WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has published his latest blog, which includes thoughts on tonight’s RAW, reality television characters appearing overscripted and WWE’s current process in promoting developmental wrestlers to the main roster. Highlights from the post are as follows:
Tonight’s RAW: “I’m generally damned if I do and damned if I don’t when it comes to predicting what I feel with be the tenor and feel of Monday Night Raw. If I said that I feel that tonight’s show will be hot then I’m a shill and prone to hyperbole. If I describe that a RAW broadcast, as I did last week, was perplexing then I’m going ‘cryptic.’
“I look at tonight’s RAW very simplistically. I feel the show is in a ‘must win’ situation as it relates to the road to WrestleMania but the same can be said for every Monday Night Raw broadcast since the Elimination Chamber PPV occurred.
“A heightened sense of urgency, from everyone, some timely surprises and a renewed and enhanced focus on the money match aspects of WM29 are imperative to nail tonight in Philly where the arena is sold out.
“Hopefully, the broadcast starts off hot and engages the live audience early so as to sustain momentum and build upon it throughout the three hour broadcast.
“Obviously, what ever closes the show needs to leave fans talking and create some “water cooler talk.”
Rumors concerning surprise appearances on tonight’s Raw: “As I write this, there is lots of online speculation as to who may be appearing on RAW tonight. I hear that the “potentials” could be an impressive gathering. Time will tell and I don’t have that info and if I did I wouldn’t ruin the surprise with ‘spoiler’ info. Another good reason to tune in.”
Reality television programs appearing overly produced and its relation to wrestling: “As a fan of reality TV and one who likely spends too much time watching a variety of reality programs, it’s obvious that after a show has a good first year or two, think @DuckDynastyAE, that the creative people seemingly attempt to become a bigger part of the process by over scripting the characters and storylines.
“The best promo guys that I have ever heard in the sports entertainment biz were those that were natural extensions of their own, real personalities and they had the ability to take specific bullet points regarding said promo, make it their own, and deliver in a organic, captivating, memorable genuine manner.
“If I were producing @DuckDynastyAE, I’d turn Si Robertson loose and use what he gave me.
“Over producing reality show elements lessens the effectiveness of any program whether it be Duck Dynasty, Swamp People, two of my favorites, along with Redneck Island or a sports entertainment program. However too much blame is place on the producers rather than sharing it with the talents who are obligated to execute the plan no matter the material.”
Developmental wrestlers being promoted to the main roster following WrestleMania: “It will be interesting to see who from NXT are called up to the main roster of WWE after WrestleMania. I don’t expect it to happen right away because the key to introducing any talent is having a viable, long term plan which is why The Shield have become difference makers and why I feel Big E Langston will have a breakout year in 2013 as well. I’d much rather stay in NXT until my game plan was set than not. First impressions and the subsequent follow up are crucial to the success of any new talent.”
Ross also discusses his current mindset in regards to broadcasting again, Gerald Brisco recruiting amateur wrestlers, WWE’s live event business, and more. His full post is available here.
