Ross Report For 11/22

[Guest BoboBrazil]

Greetings from under the black 200x Resistol hat while heading to my home state of Oklahoma for two WWE “on sale” promotions and the Sooners football game Saturday night in Norman.

Random Thoughts and Opinion:

 

I enjoyed the RAW broadcast Monday night, live from Harbor Yard. Another improved show as we continue to make slow, albeit positive, strides in improving our flagship TV property. I maintain that this will be a slower process than many of us, our fans, and certainly our critics will like but that’s generally the nature of any re-building process. Our goal Monday is to improve over last Monday’s show – it’s that simple. That’s our challenge and I feel we are all up to it.

 

Survivor Series was a solid show and seemed to be well received by most. Elimination Chamber delivered. How Triple H made it through the entire match after being injured is amazing. Lots of guts.

 

SmackDown! aired very solidly, thanks in large part to the great work of the WWE TV department who work unbelievable hours to make this show as perfect as possible.

 

Brock Lesnar’s slow evolution to becoming a fan favorite seems to be working. Over time, Lesnar should develop quite a following. He will be worked a little less over the next few weeks to allow his broken rib to heal a little faster.

 

Edge seems to have taken another positive step in his on-going development. I see a ton of untapped potential here with this young Canadian. His growth reminds me somewhat of the great Bret Hart, back in the day.

 

Rob Van Dam must really be looking forward to his 1st ever match with Shawn Michaels this Monday live on RAW from North Charleston, SC. RVD may appear to be laid back, but my instincts say he is very excited about this opportunity. I’m really curious to see how this one plays out.

 

Great promo by Booker T on RAW referring to being “overlooked” and “not noticed.” Sounds like art imitating life to me, but of course, I could be wrong. Booker T is a main event level talent.

 

Good to see the Dudleys back together again. Seems to have lit a fire under all the “siblings,” especially D-Von. Hope the Dudleyville residents add a spark to the tag team scene on RAW. That’s what I’m expecting.

 

Valbowski is a welcome addition to RAW. This Toronto native can certainly verbalize and is a helluva in-ring talent who has been under utilized in my view. If Valbowski is aligned with Bischoff, I can see some interesting days ahead. I’m anxious to see where this goes Monday.

 

Several months ago, I spoke of the tag team potential of the Guerreros when Chavo was barely appearing on SmackDown! Today, Eddie & Chavo are as good as any team in WWE. Watch these two continue to evolve and add more than moves to their arsenal. I could watch them every day.

 

Speaking of teams, Jericho and Christian continue to get better and better, too, but the team that may have the most legs long term is Regal and Storm. I would not be surprised to see Regal and Citizen Storm wearing tag team gold someday. They have great chemistry.

 

Now would be a great time for some young talents on RAW or SmackDown! to turn heads. The field is wide open for all the much sought after “top spots”. These young talents should strive to make every match a damn good one with great execution and physical story telling. It’s easy to throw water on this concept buy those who follow the business on the “outside” and perhaps by some talents themselves. Bottom line, as I see it, is that during any rebuilding period, and I’ve seen plenty of them, the powers that be are desperately looking for the next “star” or main event level talent. Through hard and effective work at live events, and TVs, plus coming to work with a few ideas in mind an ambitious talent, increases their chances of getting to the promised land. The glass can’t always be half-empty. There is more opportunity here now than in years. Oops, I almost fell off my soapbox.

 

I admire the dedication and hard work of all our Divas who are all trying to get better at executing in the ring. Even though some critics like to say that the WWE Divas will never be as physical as the Japanese lady wrestlers, I say so what? With the way the Japanese ladies are trained in their DoJos, I’m not sure this is a fair comparison. I would not trade our roster of female talent for any in the world and I am proud of the match that Trish and Victoria had at Survivor Series. Their gutsy performance and overwhelming work ethic really impressed me and many others in our company. That’s not to say I wouldn’t love to have a Aja Kong or Bull Nakano, in their prime, on our roster but that dog doesn’t hunt anymore.

