Ross Report

[Guest tpww7]

Greetings from under the 200X black Resistol hat from the Simon & Schuster National Sales Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. I have had the privilege of speaking with the talented folks at Simon & Schuster, who will be publishing our new cookbook, due out in May 2003. The book will be much more than a cookbook and will be titled "RAW Heat -- Real BBQ: True Tales of the Grill, the Ring and Country Cookin'."

Random thoughts:

 

I felt we had another solid week of RAW and SmackDown! Producing 21 viable segments of primetime television is certainly challenging; however, the recent efforts of our creative staff, talent and TV people have been excellent. Is there room for improvement? Always. Will we continue to work hard in entertaining our diverse and demanding fans? Absolutely.

 

SummerSlam is really starting to take shape and the lineup, on paper, looks to be potentially excellent.

 

I can't wait to see the Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H confrontation at SummerSlam. These two should have great in-ring chemistry and I think the Heartbreak Kid will, not surprisingly, have a magnificent outing after longer than a four year absence from the ring. There are no two better "storytellers" in our business for my money.

 

Most of the superstars who traveled to Australia will be off this weekend to allow them to rest and recover from jetlag.

 

Chris Jericho's band, Fozzy, will play live this Monday on RAW from the sold-out Scope in Norfolk, Va. Fozzy will also kickoff SummerSlam weekend by performing live at WWE's The World in New York City's Times Square on Friday, Aug. 23. Y2J has been on a tremendous roll recently on RAW and should have a great match with the legendary Ric Flair at SummerSlam. Chris is in the process of finalizing a new long-term contract with WWE.

 

I am happy to hear that Bret Hart is recovering from his recent stroke. Bret always was known for his outstanding work ethic, and it is that same desire to succeed that will pull the "Hitman" through on this latest challenge in his colorful life's journey. I hope that someday we are able to sit down and renew the relationship that we had at one time. I, personally, sincerely appreciate all the contributions Bret made to our business.

 

Edge's star seems to shine brighter every week. This young man is truly living his dream and we are all very fortunate to have him on our talent roster.

 

The overall attitude of our talent and the atmosphere at our TV events seems to have improved as of late, which has certainly contributed to the success of our recent broadcasts.

 

Great outing on SmackDown! by several talents, including all of the participants in the Guerreros vs. Rey Mysterio & Edge match, as well as The Rock vs. Chris Benoit. It's especially great to see Benoit getting back to his old, outstanding self after missing almost one year of action due to neck surgery. I don't know what to say about The Rock's motor other than it is amazing.

 

The eight-man tag team main event on RAW was off the page, in my view. Great match to call and, hopefully, even better to watch. Triple H doesn't seem to have lost a step since his elbow surgery.

 

Hollywood Hulk Hogan is putting the finishing touches on his much-anticipated book, due out in November. The controversial Hulkster has had a helluva life and career in our business, which is going to make for an excellent read.

 

Jerry "The King" Lawler is also putting his book project to bed, no pun intended, and this one should be a real page-turner too. My broadcast partner's life story is due out late this year or early in 2003.

 

I expect the King and I will share broadcast duties with SmackDown! announcers Michael Cole and Tazz, as it should be, at SummerSlam. No controversy here, unless "sources say" otherwise, I guess.

 

Our young talents, like Christopher Nowinski, Shelton Benjamin, Jamal & Rosie, Victoria, Bull Buchanan, Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli and Batista are all improving every day. Same goes for John Cena. It is truly great to see these young people grow and contribute. Of course, they are all various shades of green, but without a doubt they are all headed in the right direction. Time will tell who works the hardest and, with a little luck, makes it to the "promise land."

 

Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) debuts its new facility on Sept. 4 in Louisville, Ky., and many OVW alumni will be on hand to contribute. I am looking forward to participating in the festivities on Sept. 4 myself.

 

Have you checked out the Fabulous Moolah's book yet? I hope you give it a shot. Longtime fans may like it better than most.

