Evenings with Jim: The Final Hour
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The Slobberknocker saga, that is Jim Ross’ contract dispute with the WWE, will enter its next chapter as Jim Ross’ current WWE contract expired today. Jim Ross now has a slight jumpstart over a significant crop of NBA superstars as a delectable free agent. Let’s check in with Ross for the first time since D-day.
There is rampant speculation on the internet about my future. This is understandable as I’ve talked a great deal about it here on my blogs. Plus, it’s provided various wrestling sites, etc with some nice cannon fodder over the past few weeks.
We know the drill, Ross. If it’s some insane rumor that obviously can’t be true, like how you met with Jim Cornette about a collaboration effort to kill off Vince Russo, then you’ll address it. Otherwise, you’ll just tell us to fuck off.
This matter is much more simple than many perceive.
You’re just making it seem difficult to beef up your blog hits and barbecue sauce revenue. Cheeky bastard.
My WWE ‘talent contract’ has ended after a 17+ year run with the company.
Feel free to rub it in. You deserve it.
However, I am still a WWE employee handling the same talent relations functions that I have executed for the company for the past few years including since moving to Oklahoma. I simply do not have a ‘talent contract’ as WWE has no plans to utilize me as an on air talent at this time.
So, by definition, you consider Matt Striker talent? The professionalism of this man is second to none.
The WWE engaged in talks with me on Thursday of this week to discuss a new job description that would include what I am now doing along with other talent relations oriented matters. I am considering this offer and I trust that a decision will be made soon regarding this opportunity.
What could the WWE possibly have for Jim Ross that would convince him to hang around with all that has been offered to Jim Ross in his current position? Is a lifetime achievement salary really worth the creative integrity of the greatest announcer of all time? Jim Ross could write a shoot book, somehow rescue TNA, announce MMA, announce TNA, yet he is pondering the acceptance of the plastic sheriff’s badge the WWE has laid on the table for him?
While some may feel that it is in their best interest that I not remain in broadcasting, I do not share in that belief at this time.
So you haven’t told the fed to fuck off because…
Somewhat like the recently estranged Halle Berry, I don’t think that I will be lacking for ‘suitors,’ so to speak, if broadcastings the road that I decide to travel.
Yeah, you’ll be lacking in the good analogies department. The fact that you could possibly be analogous to Halle Berry is laughable my friend. Let’s not let our head get too big for that trademark cowboy hat.
Today I spent a good part of the afternoon strategizing on the book that we are shopping. What’s going to be difficult is what to either leave out of it altogether or to cover only slightly as the potential volume of content that’s available is immense. Plus, I would rather not pen a massive book that resembles ‘War and Peace.’
If Ross ends up signing with the WWE, he may have to go back to the drawing board. I assume a good chunk of that tour de force trashes the shit out of Vince McMahon in some fashion.
No…to address one of the many emails on the subject…I am NOT interested in doing the obligatory ‘shoot interview.’
If it’s obligatory, then how can’t you be interested in it? Talk about mixed messages.
Yes…I may try and make a few more personal appearances in the future. I have made very, very few in my career but I like meeting and interacting with fans. I’m still a pro wrestling fan.
If you don’t believe that Jim Ross is still a pro wrestling fan, just look at how Vince McMahon treats him.
Yes…I am a major MMA aficionado and that sport excites me just as football has for years. Perhaps now’s the time to pursue one or both of those ventures.
Jim Ross calling MMA fights would be interesting, but you’ve got to believe he would be devoid of his many catchphrases in order to separate himself from the pro wrestling world. It would be weird.
No…I am not ‘angry’ at the turn of events as it relates to my WWE broadcasting career. Disappointed, yes. Angry, no. Obviously, I would have liked to have had the ability to do a ‘farewell broadcast’ but that opportunity never occurred.
Sure it did!
Farewell, Jim. Right?
Yes…radio is on my radar as multiple outlets have expressed an interest in me. Some local and some national.
Perhaps Bubba the Love Sponge could use a tag team partner? A little Southern charm to further the racially insensitive overtones of this radio hack.
Yes…my ‘dream job’ is to be the radio voice of Oklahoma Football and Basketball but that job isn’t available. But if it’s o.k., I’ll keeping dreaming.
Isn’t this considered tampering?
Yes…we will continue to focus in all the good things in life especially our health and work diligently to build our on line business of which many of you provide a much needed assist.
No…I don’t think that my health issues had any thing to do with me not returning to the air but instead I think that it is a concerted effort for WWE to build for the future and attempt to develop their younger broadcasters. That’s my assumption and I might be wrong as no one has told me specifically.
When The Packers wanted to move forward and develop a younger quarterback, Brett Favre moved on, signed with the Jets Vikings, messed around and almost won a Superbowl. Screw Halle Berry, maybe you should be using the old gunslinger as your base for analogy.
Yes…I have been blessed with a remarkable career and truly feel that I have much more to contribute and will be able to do so on the next leg of my journey on my terms. I’d like to think that, at least in part, that I’ve earned that opportunity.
[See previous comment]
Life is good and great days lie ahead. I count my blessings daily and am thankful for every day that I’m above ground (have not signed with TNA?). I hope that you do too.
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