The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On developing new stars: “All of those in the pro wrestling genre know that every organization needs to develop new stars. There’s a certain amount of risk obviously involved in putting someone in the starting lineup but those risks must be taken. Plus, the new talent must be provided an adequate opportunity to establish their body of work and to develop a fan following. It can’t happen with start and stop creative and 50/50 booking.”
“Any wrestling savant that says or thinks that they can determine whether a talent is going to be a success or not within a few weeks is BS’ing themselves.”
On recording his debut podcast with Steve Austin: “I had a great audio session this week with @steveaustinBSR for the Ross Report podcast that will be debuting THIS Wednesday on Podcastone.com and ITunes and it’s always FREE. A new podcast will drop every Wednesday. Austin talks about some unique, WrestleMania topics, his booking thoughts on Daniel Bryan and what Bryan needs to address to get over even more, the CM Punk saga, thoughts on NOT wrestling a program with @HulkHogan, @Goldberg and @BrockLesnar, where the original Smoking Skull Title Belt is today, along with much more including his thoughts on Steve attending WM30.”
On talent being afraid to speak up: “If any wrestling company fosters a backstage environment that does not encourage their talents to speak up and get more involved in their careers from a presentation and creative standpoint, that company is asking for hard times. In ring participants like to perform and to create or they wouldn’t be in the biz. If one is a performer then they likely have an above average abundance of creativity. Any show business entity that stifles creativity from their performers is myopic.”
“Talents cannot be afraid to speak up but unfortunately because of the shrinking number of places a talent can work and earn a decent living the “don’t rock the boat” philosophy seems to permeate the wrestling business.”
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s latest podcast is now available. The latest show features Austin discussing his backstage experience at Monday’s RAW in-depth.
Austin also noted during the podcast that while at the RAW show in Los Angeles this past Monday, he recorded future shows with Zeb Colter, Big Show, William Regal and John Cena. He also noted that he extended an offer to Kevin Dunn to appear on the show, but is still waiting on his answer.
You can check out Austin’s latest podcast at PodcastOne.com.
As previously reported, WWE has launched their first PodcastOne.com podcast with host Renee Young interviewing Shawn Michaels about WrestleMania. Company officials are apparently looking at expanding into more podcasts following the success of Steve Austin and Chris Jericho’s podcasts.
Additionally, following the success of Mick Foley’s live comedy touring act, WWE is looking at possibly doing some touring talk shows in comedy clubs.
– WWE Hall Of Famers “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Jim Ross have recorded new podcasts for PodcastOne.com. Austin noted on Twitter that he recorded a new “Steve Austin Show Unleashed” podcast with his comments about being backstage at Monday’s RAW in the Staples Center. Austin tweeted the following:
Recording a #SAS Unleashed for Thursday. I'll talk about my day at #WWE#RAW and answer questions.
Send to questions@steveaustinshow.com
Jim Ross noted on Twitter that he recorded his first two “Ross Report” podcasts, which features an interview with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. JR tweeted:
– As previously reported, WWE has dropped the “Antonio” from Antonio Cesaro, and will simply be referring to him as “Cesaro” from this point forward. Additionally, it looks like Big E. Langston is undergoing a name change. His Twitter handle and WWE.com bio now refers to him as simply “Big E.”
– Regarding reports of his in-ring career being over because of the feeling of danger of being in the ring during the filming of Tough Enough, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is denying these reports. Austin noted on Twitter:
@WrestlingInc Jesus Christ. Come on guys. Total. Bullshit. Story. You're better than this. I think..
– WWE Hall Of Famer is taking questions from fans for his interview with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, which will serve as his debut “Ross Report” podcast at PodcastOne.com. Those interested can tweet your questions with the hashtag “#AskJR”.
– The black eye Christian was sporting at RAW on Monday night was likely the result of a stiff shot he received during a match at the weekend WWE live events.
