JR and the WWE

Bounty Hunter

credit D2D

The News and rumours thread wrote:

- Jim Ross has posted the following on his Twitter page:

"I've had a blessed and amazing career full of unbelieveable experiences. This wk is memorable 4 what hasn't happened. Blessing n disquise?"

So... JR's contract saga has been going on for quite some time and oddly imo it seems more and more likely that it will not be a positive outcome judging by his more recent twitters and blogs.

Why are/and have the WWE not treated JR better? there have actually been rumours of him meeting with TNA as his most recent contract extension is running out! It has also been reported that HBK and Taker both lobbied for him to call their mania match but Vince vetoed it? what more is there to this than just a contract negotiation or is there anything more to it at all?

Penn

Bounty Hunter wrote: »

credit D2D



So... JR's contract saga has been going on for quite some time and oddly imo it seems more and more likely that it will not be a positive outcome judging by his more recent twitters and blogs.

Why are/and have the WWE not treated JR better? there have actually been rumours of him meeting with TNA as his most recent contract extension is running out! It has also been reported that HBK and Taker both lobbied for him to call their mania match but Vince vetoed it? what more is there to this than just a contract negotiation or is there anything more to it at all?

After so many years, I doubt there could be more to it. I'd seriously doubt JR is asking for more money. Maybe he wanted to be reunited with Lawler but I can't see how that would have been such a big issue. Even if Vince wanted to get rid of JR, surely he should have let him call Mania as a farewell.

So to summarise:

Mr.Nice Guy

His contract expires tomorrow so unless they are leaving it right up to the last minute it would appear he is done with WWE once again. Whether this leads to a move to TNA I'm not sure. He might take some time to assess his options but I'm sure TNA will move for him if he's available.

There seems to be a very begrudging respect for his abilities from Vince. I don't know why that is. I think it's because Vince has sought to replace him for years with a younger, more image-friendly guy and yet no one has managed to do it. Not Coach, not Michael Cole, not Grisham. The man is simply the best. I wish his appearance didn't matter but I think to Vince, Steph et. al it probably does. :rolleyes:

I love the fact that Michaels mentioned him in his farewell speech which, according to J.R. in his blog, was not something that would have won him fans in WWE. The wrestlers I think realise he ought to still be there.

Des Carter

Wouldnt it be great if he signed with TNA and then convinced stone cold to join aswell. Hes been making a lot of pro-TNA tweets lately

But I really dont see this happening. :mad:

Jolt2007

I heard JR doesn't want the travel schedule that calling tv every week brings, and Vince doesn't want a part time announcer just for PPVs. I'd say if TNA do get him he could become their best coup yet.

Vince135792003

If he doesn't sign with the WWE, I think he will do things outside of the pro-wrestling field.

D2D

Des Carter wrote: »

Wouldnt it be great if he signed with TNA and then convinced stone cold to join aswell. Hes been making a lot of pro-TNA tweets lately

But I really dont see this happening. :mad:

Any relation to Dixie??? :P;):pac:

Vince135792003 wrote: »

If he doesn't sign with the WWE, I think he will do things outside of the pro-wrestling field.

He mentioned before that he has an interest in UFC so I could see him going down the commentating in MMA road.

He shot down the rumors that he was in talks with TNA as well so I don't think that'll happen. WWE are very stupid not to keep J.R on board. Even if it's not an announcing road (there was talk about how he wouldn't be physically able to go back full time after his Bells Palsy attack), there's more options for him in WWE like scouting new talent or something

davrho

Des Carter wrote: »

Wouldnt it be great if he signed with TNA and then convinced stone cold to join aswell. Hes been making a lot of pro-TNA tweets lately

No it would be another set back. Wrestling has to move forward with original ideas. Rehashing old characters would only be a temporary lift. Without Vince the Stone Cold character loses a fair bit of its appeal and you know everyone is going to compare it to the old days and they heights won't be hit. Dissapointment would beckon. I would rather just remember the old days for what they were.

No comment on any of the rumours;) but I would hope the best outcome for whatever JR wants happens. He is certainly missed by me.

Des Carter

davrho wrote: »

No it would be another set back. Wrestling has to move forward with original ideas. Rehashing old characters would only be a temporary lift. Without Vince the Stone Cold character loses a fair bit of its appeal and you know everyone is going to compare it to the old days and they heights won't be hit. Dissapointment would beckon. I would rather just remember the old days for what they were..

