JR Blog: Steve Austin & Ric Flair To TNA?, WWE Future, & More
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here's what JR wrote about:
His WWE future: "Some think that it is automatic that when/if I return to WWE that I am automatically going back on the Smackdown announce team. I wouldn't say it's automatic at all. Let's allow all the issues to play out and then see where I land. It might be Smackdown and then again it might not. I don't have a crystal ball to gaze into but within the next few months things will shake out."
Steve Austin to TNA Wrestling: "Will Steve Austin ever go to TNA? That's a question for Steve but my educated guess would be no. I don't think Steve has any intention of ever wrestling again as he focuses on his movie career which is both time consuming and challenging for the 'new guy.' Steve is and always will, be a fan of the wrestling business but he's building a body of work in the movie business and has been involved in, I think, 3 or 4 productions this year alone which is a helluva, challenging schedule."
Ric Flair to TNA Wrestling: "Will Ric Flair ever go to TNA? Again, that's a "Naitch" question but the chances of Flair doing some work with TNA especially now that Hulk (Hogan) is headed there is much more likely than had Hulk not joined TNA in my opinion. Bottom line is that the above questions re: Austin and Flair can only be definitively answered by those two men but at least I addressed the questions of which we have been inundated."
On CM Punk: As I see CM Punk's TV persona, his philosophy is on the mark but his delivery and pious attitude is what most fans are supposed to dislike. I don't think any one should feel that WWE advocates smoking, drinking, etc but they are trying to promote a character who says that if you don't agree with every thing I say that you are wrong and that if you have an occasional beer, let's say, that Punk feels that he's better than you.
On Managers In Wrestling: Watched the Legends Roundtable featuring our discussion on managers again and the 83 minute program is really entertaining on WWE 24/7 On Demand. I think that most fans will truly enjoy this episode of the Roundtable. Managing in wrestling has become a lost art and perhaps we will see the return of managers some day because what was old in one era becomes new in another era. I see so many promising young wrestlers today who would be so much better if they had a great, credible manager to represent the young talents' TV personas.
On PPV Buyrates: Read something about "why PPV buys are down in wrestling." That's an easy one. If the product/attraction is what the fans want to see they will find a way to buy it. PPV's are attraction driven. Give me what I want and I will pay you for it. Obviously, some folks can't afford the volume of PPV's that come their way plus seemingly having a PPV every three weeks or so is not advantageous. One's disposable income is an issue with buying any non essential products but wrestling fans will usually pony up the cash if the attractions are in place. Plus, it makes sense that more folks are chipping in and watching the PPV's together.
You can check out the full blog at JRsBarBQ.com. They are always great reads.