Jim Ross Blogs: WWE Roster Cuts, Alberto Del Rio, MVP
Jim Ross has posted his latest blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights:
About Alberto Del Rio: "Alberto Del Rio has a bona fide upside but needs to be more aggressive and allow his mean streak to be vividly be on display when he's on the offensive. I really think that Del Rio can be a star in WWE but it may take him a little longer than some may like. Patience is the key as Alberto has a great look, wrestling heritage, and the legit skills to be a major player over time and then for years to come. Del Rio walking the edge of the PG rating might be interesting."
On MVP's promo on Smackdown: "MVP's promo on Friday Night Smackdown was his best in months and maybe ever. I listened intently to every word and to be perfectly honest I rarely listen to every word of every wrestling promo that I hear during the week of seemingly endless TV broadcasts.
Promos in wrestling need to be like great reality TV and come off as real, organic and natural while not being contrived and memorized copy. Those that can ad lib to a certain degree and rise to the occasion when challenged to perform extemporaneously often times end up becoming stars. During WWE's self proclaimed transition period, it would be fun to see who could thrive in the emotional, natural, old school promo environment which is as much about delivery as it is about content."
About whether he is done announcing: "Emailer....I don't think that Monday night was my official 'send off ' from WWE announcing or at least no one told me such. After doing a piece of the Celtics radio broadcast with pal Sean Grande a couple of weeks ago in OKC and with the OU Football and Basketball job coming open next year, I would like to think that I will be doing some broadcasting work before I finally hang it up which will be years from now. The UFC upper mgmt people know that I have an interest in their product and I think that my style would fit what they do quite well especially when they begin expanding their roster of broadcasters. Who knows, WWE might want me to do something on an occasional basis but I must point out that there is absolutely no plans to that affect at this time.
The good news is that I've regained my health and the fire is burning again to do something along the aforementioned lines. time will tell but no matter what happens I will remain happy and attack every day with every intention to enjoy that day to the fullest. Plus, I don't feel like the traditional old timer who can't do his job any longer as broadcasters have a much longer shelf life than do the wrestlers."
On roster cuts: "Roster cuts are never fun especially for those that are released or endeavored and for those making the phone calls and relaying the bad news. I hated that aspect of the job but it simply goes with the turf. Only way to do it is respectfully and truthfully. Most folks take it fairly well until a few years later when some of them who need the cash sit down to do the infamous shoot interviews and bury every one in sight except the person that they see in the mirror. I've been gut and quartered on many occasions bu y those that I always felt that I treated fairly. Such is life in the wrestling biz in my old role.
I could see all the individuals that WWE cut on Friday finding success in the wrestling biz if they identify what it is that they are lacking and go to work immediately to address their liabilities. Honestly, a fresh start is often times good medicine as opposed to just existing on the bottom of the roster waiting for someone else to make it happen for you. As the King would say, "One can't grieve forever" so rise up, develop a plan, and begin to get better at one's vocation. Take it from me, it isn't the end of the world. Plus, if you have your health a large part of your battle back is done."