Ya true but you would have never had "the old days" if WCW had this point of view and never signed Hogan. After all it was his presence that skyrocketted WCW's ratings which inturn gave birth to the Attitude Era.

Diabhal Beag

I'd say he'll stick to his restaurant until Vince calls him back again. He is a mark for Vince and will never stand up for himself.

Smokin_Aces

While on the topic of the olden but brilliant days.. There's a recent pic of Joanie 'Chyna' Launer. She is unrecognizable. Here is the picture

Jimmy Bottlehead

Smokin_Aces wrote: »

While on the topic of the olden but brilliant days.. There's a recent pic of Joanie 'Chyna' Launer. She is unrecognizable. Here is the picture

Jesus. Words fail...! :eek:

Butch Cassidy

Jolt2007 wrote: »

I heard JR doesn't want the travel schedule that calling tv every week brings, and Vince doesn't want a part time announcer just for PPVs. I'd say if TNA do get him he could become their best coup yet.

I think this is what it all comes down to. I read JR's blog for a good while over the last few months and anytime he spoke about WWE it was with the caveat that he is not in the best of health and can't afford - healthwise- to be locked in to the extreme schedule WWE might want him for.

In one blog he spoke about a possible position on Smackdown but said that he doesn't want to do that as he'd have to travel to Stamford each week for overdubs or something and said something about "well then WWE can install a DSL line and I could record over the net". Something like that.

I'd really like if WWE let JR havea run on their vaults and make some documentaries. The man has some great stories and you just never hear from him enough on the DVDs as the interviews always seem to have Vince's proverbial black marker hovering over them.

Smokin_Aces wrote: »

While on the topic of the olden but brilliant days.. There's a recent pic of Joanie 'Chyna' Launer. She is unrecognizable. Here is the picture

She looks like she could audtion for this role:

davrho

Des Carter wrote: »

Ya true but you would have never had "the old days" if WCW had this point of view and never signed Hogan. After all it was his presence that skyrocketted WCW's ratings which inturn gave birth to the Attitude Era.

Agreed but different circumstances. WCW had an unlimited supply of cash plus a whole media corporation behind them. TNA do not have that to help to promote the product.

Plenty of good old days before WCW signed Hogan. I am not one of the clique who thinks wrestling began with the monday night wars.

As i said I hope JR gets whatever he wants out the situation.

Nuri Sahin

Smokin_Aces wrote: »

While on the topic of the olden but brilliant days.. There's a recent pic of Joanie 'Chyna' Launer. She is unrecognizable. Here is the picture

Hubba hubba



















:pac:

geeky

Can I just clarify one thing? Did he or didn't he deny the rumour that he met with Dixie and Bob Carter? I'd heard (on Between The Ropes) that he hadn't denied it at all.

I'm really puzzled by how Vince McMahon is treating him at this stage. Nobody has yet filled JRs shoes in a commentary personnel or scouting role, and he's a major asset to any company.

Mr.Nice Guy

geeky wrote: »

Can I just clarify one thing? Did he or didn't he deny the rumour that he met with Dixie and Bob Carter? I'd heard (on Between The Ropes) that he hadn't denied it at all.

I'm really puzzled by how Vince McMahon is treating him at this stage. Nobody has yet filled JRs shoes in a commentary personnel or scouting role, and he's a major asset to any company.

I think this was the quote in question:

sabin06 Asks:

Hey I have a good question for you, i know you have been asked this many times, but are you going to Join TNA? heres what I read on this one web site. Jim Ross met with TNA Chief Financial Officer Dean Broadhead, Dixie Carter and her father Bob Carter a few weeks ago to discuss working with the company when his WWE contract expires in just 10 days. Is that true is that a lie? you tell me.

J.R.'s Answer:
I have never met with Mr. Dean Broadhead in my life any where or any time. I do think that the Carter Family are first class people from what I can ascertain.

Paulegend

didnt the whole WWE firing him saga(i assume story line) have alot of truth to it a couple years back. nseems that they dont want their announcers or refs to be the "hosts" of the show. they want to just focus on the superstars.......................

wwe has been just looking for a reason to get rid of him IMO. last time there was a huge internest backlash to the sacking. this time WWE just has to keep quiet and pretnet its health reasons

makes sense

geeky

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

I think this was the quote in question:

Hmmmm... interesting that he didn't mention the Carters...

