WWE Hall of Famer: Jim Ross

JR,

Care to comment on the nausea inducing camera zooms used durring sustained attack sequences?

IT'S APPARENTLY SOMEONE'S ARTSY IDEA TO UPGRADE THE SHOW. EPIC FAIL.

First off Jim Ross you are the absolute best color commentator in the history of commentary! When you returned in 1999 you cut an amazing promo that I felt was very moving and emotional explaining your absence. Why did they turn you heel after gaining so much sympathy?

Creative thought it was the right move to make turning me heel but they were wrong. fans did not buy it and I did not execute it well.

Hi Jim. First of all I'd like to say I absolutely love your work, I think you're the greatest commentator that ever lived. Thank you for everything you've done.

I hope this isn't too personal of a comment/question. My grandmother recently began suffering with Bell's Palsy and it has greatly impacted her confidence. She's slowly on the mend but is still worried about how people look at her. She's an absolutely lovely lady and I hate that she feels like this. I was wondering if you have any tips for her on how to cope with it? Thanks!

get her laughing, enjoying her favorite TV shows, etc. and keep her generally positive as Bell's will usually go away in a few months at worst.

What do you think the Montreal Screwjob would be like if social media and the internet was as big as it is now?

INSANE

Asking for a friend..

In kayfabe, was Giant Gonzalez wearing a suit or was he just really like that?

he wore a body suit to enhance his physique. Jorge was huge but not a body builder.

What are your thoughts on the Neville situation and WWE's current injury situation?

happy NEVILLE GOT CALLED UP, SORRY FOR HIS INJURY BUT HIS BOOKING HAS BEEN SO-SO AT BEST,

What is your favorite "Jim Ross Calls..." video on the internet?
Examples:
"Jim Ross Calls Kam Chancellor's hit on Vernon Davis"
"WWE's Jim Ross calls the Germany vs Brazil match"

hard to say but several of them are entertaining.

Hey JR. What are your thoughts on the current commentary on WWE? Most people see it as really bad, with the exception of Corey Graves and Mauro Ranallo.

Bonus question: Who do you see as the biggest misuse of talent in the WWE currently?

WWE announcers are produced to execute a particular way so fans who knock wwe announcing obviously don't know what the real deal is .

JR, you were my favorite commentator growing up. The way you called matches was unbelievable and how you got into the matches. Its just not the same without you and King at ringside anymore. Come back please?!

WWE has spoken and the do not want me on their broadcasts. End of story. No worries here. I'm on PPV Sunday in Phoenix for URshow.tv and I hope that you will give us a shot. It will be a helluva, unpredictable show.

Hey JR, I'm sure you get asked all the time how you felt watching Mick Foley get tossed off the cell. So instead, what were you thinking when he got off of the stretcher and climbed back up top for more?

I though that he had broken his back or worse including being maimed

JR! I've been a huge fan since I was a young kid. My question for you is: what is your opinion on the way Roman Reigns is currently being booked? What do you think about WWE's seemingly refusal to listen to their live crowds response to him? I appreciate your opinion and thank you so much for all of the memories growing up. You truly made watching wrestling more enjoyable.

IMO Reigns is being booed because he's been shoved down fan's throats and they have spit him back. He's a natural heel at this point in time. Bottom line is that reigns is miscast.

How is your current relationship with Vince/WWE? Have you communicated with him since he fired you?

my relationship with Vince is positive and healthy. We communicate somewhat regularly. I had 21 great years with VKM and am grateful for my run.

Hey JR,

How are you?

This isn't really a question but more of an apology. At Wrestlemania 30 in New Orleans, I had just landed from a long flight and decided to hit Bourbon Street to combat the jetlag and at around 1 am on a Thursday night I went into a late night restaurant and was gobsmacked to find you in there eating some fried chicken. I shook your hand and took a photo with you wihtout realising that you may have not wanted to be interrupted.

I didn't mean to annoy you. I just couldn't believe I was stood a few yards away from one of my all time heroes.

So apologies once again.

