Jim Ross Blog: Flair's Intense Training, Austin's Movie Career
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here's what JR said about:
Ric Flair: "Ric Flair called me Saturday as I was pulling into Owen Field in Norman about two hours before the Sooner game. Ric is staying very busy and the state lottery, promotional endorsement that he's doing may be growing to other states outside the old, Mid Atlantic Territory area. Ric told me he was working out twice a day, when he could, in preparation for the upcoming Australian tour on which he's booked. After talking to 'Naitch' it's obvious to me that he still has the passion and the fire to perform inside a wrestling ring which should come really as no shock or surprise and I don't think that his passion to perform will ever wane. Mother Nature might cause Ric more 'female problems' but Ric's will to compete and perform can't be deterred."
Steve Austin: "Steve Austin called me Sunday afternoon during the Packers-Vikings game and most of our discussion centered on football and how I was doing battling my 'little friend' Bells palsy #3. Steve is preparing to head up to Vancouver to film another action/adventure movie that is going to be largely done outdoors in the beautiful terrain of Vancouver, British Columbia. The Texas Rattlesnake expects to encounter plenty of 'weather' including ample rain which apparently is what they want for the film to have the organic grittiness to fit the script. I don't know the release date but one can assume some time in 2010 nor do I know the title. I obviously don't know much but as I said we talked football and not work."
On Gimmick Matches: Some emailers have the erroneous impression that I don't like "gimmick matches" which is their term not mine. That would be wrong. I do like "specialty bouts" but not when they are overused. Instead of telling a long arching, well told story, many times we fans get a steady diet of "gimmick matches" which often comes off as a lazy way of doing business. These unique bouts need to be utilized strategically and not as stop gaps or band aids.
On WWE Recruiting: Seems like my interview with the Baltimore Sun's Kevin Eck got a fair amount of play. When I first saw that I was being "critical" of the recruiting system being used by WWE I was somewhat taken a back to some degree but upon further review I understood what some pundits were saying. First of all, any system can be improved upon no matter what it is or who is in charge. Every level of one's business has room for improvement much like our personal lives. I do think that the future of the pro wrestling business lies in the hands of the development and evolution of new talents as fans/consumers want fresh elements added to the equation. It also seems to make common sense that one would want to recruit the best athletes in the world, if possible, especially gifted athletes who are fans of the genre and who demonstrate an aptitude for athletically entertaining discerning fans.
On Wrestlers Being Unhappy: It's not new, news to read that "wrestler X" is "unhappy." Just like it is not unusual these days to read about a pro athlete who has ruffled feathers. These talents need to converse not confront the people who can actually solve their problems unless they enjoy living in turmoil which is another issue altogether. Wrestlers have been "unhappy" to some degree since the day I first walked in a locker room in 1974. Same story for any locker room or entertainment dressing room environment. It's simply a part of the lay of the land and goes with the proverbial territory. Paranoia runs deep in sports and entertainment...always has...always will.
On His Health: I still feel that I am making improvements on the health front and am anxiously awaiting the nerves to regenerate in my face. Only time will tell. I don't have any tests scheduled at this time this week which works for me. I will lay low and stay off the radar and just hope that I wake up every day better than the day before.