What happened to the Ross Report?

[Guest FeArHaVoC]

What happened to the Ross Report?

by Brian Solomon

Jan. 7, 2003

 

Internet wrestling fans were sent into a tailspin this week, the likes of which hasn’t been seen since Keiji Muto, Satoshi Kojima and Kendo Kashin defected from New Japan to All Japan. In all fairness, their gripe was a valid one: after years of being the cornerstone of WWE.com, the Ross Report made its final appearance on Monday.

 

The column had come to be the most respected source of insider information on the Web, a valuable glimpse behind the curtain that was required reading for any “smart” fan worth his salt. Even those most cynical of creatures, the Internet wrestling reporters, covered Jim Ross’ weekly commentaries without fail. That’s why it came as a shock to all when J.R. announced this week that he was done with the column.

 

Of course, someone in J.R.’s position has very little in the way of spare time, so things like a weekly Internet column can be difficult to maintain. Nevertheless, he was able to maintain it for many years. Those of us in the Digital Media/Publications department knew just how hard it’s been for him to find time to put together his columns for the web and for RAW Magazine, what with the constant demands placed on his time as both head of Talent Relations and WWE’s most recognizable TV announcer. So that part of the equation wasn’t really a surprise to us.

 

There has also been talk—and J.R. himself addressed this issue—that the Ross Report may at times have been a little too negative with regards to talent. In my opinion, nothing could be farther from the truth. No one is more passionate about the talent roster than Jim Ross, and God knows no one is as good at putting them over verbally. If anything, his criticisms were purely constructive, intended to help the talent improve by calling them to task when the circumstances called for it.

Anyone who’s ever read the Ross Report is familiar with his ongoing mentions of the Big Show as someone “with a lot of potential who only needs to lose a little weight to become a major player.” It was one of Ross’ favorite refrains. Yet anyone who’s ever heard J.R. call a Big Show match knows just how good he is at getting Show’s positive qualities across to the audience. Did he have some problems with Show’s condition and work ethic over the years? You bet he did, but as Talent Relations director, it’s Jim Ross’ desire that Big Show step up his game and not allow himself to waste his natural gifts.

 

Is it being too negative to point these kinds of things out in an attempt to help your talent base improve? It’s bad enough that any words printed in a WWE-produced publication automatically have the stigma of “company line” to overcome—but anyone who comes out there talking about how everything is so great not only has no chance of gaining respect from the readership, but also comes across as someone with no real interest in it, either. J.R. has that respect. Because if a match was great, he would go out of his way to praise it to the highest heavens. But if it fell short of expectations, he would be sure to address the issue as best he could as a WWE employee.

 

In his last report, J.R. discussed how the column seemed to have taken on a life of its own, with people constantly interpreting what they thought he “was really saying.” That’s because J.R. was able to make his points—both positive and negative—in such a diplomatic way that it seemed to frustrate those Internet writers who feel that ripping everything to shreds is the only to be a “legit” sports-entertainment journalist (whatever that is). Because they themselves often lack the sense to keep their mouths shut when they’re not completely sure what they’re talking about, they apparently feel everyone else should do the same, or else they’re a “shill.”

 

Jim Ross put forth the best possible Internet wrestling commentary that could possibly be expected while still remaining a respected member of WWE’s front office. It’s a shame that it’s come to an end, as it was truly every readers’ favorite part of WWE.com. Nothing could ever replace it. Sports-entertainment Web sites compete voraciously for your readership. The Ross Report was something that no other site could hope for, a direct line right into the WWE locker room. Nevertheless, WWE.com remains the only official WWE Web site in existence, and will continue to provide features like Byte This! and others that give you things you won’t find anywhere else. And of course, there’s always Anthony Cali’s column.

 

Credit: WWE.com

 

I swear these guys read this board sometimes when they point out the "Negative examples."

[Guest Repo Man jr]

Internet wrestling fans were sent into a tailspin this week

 

Hmmm, tailspin eh?

 

the likes of which hasn’t been seen since Keiji Muto, Satoshi Kojima and Kendo Kashin defected from New Japan to All Japan

 

Wow he's showing off cus he knows some Japan wrestlers n stuff!!!

 

Nevertheless, WWE.com remains the only official WWE Web site in existence, and will continue to provide features like Byte This! and others that give you things you won’t find anywhere else

 

Yeah like the only radio show still done in Kayfabe!

[Guest jester]

"That’s because J.R. was able to make his points—both positive and negative—in such a diplomatic way that it seemed to frustrate those Internet writers who feel that ripping everything to shreds is the only to be a “legit” sports-entertainment journalist (whatever that is). Because they themselves often lack the sense to keep their mouths shut when they’re not completely sure what they’re talking about, they apparently feel everyone else should do the same, or else they’re a “shill.”

 

And a hearty "Fuck you" to you to. It's good to see that although the Ross report may be gone, WWE is still happy to take shots at the smarks and IWC.

 

I'm no business expert, and I admit I'd be lost trying to manage a wrestling promotion, but I'm pretty sure it would be a mistake to continually put down the most devoted fans.

[Guest FeArHaVoC]

Speakin' of "Byte this" did anyone listen or read a report from last weeks show with Nash & HBK on it? I just want to know what the Two twits talked about?

[Guest EricMM]

I actually enjoy Byte This usually.

 

It certainly seems to be more smart-friendly than the Ross Report EVER was.