– WWE Superstar R-Truth noted on Twitter that he has been in talks with hip-hop star Wiz Khalifa, who was in attendance at RAW on Monday, regarding the two working together on a future song. Truth tweeted the following:
Wiz khalifa and R Truth ( we already spoke about a feature on the up coming album) pic.twitter.com/0tYIz7zBXa
– The latest edition of the “Steve Austin Show” podcast, which features Dave Millican, the man who makes a lot of the WWE Championship belts, is now available. You can check it out at PodcastOne.com.
– As noted, WWE had Byron Saxton appear on RAW on Monday night as the latest backstage interviewer. Saxton had previously worked on the main roster for the ECW on SyFy shows, and has worked most recently as part of the NXT roster.
– WWE is advertising John Cena, Daniel Bryan and Batista vs. Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Alberto Del Rio for the WWE RAW show at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on March 24th.
– Footage of CM Punk has been removed from Randy Orton’s Titantron entrance video.
– As previously reported, WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was backstage at the Staples Center on Monday afternoon before RAW. Austin was there visiting friends and interviewed Zeb Colter for his Steve Austin Show podcast.
Austin tweeted the following photo of himself backstage with UFC legend Stehpan Bonnar:
– It has been confirmed that WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is backstage at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, the site of tonight’s RAW. As noted earlier, Austin is recording a face-to-face interview with Zeb Colter (aka Dutch Mantel) for a future “Steve Austin Show” podcast.
– Rob Van Dam was also backstage at the Staples Center this afternoon. RVD, who also lives in the area, has not been on TV since October.
– WWE physician Dr. Chris Amann noted that increased swelling led to Naomi getting the CAT scan and that she has been prescribed medication to help with the swelling. A final determination as to whether Naomi will need surgery will be made later in the week.
– Both of this week’s WWE television tapings are officially sold out. Tonight’s RAW show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles is sold out, as well as Tuesday’s SmackDown television taping at the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, California.
– WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will be attending the UFC event on February 22 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2/22 show is the next UFC pay-per-view event (UFC 170) and features Ronda Rousey defending the UFC Women’s Bantamweight title against fellow Olympic medalist Sara McMann, as well as recent “Steve Austin Show” guest Daniel Cormier making his UFC Light Heavyweight debut against former champion Rashad Evans.
WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin noted on Twitter recently that he is headed to the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the site of tonight’s WWE RAW show.
Austin also noted that he will be recording an interview with Zeb Colter (aka Dutch Mantel) for a new edition of his “Steve Austin Show” podcast.
The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On his first podcast: “Gearing up to have Steve Austin as my first Ross Report @PodcastOne guest that will drop to the world on Wednesday February 19. We plan on hitting the ground running! Slobber Knocker time and best of all the Ross Report will be FREE at PodcastOne.com and on ITunes. Looking at a variety of ways to make the shows fan friendly and interactive.”
On Edge and Beth Phoenix having a baby: “Congrats to friends Adam Copeland and his lady Beth on the birth of their baby daughter. I knew of this info a couple of weeks ago but sat on it until the proud Mom and Dad were ready to announce it. Everyone is healthy and happy as another happy citizen resides in Asheville, North Carolina.”
On WrestleMania XXX: “The speculation of what will or won’t be booked at WM30 is running rampant. I’m pleased that I have no dog in the fight and am more than willing to see how the card shakes out beyond the Elimination Chamber. I have a feeling that the final WM30 might not resemble what many folks think that it will be. I have actually been enjoying following WWE more now than I’m simply a fan who refuses to read spoilers or most other ‘leaks’ from the inside.”
On CM Punk: “I’ve heard nothing new on the CM Punk front. I’ve not reached to one of my all time favorite wrestles out in respect for his privacy. Let’s not over analyze this matter too. Punk’s burned out, he’s worn out and he’s not likely to return any time soon. However, I’d be remiss to speculate that he’s ‘done’ with the business for good.”
“So…it’s going to be interesting to see who steps up and wants to earn Punk’s ‘spot.'”
“Who’s got the courage and confidence to demand that prime, TV time and spotlight? This matter has much more to do with individual talent’s attitude than one might think. The WWE can’t simply wave a magic wand and create a star.”
Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.
– The latest episode of the Steve Austin Show: Unleashed is now online, with Steve Austin taking calls from WWE fans about the Royal Rumble, Daniel Bryan’s booking and the departure of CM Punk. Listen now at PodcastOne.com.
– WWE has added “The History of WWE” & “Triple H: Thy Kingdom Come” DVDs to Netflix for streaming.
– Radio host Sam Roberts has published the following video talking about CM Punk leaving WWE:
– The latest edition of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s “Steve Austin Show” podcast, which features Austin taking calls on current controversial WWE subjects, such as the CM Punk situation, as well as Daniel Bryan, is now online. The show is available at PodcastOne.com/Steve-Austin-Show.
– WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan was reportedly part of the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl victory parade on Wednesday, which took place in downtown Seattle and featured approximately 500,000-750,000 fans.
– Former WWE Superstar Romeo Roselli is currently being featured in five new television commercials. Roselli appears in clown makeup in bed with Jenny McCarthy for her new EPIX television special, “Dirty Sexy Funny,” which airs on Valentine’s Day.
– WWE Superstar Evan Bourne has been working out at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida lately. Bourne, who was as the Performance Center as recent as Tuesday, is currently training for his official WWE in-ring return.
– The latest edition of Steve Austin’s “Steve Austin Show” podcast has been released. Austin’s latest guest is current UFC fighter Daniel Cormier, who fights former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans in his 205-pound debut at the next UFC pay-per-view. You can check out that show at PodcastOne.com.
– WWE Superstar John Cena recently referenced his rumored eye injury in a new tweet posted on his official Twitter account. Cena wrote:
– WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin taped an episode of his “Unleashed” podcast today where he took phone calls from fans on current WWE controversies, such as the CM Punk and Daniel Bryan situations. Austin was joined during the show by Wrestling Observer Newsletter editor Dave Meltzer. The episode is expected to air this Thursday.
– The Key Arena website has removed their Facebook post regarding WWE Extreme Rules not being booked for May. The post, which is no longer featured, originally read as follows:
“Unfortunately we do not have WWE on May 4th. We are aware of the rumors that have been circulating. We love having the WWE and WWE Fans in our building and can’t wait to have them back!”
The following are highlights from the latest Jim Ross blog:
On the CM Punk situation: “Getting lots of feedback on the blog that I wrote about the WWE and CM Punk matter. Your opinion is just as valid as mine but no issue can be resolved in any arena without communication and the desire to communicate.”
“I fully understand that Punk is burned out and frustrated but I personally and perhaps selfishly wish that he would perform and steal the show at WM30 before taking his leave and recharging his batteries. That’s just the fan in me talking.”
On his new PodcastOne.com podcast: “Steve Austin will be my first @PodcastOne guest when my new show debuts in a couple of weeks. I’m meeting Monday with the radio station that is going to handle our production and they are all set up to take calls of which I hope is a major part of our new podcast. More info to come.”
On a new WWE HOF inductee: “Got a tip of ‘leaked info’ from a non WWE source of who will be joining Warrior and Jake the Snake in the 2014 WWE HOF class. I choose to not spoil the surprise and divulge said info and let those who like to do the ‘spoiler’ thing handle that matter. Spoiler as in info we don’t need and not Spoiler as in the late Don Jardine who was one of the greatest masked wrestlers who ever lived.”
On Brock Lesnar/UFC rumors and WrestleMania XXX: “I can see why Brock Lesnar would love to fight in the UFC again because he’s a beast who feels he’s left unfinished business behind and he’s healthy….finally. I say the former NCAA, WWE, and UFC champion has nothing to prove by returning to the Octagon as he’s got a great gig in WWE working part time for what I’d think is substantial cash….and I’m a HUGE, UFC fan.”
“Lesnar sells PPV’s when he’s hot and it’s up to WWE to get Lesnar hot between now and April 6.”