 

Looks as if Kurt Angle will be getting his knee scoped sometime in December.

 

John Cena and Matt Hardy both have huge upsides as young, abrasive antagonists on SmackDown! Cena’s verbal skills are especially strong for such a young man.

 

Charlie Haas and Red Dog have been turning a few heads recently on the road.

 

They realize that every match at this stage of their career, and with the company reloading, is an important one that provides them with that magic word, opportunity. No different this time of the year with football coaches looking for players to make plays.

Entertainer Michael Jackson is obviously a little “unique,” shall we say, but there is no doubt he would fit right in on Tough Enough 3. Every week when I watch TE3 from the comfort of my La-Z-Boy, I am amazed with the diverse personalities still in the house. The story of the house itself is a little “unique”, truth be told. Can you say goofy as a “pet coon?”

 

All seems to be going well with the RAW talents in India. No major injuries or incidents to report. As I write this on Thursday night, the crew is safely in Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, preparing for their second event of three before arriving back in the states Sunday.

 

Mike Tyson is set to fight again, February 23, in Memphis. I hope this fight comes off as planned, but I’m not holding my breath. Boxing is crazier than our business, but I know Mike needs this payday and a victory to set up another bout with Lenox Lewis. There is really no one else for Lewis to face as boxing does not have an over abundance of heavyweight stars. Sounds familiar. Hey King, get us some primo tickets.

 

Brian “Spanky” Kendrick starts on the road this weekend, as does the wrestler formerly known as Guido in ECW.

 

Albert has made significant strides in the past couple of months, but I’m still begging for a name change. I really believe in his potential and feel the former Pittsburgh O-Lineman will be a main eventer someday, hairy back and all.

 

I sent my get well wishes to Steelers QB Tommy Maddox after his recent injury. The former XFL MVP is one helluva great guy and as competitive as anyone I’ve ever met.

 

We had a great meeting with Simon and Schuster on Wednesday to discuss the layout of the cookbook. Also got copies of Hogan and King’s books. Hogan’s book is an easy read and is better than some will probably think. I have enjoyed many parts of it and suggest you try it on for size. King’s book is a “page turner”. I’m reading it this weekend and it is going to be in stores in early December.

 

Fat kids suing McDonald’s for making them obese is as crazy as some “wrestling lawsuits” I have witnessed.

 

We are close to finalizing our deal with Australian Nathan Jones, 6’10”, 300lbs.

 

And hope to have him join us before the end of the year if possible.

It’s hard to believe that the NY Knicks or the defending Eastern Division Champs NJ Nets rarely sell out this season. Most NBA and NHL teams, with a few exceptions, are not drawing as well as their ownership would like. It’s probably their “writers” fault. Or the fact they are not winning. Or those damn all night gas stations opening up and passing out free donuts. (You can tell it’s getting late on this lovely American Airlines flight).

 

Early call Friday morning with my first in studio radio performance at 6:30 a.m. Looking forward to lunch, no jokes please, as I have been invited down to Norman to break bread with some of the OU football coaches. Our on sale at the Cox Arena is from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with the new Worlds Heavyweight Champion, Shawn Michaels for our December 21 RAW taping. I am scheduled to do an interview with TBS Sports during the second half of the Oklahoma-Texas Tech game Saturday night. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. EST. Then early Sunday morning it’s a 100 mile drive to Tulsa for a noon-2:00 p.m. on sale at the Convention Center with Lita. From there, I fly to N. Charleston for RAW. Busy days, but I love it!

 

Take care.

 

JR (Boomer Sooner)

 

P.S. – We really need this game!

[Guest creativename]

It’s hard to believe that the NY Knicks or the defending Eastern Division Champs NJ Nets rarely sell out this season. Most NBA and NHL teams, with a few exceptions, are not drawing as well as their ownership would like. It’s probably their “writers” fault. Or the fact they are not winning. Or those damn all night gas stations opening up and passing out free donuts. (You can tell it’s getting late on this lovely American Airlines flight).

