Longest Running Triple H Fansite
Since 2006
Showing posts with label Jim Ross. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jim Ross. Show all posts

October 1, 2023

Jim Ross On Why Triple H’s Creative Involvement Is A Good Thing for WWE

In the latest episode of Grilling JR (via Wrestling Inc), Jim Ross spoke about Triple H being involved behind the scenes in WWE and why it can only help the company.


He said: “The more you can get Triple H involved on a decision-making scenario, the better off you are. He’s just got a great feel for the business. He’s a student of the game, literally, more than just a nickname. I didn’t see a bad thing about it. My situation was just very arduous. It was no secret that Vince wanted to go younger, different look, different sound, and that would eliminate JR. I guess, if you’re a performer or a talent, you gotta expect that this is going to happen [at] some point in time. I have great respect for Triple H. Then, now, forever as the expression goes. We have a lot in common. We both love wrestling. We both love pro wrestling. I don’t remember having too many bad days with Triple H. We communicated well… And I understood too that he was kind of hamstrung on what he could do in my regard because the influencer was Vince, and Vince wanted a change. And he was hell-bent on getting his change at that announce position.“

August 4, 2021

Jim Ross On Critics Who Say Triple H’s Success Is Due To Marrying Stephanie McMahon

June 25, 2021

Jim Ross: Triple H And Stephanie McMahon Should Run WWE If The Company Is Sold

Jim Ross is of the opinion that if WWE is sold, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon should run the company.

Speaking on the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast, Ross hypothesized about what happens if WWE is sold. The conclusion he came to was Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are the people best suited to run WWE. Here is the quote, courtesy of Fightful:

“Let’s say it sells. It has to be sold with the thought in mind that there are people in place to run it. It’s a unique genre and takes a special breed, background, and desire to make it work. Our audience now with social media are more educated. Wrestling fans have something to carry their flag around and people are paying attention in a great way. If I were going to sell WWE, who better to run it than Triple H and his wife? The DNA is there, the experience, Vince has given them a great opportunity to have more experience in upper management.

“The key thing is talent and television. One without the other doesn’t make any money. If they do sell, it’d be a huge win for all involved, especially the family. It’s no guaranteed that (if they sell), Triple H and Stephanie have to find new jobs. I assume they’ll be running it.”

September 9, 2018

Jerry Lawler Talks ‘PC’ WWE, ‘Puppies,’ & The Reason He Probably Isn’t On WWE TV Anymore

The latest Dinner with the King features WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler addressing a live crowd at Starrcast during All In weekend.

A fan commented on how he associates Lawler with the word ‘puppies’ and Lawler then directly addressed that:

“The thing with the puppies, I did not coin the phrase. I was not the first one to say the phrase on WWE TV; but, because like you said I am so associated with that word puppies, most people think that way. That is probably the reason I’m not on TV anymore and I mean that seriously because they [WWE] went so politically correct. It’s not necessarily PG because they’re not PG. They’re further south than PG. They’re PC. They’re so politically correct to a fault and especially like they got so right now into – starting with the Revolution – now it’s all about empowering women and that’s a big political correct thing these days and everything, so WWE jumped right on that, so it’s about empowering women. They actually came to us and said, ‘Do not ever say that women are sexy or that they’re good looking or that they’re beautiful. You must treat them exactly like you would a male athlete. You could say that they are powerful, they’re strong, they’re athletic, all this stuff; but, nothing that would be considered sexist at all.”


Lawler then talks about the RAW 25th Anniversary Show when he let the word ‘puppies’ slip early on during the historic live broadcast,

“This is like early on the show and I said, ‘JR [Jim Ross], it’s so nice to be here tonight and we’re gonna go back in time or something and I might even say puppies tonight.’ Immediately I hear [Vince McMahon] in my earphone (grunts), ‘Let’s stay away from that tonight.’ That was the last time it was ever said on there.”

January 1, 2018

Kevin Nash On What Vince McMahon Recently Told Him Regarding Current WWE Talent

During a recent episode of the The Ross Report, Jim Ross spoke highly of the potential XFL relaunch, stating that he believes that Vince and company have done significant research to make sure that they will not have another unsuccessful run. Ross also asked his guest, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash, about his thoughts on the matter.

