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J. R.'s Blog: J. R. Headed To Kansas City...Get Your Shopping Done Here Today...Random Thoughts

Posted: Dec 6th 2008 By: CMBurnham

Headed to Kansas City in a few minutes to watch the Oklahoma-Missouri Big 12 Title game Saturday night. The Sooners are heavily favored but I don't see it that way. I think it will be a closer game than the Vegas odds makers predict. I will go on record that it will be cold as a mother in law's hug with temps set to be in the low 30's and upper 20's during the game. But enough football for all the wrestling junkies out there so here goes some quick random thoughts...

All reports are that the WWE trip to Iraq was amazing. I'm sure some folks will do a fair amount of sleeping this weekend as many are involved in a significant way this Monday night in Philly for the 3 hour Raw. Remember it starts at 8/7 central.

I have never won a Slammy and expect that trend to continue, I'd trade it for an OU National Title by the way, but if I do "get lucky" it will ironically be for wearing that silly, sailor's suit in San Diego a while back. Why wouldn't it be that? I can personally say it was a "DAMN" moment in more ways that one.

Friday Night Smackdown was solid as predicted. I watched the stout, cage match and got to thinking that that match was Tazz and my 21st and 22nd segments to do commentary that night in Albany. The Albany crowd hung in there and even though the doubleheaders aren't ideal their cost savings are hugely significant. Plus, I get to not get on an airplane one week so I am for them.

I am most interested to see how the wrestling Slammy's are distributed Monday night and to see who gets a boo-boo face if they don't win. Good grief, it's just an award that doesn't carry the credibility of headlining a PPV and especially year to date earnings. I'm all for Matt Striker winning the announcer of the year award which would accelerate Tazz' dislike toward the rookie broadcaster. It makes Tuesdays more interesting hearing those two debate on occasion.

Expect well north of 10,000 fans on hand Monday night in Philly.

Bridgeport has a fighting chance to sell out as well but tickets for Monday and Tuesday night's tapings still remain.

Buffalo's Armageddon has had a nice hit with tickets sold but selected good seats are still available and the card might be one of the more sleeper events of the year for the locals. Buffalo isn't sold out and it is more fun watching a PPV live in many instances than watching it on TV.

Reports indicate that Vladimir Kozlov is rapidly improving with his work at WWE live events. Yes, there is still work to be done with this athlete but he is making positive strides which is what one looks for.

Jack Swagger is also getting good, road reviews and is so athletically gifted that when he finally "gets it" Swagger is going to be a welcome addition to Monday or Friday's roster in my view. No program can teach athleticism and natural timing and Swagger has them both. Swagger and Chicago Bear Dusty Dvorchek spent plenty of time eating the Mrs. cooking back in their college days at OU.

Edge returning to SD is a welcome addition to the mix as Edge is just about as good at what he does in the biz as anyone for my cash. The volatile and potentially combustible relation ship that Edge has with Vickie Guerrero is compelling TV. They still have their uncomfortable chemistry that makes me squirm in my seat especially when they get each other in a lip lock.

One can tell how far up the ladder Jeff Hardy has advanced by how well he pairs up with perennial main eventers HHH. These two have developed a really solid chemistry in the ring and I am one that thinks their matches and physical interaction has helped both men. Whereas at one time perhaps Jeff was "almost": there it seems to me that Jeff is a solid, main eventer who is WWE Title worthy and was apparently a HUGE hit on the Tribute to the Troops tour with the soldiers.

The Legends Roundtable involving Cowboy Bill Watts has been postponed from this upcoming week to likely next month. Again, it is set to cover Texas Wrestling legends and African American's contributions, and there are so many, in the wrestling business.

I want to thank all of you that are making holiday purchases in our store here on the site. I have been busy signing many items as we are offering personalized autographs on several of our offers and FREE SHIPPING on some as well. We will be shipping items through out the weekend so order today if you can to insure delivery before the holidays.

I met a nice fellow (lad) from Kent, England in our JR's BBQ in Norman Friday which just shows one how loyal many wrestling fans are. We took photos and he had a great meal as he left with a big smile on his face.

It's time to bundle up and head out the door. If you see a black hat on top of a chilly Okie tonight on the OU sideline on ABC it might be me. Be well.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.

Tags: Jim Ross, WWE, Jack Swagger, Bill Watts