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JR's Blog: Torrie Wilson Emails J.R.....Flair & Hulk Tag Partners?...Kennedy Leaves WWE...John Tolos Dies

Posted: May 31st 2009 By: mikeiles

BBQ'ed Random thoughts to ease into the weekend from beautiful Norman, Oklahoma...the home of J.R.'s Family BBQ on I-35 South at exit 109. Let's get started with this piece of business.

The WWE is on fire in Mexico with all four scheduled events being sold out. WWE sources said that over 1,000 fans were turned away in Queretaro Friday night at an outdoor stadium. Thus far the WWE's visit to Mexico can't be considered nothing but a complete success.

I got a nice email a few hours ago from Torrie Wilson who is competing on the new NBC reality show, "I'm a Celebrity...Get me Out of Here" that debuts on NBC on Monday June 1. I hope all wrestling fans will be watching and more importantly VOTING for Torrie to win it all. She is a marathon runner who is in great physical condition and is much more mentally tough then perhaps her reality show peers will give her credit. Torrie has a great mind set for this irreverent competition and without question she will be the hottest celeb in the rainy jungle of Costa Rica. Hey, Boise State, Torrie's favorite college team, upset might Oklahoma once upon a time so why can't some one from the wrestling world win a network reality show??

The sale of Rey Mysterio masks at WWE events is apparently staggering and it looks as if Mysterio's issue with Chris Jericho will be mask oriented based on Friday Night Smackdown which was, again, the best WWE TV production of the week, says a man with a biased point of view.

Tuesday Rey and I shared stories of the most famous masked wrestler ever in Mexico that being El Santo. Todd Grisham was hearing much of this info for the first time.

So MVP is taking "The View's" Sherri Sheppard to her high school prom is he? Again, MVP proves just how physically and mentally tough he really is. DAWG!

One of the most quoted individuals associated, albeit loosely, in the wrestling biz seems to be Hulk Hogan's attorney who seems hellbent on making himself a "star" all while his meter is running for the Hulkster in the Hogan's nasty divorce case.

Perhaps Hulk should try and be Ric Flair's opponent on some of the international destinations Ric has spoken about to various media outlets including China and South Africa. Or, better yet, what about a tag of Flair and Hogan vs. (fill in the blank)? Hey, it's just an idea and please don't tell me that it wouldn't garner big PR and sell tickets especially in international lands or even in the states for a special occasion.

Sorry to year that 33 year old Mr. Kennedy was released at the end of the week by WWE. Kennedy got the old "future endeavored" send off that has happened to many. If Kennedy can remain healthy, one would like to think that he his string of injuries is behind him, and can continue with his career in the relatively near future many feel Kennedy has the skills to be a main eventer on a consistent basis. Kennedy is a studious guy and likely won't find it difficult to secure work. Sometimes a fresh start is good for a wrestler and I hope that's the case for Kennedy or what ever his next wrestling name will be.

Even though she is still in the process of refining her in ring skills and her overall game for that matter, keep your eye on Maryse, no problem with me doing that, as she is a natural antagonist who has the chance to become really good. Maryse "feels it" as far as being a bad girl and if one asks any great wrestling villain what one must do to be successful they will tell you that one must "feel it" and embrace making people despise their wrestling persona.

Friday night Smackdown had some "moments" especially those involving Chris Jericho/Rey Mysterio, Edge/Jeff Hardy, Punk/Umaga/Morrison/ plus I did not dislike the tag between Cryme Tyme, who has seemingly improved or perhaps just got more serious vs. Haas and Benjamin who likely won't be teaming that much in the future. It's really not a good idea for any one to "horse around" with either Haas or Benjamin.

I hate to say that Smackdown kicked Raw's ass again Friday night but you can be the judge. I'm just saying. (That phrase courtesy of Gregory "You can call me Hurricane" Helms.)

Finlay has a scratched cornea from what I understand but don't expect the tough, veteran from Belfast to miss much in ring time. WWE could use more experienced hands like Finlay to help teach the young guys right from wrong inside the ropes.

Trish Stratus is my all time favorite Diva for many reasons and I recently saw a photo of her with dark hair and at first glance I thought it was Angelina Jolie. For the record, if Angelina and Brad Pitt are having marital problems I would suggest that they talk to The King who is a great listener but he seemingly listens better when the women are 25 or under but then again I could be wrong. Jerry would make an exception for Angelina wouldn't he?!

Our condolences to the family and friends of former wrestling great John Tolos who passed away at the age of 78 a day or so ago and who is considered one of the best hands on the mic ever and especially in his hey day. Tolos is famous for his run in Southern California and his 70's rivalry with WWE HOF'er Classy Freddie Blassie. Neither man was ever considered to be a fabulous in ring performer but all they did was sell tickets because what they did they did well and both could verbalize and paint vivid word pictures that enhanced the all important emotional investment from the paying customers and sold tickets. Wrestlers who can verbalize and especially those that can ad lib and be spontaneous on the mic greatly enhance their opportunities to become stars. That art form seems to be fleeting which is not a good thing.

Why is it that I find "one name" wrestlers so retro and unnecessary? Is it that I am too, old school? That might well be it.

I had lunch Friday at J.R.'s BBQ with former OU All American and NFL star Joe Washington and we discussed the Oklahoma Varsity "O" Club helping raise funds for Steve "Dr. Death" Williams being able to have the devise installed to allow him to speak hands free.

ESPN's John Kruk is scheduled to dine with us this weekend too as he's in OKC broadcasting the Women's College World Series for ESPN.

Just so you will know, I answer all the questions on this site personally and we don't have a team of folks who contribute creatively here. Also without your business in our store, we can't keep this site alive. I might as well cut to the chase. We need your business. Plus, I have updated the Q&A section of the site as we speak. If you go there now you will see that I have addressed many, new questions. No, every question doesn't make the cut. Please keep them SHORT and use a modicum of common sense when asking questions or making comments. Some of the new questions that I have addressed are much better this time around.

As I mentioned before, our new Original Sauce is now in stock in the new, lighter plastic bottles that holds 18 oz of sauce.

Have a great weekend as I fly to Birmingham, Alabama Monday to broadcast one match as I understand it for WGN's WWE Superstars and then on up to Memphis in his "King-mobile" after Monday's Raw. Then it is Friday Night Smackdown in Memphis' Fed X Forum Tuesday night.

Remember....eat more BBQ and count your blessings.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.

Tags: Jim Ross, WWE, Ric Flair, Charlie Haas, Jerry Lawler, Steve Williams