Jim Ross says Titus O’Neil was fined in addition to being suspended by WWE, discusses his first NJPW broadcast tapings, and John Cena and WrestleMania 32

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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 calling his first NJPW TV shows: “I had a great time in Los Angeles last week working with AXS TV and my new pro wrestling partner @JoshLBarnett on 6, New Japan Pro Wrestling shows with the first show debuting on AXS on Friday night March 4 at 9/8CT. I think that Josh and I are going to evolve quite nicely but you will be the final judge of that statement. For the most part the action we called with exceptional. I can’t wait to do more. I have never been made to feel more welcomed and at home on day one than I did last week as we began our relationship with Mark Cuban’s network.”

Powell’s POV: The big question is whether Cuban had a toga waiting when JR showed up in Los Angeles. I guess we’ll have to wait for March 4 to find out. I’m anxious to hear Ross and Barnett together.

Ross on John Cena: “It seems like John Cena is being too chatty to NOT be thinking about returning to the ring at WrestleMania Texas and if he does I’d bet some BBQ sauce that it will likely be against The Undertaker.”

Powell’s POV: I came away from reading his tweet this morning feel like he is at least going to make every effort to make that match happen. I just hope the guy isn’t taking a significant risk in doing long term damage to return prematurely for one match regardless of how big the match is. I certainly respect his work ethic either way.

Ross on Titus O’Neil: “The controversial suspension of Titus O’Neill by WWE last week for ‘unprofessional conduct’ still his many folks scratching their head. I can’t render a clear cut opinion based on the brief video clip that was floating around for a while plus I’ve talked to no one about the matter that would know any substantive information. I’ve never known Titus to be a problem and actually he’s one of WWE’s most willing participants when it comes to volunteer and charity work. I only wonder, in hindsight, how this matter would have been adjudicated if the decision regarding punishment was delayed until the next day when all parties had a night to sleep on this matter. I have heard that Titus was fined in the neighborhood of 5K for his conduct plus a 60 day suspension. One has to wonder if this punishment was also utilized to get the attention of the entire roster especially if some talents were thought to be becoming to lax in their approach to their job.”

Powell’s POV: At the very least, one can only hope that fines collected by WWE are donated to charity. I’m not a fan of going overboard in punishing Titus to make an example out of him for the rest of the roster. It’s not like Vince McMahon or someone in a meaningful position couldn’t send the same message by simply speaking to the talent. By the way, Ross wrote more about the Titus situation in his actual blog, so be sure to check it out via the link at the top of the page.

Other topics include upcoming Ross Report podcast guests, Kenny Omega, WrestleMania weekend shows, reuniting with Jerry Lawler for a northeast appearance, and more.

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