WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross updated the blog section of JRsbarbq.com. The following items are among the highlights. To order J.R.’s BBQ products, visit WWEShop.com.
–Ross on Roman Reigns: “Yes I expect that Roman Reigns will be booed at Fastlane during his main event match versus Brock Lesnar and Dean Ambrose. I can’t explain this booking specifically if WWE still wants Reigns to be WWE’s #1 fan favorite. This booking makes me believe that major creative audibles may be called prior to WrestleMania Texas. IMO Reigns is guaranteed to be jeered at Fastlane and the question is will WWE use that organic, real response to provide the fans with what many want or will they steer the course and continue to attempt to establish what many vocal fans seemingly prefer.”
Powell’s POV: For that matter, I’ll be shocked if Reigns isn’t booed at WrestleMania at this point. The Royal Rumble cheered Triple H and I’m guessing the WrestleMania crowd will do the same. I hope WWE is a step ahead of us at this point, but I far that Vince McMahon is hellbent on Reigns being the top babyface and is taking a strange path toward that goal.
–Ross on Shinsuke Nakamura: “I have no issues with WWE changing Shinsuke Nakamura’s ring name if they choose. WWE should own the talent’s names and/or have the legal rights to protect their intellectual property in the show biz world of pro wrestling. It’s sound business and won’t adversely affect how Nakamura gets over with the fans. In the eyes of many, mine too, Nakamura is one of the most gifted talents in the world and brings as much natural charisma to his presentation as any one in the business today.”
Powell’s POV: I don’t like the idea of changing his name simply from a marketing standpoint. If part of the reason he was signed is because WWE wants to give WWE Network a boost in Japan, then why not stick with the name that the Japanese fans know so well? That said, I don’t have any issues with the Asuka and Hideo Itami names, so I’m sure whatever they go with will become second nature to fans in no time.
–Ross on a non-wrestling broadcasting possibility: “My management team had a productive meeting Sunday with a potential new, business partner that would see me returning to do some non pro wrestling broadcasting. This could happen as early as this week if all the negotiations go well of which I expect to happen. Business seems to be picking up lately.”
Powell’s POV: Interesting. Ross previously noted that the door is open for him to do some additional things at AXS. I have no idea if that’s what he’s referring to, but I wouldn’t be surprised to hear Ross call more MMA events in the future given his passion for the fighting game.
Other topics include Bret Hart, Awesome Kong and Reby Hardy, James Storm on The Ross Report, Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman, and more.
Maybe JR non wrestling broadcast is with the Pittsburgh Pirates announce team. He did mention it on Twitter when asked.