Comments on NXT Takeover
Ross takes to his blog to discuss WWE’s NXT Takeover event and the NXT roster.
Owens is a keeper and has a uniquely, physical style that I like. Finn Balor had as memorable an entrance as I can recall in years. Neville vs Zayn could well challenge any thing we see at TLC….I hope the main roster was watching. Competition is knocking on their door. Charlotte vs. Sasha was crisp and well executed. Charlotte is getting so good that it could be scary in time. Sasha has a natural ‘attitude’ which is marketable. Great stuff from start to finish of this show.
Busted Open interview
Ross is a guest on Busted Open Radio to discuss CM Punk’s comments toward Ryback.
Some guys will be very leery of trusting Phil because he brought up one of his own and shined unflattering light on Ryback, without any knowledge and based off how he looks. There will be a lot of guys alienated from that statement. Phil won’t care because he washed his hands of it. The guys who were Phil’s friends would probably just leave it alone. I think the whole thing could’ve been avoided if the problem was identified by both parties. The locker room is a very cruel place; and guys will lie to stir up a hornets nest especially when it comes to money; say a guy gets $50,000 for a PPV and they usually say they got $100,000 just to stir it up.
Comments on CM Punk situation
Ross updates the blog section of his site to discuss Tyson Kidd, Cesaro and Vince McMahon’s apology to CM Punk.
Was happy that VKM addressed the hot topic of the CM Punk matter and was surprised about the apology he made to Punk about getting his legal paperwork on Punk and AJ’s wedding day. Seems as if the door is open to resume talks some day if both parties are of that mindset. Punk’s overwhelming desire to close the show at a WrestleMania is admirable and if any one in the locker room doesn’t have that same goal every day of their professional life then they need to find another line of work.
Alternative Nation interview
Ross speaks to Alternative Nation about Brock Lesnar’s similarities to Muhammad Ali.
There’s always going to be a segment of the MMA community that is going to cheer for Lesnar to lose, if and when he comes back for another run after his diverticulitis issues, but that’s the beauty of it. Muhammad Ali told me one time, back in the 80’s, that he realized early in his career that he could make more money as a boxer, as a black man in a white man’s business as far as management and TV contracts, and distribution of PPV dollars, he said, ‘I realized my place as a fighter would be enhanced if I put myself in a position where the fans pay more money to see me lose than they would to see me win.’
Comments on Sting’s debut
Ross updates the blog section of his website to discuss Sting’s WWE debut.
Happy to see my old friend The Stinger debut at the Survivor Series Sunday night. Honestly, I wish I hadn’t read so much material notwithstanding writing about the rumor of his return to the ring Sunday night. I’d have liked it better if I had not allowed myself to be preconditioned about Sting’s arrival. I have no one but me to blame. Nonetheless it seemed like he got a good ovation from the St. Louis crowd.
Ring Rust Radio interview
Ross talks to Ring Rust Radio about his future with wrestling and which match he wishes he could have called in history.
Well I think probably the one I would have liked to call was the main event of WrestleMania 3. It was such a ground breaking event. If you’re going to be a part of a ground breaking event, you want to be a part of the main event. I would say Hogan and Andre at WrestleMania 3. It was such a simplistic match to call, it would have been very easy to call it from a stand point of what they did, but the drama one could add to the moment and to what the match meant.
Comments on Hell in a Cell
Ross updates the blog section of his website to discuss mid-card champions and WWE’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view.
I still think that creativity as it relates to stunts, etc for this Sunday’s HIAC will be challenging considering that there will be two Hell in a Cell matches on the show both in a PG world. Anxious to see how the creative minds come up with elements that will make the two main events special, different and perceived as ‘dangerous.’
Bloody Elbow interview
Ross talks to Bloody Elbow about UFC Fight Pass and the WWE Network services being the future of the industries.
They are going to be able to control their destiny – good, bad, or indifferent as far as the television product is concerned. I think what they have done is show a lot of other networks what can be accomplished by building your own digital network. I think we will see more various entities follow the WWE model. They may learn from the WWE’s mistakes, as with any business, and see where they fell or fumbled.
Total Wrestling Magazine interview
Ross talks to Total Wrestling Magazine about young talent and Roman Reigns.
