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JR's Blog: Phoenix Bound...Goldberg..UFC 111..Goodbye Hitman...Blood..Lesnar..Order Your BBQ Products Today

Posted: Mar 26th 2010 By: CMBurnham

Hope all are having a great one. Busy day here with travel, etc. So let's get rolling...

Gotta love Southwest Airlines as they don't charge for checked bags. I'm happy that I have saved ample, drink coupons. Quick flight to Phoenix is emminent.

Bill Goldberg reports that he is negotiating with WWE but my best guess is that it's not about a return to the ring. Bill is a smart entrepreneur and the former Tulsa Edison and University of Georgia football star likely is looking at doing a marketing deal with WWE that might include video games, possible WWE HOF Induction next year in Atlanta, and merchandise sales. It sounds like a win/win for both parties. I really don't know what the potential deal is as I found out about it from reading the internet which reported Goldberg's Twitter statement. Nonetheless after being involved in several of these type deals, I can see where both parties can benefit from an arrangement. Goldberg gets the opportunity to earn additional cash without putting his body thru hell and he gets some nice exposure for his various TV vehicles. The WWE could monetize Goldberg's likeness in a variety of ways. Is it possible for Goldberg to come back and perform in a "farewell bout" in the Georgia Dome next year at WM27? It's possible one has to assume.

Without question WM26 looks to be an amazing card on paper. For the 4 hour show that starts at 7 eastern/4 pacific, it's all about talent execution and time management. I mentioned to Todd Wright Wednesday night on Sporting News Radio that this time when I walk out of the Stadium in Glendale that I wouldn't be looking at my shoes as I was when West Virginia spanked Oklahoma in a Fiesta Bowl there a few years ago. The Mountaineers took the Sooners to the woodshed that night. I won't have any dogs in the hunt Sunday on PPV and fully expect to leave the stadium a happy Okie....this time.

Nice move by UFC to have Brock Lesnar appear at UFC 111 this Saturday night to set the stage for his return to the Octagon against the winner of the Frank Mir-Shane Carwin co-main event in Newark, N.J. It will be interesting to see what promotional opportunities are created for the post fight, lock of a confrontation of some sort. Most MMA fans want to see Mir-Lesnar 3 but Carwin will have significant things to say about that matter in the form of doing all he can to beat the Hell out of the talkative albeit talented Mir Saturday night.

Dan Hardy makes a great case for himself verbally and with his body of work but until George St. Pierre is beaten I'll have to see it to believe it. GSP is one of the top 2-3 fighters in the world of MMA in my perspective. This UFC main event will be a fast paced affair.

When asked by an emailer about blood in pro wrestling....less is more, without question. The more one sees bloody bouts the less it means and the dramatic effect is diminished. In recent generations, blood has long been used as a lazy, uncreative way of enhancing selected pro wrestling bouts.

Jim Cornette had lunch at JR's Family BBQ in Norman on Tuesday in route to driving from Louisville to Phoenix for a couple of ROH shows.

Why is Ontario being so archaic in doing business with UFC and other reputable MMA organizations? MMA is a legit sport which has rules and regulations which should make the politicians happy. This is another classic example of politicos over thinking something instead of using common sense to bring more entertainment and money to their cities.

We are going to soon be doing a promotion with Topps Trading Cards here on the site that I think that you will enjoy. Stay tuned.

Emailer asked why WCW wasn't more successful in the late 80's and early 90's. Short answer/opinion is that the primary decision makers did not have sufficient product knowledge, these individuals were easily "conned," and active performers were immersed in the creative process which I personally feel is a bad way of doing business more often that not.

Another emailer asked how his "free autograph" that he received from us could be verified that it was legit. Because I sign every item that we advertise and promote as being autographed by yours truly and I wouldn't say such if it wasn't true. Case closed. (Thanks to Ernie Ladd for that one. When Cowboy Bill Watts and Ernie would "debate" and when Cowboy would win Ernie would verbally tap with "case closed.")

The "Survival of the Hitman" documentary that is available for viewing on several websites is a really nice piece of business. A wrestling company would do themselves justice by utilizing the skills of the producer of the show as it had great flow and continuity. Really recommend that fans check this one out.

On a side note, it will likely not set in to many fans that Bret Hart's last match is very, very likely this Sunday at WM26. I just cannot see any way Bret steps back into the ring as an active competitor after this Sunday on PPV. It seems like this fact has been down played somewhat which I understand but don't personally agree with from a promotional point of view.

I will be doing a big celebration and personal appearance with the Norman, Oklahoma Homeland Stores next weekend culminating with "J. R.'s Rib Mania" where slow smoked ribs will be specially priced and will come with a FREE bottle of J.R.'s Original BBQ Sauce. I will be appearing at the Alameda street location from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday April 3 and for fans in the vicinity I personally invite you to drop by and say hello. We are building a great partnership with Homeland Grocery Stores in Oklahoma of which could be really significant as we continue to grow our business.

Yours truly heard from the Undertaker yesterday and he's ready to go Sunday against Shawn Michaels which is the most emotional match, for me personally, that I can ever recall at any Wrestlemania. I'm going to have a hard time keeping a dry eye when that match is all said and done.

Our Q&A Section featuring many of your questions and comments have been updated as of Thursday morning.

Had a fun night Wednesday night talking football with the OU Coaches and Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly who was in Norman attending Sooner football practice. Kelly is a real, down to Earth dude who has a brilliant football mind especially offensively. Duck fans have a great HBC for their football program.

I have had to delete many emails that were fixating on me not broadcasting at WM26. I am good with it even though I'll admit that I'm disappointed that I won't be a part of the broadcast team for the biggest show of the year. Why wouldn't I be disappointed? As Brando said in The Godfather, "It's just business." I appreciate many of your comments but my suggestion is to focus on the show itself and that if you only buy one WWE PPV this year that this Sunday's Wrestlemania should be it. I would say that if I was with the WWE or not. This card looks to be special and this show will have some "Wrestlemania Moments" that will likely live for years to come. At least what I perceive to be my last Wrestlemania broadcast was the 1st HBK-Undertaker affair which will live forever. Not a bad deal at all.

Please take a look in our store at the new offers that we are featuring as your biz is always appreciated and needed. We're not unlike any other small, family owned operation who is attempting to grow our business. Thanks for your consideration.

Count your blessings.

Boomer Sooner!

J. R.

Tags: Jim Ross, Bill Goldberg, WWE, Jim Cornette, WCW, Ernie Ladd, Bill Watts