 

It's not surprising the Nets aren't selling out; Continental Airlines Arena doesn't sell out too much. The Nets have always had terrible attendance. At least they're better this year.

 

Much more surprising is that the Rangers vs. Devils game didn't sell out yesterday. I never thought I'd live to see the day that Rangers vs. Devils didn't sell out. It was only a couple years ago I had to pay $100+ each at "resale" places for nosebleed level tickets to that game and root for my beloved Devils. But Devils attendance is down this year too, despite their good start.

 

Ross does have a point in that sports attendance is way down all across the coutnry from what it used to be. Of course the WWE reduction is far more drastic than you'll find anywhere else though. So while a decent portion of the company's decline can be attributed to economic cycles, the majority of the blame must lie with management.

[Guest Spaceman Spiff]

Valbowski is a welcome addition to RAW. This Toronto native can certainly verbalize and is a helluva in-ring talent who has been under utilized in my view. If Valbowski is aligned with Bischoff, I can see some interesting days ahead. I’m anxious to see where this goes Monday

I sure "Valbowski" isn't the name he'll be going by on Raw.

 

Now would be a great time for some young talents on RAW or SmackDown! to turn heads. The field is wide open for all the much sought after “top spots”. These young talents should strive to make every match a damn good one with great execution and physical story telling. It’s easy to throw water on this concept buy those who follow the business on the “outside” and perhaps by some talents themselves. Bottom line, as I see it, is that during any rebuilding period, and I’ve seen plenty of them, the powers that be are desperately looking for the next “star” or main event level talent. Through hard and effective work at live events, and TVs, plus coming to work with a few ideas in mind an ambitious talent, increases their chances of getting to the promised land. The glass can’t always be half-empty. There is more opportunity here now than in years. Oops, I almost fell off my soapbox

Well, it would help if they weren't getting squashed by Rikishi or Test every week...

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

"Rob Van Dam must really be looking forward to his 1st ever match with Shawn Michaels this Monday live on RAW from North Charleston, SC. RVD may appear to be laid back, but my instincts say he is very excited about this opportunity. I’m really curious to see how this one plays out."

 

 

I would be curious too if RVD's title shots ever ended in a different way then him getting screwed out of the title.

 

Hey...maybe conditioning the fanbase to expect the top fan favorites to get screwed every time was a bad idea.

[Guest Goodear]

I enjoyed the RAW broadcast Monday night, live from Harbor Yard. Another improved show as we continue to make slow, albeit positive, strides in improving our flagship TV property. I maintain that this will be a slower process than many of us, our fans, and certainly our critics will like but that’s generally the nature of any re-building process. Our goal Monday is to improve over last Monday’s show – it’s that simple. That’s our challenge and I feel we are all up to it.

 

Sounds like a reaonable goal to me. And it makes a whole lot more sense than going into a panic mode where they reboot the federation because they aren't happy with it. But I think "JR" doesn't really take into account that it is often Vince himself who goes out of his way to try and make quick leaps. Afterall, the critics didn't sign the nWo did we?

 

Brock Lesnar’s slow evolution to becoming a fan favorite seems to be working. Over time, Lesnar should develop quite a following. He will be worked a little less over the next few weeks to allow his broken rib to heal a little faster.

 

Seems like it is working to me as Maxi-Austin goes about his business backstage, running about attacking others and ignoring authority. I can certainly see Lesner's take no prisoners approach catching on with fans... plus his T-shirts are good.

 

Edge seems to have taken another positive step in his on-going development. I see a ton of untapped potential here with this young Canadian. His growth reminds me somewhat of the great Bret Hart, back in the day.

 

Meh, Bret Hart was pretty much always the same wrestler, he just developed his personality better over the years and got better match ups. I see Edge as more of a Sting sequel myself... but that is me.

