WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has update his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about: is back with a new blog on jrsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights:
The Latest From Steve Austin:
@steveaustinBSR about to head to Mexico to tape season three of CMT’s Redneck Island and then onto his ranch in south Texas to start a new, reality show for CMT taped on the Broken Skull Ranch. Plus, the Texas Rattlesnake and devout JR’s BBQ Sauce and Chipotle Ketchup user is about to step into the world of weekly podcasts. Stay tuned and follow Steve on Twitter for more info.
CM Punk’s Recent Antics:
Still getting some lingering feedback regarding @CMPunk interrupting The Undertaker’s tribute to the late, Paul Bearer Monday night. Again, I did not and do not have a problem with it especially considering that WWE honored the memory of my late friend throughout the night. For PB to be involved in another major, storyline leading into WrestleMania, would have thrilled him to no end. Villains do bad things and usually get their comeuppance in the end. Time will tell on the latter as it relates to Punk ending ‘The Streak’ which would be as big a defining moment as when the Ultimate Warrior beat Hulk Hogan at WM6, in the eyes of some.
Helluva match on Friday Night Smackdown between @RealJackSwagger and @IAmJericho. Jericho brings out the best in everyone he faces, which is a legit artform on the grappling canvas, and the former Division One, two sport athlete Swagger is getting better each week. Swagger’s addition of veteran Zeb Colter to his presentation has been positive from the young Oklahoman’s development.
– Friday’s SmackDown will feature Chris Jericho vs. Jack Swagger in the main event. Jericho tweeted the following about the match after Tuesday’s tapings:
Had a great match in Ft Wayne w @realJackSwagger for this weeks #Smackdown! Hard hitting, fast paced and stiff…worth checking out!@wwe
– During a backstage interview at RAW that aired exclusively on the WWE mobile app, Layla told Matt Striker that she’s been on the WWE roster longer than any other Diva. She also said the Bella Twins returning will make things more competitive, but they need to watch out for her.
– WWE has been running an angle at recent live events where Ricardo Rodriguez appears on the big screen before Alberto Del Rio’s matches and challenges the audience to see if they can say Alberto Del Rio’s name longer than he can during Del Rio’s entrance.
– There was some talk backstage at Monday’s RAW that Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter’s feud with Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez is not going as well as WWE was hoping for. The angle was designed to further solidify Del Rio as a top babyface, but so far they’ve seen mixed results.
That said, Vince McMahon has been strongly behind Swagger & Colter’s gimmick and they are getting strong heel heat at live events.
– After Tuesday night’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Albany, NY went off the air, The Shield came out and beat down Randy Orton and Sheamus. Ryback ran down and made the save and then it became a 6-man tag match. The match ended in a disqualification after Roman Reigns brought in a chair. All the babyfaces hit their finishers to send the fans home happy.
– WWE confiscated several “Jack Swagger DUI” signs at this week’s RAW, according to f4wonline.com.
– The following matches will take place on tonight’s episode of WWE Main Event:
* WWE Intercontinental champion Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton (non-title match).
– WWE’s ongoing xenophobic storyline with “Dirty” Dutch Mantel as Jack Swagger’s manager Zeb Colter was reportedly brainstormed by Kevin Eck, a former writer for Baltimore Sun who joined the sports-entertainment organization in 2011.
– The official WWE website has published rare photos of The Undertaker, while also noting, “The WWE Universe is abuzz with anticipation on when the legendary Phenom will return to television screens.”
– In this interview with PWInsider.com, former ROH World Champion Roderick Strong discusses his favorite memories in Ring of Honor, the tag partner he’d like to work with there, letting more of his personality show in the ring and more.
ESPN.com has released their weekly WWE Power Rankings and John Cena jumped to the top of the charts after barely breaking the top 10 last week (9). Following Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, here’s a look at this week’s ESPN.com WWE Power Rankings:
1. John Cena
2. CM Punk
3. Triple H
4. Brock Lesnar
5. Ryback
6. Randy Orton
7. Sheamus
8. Mark Henry
9. The Shield
10. Jack Swagger
The article noted the “awkward” wet spot on Triple H’s pants during his brawl with Brock Lesnar and gave big props to John Cena and CM Punk for their stellar main event match. The article also questioned WWE’s decision to continue pushing Jack Swagger’s after he was arrested for DUI and drug possession last week:
“So does WWE have a wellness policy or not? How can Swagger get arrested for DUI and possession of marijuana last week and not only avoid suspension, but star in multiple segments on Raw? Weed the People.”
