Ross Report?

[Guest FeArHaVoC]

For some reason, I can't get on WWE.com. Can someone post it?

[Guest BoboBrazil]

It sucks. Same old crap. He loved seeing Albert and Bill Demott get pushes on Smackdown and thinks they will be major players in the future, he says building new talents takes time and some new stars should be made in 2003, talks a shitload about football, says the injured stars coming back will make a huge difference and they probably wouldn't be in the spot they are in now if these talents weren't injured(yeah right), and he says some of the storylines he has been hearing should make WWE huge again in 2003.

[Guest Fook_Hing_Ho]

Here ya go:

 

 

Ross Report -- Dec. 6, 2002

Greetings from under the black 200X Resistol hat as our Armageddon card begins to take shape, and as I prepare to head to Houston for the Big XII title game Saturday night between Oklahoma and Colorado.

Random thoughts and opinion ...

 

Many of us had a lot of fun Monday night in Austin, Texas, with the OU fight song, my being such a huge Sooners football fan and being in the arena of our biggest rival, the Texas Longhorns. The fight song was booed when I was introduced, which we all expected, and then I could not resist having some fun with the UT fans in attendance by displaying the upside-down "hook 'em Horns" sign after they began a healthy "OU Sucks" chant. It was all done in the spirit of fun even though some folks reported it otherwise. Those cynics should try a cup of Sanka and attempt to rediscover their sense of humor.

 

RAW had some bright spots from where I was sitting and is still a work in progress, but I did enjoy much of the in-ring product, which is generally my personal focus. More talents need to continue to be provided opportunities to move up, and it looks like that is the case. I like the long-term planning I am hearing about, and I think that we are very close to RAW becoming an even more viable broadcast, much sooner than later.

 

SmackDown! was headlined by the awesome Fatal Fourway involving Edge, Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit, as these four continue to deliver the goods on the Thursday night broadcast. SmackDown! seems to have a different philosophical approach creatively than does RAW, which certainly does not necessarily mean that one concept is wrong and the other is right. But they are different in their own way, which is a good thing for our fans over the long haul.

 

Bottom line here is that everyone involved in the process of putting together great TV shows is working diligently to do just that. Our business has always been talent-driven, and it always will be. The goal is to obviously get more talent to elevate to main-event status and create more "box office" and make new stars. That game plan is in place, but there is no quick fix or short cuts in this process, even though all of us would like for it to have happened "yesterday." I sincerely believe we are "thisclose" to accomplishing some great things creatively, and it looks as if 2003 is going to be a breakout year for many deserving talents.

 

Both Perry Saturn and the Godfather have been provided early releases from their WWE contracts to explore other options. Both talents are good men, and it would not surprise me one bit to see them back here competing again some day. We learn early on in this business to "never say never."

Hulk Hogan's autobiography hit No. 13 on The New York Times Bestseller List, and as I said here last week, it is an entertaining and quick and easy read. I hope you check it out, and I am sure you will enjoy this much-anticipated look at the Hulkster's career through his eyes. Hogan has been very aggressive with his book signings and has been traveling with his old friend and confidant Jimmy Hart at many of these appearances.

 

I have also read Jerry "the King" Lawler's book for a second time and thoroughly enjoyed it again. This one will be available in a few weeks from Simon & Schuster, and I am sure will be very successful. You are going to hear about things from Lawler that will really shock some, as virtually nothing in his life has been deemed to be "off limits." Both Hogan and the King's books make great holiday gifts.

 

Rey Mysterio had successful knee surgery Thursday in Birmingham, Ala., by Dr. Jim Andrews. The 'scope procedure will keep Rey on the sidelines for about a month or so as he is expected back in January and will being doing his therapy in San Diego, his hometown. Rey has been a spark for WWE since signing with the company and joining SmackDown!

 

Tajiri has a severely sprained ankle and will be out of action for a couple of weeks. Tajiri will be a part of the RAW tour of South Korea and Japan in January, as he will be in Japan for the birth of his child and is not leaving the SmackDown! roster as best I know. Tickets for all three of these events are virtually sold out from what I understand.

