The following are highlights of a recent online Q&A update by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On if he was surprised by the quality of past Undertaker-Batista matches: “Not really. Both are big money players. They had chemistry. Taker’s extraordinarily special. Dave’s a beast. Great combo.”
On The Undertaker’s streak: “I’m not a fan of a The Streak ever be broken. It’s not torch passing material.”
On Hulk Hogan’s participation at WrestleMania XXX: “I see Hulk in a tag before him doing a singles bout w/ a wrecked back.”
On the possibility of a WWE Divas Tag-Team Championship: “At the moment, I’m not overjoyed by the potential of a Divas Tag Championship but I’m willing to see how it evolves over time if it happens.”
The following are highlights of a recent Q&A update from the official website of WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On how surprised he is with Goldust’s WWE comeback this year: “Very proud of Dustin as it shows everyone what one can do with their life is they are not dependent on drugs or alcohol and then dedicate their life on doing the right things. Simple plan that works.”
On if he considers The Undertaker a heel or a babyface: “He is without question a hugely popular, character ‘face.”
On his thoughts of Kaitlyn’s WWE departure earlier this week: “I do not know the circumstances that lead to her leaving but she obviously made the decision she felt was right for her. I wish her well. Nice, young lady.”
As previously reported, WWE was originally planning on a Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show match at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. The idea came about when Show was feuding with The Authority.
Apparently the plan was for Big Show to go through Randy Orton and The Authority, although he would never win the title, yet he would come out of the program as a solid main eventer. This would set up Show looking strong, making Lesnar look strong for a match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX when he beat Show at the Rumble.
Speaking of Taker vs. Lesnar, there appears to be some concern over a few different issues. One is the physical style that Lesnar has in recent years. Lesnar’s rough style, mixed with the bad physical shape Taker is in, is causing some concern.
Another issue is that many, if not all of Taker’s opponents the last several years have secretly worked out their match with extensive practice before it actually took place. There is some concern within WWE as to whether or not Lesnar would be willing to put in that amount of time preparing for the match.
The following are highlights from another Q&A update from WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On WWE never booking a program between The Dudley Boyz and The Road Warriors: “The Dudley’s are two of my all time favorite guys to work with in WWE or elsewhere. I don’t recall why creative did not book them vs. the Road Warriors. Creative did many things over the years that I did not understand.”
On his thoughts of Chris Benoit as a wrestler: “Obviously, Benoit was a great in ring performer, one of the best pound for pound wrestlers that I ever saw. Unfortunately, that isn’t what he’s going to be remembered for. Please do not continue to send me more questions about Benoit. I’ve answered this the best that I can and, no, he will never be in the WWE HOF, IMO, because of the last hours of his life.”
On whether or not TNA can ever come close to WWE: “Not even close but they don’t have to come close to be profitable.”
On who The Undertaker should end his career against: “Whoever would provide the biggest challenge, who’s the hottest, and who will sell the greatest number of PPV’s while providing the most intrigue/threat.”
On why WWE holds back Dolph Ziggler: “I’ve addressed this SO many times. I don’t know anything about WWE Creative. Ziggler has talent. If he steers the course he will be just fine. He’s a big time athlete who simply needs to be cast in the right role.”
Check out more JR Q&A updates online at JRsBarBQ.com.
The following are highlights from a recent Jim Ross online Q&A update:
On when The Undertaker reached the legendary status that he has today: “I don’t think that it was one thing or one day but his body of work over time that helped him earn his amazing legacy. The Streak has become largely his claim to fame.”
On who the better wrestler is: Eddie Guerrero or Daniel Bryan: “I won’t answer this because one is damned if one does and damned if one doesn’t. They are both different, both excellent and both stars. Eddie got his break and Bryan is working on his.”
On the WWE Network: “Honestly, don’t know the particulars of the WWE Network except that it is going forward from all that I hear. I don’t know the template. I do hope that it works for all involved. It might give some older talents some re-occurring gigs.”
In WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross’ latest column, he offers his thoughts on the possibility of broadcasting again for WWE, fan speculation over Sting facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania, and Jeff Hardy.
