– Jim Ross has posted his latest blog on his official web site. In it, he addresses his feelings on ECW, the recent suspensions in WWE, Ric Flair’s status, his own contract status, the recent changes to the WWE Wellness policy, and more. Below are some of the highlights:
On ECW: I feel ECW is still a work in progress and the final form it eventually takes could be termed as “still to be determined.” I am not a major fan of a weekly hardcore or extreme rules match because they cease being special if one sees them every week and these matches increase the odds of a wrestlers getting injured. With the overall lack of quality depth available, injuries should be avoided when they can. I do think that C.M. Punk is a “find” and will continue to grow into the asset the WWE needs to cultivate more of going forward. For those that are holding out for the “old ECW” to emerge, I would suggest that isn’t going to occur any time soon but I do feel the current brand is steadily improving. I watch it every week and enjoy most shows.
Regarding the recent suspensions: Good people are not immune to making stupid and ill-conceived decisions, such as evidenced by the several athletes who were recently suspended for violation of the WWE Wellness Program. The key here is education and learning from one’s mistakes and not allowing a negative part of history repeat itself. In the meantime, now is certainly time to make hay while the sun shines for many athletes who will be provided an opportunity with so many of their teammates on the sideline.
Ric Flair’s WWE status: To the best of my knowledge, Ric Flair is still an active member of the WWE and is still on the payroll. The rumors surrounding Ric’s future are flying, but Ric has not told me he was quitting. I will believe it when I see it and as I have said on many occasions I feel that Ric still has a great deal to offer the business, as his legacy could be enhanced and should live forever. It would be very easy to build the 2008 WWE Hall of Fame class around “Naitch.”
Changes to the WWE Wellness policy: I am all for the WWE revealing the names of the individuals who fail a wellness test and wish they had revealed the latest results. I do think it will be a positive tool in deterring the abuse of illegal substances and over medicated athletes by physicians without character or a conscience. Being singled out publicly could be an embarrassing moment for many performers and one would think that this would make one think twice about doing something so stupid.
On re-signing with WWE: I am in hopes of re-signing with the WWE and talks are on going. I don’t see any immediate issues on the negotiation horizon. This is another story that has taken a life of its own and many internet sites have written about it as if they know exactly what is going on, but none of them have talked to me about it, which should illustrate that there are times when some sites simply take a rumor and run with it as fact. My goal is to continue to work for the WWE, but if that were not to work out, I still have plenty to do to keep me busy. My wrestling career has been a blessed one that I would have never envisioned over 30 years ago, but all things have to come to an end at some point. Our Bar-B-Q biz is going to continue to grow as we hope to start rolling out more store stores in 2008 and plan on building several stores over the next few years.
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