 

Edge is having some challenging times with his injured knee and will not be wrestling this weekend or next at live events as a result of it. His injury will not require surgery at this time, but a little rest and a lot of rehab is what has been prescribed. Edge has really elevated his game and has made the most of the opportunities that have come his way. There is no doubt in my mind that this young Toronto native will continue to improve and will be a consistent main-event-level talent for many years to come.

 

Tommy Dreamer had to have some stitches in the bridge of his nose Monday night after RAW.

 

Brock Lesnar is working through a broken rib and a sore knee.

 

It looks as if Rhyno, Jazz and Mark Henry will all be medically cleared to return to work shortly and will, in all probability, start back soon after the first of the year, barring any setbacks. Mark Henry will be at The World in New York City's Times Square this Monday night to host RAW.

 

The Undertaker is feeling much better after some much-needed rest but is still bothered by his elbow that would be well served to be 'scoped to remove the loose bone chips that have been causing it to lock up. I am not sure when Taker will return to action, but I assume he will be geared up in time for the Royal Rumble in January.

 

Billy Gunn has demonstrated some improvement in his shoulder condition and has regained some feeling in his hand. His radial nerve, which affects the movement and feeling in his little finger, is still problematic. No timetable on when Billy will be able to return to work.

 

Bradshaw is scheduled to travel to Afghanistan later this month to visit our troops there. The big Texan has seemingly traveled more miles for WWE since becoming injured with a torn biceps than when he was healthy!

 

Randy Orton is due back in the ring around mid-February from shoulder surgery. I would suggest he will be uniquely received by our fans when he returns after hearing his "updates" from time to time on RAW.

 

Lita had a positive meeting with neck surgeon Dr. Lloyd Youngblood this week and seems to be on target to return to the ring in May 2003. Lita has stepped up her workouts somewhat but still has not been cleared to jog or obviously take any "bumps" as of yet.

 

All other injured WWE talents seem to be progressing very well, according to our medical staff. I can only imagine if we had everyone under contract healthy, and physically and mentally ready to contribute to both brands. I have to believe lots of problems would be solved if that were the case. It doesn't matter if it is the NFL or Broadway, talent is the key to making everything happen.

 

Looks like the Tough Enough 3 finals will be at The World on Thursday, Jan. 23, LIVE on MTV. I have my own thoughts on this group of talents, and I don't think it is going to be easy to pick a winner out of the remaining contestants. As I said early on, the male talents seem to be much stronger than their female counterparts this go around.

 

Ohio Valley Wrestling will be holding a tryout camp in Louisville, Ky., on Feb. 23-28, 2003, that will be open to the public. WWE talent agents will be on hand to personally evaluate the athletes. For more info on this first-ever tryout camp, log on to OVWrestling.com for all the details on the costs, etc. This could be a great opportunity for any male or female with the goal of being in WWE.

 

I hear that Bret "Hitman" Hart is improving a great deal after being taken down with a stroke several months ago. I have not spoken to Bret since 1997, I am sorry to say, but as I have said before, still look forward to catching up with him some day. I like seeing Lance Storm using Bret's finisher, the Sharpshooter, and I feel Bret would approve of his fellow Canadian utilizing the maneuver that the Hitman made famous.

 

Our agents are spending a great deal of time with many of our talents in the ring prior to every event in hopes of improving everyone's in-ring skills. This current group of agents are the best we have ever had and we hope this process continues to pay significant dividends for all of us.

 

Ed Bark, the longtime TV writer of the Dallas Morning News, was at SmackDown! this week in Dallas getting background on a story he will be penning soon about his experience with WWE.

 

I thought Bill DeMott and Albert both had great nights of TV this week on SmackDown! I hope this is a positive sign of things to come for both athletes, who each have the ability and potential to help us a great deal.

 

We have three outstanding female prospects currently in OVW: Linda Miles, Jackie Gayda and Nikita Fink. All have demonstrated great potential, but as is the case with most young talents, are being challenged with the mental nuances of the business. Focus and familiarity with the product and the business in general will help these three continue to improve and hopefully make it to the primary roster sometime next year. There is certainly no lack of hard work and that is where it all starts in my view.