– WWE legend Mick Foley’s appearance on Chris Hardwick’s ‘Nerdist’ podcast is now online an can be heard at Nerdist.libsyn.com/mick-foley.
– Friday’s WWE Smackdown averaged 2.89 million viewers, up from the 2.68 million the week before.
– Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy is playing tonight in Sydney, Australia. Tomorrow night and Wednesday night, he’ll be doing a Spoken Word event with Scott Ian from the band Anthrax.
– WWE has released the following video of Jack Swagger’s new theme song and entrance video:
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what JR had to say about:
The Latest On Jack Swagger’s DUI & Drug Arrest:
“I’m still waiting for all the info to roll in from Mississippi regarding Swagger’s arrest where he was changed with some misdemeanors. Obviously this situation was ill advised and should never have happened no matter how badly timed it is perceived by some. Any time is a bad time.”
“At some point, if one cannot solve a problem, then one must eliminate said problem. But I’ve always felt compelled that one should exhaust all reasonable remedies to solve an issue before saying adios to any talent. I’d like to think that back in the day that I was a “player’s coach” but that doesn’t mean that repeat offenders or those who are so defiant and that resist positive changes in their lives need to be kept around.”
“I simply hope that Swagger has learned a life lesson from his mistake and that nothing like this ever occurs again. He owes it to himself, his family, the fans and his company to do so.”
The Undertaker’s Return At Saturday Night’s WWE Live Event:
“Lots of buzz about the surprise return of the Undertaker Saturday night at a WWE live event in Waco Texas. Taker wasn’t advertised and competed in a tag team bout. It’s great to see the Phenom stepping back into the ring and I hope that he gives himself a passing grade for his latest experience and that he feels great today.”
“Like everyone else, I hope that Taker’s return to the squared circle results in him performing at WM29 but I would suggest that isn’t exactly a ‘done deal’ as I write this. Perhaps we will learn more next week on WWE TV or the week after. I’m willing to simply stay tuned and enjoy the ride and I remain optimistic. (What a novel concept.)”
Citizen-times.com has an update on Jack Swagger’s Tuesday night DUI & drug arrest. Swagger is due back in court March 12. Had he been arrested only for speeding and marijuana possession, he could have paid his fines by mail or online, but the DUI makes this a different kind of case.
If convicted, records show Swagger faces fines of $188 for driving 10 mph over the speed limit, $437 for a small amount of marijuana and $1,300 if it’s his first DUI offense. The DUI charge carries a mandatory court appearance and he could lose his driver’s license for 90 days. However, Police Lt. Craig Petersen says he’ll push for the maximum sentence for Swagger’s DUI, which is jail time:
“We have never recommended mere fines and fees only on a DUI,” Clark said. “We always recommend the maximum sentence of two days in jail for first offenders. That time can be suspended but only on completion of certain court-ordered conditions like probation, classes, AA meetings, etc.”
Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger posted the following video on Youtube, calling out conservative radio host and TV personality Glenn Beck on Friday, inviting him to appear on Monday’s WWE RAW to address them and get 5 minutes of uninterrupted time to get his point across –
– Former WWE writer Andrew Goldstein tweeted the following about Jack Swagger’s arreste and whether he thinks it will result in Vince McMahon dropping Swagger’s World Heavyweight title program with Alberto Del Rio leading up to WrestleMania 29:
No DUI was gonna get in the way of what's clearly a pet project of Team VKM. Rock barely getting them any Buzz for Mania. This story is.
– Jack Swagger was actually scheduled to win the World Heavyweight Title from Alberto Del Rio at WrestleMania 29, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. WWE’s creative team has met several times this week to discuss how to deal with the fallout of Swagger’s DUI and drug arrest on Tuesday night.
If Swagger is in fact pulled from the WrestleMania World Heavyweight title match, he’ll lose out on a big WrestleMania payday (upwards of $250,000) and Dolph Ziggler will probably get the title shot on April 7th.
– WWE has released three new promos from Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter via Zeb’s “We The People” YouTube channel:
– WWE’s original plans for the Jack Swagger vs. Alberto Del Rio World Heavyweight title match at WrestleMania 29 was for it to be built up as an Ankle Lock vs. Arm Breaker submission storyline. After Swagger’s Tuesday night DUI & drug arrest, it remains to be seen whether WWE changes course with this match.
Also planned for Swagger, WWE recently contacted conservative talk show host Alex Jones about making an appearance at WrestleMania 29 for angle with Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter. Jones mentioned the proposal on his radio show this week, but did not say whether he’d be doing it or not.
