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JR's Blog: Post Raw Thoughts, What Changes Lie Ahead in WWE?, Austin-Lesnar, 'Bad' Cena, JR to Iowa, JR's Products Now Shipped Worldwide

Posted: Jul 21st 2011 By: CMBurnham

We appreciate you stopping by on a other sweltering day here in Oklahoma. Oppressive heat has struck much of America and I can only say to be careful, drink lots of water, and respect Mother Nature's power. Here are some random thoughts and the answers to a few of your questions.

We're looking forward to traveling to Waterloo, Iowa this weekend to participate in the Annual Dan Gable Museum and Wrestling Hall of Fame festivities. I'll be receiving the Lou Thesz Award Saturday night and will be introduced by my old friend Jerry Brisco. Mick Foley is the master of ceremony for the event of which we are honored and humbled with which to be involved. Hope to see some of you that follow us here or on Twitter @JRsBBQ in Iowa.

Been asked several questions regarding the way Monday Night Raw went off the air in Green Bay Monday night. Mr. McMahon being 'relieved of his post' as Chairman of WWE was a major surprise to me and one that I never saw coming.

It certainly sets up numerous, new, storyline opportunities which will hopefully be capitalized upon in the near and long term future. What changes will be made under HHH's watch, if any, and how will those assumed changes affect the presentation of WWE's top TV priority?

As a fan and after working with and for Mr. McMahon for many years, I simply can't see the sports entertainment visionary "going quietly into the night." That's TBD I assume and will be one of the catalysts that encourage fans to tune into Raw Monday night.

Many times in this space I speak of talents 'maximizing their minutes' and several talents got that opportunity to do so in a wrestling heavy Raw Monday night. Sometimes I feel that some talents simply don't feel the sense of urgency to do all they physically and mentally can to 'steal the show' to whatever degree that they can depending on the hand that they are dealt.

At least we do know that a new, WWE champion will be crowed Monday night between Rey Mysterio and the Miz. Tough spot for both to be in considering that CM Punk won the WWE Title in the ring against the former champion John Cena. Whoever wins between Mysterio and Miz or even the MITB winner Alberto Del Rio, will be standing in the shadow of Punk who has left the company and apparently has zero plans to return in the immediate future of which I am aware.

What happened to Sin Cara? According to the WWE website, Cara violated the rules of the Wellness Program which resulted in him receiving a 30 day suspension. Some fans didn't even know what the Wellness Program is and the best way that I can explain it is that the Wellness Program is essentially WWE's drug policy. Very unfortunate for the fans, WWE, and especially for the Talent. I like and endorse '2nd chances' if they are deserved and desired by all parties. Time will tell on this one.

Crazy question...do I think that HHH will move to the announce booth? Nope. He's too busy with other, higher priority matters. I don't expect any announcing changes to any WWE show any time soon. I would like to see Josh Mathews and Booker T work a two man booth on Smackdown but that's merely a personal preference.

Yes, a new Steve Austin DVD is being produced for release prior to the holidays later this year. Filming at Steve's Broken Skull Ranch in South Texas begins this Monday. I was interviewed by a producer for approximately 3 hours on the day that I conducted the HBK-Hitman sit down interview in Stamford and expect that will be the extent of my involvement in the Stone Cold DVD. I did send Steve an email with a litany of content suggestions but I have no idea what the final, final edit will remotely resemble.

You asked...I buy my hats at 'Shorty's Kaboy Hattery' located in the OKC Stockyards district. They are custom made and I'm sure that they have a website. They make hats and ship they all over the world. Best hats I ever owned. I wore Resistol for years, never Stetson, but have gone the custom made route the past several hats. The particular hat that I wear runs approximately $800 and is 100% beaver.

Where can one find WWE merchandise in stores? I'm sure that there are a few places but one would think in Wal Mart and K-Mart stores.

Will John Cena become a 'villain?' I get this one all the time. Same answer. I don't see it any time soon. I wouldn't do it. The guy sells too much merchandise plus he is beloved by a significant section of the audience including younger fans and ladies. I would not tinker with the company's top guy simply because some male fans want it as many of the same also regularly espouse the virtues of PG-14. IMO, WWE doesn't need TV-14 to be a success or for Jon Cena to become a hated villain.....for my two cents.

What was one storyline that never happened that I would have liked to have seen? There's likely many if I stopped to think about it but off the top of my head I'd say Austin vs. Brock Lesnar. Hogan vs. Austin would have been intriguing but not as compelling in the ring.

Interesting idea to use our Chipotle Ketchup in a backwash to batter homemade onion rings. Made me hungry.

Do I feel sorry for WWE Divas? No...they all have jobs, earn a decent living, are doing what they want to do and getting some TV exposure. Are the Divas fully maximized? That one is arguable. Some may be while others not so much.

WWEShop is working on several 'tweaks' to our product presentation. Lots of interesting ideas being discussed that I feel that you will like. Stay tuned for more on that. Plus, we're getting orders @ http://www.wweshop.com/Category/JimRoss from all over the world since we started using WWEShop as our official on line distributor.

We do not expect to re-open our store as it relates to shipping our BBQ Sauces, Main Event Mustard Mustard, Beef Jerky and Chipotle Ketchup. However we will likely open it back up to sell a few items such as our personally, autographed cookbooks, etc.

Our Twitter followers grow daily. We are up to north of 186,000 followers @JRsBBQ. You're certainly invited to join us.

The new, Legends Roundtable debuts Friday July 22 on selected cable systems only in the USA and Canada. WWE On Demand isn't technically available on satellite TV nor does it air outside the USA as I understand it. I also don't know if WWE is going to release all the Roundtables on a DVD at some point in the future. Might not be a bad idea but the one that they did release sold somewhat softly I am told.

If you attend Summer Slam Axxess this year in LA, hit the WWE Merchandise stand as I personally signed a bunch of BBQ Sauce and Beef Jerky to be sold during the two day affair. I sure would love to hear that what we provided sold out. I have no plans at this time on attending Summer Slam but am really pleased that our products will be at the WWE Merchandise Stand at Axxess.

Thanks for stopping by and for all of you who support our family's efforts at http://www.wweshop.com/Category/JimRoss. There's PLENTY of grilling time left.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.