NO WORRIES BUT THANKS FOR SPEAKING UP

Hey JR, whatever happened to your BBQ chain? I went to the one in Moore, and it was really great.

Also your spicy BBQ sauce is amazing.

WE FLIPPED THE BBQ JOINT IN MOORE TO A Louie's AND THE LOCATION IN NORMAN WENT OUT OF BUSINESS DUE LARGELY TO THE EXIT BEING CLOSED FOR OVER A YEAR.

Hope you're having a good day Jim, you were the best at your craft because you knew how to put the wrestlers and the action in the ring over. Anyways my question is, WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR CAPS LOCK?

TOO LAZY TO TAKE IT OFF PLUS IT'S EASIER TO READ

In today's WWE, could anyone become as big of a draw as SCSA?

WE can only hope so but it's highly unlikely.

[removed]

ASK YOUR MAMA

Hey JR, thanks for your time. Been listening to your work for almost 30 years.

My question is: do you think the Internet has helped the wrestling industry more than it has hurt it, or vice versa? Where do you think the industry would be today without it?

the internet keeps the wrestling business honest and accountable so I see the IWC as a positive.

In a previous AMA you said that Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt seemed like WWE's next big stars. What do you believe is hindering Bray Wyatt's success and how far do you see him going?

bray WYATT IS MISS CAST . HE'S A CHARACTER BABYFACE AND NOT A HATED HEEL.

Hey JR!

What are your thoughts on side dishes at BBQ's, specifically Potato Salad?

side dishes are essential in presenting great bbq entrees. potato salad and cole slaw are must's.

Did you enjoy announcing MMA two years ago? Would you do it again?

Damn right! I feel I can broadcast MMA as well as any one currently doing it.

Coming from across the pond to Dallas for Mania weekend. Wondering what your most recent thoughts are on WrestleMania in the UK, and the best story you have about a Brit?

Looking forward to your Ringside show post-Raw (Any more meet-and-greet tickets to be released?)

WrestleMania IN THE uk IS A LONG SHOT AT BEST BUT IT ISN;'T AN IMPOSSIBILITY. London, FOR EXAMPLE, NEEDS TO BE PRO ACTIVE ON THEIR RECRUITING OF THIS EVENT THAT WILL PRODUCE MILLIONS OF NEW DOLLARS TO WHOEVER HOSTS IT.

Jim Ross, what do you think about Shane vs the undertaker at mania?

BASED ON TALENT AVAILABILITY IT SEEMS LIKE A GOOD BOOKNG AND IT WIL LIKELY OVERACHIEVE ITS EXPECTATION.

Hey JR!

Of all NXT superstars, who do you see moving up to the main roster sooner than others?

several fit the bill but none will mean any thing if they are not introduced to the main roster in a meaningful and impactful manner.

Hey JR! hope you're doing find. Do you think financially pushing Reigns to the top is a good/wise move? I know Cena was rejected due to his push as well but he's been a money making machine. Do you think there is the same potential in Roman Reigns, or would, say, Dean Ambrose be more profitable in that position?

I'm talking from strictly a monetary point of view, ignoring factors such as story telling or work rate or quality of the product.

The Reigns issue has to play out for any one to intelligently judge how it will play out. If Reigns turns heel then there is big money there IMO.

Hey J.R.

My question is, do you have any particularly funny stories of Owen Hart's antics that you could share with us?

THERE WERE SO MANY BUT HIM PUTTING POWDERED SUGAR UNDR HIS NOSE TO FEIGN COCAINE USE IS A CLASSIC. YOU WATCHING OUR PPV THIS SUNDAY ON URSHOW.TV?

Hi JR! Thanks for taking the time to do this.

My question is...How do you think Shinsuke Nakamura will do in the WWE?? Will he have the same opportunities as the other members on the roster? It has seemingly been a rarity for an Asian wrestler to get a large push in the WWE. I would just like to hear your thoughts on this.

Nakamura should do big business if he's booked strategically and not stereotyped

Do you think Vince McMahon is overly adamant about pushing homegrown talent before people that made a name elsewhere?

now IDEA AS I NEVER ATTEMPT TO THINK LIKE VKM...THAT'S DANGEOUS

Who was the biggest drama behind the scenes and why? Vice versa, who was that one person that used their role to do great things?