 

If they have good guest on, it's always a fun time. When Stevie Richards was on I couldn't stop laughing.

 

Stevie: Well I used to only have 4 moves, but now, now I've added a headlock!

Dr Pritchard: Five moves!!! STEVEN RICHARDS HAS FIVE MOVES!! You heard it here first.

Stevie: I stole it from Crash Holly.

[Guest Insane Bump Machine]

I stopped taking this "column" seriously after the first sentence. He obviously has no clue what he's talking about, so why is he still employed by WWE.....oh wait.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

You know this column had an deliberate pace and told a very old school story.

 

The thing that really makes me wonder is why does all the WWF on-line columns write as if they are NOT on the internet? Like it's for non-net fans or something.

[Guest Repo Man jr]

Speakin' of "Byte this" did anyone listen or read a report from last weeks show with Nash & HBK on it? I just want to know what the Two twits talked about?

From what I remember the twits said:

 

Nash said when he comes back he'll be as good as he was 10 years ago (That good!!!)

 

Said he talks with Austin every week and they got drunk together.

 

He couldn't of made the come back without the help of God (The one in WWE)

 

Not ready to return for Rumble. Will "when he's ready"

 

And said he might come back as Diesel cus he never got injured so much then! (I'm sure thats gonna work!)

 

HBK basically talked for a good 10-15 minutes about god, religion etc.

 

Said he could face Jericho at Mania but not Rumble cus he is too banged up.

 

Said that he's not at his best but still better than a lot of the other wrestlers still.

 

Said some of the WCW/ECW guys need to learn WWF(I don't think he knows about the name change yet) style. And they need to learn selling and psychology. Said if they they want to be main eventers they have to speak up for themselves!

[Guest webmasterofwrestlegame]

Screw that column by Soloman - it was Vince who told JR to stop the Ross Report.

 

Its all a part of Vince's Media Blackout.

[Guest Lord of The Curry]

You know this column had an deliberate pace and told a very old school story.

I like you Rudo. You're a hungry young stud with a good heart for this business. However, I'd like you to tone down the high-risk offense and maybe drop 10 pounds or so. I'm sure everything will work out for the best when we send you down to work off that ring-rust with Jim Cornette in OVW.

[Guest jester]

The thing that really makes me wonder is why does all the WWF on-line columns write as if they are NOT on the internet? Like it's for non-net fans or something.

Exactly. They should be trying to work us specifically.

[Guest Jobber of the Week]

It's good to see that although the Ross report may be gone, WWE is still happy to take shots at the smarks and IWC.

He just said you don't know everything that's going on.

 

Isn't that a fair assumption to make from people who take everything and anything the dirtsheets say as Gospel?

[Guest NoCalMike]

Seems like whenever they ask a WWE/F guy about guys from WCW/ECW the first thing they say is that they need to learn selling and psycology, well it is funny because the majority of WWE guys don't know SHIT about selling or psycology......so I guess the WCW/ECW guys could snap back and tell Nash and Triple that the first thing they need to learn are some wrestling manuevers(sp?)

[Guest Jobber of the Week]

Exactly. They should be trying to work us specifically.

I hope that my sarcasm gauge just broke, because that sure as hell didn't work for Vince Russo in WCW.

[Guest FeArHaVoC]

I don't think I've ever heard Nash say anything about guys needing to learn how to work. Just that other guys aren't Draws and are Bland and small.

[Guest FeArHaVoC]

Said he talks with Austin every week and they got drunk together.

Oh No, isn't Austin on Probation?

 

Nash and Triple H Video Taped this and are gonna Black Mail Austin.

[Guest The Hamburglar]

In all fairness to Ross, the way people would dissect the Ross Report and whine about it was really, really pathetic. And he was hardly ever that negative in it, either. As to the column, although the All Japan defections look like they'll have had a greater impact on the industry(as in Mutoh killing All Japan dead and it possibly going bust), I'd say the Austin walk-out caused more internet frenzies.

[Yuna_Firerose 0]

If they have good guest on, it's always a fun time. When Stevie Richards was on I couldn't stop laughing.

 

Do they still have the Byte This with Stevie on the site? If not, would it be possible for anyone to send it to me?

[Guest Mulatto Heat]

In all fairness to Ross, the way people would dissect the Ross Report and whine about it was really, really pathetic. And he was hardly ever that negative in it, either.

I never thought JR was negative in it, either. I did think it was lame how he'd constantly hype up certain members of the roster (who need not be mentioned) while ignoring other (ditto). Let's not forget about "We're pushing the Cruiserweight division ANY DAY NOW" which was a running theme for at least a year. Don't say it if it's not going to happen!

[Guest Jobber of the Week]

It’s bad enough that any words printed in a WWE-produced publication automatically have the stigma of “company line” to overcome

The problem with this is that this Brian Solomon guy is the only guy who repeatedly puts out columns that talk to the skeptics (in fact, I sometimes wonder if he's real or just a pen name for someone else) repeatedly. In fact, it's the only one that admits there's skeptics.

 

Any other news story or column on WWE.com seems to belong to the philosophy that Vince McMahon's current direction is the One True Direction of the Business, and if the shows aren't getting ratings, than it's the fault of everyone else in the world for being stupid rather than it is Vince's.

 

Some of the interviews come pretty close, like interviews with guys like Undertaker and Nash asked some questions I didn't expect them to address, but the rest is similar to stuff Tony Schiavone would shout on Nitro about being the greatest promotion of our time.