Mr.Nice Guy

geeky wrote: »

Hmmmm... interesting that he didn't mention the Carters...

Yep I didn't pick that up the first time I read it a few days ago. Maybe something to it? Guess we'll see what the story is the next couple of days...

Butch Cassidy

geeky wrote: »

Can I just clarify one thing? Did he or didn't he deny the rumour that he met with Dixie and Bob Carter? I'd heard (on Between The Ropes) that he hadn't denied it at all.

I'm really puzzled by how Vince McMahon is treating him at this stage. Nobody has yet filled JRs shoes in a commentary personnel or scouting role, and he's a major asset to any company.

Vince has never really been loyal to his employees outside of his few star guys like Austin, Michaels and Taker or the men he either inherited from his dad's era or guys he hired so Brisco, Patterson and Finkle. Jim Ross was literally one of the best things about the WWF at its peak during the boom years way back when.

Imagine watching Mankind's hell in a cell bump without "OH MY GODDDDDD!! THAT KILLED HIM THAT KILLED HIM AS GOD IS MY WITNESS HE IS BROKEN IN HALF.... WILL SOMEBODY STOP THE DAMN MATCH!" or even any of Austin's monumental matches?

You get the feeling Vince or whomever JR has to deal with doesn't see the worth and value in either announcing or in Jim Ross. I lamented the loss of the play-by-play/heel colour comentator dynamic a few years ago. I think Mick Foley used to say how he'd loved to have had JR calling some of his bigger matches that he wasn't a part of.


You do wonder though, in the era of selling John Cena t-shirts is JR really that big an asset for WWE? Do the PG kids really care whether or not a 50yr old man is calling the matches? Personally I'd prefer to see JR and King back as that was one of the classic commentating duos (Monsoon and Ventura was maybe my favourite).

davrho

Butch Cassidy wrote: »

You do wonder though, in the era of selling John Cena t-shirts is JR really that big an asset for WWE? Do the PG kids really care whether or not a 50yr old man is calling the matches? Personally I'd prefer to see JR and King back as that was one of the classic commentating duos (Monsoon and Ventura was maybe my favourite).

What about the pg adults? John Cena t-shirts sell just as many in adult sizes. The huge adult demograph who watch WWE have to be catered for too.
You have a good point though, is JR an asset that will affect sales? Do people switch off because the commentry is poor?

Pauleta

Great move for TNA if they sign him up. From a WWE point of view he has to be replaced eventually and after being of screen for a year they might as well do it now.

JP Liz V1

Can he still announce or has his illness prevented him?

Penn

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

Can he still announce or has his illness prevented him?

I'd assume he can still announce. Problem is, as someone said earlier, all the travelling probably isn't great for him. And maybe Vince doesn't want to run the risk of JR having another Bells Palsy attack and having to find replacements etc at short notice (I'm sure he'd be concerned for JR's health too after so many years working together).

The commentators, like the referees, are being pushed more and more into the background. Time was you'd have backstage interviewers actually interacting with the superstars, (see pretty much any interview with The Rock), but now they just stand there, say "Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, XXXX", then mostly just stand there holding the mic. The commentators never even say the referee's names any more. I think Jericho was a guest commentator one time and said the referees name

And this is the problem. JR is a character. While Lawler shows the personality of a doorknob lately, I don't think JR can do that. When JR commentates, you know it's JR. Even if his voice was distorted, I think JR can only commentate one way and that is by being JR. I just don't think Vince wants that any more to be honest.

But Vince is crazy not to keep JR around in some fashion. Not just to prevent him from going to TNA, but just because JR knows the business a lot, seemingly has a great eye for talent, and even if he was given a menial job writing blogs and articles for WWE.com, he can still contribute a lot to the company.

starviewadams

I think its obvious that Vince just plain doesnt like J.R.,the amount of times he's been embarassed on TV in his hometown is ridiculous,and even made fun of with the whole Dr.Heiney thing when he had to have colon surgery,plus how many times has he been fired?

Vince is surrounded by yes men who have no knowledge and have total disdain for wrestling,thats why wrestlers are called ''Sports Entertainers',us fans are members of the ''WWE Universe'' and its why we are forced to put up with bland,interchangeable announcers like Striker,Grisham,Cole and Lawler.

JR is a wrestling announcer so of course thats why he has no future in the WWE,where wrestling is obviously a dirty word.