 

Hurricane and Stacy Keibler will be traveling to the U.K. next week for promotional work. These two are certainly excellent representatives of WWE and their efforts are greatly appreciated by all.

 

Kanyon appears to be doing very well in OVW, working his way back into shape and improving his timing that was affected by his absence from the ring due to injury. I expect Chris to rejoin the primary roster soon after the first of the year. I hope he gets the "break" he deserves.

 

I look for Shawn Michaels' in-ring schedule to increase somewhat, especially if his back continues to respond well to the physicality he is currently experiencing. I love HBK's "old-school" ability to tell a story in the ring and personally prefer this style over any other style out there. Shawn has the ability to be an awesome teacher to our younger talents.

 

We certainly appreciate all the WWE Superstars who braved the freezing weather Thanksgiving morning to participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Triple H, Victoria, Hurricane, the King (or Jerry "the RING" Lawler, as Al Roker misread), Sgt. Slaughter (who wore the largest pair of camouflage coveralls I have ever seen), the Coach, Lilian Garcia and Vince McMahon should all be commended for their efforts. Despite the cold weather, everyone seemed to have a great time. Arriving back home after the parade in lovely little Norwalk, Conn., I was welcomed by a warm house and the unbelievable aromas coming from my wife Jan's kitchen of turkey and her world-famous cornbread dressing (stuffing to you Northerners).

 

Paul Heyman is slated to record "Off the Record" on TSN this weekend in Toronto. Heyman will be with the Big Show in Hamilton at a live WWE event Saturday night as well as Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Nassau Coliseum. "Happy" Heyman has been a very positive addition to our live events and is a valuable asset to the Big Show's presentation.

 

Tough weekend for old J.R. last week as my Sooners were thumped by the rival Oklahoma State Cowboys in Stillwater. No excuses, as simply the better team on that day won the game. However, for a college football fan and Oklahoma native the atmosphere was amazing and now the Sooners are challenged to rebound and attempt to defeat the Colorado Buffaloes for the second time this season Saturday in Houston. A victory would put the Sooners in the Orange Bowl with a Big XII title around their waist, which is a helluva accomplishment considering the Big XII is America's toughest college football conference. Both teams have some key players injured, and this one I feel will come down to the fourth quarter and who makes the fewest mistakes. The point spread of OU being favored by seven seems wrong to me. I will gladly settle for a one-point victory in this championship game.

 

We head to beautiful Knoxville, Tenn., this Monday live for RAW, which is always a pleasure for yours truly.

 

Then on Tuesday we hit the Philips Arena in Atlanta, which is always a lively crowd it seems, for the SmackDown! taping. Hope you check out our broadcasts next week as we continue to build momentum for Armageddon on pay-per-view, live from Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday, Dec. 15.

Take care.

 

J.R. (Boomer Sooner!!)

[Guest Lei Tong]

(Longer than usual... 6 pages instead of 3 or 4)

 

 

Bah... that's what I get for trying to help.

[Guest CanadianChick]

Never mind...too slow

[Guest Mulatto Heat]

Bradshaw is scheduled to travel to Afghanistan later this month to visit our troops there.

 

Why do I get the vision of Bradshaw asking the troops why they haven't caught "that sand n*****" yet and why the entire country isn't ressembling a parking lot?

[Guest Anglesault]

Rey Mysterio had successful knee surgery

 

 

Edge is having some challenging times with his injured knee

Tommy Dreamer had to have some stitches in the bridge of his nose Monday night after RAW.

 

Brock Lesnar is working through a broken rib and a sore knee.

And Angle.

 

Does someone think this is normal? Maybe steps should be taken here.

[Guest FeArHaVoC]

I hear that Bret "Hitman" Hart is improving a great deal after being taken down with a stroke several months ago. I have not spoken to Bret since 1997, I am sorry to say, but as I have said before, still look forward to catching up with him some day.