Whether he would consider broadcasting for WWE again: “Yes I’d consider broadcasting again and feel motivated to do so but it takes two to Tango and most companies aren’t looking to hire 61 year old guys with Bells palsy. I never let my facial paralysis define me but unfortunately some companies do along with the stigma that being a long time ‘pro wrestling guy’ has to some narrow minded, uncreative decision makers.”
Will he boycott WrestleMania?: “I’m sorry if I offend some who think that I’m boycotting WM30 because of my own, admitted, lofty ego, but any talent being a part of any event is largely up to the promotion. If a promotion extends an offer and the talent roadblocks it, then that’s another story. I’m not boycotting any offer to broadcast anything if it’s a win-win arrangement. At this stage of the game, it has to be fun and something where I can be myself behind the mic.”
Fan speculation of Sting facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30: “I get daily questions on whether a Sting vs. Undertaker match at WrestleMania is ever going to happen. I have no answer to that query but I can say that it’s seemingly fish or cut bait time as the window off opportunity is rapidly closing on an attraction that fans have been clamoring for years.”
Jeff Hardy: “Yep…I’m a wrestling fan and I enjoy sampling TNA occasionally. Really liked seeing Jeff Hardy last week. Jeff is still a top hand in anyone’s company.”
Much more is featured in his post, including thoughts on “Stone Cold” Steve Austin wrestling again, working alongside Paul Heyman, who he wants to see inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014, and Ring of Honor. To read his full post, click here.
– We spoke to a couple WWE sources over the weekend that informed us The Undertaker has agreed to wrestle at WrestleMania XXX. WWE had been optimistic that he’d be wrestling on the anniversary show, but the official word came within the past week. With WrestleMania just over 3 months away, there is still so opponent locked in to challenge his streak.
– With his return to WWE imminent, Batista has been packing on a lot of muscle lately. As we’ve been reporting, the original plan for Batista was for him to make a surprise return at the Royal Rumble, with Dave Melzter reporting that Batista could very well win the Rumble and challenge Randy Orton for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.
The deal was brokered by Triple H and even though he isn’t getting as sweet of a deal as Brock Lesnar, he is getting a very lucrative that include appearances at PPV’s, RAW & SmackDown tapings as well as WWE live events. This is said to be a ‘close to full time’ short-term that will keep him part of WWE storylines beyond WrestleMania XXX.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently shared his thoughts regarding the rumors of Shawn Michaels coming out of retirement to wrestle another match, and whether or not that would offend The Undertaker, who “sent him into retirement” by beating him at WrestleMania. JR noted, “I don’t think HBK is returning to the ring as a wrestler. If he did it would be at WrestleMania and I’d like to see him wrestle Daniel Bryan or CM Punk. Taker wouldn’t be offended whatsoever.”
– Stephanie McMahon recently tweeted the following photo from the WWE Holiday party that was held in Stamford, Connecticut on Wednesday night.
Thanks to the @WWE families who came to the holiday party to celebrate! And thank u to those who made it happen! pic.twitter.com/ZYXNhXdVBX
The following are highlights from another recent Q&A update from WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On if he would consider the WrestleMania 25 match between Undertaker and Shawn Michaels as both of their best matches: “How does one quantify ‘best ever?’ I can’t. However, that match was spectacular.”
On if he feels there is anything that could be done to make NWA a viable brand again: “LOTS of cash….national TV outlet…new stars. So…not too likely.”
On the WWE Hall Of Fame voting process: “If it is an actual voting system, who are the people who get a vote? Used to be an informal committee making suggestions.”
On how weird it would be to see WWE RAW on TNT since WWE is pursuing a new TV deal: “Any thing can happen when rights fees are being negotiated for proven TV content.”
– The Undertaker is featured in the latest edition of 30 Second Fury. In honor of the recent anniversary of his debut in WWE, his finishing maneuver, the Tombstone Piledriver, is highlighted.