"Vince doesn't like to have a black mark anywhere on his dossier," said Nash. "At the beginning [of the XFL], the numbers were great, and it wasn't the right place at the right time."

Nash and Ross also discussed whether WWE will hurt from McMahon not completely focusing on the product, and both agreed that Triple H is next in line to steer the company creatively, and the WWE will be just fine with him at the helm. However, the landscape of WWE has changed regarding the grit of the talent.

"I remember one time I was talking to Vince – it wasn't the last WrestleMania, I think it was the one before – and I just asked him how things were," said Nash. "And he goes, 'The thing that's changed more than anything, [is] back when you broke in here in the fed, it was a shark tank. Like, everybody went after that top prize, and it was a battle. Now, [wrestlers] wait for him to come around with a sword and anoint them.' It's just not the same anymore."

August 8, 2017

JR On Triple H As A Boss



Jim Ross was recently a guest on the Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast where he talked about what it's like having Triple H as a boss.

Jim Ross returned to call the No Holds Barred Match between The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 33. It was Undertaker's retirement match and the beginning of a two-year agreement JR signed to return to the company, a new agreement which now features Triple H as his boss.

"I gave [Triple H] the nickname of the 'Cerebral Assassin' because it fit his character as a wrestling heel, and a smart, cagey, kind of a deadly planner, or strategist that has the physical skills to be very dangerous," said Ross. "Hence, the Cerebral Assassin came about once while he was coming down the entrance on TV. Vince loved it, and Triple H has obviously embraced it, and it became his calling card. The Game was the best in a lot of areas; when DX could be 'challenging' to deal with, at that point of their lives, and the decisions that they were making, their lifestyle, their road schedule, the wealth that was coming their way; most of those guys that were making seven-figures plus a year."

"Whenever I had issues, I didn't feel as though I needed to play the trump card, and I needed somebody to address within that vicinity, Triple H was always the guy to go to because he was a good communicator and can communicate with his rowdy friends, so we got things taken care of. We knew he was going to be a good leader; he had a good vision, a good feel, and could always add things to any scenario to make it better. Here is the key thing; he had the ability to look at other people's storyline and angles and make viable suggestions to make what they were doing better. Most top guys had the ability to do it themselves, but they're not as forthcoming to do it for others to get them over because of the paranoia, anxiety and insecurities that people have in those regards. People feel as though they cannot acknowledge their competition."

June 27, 2017

Jim Ross' Announcing Partner For 'Mae Young Classic' Revealed, Triple H Comments, New Details



WWE announced that Lita will be joining Jim Ross to announce the upcoming Mae Young Classic.

The tournament will be shown on the WWE Network, starting with the first four episodes available on demand on Monday, August 28. Episodes five through eight will then be available on demand on September 4 with the final match streaming live on September 12 at 10pm ET.
Here is WWE's full statement:

"WWE has announced that the first-ever Mae Young Classic women's tournament will stream exclusively on WWE Network, starting Monday, Aug. 28, with the first four episodes available on demand. Episodes five through eight will be available on demand on Monday, Sept. 4. The final match will stream live from Las Vegas on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 10 p.m. ET.
The Mae Young Classic will be called by WWE Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross, who will be joined on color commentary by four-time Women's Champion and WWE Hall of Famer Lita. The tournament, named after WWE Hall of Famer and one of the greatest WWE Superstars in history, Mae Young, will feature 32 of the top female competitors from around the world participating in a single-elimination tournament.

"The Mae Young Classic is a unique and exclusive offering for WWE Network subscribers and further highlights our ongoing commitment to the 'women's evolution' in sports and entertainment," said Paul "Triple H" Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events and Creative. "It's a privilege to showcase these talented women from around the world and to provide them with an opportunity to shine before a global audience on WWE Network."

Competitors announced thus far include Toni Storm from New Zealand; Princesa Sugehit from Mexico; Lacey Evans, Sarah Logan, Tessa Blanchard, and Abbey Laith from the United States; Kavita Devi from India; Jazzy Gabert from Germany; and Taynara Conti from Brazil.