 

Now would be a great time for some young talents on RAW or SmackDown! to turn heads. The field is wide open for all the much sought after “top spots”. These young talents should strive to make every match a damn good one with great execution and physical story telling. It’s easy to throw water on this concept buy those who follow the business on the “outside” and perhaps by some talents themselves. Bottom line, as I see it, is that during any rebuilding period, and I’ve seen plenty of them, the powers that be are desperately looking for the next “star” or main event level talent. Through hard and effective work at live events, and TVs, plus coming to work with a few ideas in mind an ambitious talent, increases their chances of getting to the promised land. The glass can’t always be half-empty. There is more opportunity here now than in years. Oops, I almost fell off my soapbox.

 

OH MY GOD! Now is a good time to develop new talent? REALLY!!! I AM AMAZED BY YOUR THOUGHTS! WHOOO!

 

John Cena and Matt Hardy both have huge upsides as young, abrasive antagonists on SmackDown! Cena’s verbal skills are especially strong for such a young man.

 

Now how about one of them beating Rikishi?

 

Brian “Spanky” Kendrick starts on the road this weekend, as does the wrestler formerly known as Guido in ECW.

 

Sounds like a psuedo admission that Nun-Zero = Guido to me. But I've been wrong a whole lot in my life.

 

We are close to finalizing our deal with Australian Nathan Jones, 6’10”, 300lbs.

 

Wait, wait, allow me everyone. HOSSHOSSHOSSHOSSHOSSHOSSHOSSHOSSHOSSHOSSHOSS... there

[Guest drunkenscarredangel]

Am I the only one to find it weird that Ross didn't mention the Big Slow...ah, Show...at all?

 

I mean, technically IMO its better to say nothing about it at all, but considering J.R's fascination towards the fatties....ah, I mean the 'hosses' I would have expected him to put over Show at least a little bit.

[Guest the pinjockey]

"It’s hard to believe that the NY Knicks or the defending Eastern Division Champs NJ Nets rarely sell out this season. Most NBA and NHL teams, with a few exceptions, are not drawing as well as their ownership would like. It’s probably their “writers” fault. Or the fact they are not winning. Or those damn all night gas stations opening up and passing out free donuts. (You can tell it’s getting late on this lovely American Airlines flight)."

 

This would be a valid point if it wasnt for the fact that buyrates and ratings are down as well. The economy does have an effect on things like this but the people not going to sports games are still watching on TV they just arent shelling out ridiculous ticket prices. If ratings and buyrates remained steady for WWF then ok the economy os just affecting the live gate but that is not the case.

 

And one time I would like to see someone on their website try to make a point without getting all smug and trying to sound like they don't have a problem. Would it have been that hard to say that "I see attendance down all over so to argue that the economy has nothing to do with poor attendance is not true." You get the point across without sounding like a smug ass.

 

How many weeks in a row has Raw been starting the "long slow process" to get better.

[Guest BobBacklundRules]

"If Valbowski is aligned with Bischoff, I can see some interesting days ahead. I’m anxious to see where this goes Monday."

 

So Valbowski (or whatever he's going to be called) won't be a smart mark like character like some of us thought but another Biscoff pawn just like 3 minute warning was.

 

"Albert has made significant strides in the past couple of months, but I’m still begging for a name change. I really believe in his potential and feel the former Pittsburgh O-Lineman will be a main eventer someday, hairy back and all."

 

When Albert is a main eventer God save us all.

[Guest buffybeast]

Albert has made significant strides in the past couple of months, but I’m still begging for a name change. I really believe in his potential and feel the former Pittsburgh O-Lineman will be a main eventer someday, hairy back and all.

 

His mic work on Velocity over the past few months has earned him accolades from some in the net community. He has the seeds to be a major player.

[ChrisMWaters 0]

Albert's new gimmick name?

 

GEORGE "THE ANIMAL" STEELE JR.!

[Guest Ram]

Or just "Janitor Al".

[Guest RepoMan]

Albert has made significant strides in the past couple of months, but I’m still begging for a name change. I really believe in his potential and feel the former Pittsburgh O-Lineman will be a main eventer someday, hairy back and all.

 

I'll give Albert a fair chance to improve, but he never main event is anyone sane is booking. I'll shave every hair on my body if he solo main events anything other than Velocity (or Heat) or is involved in a ppv main event in any way other than a lumberjack match.