I DON;T STORE THE NEGATIVE TALENTS IN MY NIND TO RELIVE IN MATTERS SUCH AS THIS. DRAMA WASN'T A RARIETY AS MAN TALENTS BROUGHT DRAMA WITH THEM TO THE DANCE.

I think with all of the equity The New Day has built that Big E is a no-brainer main event talent after the group runs it's course. Do you see it another way?

NEW DAYS HOULD BE BABY FACES

Was there an announcer you didn't get along with??

None that I can recall. Sorry to disappoint you but I got along with most everyone that I can think of .

Hello JR, to me you will always be the voice of professional wrestling! Your voice is prominent throughout my childhood and is associated with all my favorite moments. My question is, do you think Jerry Lawler is underrated by the fans of this generation? He's been a mainstay since 1994 and has missed until recently very few Raw's and ppvs. To me he doesn't get the credit or respect he deserves from the newer fans. Do you think he should be considered the voice of wwe for the body of work he has put in the last 22+ years?

jerry Lawler is one of the best talents in the history of the business. Who's better in all the areas that he's exceled in over the years? Nobody.

What was the true full story of your firing? Lots of rumours and from what iv heard you were used as a scapegoat from Flairs errors, after so many years of great service i thought it was a particularly petty way for you to leave

I TOOK THE BULLET FOR THE 2K SYMPOSIUM GOING AWRY. SUCH IS LIFE.

Mr. Ross.. great man! basically grew up with your voice!

How do you feel that Roman is not getting over and your opinion with Ziggler and maybe other talents not being used appropriately?

Thanks for doing this!!

obviously reigns isn't getting over as a baby face.

What are your thoughts on the current wrestlemania card? What would you change?

I say let It play out and see how it delivers as injuries have wrecked the card by and large. I give it the benefit of the doubt until I see it live.

Hey JR! Thanks for taking time out to do this. I heard you wanted to call games for the Pittsburgh Pirates, so what are your thoughts on the NL this year? Any World Series predictions?

TOO EARLY FOR WORLD SERIES PREDICTIONS FOR ME BUT NOT TOO EARLY TO PROMOTE SUNDAYS PPV FIGHT CARD ON URshow.TV

JR...you've been all around the world and seen a lot of crazy things....but have you ever seen a real egg sucking dog?

NO YET BUT I'M STILL LOOKING

Hey JR. I believe in the past you have said on your podcast something along the lines of Hell in a Cell and Street Fight type matches being less meaningful nowadays due to PG/no blood rules making them less believable. Considering Mick Foley's gift to Dean Ambrose on RAW last night, are you expecting to see color in the Street Fight between Dean and Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania?

NOT UNLESS IT'S THE HARD WAY

Were there ever any wrestlers who were just more fun to commentate on their fights?

YOU COULD ALWAYS PICK THAT UP IN MY VOICE.

Hey Jim, love your work

Is there a particular performer you would like to be involved in the last match you call before retiring?

Impossible to answer as I'm never going to retire.

Hey Mr. Ross, big fan. Thanks for doing this. What do you think about how AJ Styles is presented in WWE now? And do you think that he'll ever win the big one?

I have no issues with the way AJ has been booked and I'd suspect that he would have no issues either.

Who would you like to have on your podcast? Big fan by the way, loving your work on AXS TV.

Vince McMahon

Do you agree with the comparison of Roman Reigns as today's Rocky Maivia? A guy placed in the wrong role that would be much getter served doing something else?

I THINK THAT WE'VE MADE THAT POINT SOMEWHAT CLEAR TONIGHT

THAT POINT CAN BE MADE QUITE EASILY

Who is the most under appreciated wrestler on the current WWE roster?

TOO SUBJECTIVE TO ANSWER. IT COULD BE SEVERAL PEOPLE

Is there a match or moment that you didn't commentate but wish that you did?