– Dave Sullivan appeared on In Your Head, where he discussed his early-1990s run with World Championship Wrestling. He addressed such topics as Evad Sullivan, The Equalizer, Kevin Sullivan, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Scott Norton, Eric Bischoff, The Bunny and Big Bossman. Plus, Sullivan offers his thoughts on Diamond Dallas Page, “which must be heard.”
To listen to the interview, click here.
– Former Ring of Honor and TNA wrestling talent Jimmy Rave turns 31-years-old on Sunday.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com.
As a reminder to fans, tickets for JR’s first 2 one-man shows in New York City (3/1/14) are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com. JR also announced that he will be starting a podcast soon.
Here are some highlights of what he said about:
The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30: “It appears that the smart money, or is it, is on Brock Lesnar facing the Undertaker at WM30. That seems to be the strongest sentiment making the rounds online. For the record, I don’t know as it’s not my hill to die upon these days and I’m merely speculating. On paper, Lesnar vs. The Undertaker is an impressive match IF Lesnar is re-branded/re-energized to the WWE fan base as the indestructible “killer” that he can be.”
JR also stressed the importance of both men appearing on WWE television in the weeks leading up to a potential match, in order to maximize interest and dramatic build. “… having the combatants appear on RAW only sporadically hampers the potential number of PPV buys which one would assume would lessen each man’s potential earnings.”
WWE RAW From Oklahoma: “It’s really strange as to who doesn’t contact their “old friends” when they are in one’s home market ala Monday Night Raw this past week and, conversely, who does reach out from one’s former company.”
“Yep, this rasslin thing is a whacky business. Creatively, many make it much more complicated and harder than it ever needs to be.”
– Vince McMahon’s “Million Dollar Mania” giveaway, which saw the WWE Chairman give away his personal wealth to Raw viewers for three weeks in 2008, is now considered a misfire by WWE.
The official WWE website is polling fans on the greatest catastrophes in the history of professional wrestling and McMahon’s ratings-drawing strategy is listed as an option. Other choices include The Shockmaster’s debut, Papa Shango’s voodoo curse on Ultimate Warrior, the hiring of Mike Adamle, the Kennel from Hell Match, Sycho Sid speaking on the mic, the lights going out during the May 1996 In Your House 8: Beware of Dog pay-per-view, the Brawl for All tournament, the formation of The Dungeon of Doom, and Scott Steiner speaking on the mic.
– Yahoo! TV UK has published article speculating on The Undertaker’s return to WWE airwaves and what his involvement may be. Sam Moore feels the obvious choice involves the Wyatt Family.
“Bray Wyatt proclaims to be controlled by the Devil and it would make perfect sense if The Undertaker was indeed the higher power orchestrating everything,” wrote Moore. “The move would not only integrate the deadman into WWE’s most interesting storyline but also be a massive boost to The Wyatt Family who desperately need to be made to look as legitimate as possible. This role could also work well for The Undertaker because he wouldn’t have to get physical a great deal, just talk and put over some of the younger guys.”
– WWE Hall of Famer Greg “The Hammer” Valentine has been announced to appear at the Kentucky Flea Market taking place Dec. 28-31 at the Kentucky Expo Center 937 Phillips Lane Louisville, Kentucky.
– WWE agent Dean Malenko, who has dealt with heart issues in the past, was apparently sent home early from the WWE European tour due to chest pains. Malenko was first taken to the hospital and after being examined by doctors, was sent home.
– As previously reported, WWE Superstar Sheamus mentioned in a recent interview that his dream WrestleMania opponent would be The Undertaker. Apparently Sheamus is actually trying to push the idea of that match taking place internally, so he seems to be quite serious about it.
The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On The Undertaker’s last match: “When Taker decides to hang up his boots and perform a his last WrestleMania that decision should become the focal, promotional point of that particular WrestleMania event. Nothing could be booked that would be bigger or more memorable. I still think that is should happen in Cowboy’s Stadium aka Jerry’s World in Arlington, Texas with 100,000 strong in attendance but only when Taker is ready.”
