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JR's Blog: Tuesday Blog..RAW Thoughts..WWE.com...Order JR's Today at WWEShop.com

Posted: Apr 11th 2012 By: CMBurnham

Thanks for stopping by and checking out our site. Remember to hit our Q&A's while you're hear and submit any questions that you may have. With grilling season upon us, I invite you to browse our page at http://www.wweshop.com/Category/JimRoss for the best BBQ Sauces, Chipotle Ketchup, Main Event Mustard, 5 flavor of 97% Fat Free Beef Jerky, and our amazing All Purpose Seasoning which is also a tremendous rub.

I enjoyed Monday Night Raw from Washington D.C. The major storylines of the day were addressed in memorable ways and as a result of watching RAW I'm looking forward to Extreme Rules on PPV from Chicago the last Sunday of this month.

Without question, Chicago will be on fire for Extreme Rules. Great crowd, great city and a long, illustrious history within the genre. From the days in the Chicago Amphitheatre, the AWA era, Flair vs. Steamboat in 1989, and all the other great WWE events in the Windy City, Chicago is special.

My 2007 WWE HOF announcement was made in Chicago which was one of the best moments of my professional career. For that, I will always be indebted to the fans of Chicago.

RAW Thoughts:

Hottest start to a Monday Night Raw that I can remember in years. The show opening brawl between Brock Lesnar and John Cena was shocking and physical. These two wasted no time verbally lambasting the other and 'passed go' and went right to the smashmouth, literally, aspect of the rivalry.

Lesnar has 'it' and his presence is stark/sobering. When the former WWE and UFC champion makes his way to the ring, all eyes are on him.

John Cena is tough as a $2 steak. No hyperbole just fact. Cena's former coach at Springfield College told me that John was a physical, workhorse who anchored their offensive line as an All American center and was the hardest worker on the team. Cena getting a busted lip had him smiling. That was awesome.

Lesnar's interview with Josh Mathews was excellent.

Santino Marella is evolving into one of WWE's most well liked performers. Santino is so entertaining that many fans forget that the guy has a unique skill set that is based in Judo of which he has trained in for years.

Brodus Clay has something special as well. Is he a traditional, big man ala a One Man Gang or a Vader? Of course not. But Clay can entertain and his desire to be a star has been evident for quite some time. His knowledge of the history of the business is impressive which, to me, translates to respect. Plus, don't judge a book by its colorful cover as Clay has legit toughness and comes from a world that few of us would want to visit.

Dolph Ziggler has been maximizing his minutes extremely well including at WM28 and every time I see him on TV. I am a huge fan of @HEELZiggler and feel confident that he will perform his way to regular, main event status as 2012 progresses.

Cody Rhodes may have lost the IC Title at WM28 to the imposing Big Show but make no mistake about it that the youngest of the Rhodes, wrestling family is one of the building blocks that WWE will utilize for years to come. There is no limit to how great Rhodes can be if he stays healthy and continues to evolve. Cody's DNA and his stellar amateur background in Georgia serves him well.

At my stage of the game, I enjoy watching these young guys evolve and I have the patience to allow such to occur in a natural, organic manner. Unfortunately, younger fans want instant gratification much like they want their pizzas delivered in 30 minutes or less. I'd rather enjoy the aroma coming from the kitchen for hours before enjoying that great meal.

Someone asked me on Twitter @JRsBBQ if "Lesnar was dangerous?" Hell, yes he's dangerous and that's one of the elements regarding Brock's personality that makes him 'must see.' However, there are several men in WWE that Lesnar won't intimidate including John Cena.

Check out www.wwe.com/classics/jim-ross for an article I wrote on the badasses of the business. If this link doesn't work, simply go to http://www.wwe.com and click on to Classics. I think that you will enjoy this trip down memory lane to the present.

Black hats off to the folks at WWE TV for the amazing video package/salute to the men in the HIAC match at WM28. I loved hearing from the WWE Superstars on what they thought of the epic bout between HHH and the Undertaker w/ @ShawnMichaels "your third man in the ring."

HHH, HBK, and Undertaker cannot get enough credit for their amazing performance at WM28 in a match that I know that I will never forget. I don't know if I will ever write a book or be involved in a DVD project featuring my all time favorite bouts but if I do this instant classic from April 1, 2012 has definitely made the list.

I will always be grateful to WWE management for providing me the opportunity to be a small part of the HIAC match. This is a bout that will provide lasting memories for WWE fans for generations to come.

Plus, I sincerely appreciate Michael Cole and the King for indulging me at the announce desk as 3 man booths are challenging enough much less having to deal with someone who hasn't had a great deal of recent 'game time.' They both showed me great professionalism of which I'll always be grateful.

Excited to see many of my old friends on Smackdown live tonight at 7/8 Eastern time on SyFy. I'm headed to OU football practice but will be home in time to watch the festivities LIVE on TV.

It's hard to believe that WWE will hold their first event ever in Russia this week. WWE in Moscow is amazing considering the years it has taken to accomplish this. I can still remember us doing RAW TV at places like Fishkill, New York in the early-mid 90's.

Excited to be headed to Las Vegas next week for the CAC. Get all the info on this great affair that includes many WWE personalities at http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org. The exhibits of classic, wrestling memorabilia are always a must see for me. I wish more websites would feature the CAC and the work that they do but perhaps that doesn't get the hits that 'dirt' does.

I don't expect to:

See Arkansas Football Coach Bobby Petrino get fired.

Hear the colorful, Ozzie Guillen talk 'politics' ever again.

See Stan Van Gundy to 'quit' without his cash owed him from the Orlando Magic.

See me get interested in MLB until after the All Star Break & then disconnect for football season until the World Series.

Follow any Kardashian in any form.

See the great Bill Parcells roaming the sidelines again. He's paid his dues/not a babysitter

Add any new BBQ Sauce flavors soon but we're strategizing.

Answer every question at our Q&A section but I will try.

Thanks for stopping by and for helping us grow our family brand of premium products at http://www.wweshop.com/Category/JimRoss.

Hope to see some at the OU Football Spring Game this Saturday afternoon in Norman.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.