Foley's FIRST wwe title WIN

Hey Jim, loved you on commentary and enjoy watching and listening to you. For my question, what is your opinion on the "Four Horsewomen of NXT" (Sasha, Bayley, Becky, and Charlotte)?

They are a work in progress but they have miles to go before they are a finished product. I enjoy watching them nonetheless

favorite bbq spots of all time??

I've had great Q all of the world and it's all been pretty damn good. Like sex, the worst I ever had wasn't bad

If you could call any possible fantasy match from current or past Wrestlers, who would be involved and what type of match ?

Jack Brisco vs. Dory Funk, Jr. in a 60 minute iron man match..for one

Did Vince ever ask you to go back?

No..but never say never and we are NOT acrimonious.

Hi JR, thanks for doing this. Are there any young up-and-comers who stand out to you as future greats?

impossible to say who will be a 'future great' based on their attitudes, the promotion/creative and how healthy they can stay.

Hey Jim. Big fan.

Is there any truth to the story about Vince and the boys going to the hotel Flair was staying at in the late 80s/early 90s, convincing the hotel staff to let them in to Flair's room, and then urinating on his bed?

GOOD STORY BUT I HAVE NO IDEA IF IT'S TRUE

Who's you're favorite band JR?

THE EAGLES FOLLOWED BY MY PALS ZZ TOP

Any memories of watching Dirty Dalton Gang when you were growing up?

solid, fundamentally sound heels who were consistent performers in the mid card.

Hi Jim, you've been very critical of Ring of Honor's production in the past. With them beefing things up in that department in Nashville and again in Vegas, do you think its really added to their product? Also have they ever discussed the possibility of you appearing on one of their PPV's or TV tapings? With the ROH/NJPW deal is there more of a possibility of this happening?

Thanks Jim

I WAS CRITICIAL OF ROH'S LIGHTING OF THEIR TV SHOWS ONLY BUT THEY HAVE SEEMINGLY SOLVED THAT ISSUE

Is the hearsay true about you being pissed that Doc didn't win Brawl for All?

That's total bullshit and the legend grows yearly on one of the worst ideas we ever hatched.

Do you watch WWE?

OF COURSE. WHY WOULDN'T I?

Hi JR, long-time fan.

It's great to hear your voice alongside what I consider the best pro wrestling product in the world, New Japan Pro Wrestling. of all the guys on that roster, who's matches do you enjoy calling the most? Can we look forward to any more live commentary from you soon?

I love the NJPW product and look forward to becoming more involved with them in the future if they are willing to work more with AXSTV

JR, so happy to have you here!

How did you approach to commentary change over the years, dating back to your early career, to your time with Crockett Promotions, and into the Attitude era?

I was open minded enough and observant enough to know that I had to change with the times.

What do you think the business would be like if Eric Bischoff would've been able to acquire WCW before Vince had purchased it?

WOULD HAVE LIKELY PRESENTED SOME INTERESTING DAYS AT THE OFFICE BUT WWE WOULD STILL WIN IN THE END.

Hi Jim.

Is there a specific moment where you had to unexpectedly ad-lib which you are particularly fond of?

NONE THAT I RECALL BUT THERE WERE MANY AD LIBS OVER THE YEARS. WE DID NOT WORK OFF A SCRIPT

Hi JR, you were my favorite voice to hear every week for a very long time. Glad I still can now too!

My question is that a lot of times you hear about all the voices that come through the headsets from backstage during RAW commentary. Can you describe what that is like, the kind of things you hear, maybe an interesting instance of it that you remember?

Unsettling, unnecessary and confrontational all of which are not good but it did not happen that way all the time.

How would you book a match between stone cold and cm punk?

Personal issue and keep it real.

How close are Vince and Undertaker, are they really close friends or just colleagues with a huge respect for one another?

I'D SURMISE THAT THEY HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER ON A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL.

Hi JR, thanks for doing this AMA.

I wanted to ask you about your time as head of talent relations.

Did wrestlers approach you with complaints about injuries, concussions, etc, or did they hold back because they feared they would lose their spot?