WWE Network will also stream an exclusive special entitled, Mae Young Classic: Bracketology immediately following SummerSlam, on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 11 p.m. ET."

May 21, 2017

Jim Ross Confirms He Will Announce This Summer’s WWE Women’s Tournament


WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross confirmed to Busted Open Radio on SiriusXM today he will be one of the voices calling the action for this summer’s WWE Women’s Tournament.

Ross returned to call The Undertaker’s final match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania this year, and it was soon reported that he had signed a new two-year deal with the company. He called the action at Friday’s UK Championship Special on the WWE Network, alongside Nigel McGuinness, and will be covering the UK Championship match at Saturday’s NXT Takeover special.

March 18, 2017

Shawn Michaels Updates Jim Ross On His TV Show and WWE Performance Center Status


Recently on The Ross Report, professional wrestling veteran 'Good Ol' J.R.' Jim Ross spoke with fellow WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels. Among many other things, Michaels talked about his hunting show, Shawn Michaels' MacMillan River Adventures, coming to an end, what professional wrestling shows he watches regularly, hammering out a deal to become a coach at the WWE Performance Center, and working with young talent.

According to Michaels, 2017 will be the final year of his hunting show. 'The Heartbreak Kid' said that he would rather being doing "easier stuff" at this point in his life.

"We are going to wrap up MacMillan River Adventures this year. This is going to be our last year. It's the seventh year. It has just become a little busy, and, again, I'm, I guess, way too lazy to travel that much now. And having enjoyed this warm weather so much, the thought of going away to a bunch of faraway, cold places, and live in a sleeping bag, and things of that nature… it was fun to do for a while just to push myself and to see if I could do it, and go on hunts that I've never had the opportunity to go on, so I'm so blessed and so fortunate to be able to go and do that, but now I'm so fortunate that I've got a ranch in Texas and if I want to hunt I can go there and do it, so Keith [Mark] and I are going to wrap up our final year, 2017, on MacMillan River Adventures and I'm going to just focus on just doing some easier stuff and, honestly, just see where the wind blows me to that."

Michaels divulged that when he watches pro wrestling, it is usually either NXT or 205 Live. 'The Showstopper' claimed that he watches those shows to inform him in his role working with younger talent.

"I watch a little bit. I mean, the majority of it is to… honestly, I watch more NXT and the 205 Live more than anything else, to be perfectly honest." Michaels continued, "I do that because, I mean, that's something that I'm interested in. I think in terms of, again, being here and being able to contribute and see what I can do, if anything, to help the younger wrestlers. That's the part that I enjoy, so, clearly, if you're going to do that, you've got to know about the product, and you've got to watch it, and you've got to be informed with the talent and the people that are there."

March 1, 2017

Jim Ross believes Triple H vs. Seth Rollins could be the best match at WM 33


WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a new blog entry over at his website where he gives his thoughts on various topics. Ross talked about Seth Rollins wrestling Triple H at WrestleMania 33. He said that this storyline is the most intense and personal issue that the WWE is booking right now. He believes that this match should be a slobber knocker and that there’s no reason why this match can’t be the match of the night in Orlando. You can read the entire blog here.

October 5, 2016

WWE To Purchase TNA Wrestling's Video Library, TNA Wrestling To "Likely Rebrand"


According to a Twitter post from pro wrestling journalist Justin LaBar, it has been officially confirmed that WWE will be purchasing TNA Wrestling's video library, according to a text message that LaBar says he received today.

In the meantime, LaBar also cites the same text message in stating that Billy Corgan, who is the current President of TNA Wrestling, will become the company's new majority owner and will "likely rebrand" the organization.

Below is LaBar's post from his official Twitter page:

Just got a text saying #WWE to buy TNA video library & Billy Corgan is going to be new majority owner of TNA that he'll likely rebrand. Wow!

Forbes.com has also picked up on the story as well, posting the following quote from WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross's "Ross Report" podcast from earlier this week, in which he stated that WWE was "very close" to purchasing TNA Wrestling's video library:

"WWE is allegedly very close to buying the TNA library. Not the promotion, the TNA library. Obviously, with WWE Network, the TNA library could be a nice resource, a nice asset. Now, you know, TNA does have some talents I’m sure WWE would like to have down the road, but now I hear that WWE and TNA have had talks about buying the library and that a deal is imminent."