– Here are some reactions to Jack Swagger’s Tuesday night DUI & drug arrest:
Jim Ross: Lots of legal experts on Twitter. Almost gleeful that a #WWE star made an apparent bonehead mistake. Due process/facts appear ill relevant … Now being lectured by people I don’t even know 4 Swagger’s mistakes. He made an error. Don’t know the consequences but I won’t bail on him.
The Iron Sheik: The Jack Swagger ready for push he look good and he have good manager the dirty dutch. Still if I want I can beat the f*ck out oh him. The Jack Swagger cant handle the moderation Iron Sheik class. Still i respect him and he be ready one day or I f*ck his ass make him humble.
MVP: “I wish he had been pulled over in Washington or Colorado.”
Lance Storm: To everyone asking about Swagger. A very unfortunate mistake, I have no idea what the fall out will be, but DUIs R irresponsible & Stupid … Could be very costly mistake.
Tommy Dreamer: Don’t kick a man when he is down We have all made mistakes nobody feeling worse than @RealJackSwagger I’m sure. Offer support not hate
Earlier today, TMZ.com broke the story that WWE superstar Jack Swagger was arrested in Mississippi last night after a SmackDown taping and charged with DUI, marijuana possession and speeding (all misdemeanors).
Swagger is in the midst of the biggest push of his career and is scheduled to challenge for Alberto Del Rio’s World Heavyweight championship at WrestleMania 29. It remains to be seen how WWE will respond to Swagger’s DUI & drug arrest, but the following portion of WWE’s Wellness Policy could spell trouble for him:
“Any WWE Talent, who is arrested, convicted or who admits to a violation of law relating to use, possession, purchase, sale or distribution of drugs will be in material breach of his/her contract with WWE and subject to immediate dismissal.”
“Subject” to immediate dismissal does not mean mandatory dismissal. Countless WWE wrestlers have been arrested for DUI in recent years, however the drug possession charge could really hurt him.
– Monday’s WWE RAW drew a 3.30 cable rating and averaged 4.66 million viewers. Here are the hourly numbers:
Hour 1: 4.82 million Hour 2: 4.67 million Hour 3: 4.49 million
– TheAtlanticWire.com has an article up about Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter’s new ultra-conservative gimmick in an article titled, “The WWE’s Tea Party Wrestler Is Making Conservatives Hit the Mat.”
– Speaking of Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter, World Heavyweight champion Alberto Del Rio will respond to their “State of the Union” on Friday’s SmackDown:
TMZ.com reports that WWE Superstar Jack Swagger was arrested last night in Mississippi after allegedly driving under the influence and possession marijuana.
Swagger, real name Jacob Hager, had just wrestled at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum for the WWE SmackDown taping when he was pulled over for speeding.
The cop that pulled him over determined Swagger was driving under the influence. After they searched him, marijuana was found.
Swagger was taken to a local jail and was released later in the evening.
He has been charged with DUI, marijuana possession, and speeding: all misdemeanors.
A WWE spokesperson said,”Mr. Swagger is responsible for his own personal actions.”
– As noted on Monday’s WWE RAW, Zeb Colter’s rants can now be found on YouTube at Youtube.com/WeThePeopleZeb.
– WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia says she is offended by Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter’ recent comments about minorities. She tweeted after RAW:
“As a Latina, I am insulted by the comments made by Zeb Colter & Jack Swagger. America is a melting pot of amazing ppl!! @WWE #Raw”
– World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio also responded to their RAW promo with the following tweet:
“After hearing Swagger and that guy from JUMANJI I have NO respect for them or what they’re claiming. Swagger at #Wrestlemania29 I’m going to kick your words down your throat #SiThePeople”
– Here’s a video of Swagger & Colter’s “State of the Union” address from RAW:
– Jack Swagger tweeted the following after his Elimination Chamber win:
“Jack Swagger’s America is here… #WethePeople #RealAmerican”
– Future WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley tweeted this about The Sheild’s win over John Cena, Sheamus & Ryback at Elimination Chamber, specifically Dean Ambrose:
“Impressive showing by the SHIELD, especially Ambrose. Very fluid; disturbingly poetic in his style and movements.”