And was the WWE backstage environment one where wrestlers could approach management easily with health issues, or was losing a spot something that actually happened ?

Thank you.

I got approached by wrestles and talents in general about a multitude of issue that they had no matter how big or how small. It never ended. lots of high maintenance people on the roster.

Hi Jim, huge fan from Australia here.

I was wondering what your thoughts are on the Japanese style of pro wrestling compared to the style of wrestling you usually worked with in the United States. Do you think the recent success of NJPW in the mainstream will affect the WWE?

Thanks.

The NJPW product is strong and fundamentally sound as they sell and work intelligently with some rhyme and reason.

Any advice to someone wanting to get into the wrestling business in an outside the ring role?

good luck as it isn't easy and there are few jobs to go around.

Hey JR! If you could come back to call one final WWE match, what kind of match would it be and who would be fighting in it? You're the greatest of all time!

No preferences but WWE inviting me back to call one more match isn't too likely. And I'm cool with that. That's it for the night as I logged over two hours and appreciate all your questions. My fans are the best and I hope that you will join me this Sunday on PPV at Urshow.tv for the damndest ppv ever and its only $11.99. Good night everyone! Download the ross report podcast for free at podcastone.com and iTunes.

Hey JR, thanks for doing this AMA! Yourself and Steve Austin have been well-known friends for years now, what would you say your fondest memory with him would be?

ONE ON ONE CONVEATIONS ABOUT THE BUSINESS AND HOW IT SHOLD BE MANAGED

Where is the best place to get BBQ that you have ever been?

at my house in the backyard on a Sunday afternoon.

Hi JR, first of all thanks for your years of commentating in WWF/WWE and I'm looking forward t your work on NJPW on AXS.

My question is based on a hypothetical WWE/NJPW card. If it were to happen, what main event would you book for the super card?

Thanks again, JR!

THE BEST MATCH WOUD BE NAKAMURA VS TANAHASI

Mr. Ross

On January 3, 2005, you and Jerry Lawler had an on-screen debate with Muhammad Hassan and Khosrow Daivari on WWE RAW about Islam in post-9/11 America. This debate ended with Hassan and Daivari beating the hell out of you both and choking you out with your belt

Muhammad Hassan is my favorite wrestler of all time, and I'd like to know what your thoughts are (or were) about him as a character and you actually being involved in a storyline with him? Where would you rank Muhammad Hassan on the list of biggest heels in WWE history? I have never in my life heard a wrestler get as much heat as he got every single time he stepped out, the boos were deafening and absolutely overwhelming and I can't even imagine what it was like in the stadium to hear it.

Thank you Mr. Ross

it was merely a fictitious show biz TV storyline that went well and helped underscore the villains as it should have DONE.

What other sports would you like to color commentate for besides pro wrestling and boxing?

SEVERAL..FOOTBALL, BASEBALL, MMA, HOOPS, MMA

Hey JR, I was wondering what was your favourite or most memorable promo/segment that you were involved in?

The Mankind interview, the Kane interview where you ended up as crispy BBQ, or even the dousing of BBQ sauce over Michael Cole come to mind just to name a few.

THE MANKIND INTERVIEW WAS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMO

What was your favorite fast food chain to eat at while on the road?

SONIC WHEN WE COULD FIND ONE..CRACKER BARREL WAS CONSISENT TOO

Why do you respond in all caps ?

TO CREATE MORE LAME QUESTIONS

Would you be in favor of a brand split after WrestleMania?

YES BUT ONLY IF IT WERE A LEGIT BRAND SPLIT AN NO CHEATING IE INTERMINGLING

Mr. Ross, I can honestly say that I wouldn't be a wrestling fan if it weren't for your commentary. Your love of the business was apparent, and it drew me in even more to my screen. As a fan, thank you.

Three questions:

1. What have you been reading lately?

2. Who, in all of your time in the business, would you say are your best friends?

3. Controversial topic: What is your opinion on the Roman Reigns' situation?

I'm reading Al; Bernstein's book....working on my book...Austin is a great friend. Jerry Brisco, Jim Cornette and many others are pals.