September 25, 2016

The Great Fall of Chyna: How WWE’s Greatest Female Wrestler Disappeared


In an interview with Bleacher Report, Kathy Hamilton, Chyna's sister comments on her sister's relationship with Triple and what ultimately lead to her split with WWE:

Shortly after signing with WWE, Chyna broke up with Gerry Blais, her personal trainer, and began dating Paul Levesque, who had blossomed into one of the company’s top stars as Triple H. The couple lived together for more than three years and were inseparable on the road.

In an industry where wrestlers often become addicted to alcohol and painkillers, Laurer and Levesque practiced a clean lifestyle and spent most of their free time in the gym.

But around 2000 the relationship began to fizzle. Friends say Levesque wanted children; Laurer did not. She was also jealous of the time Levesque spent with his parents and siblings during the rare days the WWE wasn’t on the road.

When she sensed Levesque was growing closer with Stephanie McMahon—the boss’ daughter, whom he later married in 2003—Laurer was crushed, telling numerous friends she’d searched Levesque’s briefcase and discovered a love letter from Stephanie.

“They wouldn’t have lasted whether Stephanie came into the picture or not,” Kathy says. “I have no animosity toward Paul. He was very good to Joanie. He cared about her deeply, but she just had too many issues.

“Still, I really do think Paul was the only man she ever truly loved. She was devastated.”

Not long after strutting onto that Good Morning America set in 2001, Laurer’s WWE career came to an end. For years she told friends and reporters that the company dumped her because of backstage tension with Levesque and McMahon, but that wasn’t true.

Hamilton says the WWE offered her sister a new contract in the fall of 2001 for $400,000 per year, but she opted not to sign it. Ross confirmed that story, adding that the figure was merely a “downside guarantee” and she could’ve earned significantly more—maybe more than double that amount—from merchandise sales, pay-per-view appearances and other revenue streams.

Still, Laurer wouldn’t accept an offer with a base salary of less than $1 million.

“It was an outrageous demand that wasn’t even realistic,” says Ross, who was hesitant to negotiate with Laurer. But he said Vince McMahon wanted Chyna to remain with the company and was confident her issues with his daughter and Levesque wouldn’t last.

Hamilton can’t help but wonder how different her sister’s life might’ve been had she signed that contract.

“Joanie told me a few years later that she regretted it,” Hamilton says. “The WWE was the only place where she was ever accepted. Once she lost that, she fell into a hole.

“And she never could climb out of it.”

You can read the full article here.

June 18, 2016

Wale Has Triple H On His New Mixtape





Wale has Jim Ross and Triple H on his new mixtape, Summer on Sunset. The song is called Smackdown: Raw. You can listen to it here.

May 2, 2016

Jim Ross: Don't Blame Chyna's Death On WWE


Helping one escape the horrors of drug an alcohol addition starts with the person that one sees in their mirror IMO so to blame society, the WWE or any other entity regarding Joanie Lauer's tragic passing isn't fair or accurate.

I communicated many times with Joanie over the past year or so and it was generally about Joanie talking about the fact that she knew that she had to make changes in her life even though she fully realized that the battle would not be easily won. Even Joanie realized that the solution to her issues started with her and no one else which is never eay to admit. Joanie never blamed anyone else for her troubles to me even though some people today are. These issues were far from being about her tenure in WWE, which was hugely successful by the way and, arguably, Joanie's happiest days, but more about the personal choices that she made after leaving WWE in 2001.

Perhaps the saddest aspect of this matter is the fact that WWE would have fully paid for Joanie Lauer to get the best treatment for her issues had she simply asked them for the help as so many of her peers have done over the years. Again, this process starts with the talent essentially 'raising their hand' and admitting that they need the help and then allowing WWE to put the wheels in motion to start the process. Former talents can't be forced to go into rehab but if the individuals in need ask for the help, WWE is there to assist them.

However, I still feel that some will continue to blame WWE in some misguided and ridiculous manner for Joanie Lauer's drug and alcohol issues which is massively inaccurate.