It appears that Roman Reigns is the heir apparent to the WWE Title but the issue is when will he be ready? There’s no magic formula as to when that can or will occur. So that’s definitely not set in stone. Who’s to say that Lesnar will even be a villain by WM31?
Comments on older wrestlers
Ross updates the blog on his website and discusses the WWE Network, celebrities on wrestling shows and WWE using older stars.
WWE would be wise to consider hiring a handful of seasoned veterans to work with their highly regarded younger talents if for nothing else a short term IE one year contract. Young talents cannot get better working with those who are not better than the rookies.
MMANews.com interview
Ross talks to MMANews.com about NJPW, Global Force Wrestling and life after leaving WWE.
I’m doing my podcast, I’m in entrepreneurial mode right now. I don’t do a lot of things that conflict with OU football, but I’m doing my podcast, it’s doing really well. We manage about half a million downloads per week and it’s growing. I’m in the process of working on my autobiography, that should be done by spring or summer 2015. I’m doing some writing for FOX, we’re talking to FOX about maybe doing some more boxing play-by-play, which I had fun doing, I’m a big boxing fan. My point is, if I like projects
Ross Report interview
Watts appears on The Ross Report to discuss the changing landscape of professional wrestling. Ross releases statement.
JR’s mentor is on the podcast – Cowboy Bill Watts, tough promoter of the Mid-South territory, who also spent time at WCW and WWE. They talk booking philosophy, selling, heels & babyfaces, Eric Bischoff, Vince McMahon, and the impact of the erosion of the territories on pro-wrestling. Plus, Watts has some strong opinions about some of today’s talent & matches – The Undertaker, Bray Wyatt, John Cena, and Wrestlmania 30.
MMAfighting.com interview
Ross talks to MMAfighting.com about his upcoming appearance in MMA alongside Chael Sonnen.
I’m the point guard. I’ll ask questions and call the action. I’m not taking it for granted, but I think that I’m mentally ready to do it. I’m a big fan. I watch hours and hours of MMA. When you come from my background as a broadcaster, I listen intently to everyone, the UFC guys, I’m a big fan of Mauro Ranallo from Strikeforce, I listen to everybody and that will be good.
Final match comments
Sting appears on The Ross Report to discuss future plans and his WWE relationship. Sting remarks that his next match will most likely be his last.
I’m 99.99% sure and can say that it would definitely be the last one.
Busted Open interview
Ross gives his thoughts about his WWE career:
I’ve said it a bunch of times, coming to WWE in 1993 was the best career move I ever made. I don’t owe them money and they don’t owe me any. We’re done. I have no regrets. The only thing I would have liked differently was the 3 bells palsy attacks and have to constantly explain to people why I don’t smile. I’d like to be more HD friendly. I wouldn’t change a thing and a lot of things are on the horizon.”
Ross Report
Sting appears on Ross Report in sit-down interview. The pair discuss Sting’s career and aspirations in the final years of his career.
I’m feeling great. I’m glad to be here and glad to be on your podcast, buddy.
Between the Ropes interview
Ross talks to Between the Ropes about the possibility of seeing him in TNA and CM Punk.
It’s not likely at all. I’m not looking at that direction but I don’t think it’s very smart to say I’ll never do that. It would take an extraordinary deal because I don’t know why I would be excited about replacing one of two guys that I like. You don’t get that many friends in the wrestling business that stick with you through thick and thin.
Steve Austin Show interview
Ross is a guest on the Steve Austin Show to discuss Andre the Giant, his cowboy hat and learning to read.
Being an only child, I spent lots of time with my grandparents. My grandpa was a reader and he taught me how to read the newspaper, the sports page. Even then I was a big sports fan.
ESPN Front Row
Ross talks to ESPN Front Row about Football, wrestling, WWE and Wrestlemania.
I would make sure Daniel Bryan left WrestleMania with his “moment.” Every star in WWE wants to have a WrestleMania moment – meaning some bucket list dream as a professional to go to WrestleMania and steal the show.
Ross Report podcast
Ross launches The Ross Report podcast with a sit-down interview with long-time friend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. The two discuss WWE current events and career highlights.
Jim, I’m proud to be your first guest. Welcome to the world of podcasting.