“I could easily see Lesnar challenging The Undertaker and the STREAK for WM31 and letting that matter build for a year. Lesnar gets reborn as a beast and provides the most intense threat to the STREAK that, arguably, anyone has ever presented. Just a thought….”
Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.
“Stone Cold Steve Austin appeared on The Arsenio Hall show this week and was asked about the news of CM Punk walking out on WWE.
When asked if he thinks it’s the real deal or a storyline, Austin said, “word on the street is that it’s real.”
He talked about his own experience “taking his ball and going home” when he was frustrated with WWE and commented on whether he thinks Punk will be back.
Austin discussed WWE Network being a great value, the Attitude Era, a new project he’s working on and his podcast.
Earlier in the week, UFC President Dana White appeared on the show and called Vince McMahon a “maniac.” When asked about his take on Vince’s way of doing things, Austin agreed. “Yeah, he’s a maniac,” Austin confirmed. “With all due respect, McMahon is a different animal. Crazy as hell, but I mean that in a good way.”
– Colt Cabana’s name continues to come up on a regular basis within WWE. Apparently the company feels Cabana could be used as a familiar face to work on some WWE Network-related projects. Cabana has been at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida several times in the past couple of months.
– Former WWE Superstar Bob “Hardcore” Holly celebrates his 51st birthday today. Holly was born on January 29, 1962.
– WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin noted on Twitter today that on Monday he will be fielding phone calls to discuss the drama currently going on in WWE with Daniel Bryan, CM Punk and more. Austin tweeted the following:
Monday I will be taking phone calls to discuss the latest drama at @WWE and get your thoughts on DB, Punk, etc. Stay tuned…
#SAS
The following are highlights from the latest online Q&A update from WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On CM Punk’s WWE exit and if it will upset viewers if “The Authority” continues to misuse popular talent: “You’re mixing fiction w/ real life which isn’t a compatible combination. No one can make all of today’s fans happy.”
On if the door is open in WWE for Sting to come in to the company: “Door has been open for years. I assume that it still is.”
On Undertaker and his WrestleMania streak: “The Streak is as big an element to WrestleMania as any thing can be. Whoever fights Taker there will be in a key spot. I like the mystery and all the rampant speculation that comes with the topic. Once a decision is made as to who Taker will perform with then the next round of complaining will likely commence.”
On if Steve Austin will ever wrestle again: “This has been addressed dozens of times. I think that it is less than 50/50 Austin ever wrestles again. It’s been over 10 years and he’s moved on to other successful projects such as his podcast.”
On potential talent in WWE that can become a future champion: “Anyone of several talents that are young including Roman Reigns. WWE is seemingly working diligently to facilitate young talents to get over to the next level. It’s an exhausting process and many talents never make it.”
– WWE Composer Jim Johnston is Steve Austin’s guest on this week’s Steve Austin Show podcast. Listen now at PodcastOne.com.
WWE composer Jim Johnston joins Steve to talk about some of their favorite entrance themes. Hear what inspired the themes for Stone Cold, The Undertaker, Bret Hart, D-Generation X, and Shawn Michaels.
– Pro Wrestling NOAH star KENTA was at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando on Monday, according to PWInsider.com. William Regal reportedly set up the tryout and he’s expected to continue training in the ring there this week.
Check out this video highlighting KENTA’s epic feud with Daniel Bryan (formerly Bryan Danielson) in Pro Wrestling NOAH:
On Monday’s RAW, it was announced that Jake “The Snake” Roberts is the second member of the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2014. Here are some tweets from Jake Roberts, Steve Austin, Mick Foley and the Ultimate Warrior regarding Jake’s upcoming induction:
The prodigal son is welcomed home. Thank you WWE & all my supporters for sticking by me. I hope all are enjoying as much as I am.
– WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin noted he will be addressing the Daniel Bryan crowd reactions at the Royal Rumble on his next edition of the “Steve Austin Show” podcast. Austin tweeted:
I will cover a few topics about #RoyalRumble on #steveaustinshow. Frustrated with lack of Daniel Bryan push? Questions@steveaustinshow.com