 

Stone Cold Steve Austin made headlines again recently as he is attempting to put his recent domestic issues behind him. Knowing Stone Cold as I do, I have no doubt he will land on his feet with many better days ahead for himself and wife Debra.

 

Live events this weekend will see the Hardy Boyz attempting to coexist to fulfill previous commitments.

 

I like the direction Matt Hardy is headed on SmackDown! Matt has a great deal to offer from where I sit. He's a very bright, passionate young man.

 

Jeff Hardy's recent in-ring efforts have been outstanding and I am excited about his direction too. If we do our job in managing Jeff's schedule, this talented young man could be on the verge of great things.

 

Booker T is preparing to do another Hungry Man commercial. Trish Stratus and Bubba Ray Dudley are also doing another Stacker 2 spot.

 

Fit Finlay has done an awesome job working with the female superstars on our roster, as has Dean Malenko with our cruiserweights. Both these road agents have been valuable assets to WWE and have fit in nicely with our outstanding group of agents, who sincerely care about our product. Being an agent is not an easy job, as entails being part coach, teacher, producer and confidant.

 

Agent John Laurinaitis has been doing a wonderful job assisting yours truly in the talent relations department. I am learning to better delegate things and John has really been a blessing to me. There is plenty of work to go around.

 

Kevin Nash continues to work very hard at rehabilitating his torn quadriceps and will be a very interested fan at SummerSlam, especially for the HBK-HHH contest.

 

The Big Valbowski is seeing Dr. Lloyd Youngblood in San Antonio, Texas, this weekend to have his neck checked out. I hope we get good news.

 

Kanyon is on his road to recovery, and we look forward to Chris' return in the next few weeks.

 

Maven is seeing the U.S. Ski Team's doctor this week to get a better read on his broken fibula and nagging ankle problems.

 

Torrie Wilson is headed to the U.K. on Aug. 27-31 for promotional work. Another bright young talent working hard for the company.

 

The Hurricane -- Gregory Helms to his folks -- and Shannon Moore are becoming one of my favorite tag teams. The two North Carolina natives grew up with the Crockett promotion and saw great tag teams like the Rock 'n' Roll Express, the Horsemen and the Andersons. Lifelong fans seem to always make the best in-ring talents.

 

Weekly (OK, not-so-weekly) Goldberg update: Sorry, but nothing new to report. Hopefully, we will be able to talk sooner rather than later if the big Oklahoma native is interested in WWE. I'm thinking that he is.

 

Dawn Marie is working diligently in practice sessions to improve her in-ring skills. She has been a pleasure to work with since arriving not long ago.

 

Our WWE Women's Champion, Molly Holly, is really doing well with the vignettes she has been involved in recently. Verbal skills are so important to the overall success of a sports entertainer and the professional Miss Molly is picking up that part of her game.

 

Looks like Batista may be slowly heading toward becoming a fan favorite. Lots of untapped potential here. Untapped potential, as we all know, can be the "kiss of death" in our business if it goes unrealized, however. No one involved in the process seems to have the patience to allow a talent to evolve and develop.

 

I am happier with the September live event cards than I have been in quite some time. Getting some superstars healthy and the advancement of some new faces really helps. We are certainly not where we want to be in that area but there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Rico continues to be a pleasant surprise -- a hard-working, loyal guy. Great traits for anyone to have.

 

Brock Lesnar continues to absorb very well all that has been quickly thrown his way. Brock is very competitive; you don't win an NCAA Title without being a competitive son of a gun. Lesnar has a lot to learn, and if he does, this South Dakota native can be very special.

 

TV should be fun next week leading into SummerSlam. I hope you enjoy the shows. Thanks for spending some of your time with us and I hope to see you back here next week.

 

J.R. (Boomer Sooner!)

 

 

 

Credit- WWE.com

[Guest candie45]

Booker T is preparing to do another Hungry Man commercial.

 

Woooohoo!!!

[Guest Spaceman Spiff]

Triple H doesn't seem to have lost a step since his elbow surgery.