On a WrestleMania event in London: “Apparently John Cena made a comment about WWE hosting a WrestleMania in London some day. I’d assume that Cena was speculating while interacting with the fans in attendance at a live, WWE event as I’ve never heard any serious talk about WWE holding their biggest, annual event in London or any where else that it can’t be live in North America on a Sunday night at 7 pm eastern time. Could it happen? Any thing can happen in WWE if they choose to pull the trigger. Will it happen? I have serious doubts.”
On controversial UFC 167 main event on Saturday night: “Unfortunate decision Saturday night in the main event at UFC 167, at least in my uneducated and arguably biased opinion as Johny Hendricks got hosed in his split decision loss to George St. Pierre for the UFC Welterweight Title. This are major issues the state of Nevada has to address as inconsistent judging and embarrassing finishes can drive away PPV customers which can cost the UFC big money if the paying customers become overly frustrated with PPV events.”
Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.
The following are highlights from the latest online Q&A update from the official website of WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On if Brandi Runnels will be brought in immediately to the Rhodes Family storyline: “I don’t know if any of that is even true and if it is what the motive may be. However, in my opinion, for one family to be completely dependent on the wrestling biz for their livelihood isn’t wise in today’s world.”
On AJ Lee competing in the 2014 WWE Royal Rumble match: “Women should not compete w/ men in pro wrestling in any physical manner.”
On the most agile and exciting “big men” in pro wrestling history: “Young Andre, Vader, Don Leo Jonathan, Bigelow, among others I’ve naturally overlooked.”
On how many more matches The Undertaker has left in him: “No way of knowing. I assume Taker takes it a year at a time.”
You can check out more Q&A updates from Jim Ross at his official website, JRsBarBQ.com.
-The Grantland website has posted their unofficial WWE “mid-season” awards, since we are approximately half-way to WrestleMania XXX. You can check those out online at Grantland.com.
-The official WWE website for Arabia has a featured article up talking about the reports that The Undertaker will be wrestling Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX in 2014. While we recently reported the rumor as well, it is interesting that an official WWE-affiliated website is now spreading the rumor as well. You can check out the article online at Arabia.WWE.com.
-WWE has a new featured article up on their official website celebrating the 15-year anniversary of the infamous Mick Foley bump off the top of the cage during his legendary Hell In A Cell match with The Undertaker. Fans interested in reading that piece can do so online at WWE.com.
-The debut edition of Jake “The Snake” Roberts’ “Snake Radio” show is now online. Fans interested in checking that out can do so below:
The following are highlights from a recent interview with WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler:
On his first memory of watching WrestleMania: “WrestleMania IV when they had the tournament for the title (won by Randy Savage). I was cheering for Ricky Steamboat. I was a big fan of Steamboat as a kid.”
On his dream opponent for WrestleMania: “Shawn Michaels.”
On his favorite match in WrestleMania history: “Shawn Michaels vs. the Undertaker at WrestleMania XXV (won by the Undertaker). They could have just had a good match, and we would all still be talking about it. But they went out and had one of the best storytelling matches of all-time. I went into the crowd and just watched it.”
Check out the complete interview online at NOLA.com.
-WWE Superstar The Undertaker and his wife, former WWE Diva Michelle McCool, were in attendance at Saturday night’s HBO boxing pay-per-view fight between Timothy Bradley and Juan Manual Marquez.
-WWE Divas The Bella Twins held a “Pink Party” on Saturday night at the Vanity Supper Club in Providence, Rhode Island to raise breast cancer awareness. The Bella Twins posted the following photo on their official Instagram account from the party:
Ryback says he has two major career milestones on his radar – ending The Undertaker’s famed undefeated streak at WrestleMania and taking on former World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg.
Speaking to TribLIVE (to promote Monday’s Raw at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), the WWE Superstar considers it a “good thing” that the topic of a showdown with Goldberg is constantly discussed by wrestling fans.