I could swear JR has mentioned before in the Ross Reports that he has talk to Bret Hart. Like around Davey and Helen's Deaths?

 

Thank you for posting it, btw.

[Guest Anglesault]

Bradshaw is scheduled to travel to Afghanistan later this month to visit our troops there.

 

Why do I get the vision of Bradshaw asking the troops why they haven't caught "that sand n*****" yet and why the entire country isn't ressembling a parking lot?

While those wouldn't be the words I would use, I wanna know why we can't find a 6'4 man dragging a dialyses machine as well. Or his one eyed motor cycle ridng friend.

[Guest FeArHaVoC]

Can we pull our troops and then Drop the "A-Bomb" while Bradshaw's there?

[Guest Anglesault]

He wouldn't sell it.

[Guest Human Fly]

We have three outstanding female prospects currently in OVW: Linda Miles, Jackie Gayda and Nikita Fink.

 

There's only one way Jackie Gayda can be considered an outstanding talent, and then you might as well count her as two outstanding talents.

 

Looks like the Tough Enough 3 finals will be at The World on Thursday, Jan. 23, LIVE on MTV. I have my own thoughts on this group of talents, and I don't think it is going to be easy to pick a winner out of the remaining contestants. As I said early on, the male talents seem to be much stronger than their female counterparts this go around.

 

Matt, John, or Jonah are who I think will win it. I think that whoever of the three doesn't win will recieve a developmental contract.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

Bottom line here is that everyone involved in the process of putting together great TV shows is working diligently to do just that. Our business has always been talent-driven, and it always will be. The goal is to obviously get more talent to elevate to main-event status and create more "box office" and make new stars. That game plan is in place, but there is no quick fix or short cuts in this process, even though all of us would like for it to have happened "yesterday." I sincerely believe we are "thisclose" to accomplishing some great things creatively, and it looks as if 2003 is going to be a breakout year for many deserving talents.

 

I am BEGGING someone to look back in all the Ross Reports to see how many times he says this. Dear god, at least he isn't talking about steak and sizzle. In any case, JR is full-o-shit.

 

I hear that Bret "Hitman" Hart is improving a great deal after being taken down with a stroke several months ago. I have not spoken to Bret since 1997, I am sorry to say, but as I have said before, still look forward to catching up with him some day. I like seeing Lance Storm using Bret's finisher, the Sharpshooter, and I feel Bret would approve of his fellow Canadian utilizing the maneuver that the Hitman made famous.

 

Translation: WE WANT RATINGS! BRET WE NEEEEEEEEEEED YOU BACK! WE WILL GIVE YOU ANYTHING!

I thought Bill DeMott and Albert both had great nights of TV this week on SmackDown! I hope this is a positive sign of things to come for both athletes, who each have the ability and potential to help us a great deal.

 

Translation: I can't wait to get dem two in bed.

 

We have three outstanding female prospects currently in OVW: Linda Miles, Jackie Gayda and Nikita Fink. All have demonstrated great potential, but as is the case with most young talents, are being challenged with the mental nuances of the business. Focus and familiarity with the product and the business in general will help these three continue to improve and hopefully make it to the primary roster sometime next year. There is certainly no lack of hard work and that is where it all starts in my view.

 

Translation: Yes... We know... They shouldn't have been chosen. But dammit we are not sorry and YOU will have to pay for OUR mistake!

 

I look for Shawn Michaels' in-ring schedule to increase somewhat, especially if his back continues to respond well to the physicality he is currently experiencing. I love HBK's "old-school" ability to tell a story in the ring and personally prefer this style over any other style out there. Shawn has the ability to be an awesome teacher to our younger talents.

 

*Shawn is with Batista, Cena, Lesnar and Orton backstage.*

 

Shawn: Ok guys, I am going to teach you some things about the business.

 

Cena: Shouldn't we be like, you know, in the ring, rather than Hunters locker room?

 

Lesnar: Yeah, I mean, I feel kinda alientated from the rest of the boys.

 

Shawn: hahahaha, oh you rookies. But seriously, those "boys" back there, they are your enemies.

