Animal", not that it matters.