We seemingly live in a society that passing the buck, fading the heat, etc is prevalent instead of accepting responsibility for one's actions and doing something to rectify the matter.

source: jrsbarbq.com

March 2, 2016

Video: Jim Ross On Getting Fired By Vince McMahon

February 12, 2016

Sean Waltman Comments On Roman Beating Up Triple H


Former WWE Superstar Sean Waltman was a on a recent edition of The Ross Report with Jim Ross. During his appearance he spoke candidly about Roman Reigns’ push and his attack on Triple H after the WWE TLC PPV:

WWE did wonders in a two-day period between the last pay-per-view and I was here in Philly when Roman won the title in the exact building in Royal Rumble that they booed him out of the building. I might get heat for this but him beating the hell out of Hunter, that almost didn’t happen. Hunter had to fight really hard to get that to happen and they tried to put an edge on Roman and it did work.

September 1, 2015

Scott Hall Talks About His Legacy, If He Blames Pro Wrestling For His Personal Troubles, More


WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently spoke with fellow Hall of Famer Scott Hall for the FOX Sports website. The full article is at this link. It was noted that Hall took Antabuse during WWE SummerSlam weekend in Brooklyn to help him stay sober. Antabuse makes a person very ill when mixed with alcohol. Hall told JR that he "hated being sick even more than he used to enjoy drinking" so the Antabuse works. It was also noted that WWE previously paid for at least six of Hall's rehab stints and the company suggested he try psychotherapy so that the root problems he was trying to deal with could be addressed instead of just the symptoms.

Below are highlights from JR's interview with Hall:

Hall on Jake Roberts and Diamond Dallas Page offering to help him:

"What did I have to lose? I was drinking myself to death. I don't even know why I answered the phone when Dally and Jake called because I wasn't answering any calls or talking to anyone. I guess it was fate. Jake was one of my professional heroes and Dally was always a great friend. It was just the two of them and me in Page's home."

Hall on the lifestyle he was living:

"I always wanted to be a main eventer in pro wrestling. I lived my dream but the excess of the '80s and the huge money of the '90s became a great temptation for many of us. After working in a main event, on the advice of one of my peers, I took my downers, Xanax was my drug of choice, before I stopped sweating and got into the showers. Then I'd have a few beers on the drive to the hotel and then hit the rack to make that 6 a.m. flight. Some nights we wouldn't go to bed at all and hit the hotel bar and then hit a diner, eat and then get to the airport to sleep on the plane."

Does Hall blame the business for his troubles?

"Absolutely, not. Never. I just blame myself. If I want to know who the culprit is I simply look in the mirror. All my friends that died much too early have themselves to blame and no one else."

His legacy:

"I love the wrestling business, but my Mom never named me Razor. That I did with the blessing of Vince McMahon but, at the end of the day, the wrestling business was always essentially about the money and the miles. My most important legacy is being a good father to my two children."

"My life is like driving down a road. I occasionally glance in the rearview mirror but I'm not focused on the past or looking back anymore. That's why the windshield is bigger than the review view mirror. I prefer to look ahead, make my short term goals, and focus on today. I'm where I'm supposed to be but not where I want to be. Thank God I'm not where I used to be. I'm OK and I'm on my way one day at a time. Help awaits everyone if they truly want it."

July 22, 2015

Backstage News On WWE - ROH And NJPW, The 'Major Double-Cross' With Jushin Liger, NXT Takeover


The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE announcing international legend Jushin "Thunder" Liger for the August 22nd NXT Takeover event in Brooklyn has opened up a "political hornets nest" due to Liger being a New Japan Pro Wrestling talent and NJPW being a partner of Ring of Honor, which runs head-to-head with NXT in the same city that night, with a show also features NJPW stars.

ROH reportedly sold 1,100 tickets for their Field of Honor show that night, a number they were happy with. They were expecting 2,000 tickets sold but The Observer notes that ticket sales stalled once WWE announced Takeover. Ticket sales also reportedly stalled for Jim Ross' "Ringside" one-man show, which takes place in nearby Manhattan. It was noted that any talks there would have been about moving shows to the afternoon to avoid head-to-head competition were decided against, but it wasn't specified which company decided against making a move. WWE actually canceled a live event in White Plains, NY that night to avoid splitting their audience.