Too bad he lost the steps after the quad injury.

 

If we do our job in managing Jeff's schedule, this talented young man could be on the verge of great things.

Errr, no. At least "from where I sit."

 

Kanyon is on his road to recovery, and we look forward to Chris' return in the next few weeks.

::screams like a schoolgirl:: Can't wait. (seriously)

[Guest Danny Dubya v 2.0]

Greetings from under the 200X black Resistol hat from the Simon & Schuster National Sales Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. I have had the privilege of speaking with the talented folks at Simon & Schuster, who will be publishing our new cookbook, due out in May 2003. The book will be much more than a cookbook and will be titled "RAW Heat -- Real BBQ: True Tales of the Grill, the Ring and Country Cookin'."

 

Which hopefully not one pathetic soul will buy. Let's pray not.

 

I am happy to hear that Bret Hart is recovering from his recent stroke. Bret always was known for his outstanding work ethic, and it is that same desire to succeed that will pull the "Hitman" through on this latest challenge in his colorful life's journey. I hope that someday we are able to sit down and renew the relationship that we had at one time. I, personally, sincerely appreciate all the contributions Bret made to our business.

 

It's great to know that the WWE, well at least Ross, isn't cold enough as of now to berate a suffering man =P Which will of course change if Bret's health is restored.

 

The overall attitude of our talent and the atmosphere at our TV events seems to have improved as of late, which has certainly contributed to the success of our recent broadcasts.

 

As long as that positive attitude keeps up, there could be a distinguished turning point in success. What, me optimist? *smacks self*

 

Our young talents, like Christopher Nowinski, Shelton Benjamin, Jamal & Rosie, Victoria, Bull Buchanan, Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli and Batista are all improving every day. Same goes for John Cena. It is truly great to see these young people grow and contribute. Of course, they are all various shades of green, but without a doubt they are all headed in the right direction. Time will tell who works the hardest and, with a little luck, makes it to the "promise land."

 

Bah. To hell with Bullshit 1, Bullshit 2, and Cena. Push everyone else to the moon... esp. CHRIS NOWINSKI~!

 

Kanyon is on his road to recovery, and we look forward to Chris' return in the next few weeks.

 

OMFUKINGODZ YES. What betta than a Kanyon return?

 

Weekly (OK, not-so-weekly) Goldberg update: Sorry, but nothing new to report. Hopefully, we will be able to talk sooner rather than later if the big Oklahoma native is interested in WWE. I'm thinking that he is.

 

Wow, the WWE seems desperate for Goldberg when business is actually starting to go up

 

Optimism... damn, the cancer's starting to spread through my veins.

[Guest Brian]

"Lifelong fans seem to always make the best in-ring talents."

 

Was this a shot at Vince's latest direction of hiring, geared more towards amateur wrestlers and shootfighters.

[Guest humongous2002]

No mention of RVD, Edge gets mentioned, Cripple H gets mentioned, even that gimp Nash gets a mention. I guess JR feels that Moolah's book is more interesting than mentioning RVD.JR is nothing but a corporate puppet, what a joke he turned out to be.

[Guest Chuck Woolery]

Question: Who are the two Bullshits?

[Guest TestKick]

Bull Buchanan & Johnny the Bull

 

I don't care about Ross' BS rambling... but I sincerely hope they don't bring in Goldberg. That could really be the nail in the coffin.

[Guest CanadianChick]

I don't care about Ross' BS rambling... but I sincerely hope they don't bring in Goldberg. That could really be the nail in the coffin.

I agree. DON'T BRING BACK GOLDBERG! They have enough talented people. Goldberg will be a big waste of money and only spike the ratings for a week.

[Guest Human Fly]

Another Rico mention though, is he in line for a push?

[Guest Spaceman Spiff]

I don't care about Ross' BS rambling... but I sincerely hope they don't bring in Goldberg. That could really be the nail in the coffin

As opposed to your Kane/Test feud for the title

 

And I like Johnny the Bull. He's better than many of the other stiffs on the roster.