“For me, I grew up watching the guy. He came in an era and dominated. I still remember to this day being in high school and him taking on Hogan. It was during my summer baseball tournament in Mesa, Ariz. All the guys went out and I stayed back. ‘Ah, I gotta stay back because I got stuff to do.’ I stayed in my hotel room to watch Nitro and watched Goldberg take on Hogan when he defeated him for the world heavyweight championship in Atlanta. The reaction that man got out of all those people, it takes a special person to do that.
“I’d love to take on Bill Goldberg. I think it’s a match that’s going to make me a lot of money. It’s going to make him a lot of money. It’s a match the WWE Universe want to see. I said recently that if people keep chanting his name at me, they’re going to make me a ton of money. WWE’s going to want to bring in Bill Goldberg to face Ryback.”
Despite his interest in facing Goldberg, Ryback does not consider it his “dream match.” Rather, it is facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania and ending the streak.
“No, one of my main goals is ending The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak. It’s something everyone has their opinion on. Some people say it’s something that should never end. I say why not? I say I’m good enough to end it, and I’m very confident in myself. I know there are a lot of people that will say otherwise, but I could care less what they say. I’m the one who wakes up every day and knows how hard I’ve worked for this. It’s something, if I don’t believe I can do it, nobody else is going to believe it,” said the former Skip Sheffield.
“I talked to him (The Undertaker) last year at WrestleMania. He made a comment to me. We were down by the ring somewhere and he said ‘I hear you’re doing some interviews and saying you want The Undertaker.’ I said ‘You’re damn right I do.’ That’s all it was. Whether it happens this year or the year after, I don’t know.
“Whatever the WWE asks of me, I will do because they are my employer. I give them everything I have because I have a love and passion for this and there is no ego involved. The Undertaker is definitely another one for WrestleMania. There is no bigger for me. The streak has become its own attraction. If that’s a possibility, I’m there.”
Ryback also reveals what he would be doing if he wasn’t wrestling, his reaction to discovering he would be working alongside Paul Heyman, and what he plans to do to become WWE’s premiere Superstar. The full interview is available here.
– The Undertaker could return to WWE programming for Survivor Series or the Royal Rumble, depending on his health. He had agreed to appear at SummerSlam in a tag team match alongside Kane against The Shield, but was injured when the nefarious group slammed him through a table in a post-WrestleMania angle and has not appeared since. Some creative ideas were presented to him when he met with Triple H last week, but as noted, his return will hinge on how he physically feels.
As reported recently, both he and wife Michelle McCool recently paid a visit to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. Of some who saw her, they feel she looks better now than when she regularly appeared for WWE.
– WWE fans in India showed up in droves to see Ryback at the Oberoi mall in Mumbai for the WWE 2K14 pre-order launch. The official YouTube account of WWE has released this video of the former Skip Sheffield receiving a rousing ovation.
– The official WWE website has issued a poll asking fans whether they would accept an invite to be a “Paul Heyman Guy.” Of the over 9,000 people who have voted, 57% say they would not accept an invite.
We reported yesterday that the recent WWE cryptic tweets, which has been strongly alluding to something involving The Undertaker, was part of the promotion for the new WWE 2K14 video game. Apparently, that is not the case.
According to the latest “cryptic tweet,” which we posted on the website on Saturday, famed comic book artist Todd McFarlane has something to do with them.
McFarlane is known for his comic book work, as well as his work creating action figures. With that known, the “cryptic tweets” likely have something to do with a new licensed product involving The Undertaker, and not the WWE 2K14 video game.
-WWE has posted yet another “cryptic tweet” containing another photo that seems involve WWE legend The Undertaker. As noted earlier, the cryptic messages are apparently part of the promotion for the new WWE 2K14 video game. Here is the latest tweet along with the photo:
@Todd_McFarlane will soon give rise to an icon. #RestinPieces
-WWE has posted a new Tout video of The Shield cutting a promo on the Rhodes Family, who as previously reported, will be appearing on Monday’s edition of RAW to set up a six-man tag match (Dusty Rhodes, Cody Rhodes & Dustin “Goldust” Rhodes vs. The Shield) at the upcoming WWE Battleground pay-per-view on Sunday, October 6th. The Tout video can be seen below:
