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JR's Blog: Monday Blog, JR & Russo Record Ross Report Tonight, WWETLC Feedback, Mauro Ranallo

Posted: Dec 15th 2015 By: Jim Ross

So happy with the results of the two part Kevin Sullivan conversation on The Ross Report the past two weeks. Thanks to all that downloaded at podcastone.com. Remember to subscribe for FREE to our podcast at iTunes and your show will be automatically downloaded to the devise of your choice every Tuesday night at 9 ET. Talking later today with Vince Russo about WWETLC, the state of the business, what he likes and dislikes about today's mat game and more. I expect a spirited, passionate show, without fail.

Here's some quick feedback on WWETLC that I watched the @WWENetwork live on Apple TV in the "comfort of my own home"......

WWE TV production values are always slick and well done. WWE has some talented people who toil away in Stamford that rarely get recognized. They are a group of artisans who often times make the talents look better than they actually are.

Can't understand why it's unnecessary to interrupt a match like Sasha Banks vs Becky Lynch in the pre-show. Takes the fans right out of the moment when leaving the action for more network promos. It's jut illogical and not fan friendly.

Thought Lynch & Banks had a nice match that needed a couple of minutes more time to complete the story telling. Amazing suplex applied by Lynch that seemingly went somewhat unnoticed.

The opening TLC match was excellent especially for three teams that aren't exactly red hot, over but who took some incredible high risk chances to entertain the fans. They were SO good nothing else truly followed them as it relates to utilizing the 'gimmick' of one's choice including the main event. Perhaps here, less would truly be more but much respect to the talents for putting it on the line.

League of Nations promo felt unnatural. Was it over produced? Too manufactured?

Picked Ryback to win vs Rusev unless WWE could find a creative way to interject Lana. They did and the heel won which doesn't bother me. WWE needs top villains in the worst way.

ADR retaining the US Title was obvious over the returning Jack Swagger. I don't understand how a talent can be away to freshen up only to return and become cannon fodder again. Swagger's underutilized & ADR should be a fan favorite, IMO. Their match exceeded expectations.

Good finish for the established Dudley's and friends to do the honors for the Wyatt Family. Spot on booking. Bray Wyatt could SO easily become a fan favorite of significance that it's not even debatable.

Dean Ambrose beating Kevin Owens for the IC Title surprised me which is good. Let's just hope that the championship isn't treated like a hot potato and is passed around frequently. Can Ambrose be the one to actually make the title mean something? Let's hope he gets a shot.

Owens, like Bray Wyatt, would make a great WWE character 'face but he's too good at being a villain, a WWE shortage, to go there right now.

Nice match between Paige and Charlotte with Charlotte cheating to win with her Dad Ric at ringside. It looks as if Charlotte will go into Wrestlemania Texas as the antagonist vs possibly Sasha Banks, my choice, for a title bout on April 3. If that is remotely accurate, I'd keep these two away from each other until after the Royal Rumble.

Sheamus and Reigns went strong style in the WWE Title Match with TLC Rules. I'd certainly hope that logic prevails and neither wrestle tonight especially if Reigns is forced to wrestle in a handicap match for punishment which seems to be worn thin. The post match execution and presentation focusing on an outraged animal, Reigns, was the best Roman has arguably ever looked as a fan favorite. Hopefully, Reigns won't wrestle tonight on RAW especially in the handicap, punishment matches that are often used or made to do any long promos on RAW. Think Eastwood, a badass dude who lets his actions do most of the talking.

HHH sold magnificently for what was being done to him. Text book example of how important 'selling' is today and forever in the wrestling business. The Reigns vs. Authority story line feels a great deal like Austin-McMahon back in the day but that formula worked because it was organic, logical and well executed. Can Roman and the Authority replicate with comparable success? If they can they that will solve many creative debates.

The follow up on TV with Reigns is imperative Monday night on RAW. No room for error after last night. Momentum can be lost as quickly as it is earned.

Recording with Vince Russo later today around 6 pm CT for this week's Ross Report Podcast that drops Tuesday night on podcastone.com and iTunes at 9 pm ET. It will be interesting to hear Russo's thoughts on the TLC show that I "forced" him to watch for this week's podcast.

Q&A's elsewhere on the site are updated.

Congrats to my pal Mauro Ranallo for nabbing the lead Smackdown broadcaster role beginning in January when Smackdown moves to the USA Network. Mauro is a great broadcaster who will immediately enhance the sound of SD and make fort more unique audio especially if he's paired with Jerry Lawler and Booker T. Excellent hire by WWE and I wish my friend a wonderful run in WWE. I couldn't be happier for all involved.

www.wweshop.com and www.americansoda.co.uk are still shipping JR's products as we speak. They make great gifts and staples in one's kitchen.

Got your JR's shirt on order for the holidays? Sizes up to 5X and shipping worldwide from www.prowrestlingtees.com/jimross.

Tickets for three RINGSIDE w/ Jim Ross & Friends shows at the House of Blues in Dallas are available at www.ticketmaster.com. Great seats are still available for all shows and each show will have a special guest to join me for the Q&A's. Shows are Saturday April 2 before and after the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony and after the Monday April 4 RAW at 11 pm local time. We will be an 8 minute walk from ACC to the House of Blues so it couldn't be more convenient. Hope to see you there.

Have a great day!

Boomer Sooner!

J.R. @JRsBBQ