Jim Ross Talks WrestleMania, Which Match Will Steal The Show, His One Man Show, Undertaker
Jules Bentley of Gambit (BestofNewOrleans.com) has an interview with Jim Ross, who discussed WrestleMania, the New Orleans wrestling scene, his one man shows on Thursday and more.
If you will be in New Orleans tomorrow, JR will be performing two shows at the House of Blues; the first at 5:30 pm, and the second at 9:00 pm. You can purchase tickets for both shows at Ticketmaster by clicking here. I will be attending the 9pm show, so if you're going, make sure to say hi. I'll be sporting a WrestlingINC.com shirt, and you can tweet me at @RajGiri_303 if you can't find me.
Below are highlights from the interview:
Which match will steal the show:
"Because of what's at stake and the two guys in it, I think the Triple H/Daniel Bryan match could very well be the show-stealer on that card. I expect that match to go on early, so the audience is going to be fresher, full of "P & V." Then the fact that there's something definitive at stake as relates to the winner. [The winner gets a title shot later that night.] You have a destination, you have a reason, you have two highly talented guys that have so much professional pride. I think that Triple H/Bryan match is one that will tell a very compelling story. It's not the beginning or ending chapter; another chapter will be written later in the night. But it's got a chance to be a great match."
The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar:
"A match that, for anyone who hasn't seen it, I think will make a lasting impression is the [Undertaker defending his WrestleMania winning] Streak. There's a feeling about the Streak that's hard to describe, a feeling you and those around you have when that match is about to begin. It's not something that you can necessarily articulate, even as a skilled wordsmith or journalist. Undertaker's 21 and 0; I've broadcast a lot of those matches, and it's one of the most unique environments? and this isn't hyperbole? I've ever experienced. When you look at Undertaker's body of work, he wants to raise the bar every outing. The whole presentation of the Streak, in person, is an experience you just can't replicate."
What to expect from his shows on Thursday:
"I'll do a succinct open, to get everybody up to speed on my career, and then we go right into the questions-and-answers. Fans can ask any question they choose. No topic is off limits ? I call it a no-holds-barred Q&A ? and the questions lead to stories. I'm not a stand-up comedian, but a lot of the stories are organically humorous, so there will be a lot of laughs. The questions make every show different, and I think that's better than a long monologue. Each show has its own personality, its own tone, tenor and uniqueness. I don't work off a teleprompter or script. I'm still a wrestling fan, been one my entire life, so I like spontaneity and improvisation.
"I think my story is motivational in spirit for some. I was raised as an only child on a 160-acre farm in East Oklahoma, not a child of privilege by any stretch of the imagination. A guy from Oklahoma, with a Southern accent, who had three Bell's Palsy attacks that left me with paralysis around my mouth ? that guy isn't supposed to be successful, especially on television.
"So we have comedy, history lessons, some motivation. And the audience is just as involved as I am, asking questions and stimulating banter. It's gonna be a fun night. For the VIP ticket holders, after the show I'll do a meet & greet and talk to them one on one. And you know I'm gonna bring down all the barbecue sauces, the mustard, ketchup, jerky, so we'll have those on hand as well."
JR also discussed the New Orleans wrestling scene, his memories of The Big Easy, spending time with Muhammad Ali and much more. You can check out the full interview by clicking here.
Source: Gambit