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 the Raw After WrestleMania crowd: In an earlier blog posted here a few hours ago, I addressed the live audience that we heard and saw on Raw. While I am not a fan of censorship and feel that fans who pay hard earned cash for their tickets should be able to express themselves as freely as possible, some of the vocal minority seem obsessed with being noticed and heard no matter what. Some fans have taken exception with my opinion while others have been supportive. Bottom line is that it is just the opinion of one man. Your opinion is just as valid as mine. However, the distractions that some fans feel compelled to exhibit can be embarrassing to other fans who already have to occasionally battle the ‘stigma’ of being a wrestling fan and who has to attempt, at times, to justify the behavior of their fellow fans.”
Powell’s POV: Ross had more to say about this topic, so be sure to check out his actual blog. I’m more surprised by WWE not doing more to counter the f-bomb chants directed at Roman Reigns on Monday. They had to know there was a good chance that this particular crowd would go there, yet they didn’t seem to do anything to change the sound mix. WWE also seems to be tipping their cap to the WM crowd by producing a WWE Network documentary on the night after WrestleMania 32. It seems like WWE has embraced this crowd and is now trying to own it. I get what JR wrote about the crowd trying to be noticed and it not being for everyone. Admittedly, I wasn’t a fan of the beachballs or all the chants, but the crowd is only going to get rowdier when WWE is essentially endorsing it.
–Ross on Tye Dillinger: “Ty Dillinger maximized his SDLIVE minutes in a nice debut. Dillinger seems like a fundamentally sound performer who the live audience supports. Hopefully their support will increase after the euphoria of the Canadian’s debut subsides and it gets down to business as usual.”
Powell’s POV: It will be interesting to see if the 10 phenomenon spreads to the more casual audience and what the Smackdown creative team has in mind for Dillinger. I could definitely see him feuding with Dolph Ziggler early in his run, assuming they stay on the same brand.
–Ross on AJ Styles: “Seems like AJ Styles is heading to fan favorite land which is a strategic move for sure. Fans have a hard time jeering excellence and that’s what AJ brings to the dance.”
Powell’s POV: It will be an interesting week for Styles, as he could become the babyface face of Smackdown if Shane McMahon honors his character’s request to stay on Smackdown. Shane could ship him to Raw anyway. AJ could tease being a nice guy until Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows show up and then the reunited Club wreak havoc on Smackdown. Whether he’s a babyface or a heel on Raw or Smackdown, Styles has solidified himself as a main event player.
Other topics include Shinsuke Nakamura, more on the Raw After WrestleMania crowd, The Ross Report podcast, and more. Also, be sure to check out his blog from Monday (link above) for more details on JR’s WrestleMania weekend, whether Undertaker has retired, and JR’s status as the voice of New Japan Pro Wrestling on AXS.
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