Butch Cassidy

starviewadams wrote: »

I think its obvious that Vince just plain doesnt like J.R.,the amount of times he's been embarassed on TV in his hometown is ridiculous,and even made fun of with the whole Dr.Heiney thing when he had to have colon surgery,plus how many times has he been fired?

Vince is surrounded by yes men who have no knowledge and have total disdain for wrestling,thats why wrestlers are called ''Sports Entertainers',us fans are members of the ''WWE Universe'' and its why we are forced to put up with bland,interchangeable announcers like Striker,Grisham,Cole and Lawler.

JR is a wrestling announcer so of course thats why he has no future in the WWE,where wrestling is obviously a dirty word.

Vince himself has disdain for the business. Paul Heyman's worked "shoot" on Vince in 2001 the week before Survivor Series was errily correct. Vince made wrestling a dirty word in bringing us "sports entertainment". Though, the Attitue era stole heavily from ECW's edgyness.


Speaking of Heyman I really like when him and JR did commentating. WrestleMania X7 I thought was fantastic as much as I liked the JR/King team.

Machismo Fan

I've always thought that Vince is upset that no matter how many times he's tried to replace JR over the years, he's always failed miserably. Looks like he's following through with it this time (for now) and just watching (or perhaps listening would be more appropriate) to Extreme Rules tells you how it's working out for him.

Bounty Hunter

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

His contract expires tomorrow...

so is JR atleast for now gone from the WWE then?

Mr.Nice Guy

Bounty Hunter wrote: »

so is JR atleast for now gone from the WWE then?

I would imagine so unless maybe they faxed him a last minute deal.

Butch Cassidy

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

I would imagine so unless maybe they faxed him a last minute deal.

I've had a couple of conversations with WWE officials this week about a potential new assignment within the company. Nothing has been finalized as of yet and my existing talent agreement will end Friday without fanfare. I will continue to handle some administrative matters until an agreement is or isn't reached.

http://www.jrsbarbq.com/blog/chynatitojennastrikeforcefedorwhats-our-dvrpet-peevesnew-1988-offer


His blog is pretty good. In that most recent one there he vents about "active performers who occupy significant TV time that are in a major decision making capacity inside a wrestling company" , "Villain wrestler wins a match via hook or crook, and then gets his ass handed to him by the guy who the bad guy just defeated" and why do two-out-of-three falls matches don't work on telly.

Mr.Nice Guy

Sounds like WWE are sticking to their guns about not wanting him to announce.

Mr.Nice Guy

Update from Jim Ross on his situation:

There is rampant speculation on the internet about my future. This is understandable as I've talked a great deal about it here on my blogs. Plus, it's provided various wrestling sites, etc with some nice cannon fodder over the past few weeks.

This matter is much more simple than many perceive. My WWE 'talent contract' has ended after a 17+ year run with the company. However, I am still a WWE employee handling the same talent relations functions that I have executed for the company for the past few years including since moving to Oklahoma. I simply do not have a 'talent contract' as WWE has no plans to utilize me as an on air talent at this time.

The WWE engaged in talks with me on Thursday of this week to discuss a new job description that would include what I am now doing along with other talent relations oriented matters. I am considering this offer and I trust that a decision will be made soon regarding this opportunity.

In the meantime, I am still interested in a variety of projects and opportunities.

While some may feel that it is in their best interest that I not remain in broadcasting, I do not share in that belief at this time.

Somewhat like the recently estranged Halle Berry, I don't think that I will be lacking for 'suitors,' so to speak, if broadcastings the road that I decide to travel.

Today I spent a good part of the afternoon strategizing on the book that we are shopping. What's going to be difficult is what to either leave out of it altogether or to cover only slightly as the potential volume of content that's available is immense. Plus, I would rather not pen a massive book that resembles 'War and Peace.'

These are good problems to have and will perhaps necessitate a second book if there's a demand for one.

No...to address one of the many emails on the subject...I am NOT interested in doing the obligatory 'shoot interview.'

Yes...I may try and make a few more personal appearances in the future. I have made very, very few in my career but I like meeting and interacting with fans. I'm still a pro wrestling fan.

Yes...I am a major MMA aficionado and that sport excites me just as football has for years. Perhaps now's the time to pursue one or both of those ventures.

No...I am not 'angry' at the turn of events as it relates to my WWE broadcasting career. Disappointed, yes. Angry, no. Obviously, I would have liked to have had the ability to do a 'farewell broadcast' but that opportunity never occurred.