We've noted how there are moves being made behind-the-scenes in WWE that relate to ROH. WWE has reportedly contacted at least one venue that ROH uses with the idea that WWE will run them if they no longer book ROH.

WWE booking Liger could be the start of a relationship between NJPW and WWE, who hasn't officially worked with any groups in Japan for years. ROH was not aware of Liger being booked for Takeover until the news broke and The Observer notes that even by pro wrestling standards, the booking is a major double-cross. It should be noted that Liger is able to book himself anywhere but NJPW is promoting the NXT appearance.

May 7, 2015

Samoa Joe Talks About Being Interested In Signing With WWE, Proving Himself There, More


Former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Samoa Joe recently spoke with Jim Ross on his Ross Report podcast. The full interview can be heard at this link. Ross asked Joe about signing with WWE and Joe said he is very much interested in joining the company. He called it the "unchallenged challenge of his career."

It should be noted that the interview was recorded before WrestleMania 31. Joe confirmed people from WWE had reached out but called it informal and said nothing was set in stone. Since then, we've heard that Joe actually met with Triple H in Orlando and could be starting with NXT as early as June. Joe did not confirm this in the interview.

Joe said he would be open to a trial in NXT or a straight shot to the main roster. Joe talked about how he's never been wanted in any company he worked for but got work by proving himself. He added that if he has to start in WWE as an unwanted entity and prove himself, then that is what he's going to do.

March 28, 2015

NXT sells out in California debut during WrestleMania 31 Week


The next generation of WWE has been making a huge impact since NXT’s arrival on WWE Network in February 2014. The past year of live specials, large name signings and epic battles inside the squared circle all seemed to be building toward something even bigger.

That “something even bigger” finally came, as NXT truly marked its territory in the sports-entertainment world Friday night, when a sold-out crowd of 5,000-plus fans crammed into the San Jose State University to see the future of WWE in action.

“I had to take a moment and see everybody out there,” San Jose native Bayley told WWE.com about entering the arena for her first match in her hometown since relocating to Florida two and a half years ago to join WWE’s developmental system. “As I got closer to the ring, I started seeing my mom, my nephew and my sisters. Then I looked up and saw all my friend and people with signs. This is my hometown and they were extra supportive. It’s a cool feeling.”

Rhyno, who has experienced some raucous crowds in his day, summed up the NXT Universe in one word: “Insane,” he said following his match in San Jose.

That feeling of excitement wasn’t just in the jam-packed arena. While Finn Bálor entered in full war paint, Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady brought the crowd to its feet with their trademark trash talk. NXT’s Divas showed why the spotlight is on them, and the backstage area was bustling with current Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers jostling for a good view of the show on the arena floor or around monitors behind the curtain. They were as fired up as any fan to see the next generation ply their craft and offer a few pointers when they could.

“We want to be around people that are like we were, just hungry,” Sean Waltman said. “Being around people like that is pretty sweet.”

Waltman was joined backstage by WWE Hall of Famers Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon, while fellow Hall member Jim Ross took the show in from ringside. Even WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon stopped by San Jose State to see the future of WWE for himself.

For Superstars that have been a part WWE’s developmental system at different points in its evolution, the sight of thousands of fans packing in to watch the future is staggering.

“It’s super-impressive to see how huge it’s become,” said Seth Rollins, the first-ever NXT Champion. “I never could have imagined this when I signed a developmental contract and walked into a warehouse in Tampa.My first show was in front of 12 people. “

There was no one more moved by the outpouring of support for NXT than Triple H, who took on the developmental system and molded it into what it has become. The WWE COO made a surprise appearance at the event to thank the fans for making NXT’s California debut a huge success, and assure them that this is only the beginning of NXT’s rise.

Rhyno thinks that the reason for NXT’s astronomical success during WrestleMania Week and beyond is simple.

“At NXT, everybody works so hard, from the bottom to the top. The competition is great and the fans see that,” he said. “It’s special.”

 photo i_zps0ebed5ab.jpg
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear