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JR's Blog: Random Thoughts from Stamford...

Posted: Jan 22nd 2009 By: mikeiles

I?m in Stamford, CT for two days of work before heading back to Norman on Thursday. Then it?s on to Detroit for what should be a stout Royal Rumble PPV at ?The Joe.?

I enjoyed Raw Monday night. Really fun show to watch. My favorite aspects of the shows were all ?talking segments? which this old schooler usually doesn?t say.

Cena/HBK/JBL interaction was excellent. The talk was spot on as was the physicality.

The return of Mr. McMahon was strong and the Chairman?s return gives Raw a shot in the arm for the march to WM25. The defiant Randy Orton?s defiance directed toward Stephanie McMahon and her father has many fans talking and thinking. How will RKO?s actions affect the Rumble. I have no idea but it has to, doesn?t it?

Punk vs. Regal was my favorite bout and the two, talented pros entertained this fan in their two segment IC Title bout.

BTW the Chicago crowd was spectacular.

Mike Knox promo w/ Todd Grisham was memorable & different. Knox seems to have ?something.? Too bad he?s stuck on Raw and not a regular on Smackdown. (That?s intended to be humor for any Raw loyalists.)

I interviewed Jeff Hardy this week and Jeff?s remarks are captivating and will air on MyNetworkTV?s Friday Night Smackdown this week. Jeff really hit for the cycle on this exclusive sit down discussion. I enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of this interview & would love to do more of these in the future. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed doing being a part of it. The WWE Champion really raised his stock w/ his comments.

We taped 2 Legends Roundtable programs Tuesday night and every who participated really enjoyed themselves and opened up w/ some super conversation and told some entertaining stories. It was great hearing my mentor Cowboy Bill Watts tell a variety of tales as only he can, honestly and candidly w/ no holds barred.

Dusty Rhodes was extremely optimistic about several young prospects in Florida Championship Wrestling. Apparently many of the 2nd generation youngsters are impressing the Dream.

Hearing just bits and pieces re: the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony really has me looking forward to April 4 in Houston. Obviously Stone Cold headlining is huge but ?rumblings? about the entire presentation has me more excited than any HOF event since I was inducted in 2007. If you have a chance to attend, I strongly urge you to be there.

Friday Night Smackdown ratings continue to grow on MyNetworkTV. Approximately 4 million viewers tuned in last week which is another network record.

J.R.?s Family Bar-B-Q? is hoping to have a presence at Fan AXXESS at WM 25, but logistical issues are moving slowly.

I heard that the Steve Austin HOF video had over 1M ?hits? or whatever the hell it?s called on WWE.com. That?s amazing.

The road to WM 25 picture will clear up somewhat after Sunday night. I?m hoping for a Smackdown winner. Something tells me this event will be dotted w/ surprises.

I was impressed w/ how new ECW Champion Jack Swagger, from Perry, Oklahoma, represented himself this week on ECW TV. If Swagger isn?t the biz?s rookie of the year then who?

The African Americans in wrestling topic on WWE 24/7 will air in February during Black History Month and is dotted with compelling stories. This was one of the most compelling topics we have ever discussed on the Roundtable.

Thanks for your continued business in our store here on this site. We appreciate your business I assure you.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.

Tags: Jim Ross, WWE, Bill Watts, Dusty Rhodes, ECW, Jack Swagger