– Antonio Cesaro the following after defeating The Miz by disqualification at the PPV:
“Even with Miz stooping to new lows and resorting to cheap shots, I am still YOUR #USChampion #WWEChamber”
– The Miz re-tweeted the following image of his post-match low blow to United States champion Antonio Cesaro at Elimination Chamber:
“Now that is what a DQ looks like RT @SinCaraN1Fan: @MikeTheMiz Kicking @AntonioCesaro in the ___ #Revenge #WWEChamber”
– Friday’s WWE Smackdown had a Trendrr.tv social media score dipped of 62,021, down 13% from last week’s 71,116. Smackdown ranked #5 on cable for the night, behind the NBA All-Star Weekend coverage on TNT, SpongeBob Squarepants on Nickelodeon and USA Network’s Psych marathon.
– Here is the latest episode of WWE Backstage Fallout:
Get to know Jack Swagger’s associate, Zeb Colter, in the SmackDown edition of “Backstage Fallout.” Plus, watch as Kaitlyn gets all fired up about her Chamber match with Tamina.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Undertaker’s WM29 Status: Getting tons of questions daily on Twitter about the Undertaker. I get the curiosity but I don’t have any answers. One a more strategic note why would any announcement be made until after the Elimination Chamber when the Road to WrestleMania really starts rolling? I was also asked in the Q&A section if WWE would put Taker in a multiple person match at a WM? I can’t and won’t speak for WWE but I certainly wouldn’t do such a booking. Finally, once again, I NEVER see the STREAK ending at the hands of ANYONE at ANY WrestleMania.
Jack Swagger & Zeb Colter I like the potential of ‘ Zeb’ being added to the presentation of @RealJackSwagger. Key term is ‘potential’ but if it works it will help put Swagger back where I feel he will eventually land and that’s in main events on a regular basis. Winning the Elimination Chamber match this Sunday in #NOLA would give the former #Sooner two sport star significant momentum. I may even pick Swagger to win when I do my predictions for the PPV this Sunday.
WWE Sending Talent To Rehab: WWE has literally spends thousands upon thousands of dollars on helping former talents deal with their personal issues. TONS of big, money for the record. WWE never has received the credit due them for their help especially when they are not contractually obligated to do so but they instead address these matters because it’s the right thing to do. However, people have to want to truly help themselves in order for rehab to work and unfortunately many more don’t and would rather catch their buzz and continue to live the same pre-rehab life that they lead before therapy. I’ve been knee deep in these issues throughout my career and can assure you that relapses by talents and former talents is heartbreaking.
Following this week’s announcement by the International Olympic Committee that wrestling will no longer be an Olympic sport starting at the 2020 summer games, Sport Illustrated caught up with several WWE superstars to get their reactions to the news. Here are some highlights of what the following WWE superstars said:
Cody Rhodes “I’m very disappointed with the fact that they’re even considering it. This is freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. This has a rich tradition in the Olympics. I don’t even want to disparage some of the sports that they’re keeping, you just don’t do away with wrestling.”
Dolph Ziggler: “It’s hitting close to home more than usual. I know it’s not 100 percent yet but there are so many Olympic events, it’s unfortunate they’ve chosen a legitimate sport and one of the original sports ever. It’s mind-blowing that it’s even on the chopping block.”
Jack Swagger: “[Wrestling] teaches you so much about life and that’s what makes it the best sport. It teaches you discipline and dedication and how to work hard and how to sacrifice for your goals. Those are things you can apply to any area of your life, whether it’s your education or your career. Honestly, it turned me into a man.”
WWE taped this week’s SmackDown on Tuesday night from Jacksonville, Florida. Here are the results:
* Big Show is shown arriving on his bus. He comes to the ring and talks about how Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez are suspended. Big Show says the recent events between he and Del Rio are Booker T’s fault, which brings out the SmackDown GM. Booker announcers Big Show vs. Kane for tonight.
* Cody Rhodes defeated Kofi Kingston.
* The Great Khali defeated Titus O’Neil.
* Mark Henry came out and destroys Khali, which the crowd loved. Henry announces the Hall of Pain is back and he wants a spot in the SmackDown brand’s Elimination Chamber match. Booker came out and announced Henry vs. Randy Orton.
* Big Show defeated Kane in a quick match.
* Alberto Del Rio is shown outside in the parking lot, where he’s taken the wheels off Show’s tour bus. Show ran out to the parking lot but gets a bunch of paint dropped on top of him from the roof. Del Rio laughed and drove off.
* Jack Swagger squashed Justin Gabriel.
* Tensai beat Drew McIntyre by DQ when 3MB attacked him. Brodus Clay made the save for Tensai.
* Antonio Cesaro beat Sin Cara.
* Mark Henry defeated Randy Orton to earn a spot in the Elimination Chamber match.