Final SD! Rating, TNA 2009 PPV Dates, J.R Comments On Flair Returning, More
TNA has announced the dates for its first two Pay-Per-View events of 2009. Genesis will be held on January 11th and Against All Odds will be held on February 8th. The locations have yet to be announced, although TNA has stated that January's PPV and several other 2009 shows will be held outside of Orlando. (Thanks to Devin Cutting for help with this)
Jim Ross posted a new blog entry at JRsBarBQ.com, which can be read here in its entirety. This week, Ross talks about a number of topics, including WWE's upcoming 3-hour RAW, Brock Lesnar's fight with Randy Couture and more. Here is what JR said about the news that Ric Flair was considering an in-ring return: The wrestling internet is seemingly abuzz discussing the possibility of Ric Flair wrestling another match. First of all, when is the last time you heard of a pro wrestler retiring, I mean really retiring, and never, EVER wrestling again after his "retirement match." Of course, it's happened but not that often and not in a good while especially when speaking of a high profile star such as "Naitch." Ric is in a unique situation as he is one of the few free agent stars out there that can still sell tickets particularly when there is a strong promotion behind him and he is wrestling in a high profile situation. That situation would be in the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2009 against a Japanese legend like Masa Chono, for example. The Japanese need an "outside attraction" to help resurrect their Dome business and Ric having his "Japanese retirement match" there would definitely help sell tickets. The ceremony and pre-match hype in Japan for this event would be memorable. So, do I know for sure if Ric Flair is going to take a huge money offer for a one off event in Tokyo in the Dome on January 4, 2009? No. Would I be willing to make a friendly wager than it does happen? Without question. The financial offer for Ric to don the rights one more time in a country steeped in wrestling heritage and where fans love to honor the legends of the game in an emotional show of respect is a promoter's dream. I would much rather see Ric wrestle in a "one off" Tokyo Dome environment than ever see him advertised to wrestle in an armory or high school gym in the States. That would be sad.
Friday's edition of WWE Smackdown scored a 2.0 broadcast rating, down from last week's 2.1 rating.