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JR's Blog: Tons of Questions Addressed, JR Edmonton Bound, WWEShop Biz for JR's Products Rocking, Sauce It!!

Posted: Aug 21st 2011 By: CMBurnham

Good day to try and catch up on a variety of questions that we've received here at our Q&A section of the site and via Twitter @JRsBBQ. Lots of ground to cover on a wide array of topics.

What do I think of the UFC/Fox seven year TV deal? Big win/win for both companies and especially the MMA fans. Fox is a huge upgrade from Spike TV. To be promoted on the same network as the NFL, etc is massive when attempting to reach the male 18-34 demo. I won't over analyze as some have done this week and try to find issues with this deal. I think it's a hit and will help grow the UFC brand significantly. Plus, UFC will maintain control of their production and the booking of the fights. Being on Fox also provides UFC the opportunity to accelerate growth on ancillary income streams. End of the day, fighters should earn more cash if they put themselves in a position to do such. The fighters better hope that the NFL's Roger Goodell doesn't start handling discipline issues. (An attempt at humor.)

How's my health with the increased travel? Thanks for asking and it's excellent. I'm still watching what I eat and drink, hitting the gym regularly and getting plenty of quality sleep thanks to my CPAP machine which treats sleep apnea. I look forward to going to work including leaving this weekend for Edmonton. I was on the road for years and suffered from sleep apnea and didn't even know it but it adversely affected my health in ways I may never know.

Thoughts on the Internet Title? Seems like a tongue in cheek title that isn't taken seriously.

Jimmy Hart's future? The WWE HOF'er has been doing some PR related activities with WWE of which he is excellent. I don't know what Jimmy's plans are but he's still fun to be around.

Am I coming to UK in November? If I am still broadcasting, I assume so. Always look forward to the twice a year UK trips.

How big is the standard WWE ring? 20X20 as I recall. I remember reffing in a 16 foot ring many moons ago which got a little crowed at times. Some TV studio rings were 14X14.

Will JR's products ever be in stores outside of Norman? Hard to say and there is nothing firm on the horizon. At this time the only way to access our goods is via http://www.wwweshop.com/Category/JimRoss.

Do I see Rock on Dancing With the Stars? No....he doesn't need the exposure or the 'rub.'

Will Haas and Benjamin ever return to WWE? I have no idea and am not involved with who come or goes from WWE. They are an outstanding team nonetheless and two of my favorite athletes. They seem very happy in ROH.

Would territories benefit wrestlers today? Without question. The erosion/elimination of the wrestling territories was a negative blow to the business in general. When there were 30+ places for wrestlers to work on a regular basis including producing weekly, local TV shows it only made the talent pool deeper and more viable and allowed wrestlers to develop in a more logical manner.

Would JBL return to WWE? That's a question for John to address but my gut says yes if it was a role that he embraced. Perhaps working only TV's in some capacity would suit the talented, Texan. JBL would bring star power and a bigger than life personality to WWE TV.

How do I compare Booker's announcing to JBL or Mick Foley's work? Really not fair for me to judge my peers but all three are uniquely different talents. Booker is in a new role and not unlike wrestling it takes time to develop one's game. Broadcasting the genre isn't easy.

Will I be in Tallahassee on September 17 for the OU vs. Florida State showdown? That's the plan. I would go to the game and then drive to Atlanta Saturday night and take an early morning flight to Buffalo, New York for the Night of Champions PPV. That's dedication to one's team. :)

Will JR's Cookbook ever be available in the UK? I'm working on several matters with WWEShop to grow our brand and that includes them adding our signed, cookbooks to the inventory and if that occurs they will ship the books worldwide. We'll know about this in a few weeks.

Has HBK wrestled his last match? In my view, absolutely.

Thoughts on Cleveland Browns and former Texas QB Colt McCoy? Colt's a winner. Right man for the QB role in Cleveland and a nice fit in the west coast, short passing game offense that Jerry Lawler's favorite NFL team utilizes. Saw McCoy play 4 times in person and he's a classy, smart athlete. That's coming from a Sooner regarding a former Longhorn.

Did David Von Erich die of a drug overdose? I can't be 100% sure nor can any one else most likely however that has long been the rumor.

Did @steveaustinBSR cover the Hollywood Blondes, with Brian Pillman, in Steve's upcoming, 4 DVD set to be released toward the end of November? In depth and with plenty of footage and personal observations of their professional and personal relationship. Great stuff.

Is the Rock's alma mater, the University of Miami football program really in deep trouble? Without question. Too much legit documentation and data on the cheating to go unpunished by the NCAA. A dirty booster and gullible and willing young athletes spells trouble for 'The U.'

What talents have I especially enjoyed in WWE developmental? Actually there are several including Husky Harris, Bo Rotundo, Johnny Curtis, Seth Rollins, Ritchie Steamboat and Brodus Clay, among others. I always leave some out so don't take that as an indication that I don't enjoy other's work. Going off the top of my head here.

What new products do we expect to add to our product line at http://www.wweshop.com/Category/JimRoss? Not quite there yet but certainly other flavors of Beef Jerky and an all purpose spice that could be used as a dry rub for starters. Plus, the signed cookbook as mentioned earlier. Could be several things which are all in the works.

Favorite Horsemen combination? Flair, Arn, Tully, and Windham. Hands down.

Will Joey Styles and JR ever broadcast matches together? That could happen on classic bouts on WWEClassics.com and/or WWE On Demand sooner than later. Still TBD but I hope so.

When will a new, Legends Roundtable premier? This Monday re: Major, Outdoor, Wrestling events. You'll hear that I wasn't a fan of the WCW, non revenue generating, Sturgis events. Catch it on WWE On Demand.

Be well and thanks for supporting our family brand at http://www.wweshop.com/Category/JimRoss. Check out the link....looking is free.

We have grown to over 210,000 Twitter followers and invite you to join us @JRsBBQ.

Have a great weekend and enjoy Monday night Raw from Edmonton. I'm hoping to find some cooler weather there and an arena full of loud, enthusiastic fans.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.