 

Orton: But I like some of em. Lance is a really great guy.

 

Shawn: Lance is the devil! Anyways, you 4 need to stick together to make it. Form a strong friendship.

 

Batista: You mean a clique?

 

Shawn: NO! No no no no no. Just be a couple of fun-lovin guys who like to share the experience of being wrestlers with each other. It's your passion for the business which unites you.

 

Orton: I'm just rasslin cause my daddy did.

 

Lesnar: Yeah, and I'm just doin it cause the WWF offered me a lot of money.

 

*Shawn looks at Batista*

 

Batista: I was walkin along the road one day and JR picked me up...

 

*Shawn looks at Cena*

 

Cena: Fuck if I know.

 

Shawn: Whatever. Listen, Vince likes you guys, he likes you guys a lot. You all have great looks, wonderful bodies, and are willing to do anything.

 

Cena: Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa, I know where you are going with this. No. I heard of some of the shit you did with Vince to get you "position" in the company, I ain't doin that.

 

Shawn: I HAD TO DO WHAT I HAD TO DO! Are you tellin me that you don't have the drive and the determination to make sacrifices for yourself and your family!?

 

Cena: Well, I guess...

 

Shawn: You guess? YOU GUESS? Listen son, I had to do some pretty sick shit to get away with what I got away with. But look at me now. That's right *taps the belt* I'm the champ.

 

*The 4 look on in awe*

 

Shawn: So are we read to learn?

 

*The 4 nod*

 

*Shawn turns off the lights and looks toward a power-point presentation.

 

Shawn: Ok, Rule #1 is...

 

*All together*: Look-out-for-nobody-But-Yourself. What-is-best-for-you, is-best-for-the-company.

[Guest Kotzenjunge]

Bullshit, JR. The SEC is the toughest conference.

 

Um... nothing to add on the wrestling end of it.

 

Fo sheez,

Kotzenjunge

[Guest cabbageboy]

Heh. I always have wondered if Shawn was Vince's gay lover or something. Even Bret said something about that on Howard Stern one time.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

Honky Tonk Man and LOD also said that HBK and Vince were more than just 'boss and employee'.

[Guest Anglesault]

Wow, the list of Credible sources just keeps on growing! When your most credible woteness is a raving lunativ who happens to hate both men, well, you know.

[Guest AndrewTS]

SmackDown! seems to have a different philosophical approach creatively than does RAW, which certainly does not necessarily mean that one concept is wrong and the other is right. But they are different in their own way, which is a good thing for our fans over the long haul.

 

In recent weeks, sadly we can't say one show is awesome...

 

Corpse-fucking = wrong

Pushing Big Show = wrong

HBK as champ = wrong

lesbian angle = wrong

hosses pushed for no reason = WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG!!

[Guest Spaceman Spiff]

More talents need to continue to be provided opportunities to move up, and it looks like that is the case

Just what RAW "talents" are being provided opportunities to "move up"? Certainly not Booker, RVD, Jericho, or Helms.

 

Hurricane and Stacy Keibler will be traveling to the U.K. next week for promotional work. These two are certainly excellent representatives of WWE and their efforts are greatly appreciated by all.

Vince: "Hey, Hurricane, I want to let you know we're all appreciative of your efforts to represent our company in the public eye."

 

Helms: "Gee, thanks Vince!"

 

Vince: "You're welcome. As a reward, your being squashed by Test tonight."

 

Helms: "Again? I've jobbed to him twice already."

 

Vince: "Really? OK, make it Batista tonight. Remember, no offense, and the match will be under 1 minute."

 

JR: "This is you opportunity to move up, kid!"

 

Kanyon appears to be doing very well in OVW, working his way back into shape and improving his timing that was affected by his absence from the ring due to injury. I expect Chris to rejoin the primary roster soon after the first of the year. I hope he gets the "break" he deserves.

Awesome!

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

Oh come on, you ever wonder why HBK gets all this attention, even after all the shit he pulled? It wasn't just because he was an 'excellent performer' in the ring. He isn't a hoss so why would Mcmahon like him in the first place?