Yes...radio is on my radar as multiple outlets have expressed an interest in me. Some local and some national.

Yes...my 'dream job' is to be the radio voice of Oklahoma Football and Basketball but that job isn't available. But if it's o.k., I'll keeping dreaming.

Yes...we will continue to focus in all the good things in life especially our health and work diligently to build our on line business of which many of you provide a much needed assist.

No...I don't think that my health issues had any thing to do with me not returning to the air but instead I think that it is a concerted effort for WWE to build for the future and attempt to develop their younger broadcasters. That's my assumption and I might be wrong as no one has told me specifically.

Yes...I have been blessed with a remarkable career and truly feel that I have much more to contribute and will be able to do so on the next leg of my journey on my terms. I'd like to think that, at least in part, that I've earned that opportunity.

Life is good and great days lie ahead. I count my blessings daily and am thankful for every day that I'm above ground. I hope that you do too.

Not sure what his future holds but I like that he's penning a book. Would definitely be interested in reading that as he's seen pretty much all the major stars over the years.

Bounty Hunter

I think he will be back at some stage but as he himself speculates this may just be a concerted effort by Vince and the WWE to establish their newer commentators and look for a long term JR replacement through trial and error on the job. This (him not being a commentator anymore) is one of the major things JR is not ready to accept just yet imo from reading that and he may head towards MMA to continue this part of his career, but they will not be his only suitors (TNA). His book will be a great read but as he states it will be interesting to see what is omitted as a lot will have to be consiedering the sheer amount of details he has on so many situations going back through the years.

again if I was Vince id just sign him back up to whatever role he wants but alas that is not the case and i fear although in the short term he may remain a WWE employee it will be a while before we hear him calling a match again.

Butch Cassidy

It really is an end of an era thing. JR was one of the pivitol voices of my teenage years. Maybe the WWF Attitude era didn't have an effect on anyone else but watching WWF during 1997-2001 while you were sprouting hormones was a great outlet.

Vince135792003

I see Ross working on HD Net covering low scale MMA shows for a year with the goal of trying to secure a more mainstream spot with the UFC.

Handsome Bob

Man, just hearing him talk about not getting a farewell broadcast, that really should have been HBK -v- Undertaker. I don't care how much that disrespects the likes of Michael Cole, you get what you deserve to be honest. Or at least you should do.

flahavaj

LZ5by5 wrote: »

Man, just hearing him talk about not getting a farewell broadcast, that really should have been HBK -v- Undertaker. I don't care how much that disrespects the likes of Michael Cole, you get what you deserve to be honest. Or at least you should do.

It would have made the match even more epic and been a fitting tribute to the man IMO.

Cole will get to call plenty of mania main events in the future. (unfortunately).

Mr.Nice Guy

Someone actually put it to him on his site would it not be unfair on Michael Cole to miss out and he said he wanted to call the match with King and Cole.

Montreal Mattitude Asks:

Hey JR, Obviously you not calling WrestleMania is still a sore spot for many people, myself included. My question to you, however, looks at things from a different perspective. Given that Michael Cole is now the lead announcer on Raw, and has been for a year, wouldn't it have been unfair for him to not call WrestleMania? Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of the man's commentary; in fact, I've mentioned in previous questions that I would prefer to listen to you read the fine print on a credit card agreement than sit through his "vintage" play by play. That said, if you look at things from his point of view, if he had been pulled from the announcing gig in favour of you (much like what happened at WrestleMania XV), would he not have felt like Bret Hart did at WresleMania IX, after having carried the Federation for a year, only to sit on the sidelines and watch Hulk Hogan return and steal away his moment of glory?

J.R.'s Answer:
When was it ever suggested that Michael Cole NOT call WM26? That's your imagination as I was hoping to work a three man booth as we did at WM25 with Cole and King.

So it would have meant Striker missing out which I would have had no problem with. He really irritated me during Wrestlemania. I remember hating Coach on commentary a few years ago but I think Striker is far worse.

flahavaj

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

Someone actually put it to him on his site would it not be unfair on Michael Cole to miss out and he said he wanted to call the match with King and Cole.



So it would have meant Striker missing out which I would have had no problem with. He really irritated me during Wrestlemania. I remember hating Coach on commentary a few years ago but I think Striker is far worse.

Striker used to be brilliant on ECW, but he's gotten progressively worse with Vince in his ear.