Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this blog, Ross talks about Monday’s WWE Draft, Women’s wrestling, the importance of strong talent development programs and his WWE contract expiring this week. The highlights:
The 2010 WWE Draft: “The 3 hour WWE Draft featured a mix bag of results. RAW loaded up as USA and WWE prepares for Monday Night Football this fall. It is imperative for any Monday night wrestling program to plan long term and to be able to roll into the fall with some degree of momentum and interest from a storyline perspective.”
Women’s Wrestling: “We get lots of emails from fans of women’s wrestling. I hate to break the news to you die hards of this specific genre but unless the decision makers change their philosophy, and my money is on them not doing so, women’s wrestling is essentially going to remain a supplement to the overall product that will remain positioned to appease to the male demo by providing sex appeal. Don’t kill the messenger on this one but one can see this play out each week on TV. Yes, there are some very athletic women in wrestling, and, yes, there are some very lovely and hard working, dedicated ladies in wrestling, but the days of these ladies athletic abilities being fully utilized don’t see to me to be eminent. Provocative entrances and ring attire along with suggestive language seem to indicate that the dye has been cast and the women in today’s wrestling world know their role and most seem to be happy to have the work and to be getting TV exposure. Perhaps the athletic side of these women will become somewhat more of a focus.”
Talent Development: “While the soap box is out….nothing a wrestling company does is more important than establishing a viable, scouting program to find charismatic, world class athletes who have the aptitude and desire to become wrestling stars. This must be paired with a comprehensive training program whereby the rookies can learn different styles from a variety of instructors. If everyone learns the basic same nuances then what is accomplished other than a cookie cutter system that helps no one? Plus, the same instructors who never vary their teaching methods or techniques have likely found their comfort zones and a comfort zone is the proverbial kiss of death.”
His Future in Wrestling: “Conversations regarding one aspect of my pro wrestling future are scheduled to take place this week which should help me address this particular matter to some degree. As much as I love “the business” and I sincerely do, I have to decide what direction I need to take at this stage of my life as it relates to how I earn the grocery money.”
* Pictures of Jack Swagger’s HOT New Wife – Catalina White