[Guest Lord of The Curry]

*Resists urge to make a joke about Vinny Mac blowing his sweet music all over HBK's chin.

 

AWWWWWW SHIT! Too late!

[Guest Vern Gagne]

Bullshit, JR. The SEC is the toughest conference.

 

Um... nothing to add on the wrestling end of it.

 

Fo sheez,

Kotzenjunge

Bullshit, Kotzen. The Big 12 is the toughest conference.

 

Agreeing with J.R.

[Conspiracy_Victim 0]

I know it's already been talked about but I have to say a couple things.

 

"The goal is to obviously get more talent to elevate to main-event status and create more "box office" and make new stars."

 

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! You've had that chance how many times in the past year and messed it up?

 

"More talents need to continue to be provided opportunities to move up, and it looks like that is the case. I like the long-term planning I am hearing about, and I think that we are very close to RAW becoming an even more viable broadcast, much sooner than later."

 

Again, AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Move up? Move up what? The 3H jobbing ladder? And 'long term planning'? Does Gerwitz even know the meaning of that phrase? It's crap like this that makes me wonder if there's something in the water in CT that kills brain cells (no offense to CT residents).

[LaParkaYourCar 0]

Heh. I always have wondered if Shawn was Vince's gay lover or something. Even Bret said something about that on Howard Stern one time.

Bret Hart on Howard Stern??? Doesn't sound like something Bret would do.

[Guest buffybeast]

Shawn: NO! No no no no no. Just be a couple of fun-lovin guys who like to share the experience of being wrestlers with each other. It's your passion for the business which unites you.

 

Orton: I'm just rasslin cause my daddy did.

 

Lesnar: Yeah, and I'm just doin it cause the WWF offered me a lot of money.

 

*Shawn looks at Batista*

 

Batista: I was walkin along the road one day and JR picked me up...

 

*Shawn looks at Cena*

 

Cena: Fuck if I know.

 

In my sick head, I can really see this conversation taking place.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

Bret mentioned it in his shoot interview w/ RF, saying that there was more evidence of a relationship between shawn and vince, than one between him and sunny.

[Guest bcu1979]

Bottom line here is that everyone involved in the process of putting together great TV shows is working diligently to do just that. Our business has always been talent-driven, and it always will be. The goal is to obviously get more talent to elevate to main-event status and create more "box office" and make new stars. That game plan is in place, but there is no quick fix or short cuts in this process, even though all of us would like for it to have happened "yesterday." I sincerely believe we are "thisclose" to accomplishing some great things creatively, and it looks as if 2003 is going to be a breakout year for many deserving talents.

 

I am BEGGING someone to look back in all the Ross Reports to see how many times he says this. Dear god, at least he isn't talking about steak and sizzle. In any case, JR is full-o-shit.

I think that "we're working hard to create new stars but it doesn't happen overnight" bit gets pasted on to every Ross Report to ensure the bullshit quotient stays high. I'd love to know who's goal it is to make these new stars. Certainly not the people running the WWE that have sabotaged the potential drawing power of nearly every single guy who's joined the company in the last 3 years.

 

The one interesting thing was where J.R. said he was excited about the long term plans for RAW. I'm curious what those ideas are. A Triple H and Shawn Michaels variety show? Best of D-X clip shows? Maybe they'll cut RAW down to an hour and turn the other hour into an actions series starring Triple H and Stephanie. If Hulk Hogan can have his own tv show, then surely "God" can get one.

[Guest FeArHaVoC]

I'm still shocked he didn't pimp Albert in this Report.

 

I'm NOT shocked he didn't pimp RVD in this Report.

[Guest FeArHaVoC]

The one interesting thing was where J.R. said he was excited about the long term plans for RAW. I'm curious what those ideas are.

Probably a Dave Batista Push

[Guest CanadianChris]

I'm still shocked he didn't pimp Albert in this Report.

Sorry to disappoint you...

 

I thought Bill DeMott and Albert both had great nights of TV this week on SmackDown! I hope this is a positive sign of things to come for both athletes, who each have the ability and potential to help us a great deal.