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JR's Blog: Saturday..Ross Report Podcast News..Cena Piece for FoxSports.com..Heyman DVD..Taz/Tenay..@Oklahoma_Football..Order JR's Online..Lesnar vs. Cesaro??

Posted: Aug 3rd 2014 By: Jim Ross

Beautiful Saturday here in Norman, Oklahoma USA and I thank you for stopping by. 'Ask JR' here on the site has been updated and this is the 5th blog I've posted since Sunday. Check them out. Perfect day for grilling....

I'm working on a pre Summer Slam piece for FoxSports.com on John Cena specifically as it relates to why many perceive John to be so polarizing. If you have an opinion please tweet me @JRsBBQ or provide me your thoughts at 'Ask JR' here on the site.

Also, doing research on the amazing list of football players who became pro wrestling stars out of West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas highlighted by three, NWA Champions out of the list of 12-13 prolific wrestlers.

Part two of my conversation with Sting drops this Tuesday night at 9 pm eastern time on podcastone.com and iTunes. I loved catching up with the Stinger on part one even though many thought I was too involved in the conversation with an old friend. I will address that matter going forward but I can tell you that doing these interviews via the telephone are much more challenging than doing them in person which is impossible to do with me in Oklahoma and my guests coming to us from all over the country. Nonetheless I will continue to refine the process and hopefully take less trips to the woodshed from a few keyboard warriors.

Also, this Tuesday evening I will have a visit with my mentor Cowboy Bill Watts for a future Ross Report. Can't wait on that one as the outspoken Cowboy will hold nothing back and his views on ring psychology and his overall philosophy of pro wrestling is as viable today as it was during Bill's peak years as a talent, booker, and territory owner.

The schedule of Ross Report podcasts is posted on the home page of this site if you're wondering who's coming up when.

I've communicated with Dixie Carter on being a guest on our podcast in the future and potential dates are being contemplated.

Vince Russo and I had a civil conversation this past week for our podcast coming up with him even though we still have differing opinions of how the pro wrestling bushiness should be conducted. In my later years, I've come to realize that people can disagree on things that they are passionate about without coming to blows or having a cuss fight. And yes, I asked Vince about the creation of the Oklahoma character in WCW. I think that you will like this conversation a great deal when it drops in a few weeks.

Working on dates to have both Matt and Jeff Hardy on the Ross Report together in the next few weeks. That podcast will be a blast. It might be just me but seeing the two North Carolina brothers back in tag bouts just feels right and, essentially, new again.

My blog on WWE business/network dealings has garnered interest. I think that the Network will do well in time especially if WWE focuses on what their customers like and closely study what is being watched most frequently. I still see younger fans wanting "new" programs and the older fans embracing more the "classics."

Perhaps I'm wrong but I feel that I can think of multiple ideas to produce new programming for the WWE Network that would be cost efficient and entertaining. WWE has to be willing to destroy some long established molds and follow some of the ideas used on other TV entities including live shows that encourage viewer participation. Finding one time and now displaced fans is somewhat challenging but I'm thinking that many of them are now MMA fans so that could possibly be a place to start with targeted TV spots to invite those that have moved on back to the family.

Some may take exception to my statement that many WWE executives need to become legit fans of the genre to better be able to identify with their customer base. It's not enough to be able to read market research surveys and call it a day. Attending live events as a fan, reading what fans are saying about the brand and it's presentation, studying the history of the business , etc are crucial for WWE executives in these trying days. Anyone can bank big, corporate paychecks and embrace stock offerings but going 'all in' with the genre is where game changing decisions are made.

Looks like WWE is building towards a Brock Lesnar vs. Cesaro match down the road of which I can't wait to watch if it does become a reality.

Congrats to Dave Batista for the enormous success of 'Guardians of the Galaxy' as the film is kicking ass.

Going to attempt to watch the @HeymanHustle DVD this weekend. If I do, I will review it for those who care to read my take. It goes on sale this Tuesday. I wanted to have Paul on the Ross Report podcast but we haven't gotten that done as of yet.

Here's hoping that you continue to support us in building our food related business by shopping online at wweshop.com, americansoda.co.uk and beyondtheropes.co.uk. JR's products are as delicious in the kitchen as they are on your grills.

Good job Thursday night by @OfficialTaz and @RealMikeTenay on the Impact Wrestling show. They had some solid content to work with and doing legit play by play and keeping the TV viewer's mind focused on what the viewer is seeing works more often than not. Pro wrestling commentary is still about telling plausible stories with the proper amount of passion depending on the moment and understanding that unrelated banter helps erode the suspension of disbelief.

Bobby Lashley seems to be much more comfortable working in TNA than he did in WWE or at least it appears that way. He certainly makes for an imposing World Champion.

Going to catch some OU Football practice this week which I love doing. I'm so ready for football season to start in the USA.

Enjoy your weekend and remember that there are several blogs posted here that I did this week in case you've been busy and missed them.

Looking forward to your John Cena feedback @JRsBBQ or at Ask JR here on the site.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R. @JRsBBQ