[Guest deadbeater]

Goldberg is going to New Japan, from what I heard. Could turn out to be as bad as Chyna.

[Guest Raven_Effect01]

Goldberg is going to New Japan, from what I heard. Could turn out to be as bad as Chyna.

Let's hope Goldberg gets his ass handed to him there, and also, hopefully, he doesn't ever go to WWE.

[Guest Will Scarlet]

I agree. Do not bring in Goldberg. A big football player and Oklahoma native? I am sure Ross will love him. He's a hoss BAH GOD, and he played football, and he's from BAH GOD Oklahoma! BOOMER SOONER!

[Guest Bricks]

Goldberg is going to New Japan, from what I heard.  Could turn out to be as bad as Chyna.

Let's hope Goldberg gets his ass handed to him there, and also, hopefully, he doesn't ever go to WWE.

I'd actually be more worried about the Japanese wrestlers. Just look what Goldy did with Bret Hart with his sloppiness.

[Guest El Psycho Diablo]

I think most of the Japanese wrestlers can handle themselves.

 

[Guest Ravenbomb]

OH! You know whatd be great? If he got dropped on his head really hard and NEVER WRESTLED EVER AGAIN! <Homestar> Yeah, yeah, that'd be gweat</homestar>

[Guest El Psycho Diablo]

Karma strikes again, hm? It could happen.

[Guest Shaved Bear]

Trish Stratus and Bubba Ray Dudley are also doing another Stacker 2 spot.

 

Bubba Ray--->Stacker 2, irony anyone

[Guest the pinjockey]

Trish Stratus and Bubba Ray Dudley are also doing another Stacker 2 spot.

 

Bubba Ray--->Stacker 2, irony anyone

:Thinks back to Big Show's Stacker 2 commercials"

 

Ah marketing departments, gotta love them.

[Guest jester]

"Untapped potential, as we all know, can be the "kiss of death" in our business if it goes unrealized, however," said JR in another Ross report that failed to mention RVD.

 

"Lesnar has a lot to learn, and if he does, this South Dakota native can be very special." What is a guy who has a lot to learn doing with a title shot?

 

Ah, I shouldn't be so cynical. The thing with Bret was a nice touch.

[Guest El Psycho Diablo]

Jester, I know it's been said..but your sig kicks massive ammounts of ass.

[Guest FeArHaVoC]

JR has been pretty nice & fair about mentioning and talking "good" about Bret Hart. It's that Damn Confidential that bashes him every other show.

[Guest the 1inch punch]

Jester, I know it's been said..but your sig kicks massive ammounts of ass.

Agree

[Guest candie45]

The ONLY good thing I can possibly see out of a Goldberg return are the skits Goldust would do claiming he was the only "Goldy" around.

[Guest Danny Dubya v 2.0]

Eh... you think if Goldberg were to be in the WWE, he should get into a feud with Goldust?

 

You know, that actually isn't 100% crazy-sounding. Goldust could get a good, if not slightly amusing match/feud out of him. Even though Goldust completely owns Mr. Spear and Jackhammer.

 

UGH. Imagine if the WWE used their Ruthless Agression crap with Goldberg.

[Guest Jobber of the Week]

They should use Goldberg as special referee of Brock vs RVD at WM19, but that is ALL. No extra shows, no contracts, just come in, ref, take a bump, get paid, go home.

 

Preferably 'berg would screw Brock on his 170th-whatever match at WM so the streak would not be surpassed. Then Berg will sit and brag and bitch and get F5ed. The end.

 

 

Wait a minute... WHAT THE HELL AM I TALKING ABOUT? I still hope Paul costs him the match at SSlam.

[Guest TheArchiteck]

What exactly is a "Hoss"?

I hear it alot here..but all I know it's in reference to JR.

[Guest Angle-plex]

Trish Stratus and Bubba Ray Dudley are also doing another Stacker 2 spot.

 

Heck, they might as well use Rikishi for the next Stacker 2 commercial.