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

OR Unemployed Hoss.

 

That one works for me.

[Guest TheArchiteck]

Great promo by Booker T on RAW referring to being “overlooked” and “not noticed.” Sounds like art imitating life to me, but of course, I could be wrong. Booker T is a main event level talent.

This put a smile on my face for some reason.

[Guest buffybeast]

Albert has made significant strides in the past couple of months, but I’m still begging for a name change. I really believe in his potential and feel the former Pittsburgh O-Lineman will be a main eventer someday, hairy back and all.

 

I'll give Albert a fair chance to improve, but he never main event is anyone sane is booking. I'll shave every hair on my body if he solo main events anything other than Velocity (or Heat) or is involved in a ppv main event in any way other than a lumberjack match.

I never said he should main event. But he deserves better than Velocity.

 

bps21: eat me.

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

I'll pass on that.

 

But Albert doesn't even deserve Velocity.

 

Regardless of what JR says, he has zero potential to do anything of note ever.

[Guest Anglesault]

He has the seeds to be a major player.

Nah. He's a caller. He'd be perfect calling bingo numbers somewhere.

[Guest buffybeast]

But Albert doesn't even deserve Velocity.

 

Regardless of what JR says, he has zero potential to do anything of note ever.

How can you say that? He's probably one of the best big men over 6'6 the company has right now. I really think his name and former gimmicks have hendered his growth. He cuts pretty good heel promos on Velocity. I think creative just needs to put their heads together and come up with a decent character for him.

[Guest EricMM]

He needs to shave or wear a shirt or something.

 

Gross out heat is so stupid. I don't boo him, I say "Get that man of my TV, or put a shirt on him! Christ!"

 

Just dress him up like Dreamer, he wears clothes...

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

A) If you have a good product that people want to watch - they will pay to watch it. It's that simple. No 'Cycle' involved.

 

B) This 're-building' process is bullshit as the show still sucks. How can they be on a steady incline when the Katie Vick debacle was a few weeks ago.

 

C)The Women suck. The fact that they get more play than the cruiserweights is just mind-blowing. But I guess that's the "rebuilding process" for you.

 

D)No mention of Test this week? WTF? Is JR OK?

 

E) Ah fuck it, JR is a fucking Moron.

[Guest Anglesault]

But Albert doesn't even deserve Velocity.

 

Regardless of what JR says, he has zero potential to do anything of note ever.

How can you say that? He's probably one of the best big men over 6'6 the company has right now.

Yeah. maybe. BUT THEY ALL SUCK.

[ChrisMWaters 0]

I still stand by my theory that Albert would be best suited to play the son of George "The Animal" Steele.

 

Have him chew turnbuckles next Velocity!

[Guest buffybeast]

He needs to shave or wear a shirt or something.

 

Gross out heat is so stupid. I don't boo him, I say "Get that man of my TV, or put a shirt on him! Christ!"

Were people saying that to George "the animal" Steele during his heyday? I think not.

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

When you can only compare someone to George Steele he's a lost cause.

 

He may be the good for someone over 6'6'' but it doesn't change the fact that pretty much everyone under that height is better.

[Guest buffybeast]

He may be the good for someone over 6'6'' but it doesn't change the fact that pretty much everyone under that height is better.

You can't compare apples to oranges. Nor can you fairly compare a big man to a cruiser.

[Guest Sandman9000]

Should I mock this or work on my psych paper that is due Monday?

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

Mock it.

 

And while you at it tell me the last time a big man made a difference in any way.

 

Even king of the hosses Taker never drew as anything but a side show act.

[Guest Sandman9000]

Gimme 10-20 minutes.

[ChrisMWaters 0]

Mock it.

 

And while you at it tell me the last time a big man made a difference in any way.

 

Even king of the hosses Taker never drew as anything but a side show act.

Does Hogan count?

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

Yes.

 

Hogan counts.

 

So we're up to 15 years ago.

 

Anything more recent?