Jim Ross AMA inspired by BattleGrounds
Jim Ross came on the UG for an AMA ahead of his comentating gig at Friday’s BattleGrounds MMA: O.N.E. return of the 8-man tournament, live on PPV.
“Good Ol’ JR” was the voice of the WWE for nearly 20 years, and then he reinvented himself. Ross left the WWE where he had served as commentator, company executive, and occasional wrestler. He quit smoking, changed his diet, and got a personal trainer. And he developed a wildly successful line of BBQ sauces.
Jim Ross still loves commentating though, and was always interested in MMA. In fact, Ross has had a account on The UnderGround since in the 90s.
“I was always a fan,” said Ross to FOXSports recently. “The intrigue, the mystique, how could I get in that world? How could I use my skillset? How could I provide the audio backdrop of an MMA event? I was always curious.”
Ross did an AMA on the UG, ahead of his commentating at BattleGrounds MMA Friday night, live on PPV. BattleGrounds MMA: O.N.E. features the return of the 8-Man tournament, with a $50,000 prize. 10:00 p.m. ET live on PPV.
Tournament Quarter Finals:
Cody McKenzie vs. Brock Larson
Joe Ray vs. Luigi Fiorvanti
Jesse Taylor vs. Trey Houston
Roan Carneiro vs. Randall Wallace
Tournament reserve fight:
Marcus Sanchez vs. Jordan Smith
Tournament Semi Finals:
McKenzie/Larson winner vs. Ray/Floravanti winner
Taylor/Houston winner vs. Carneiro/Wallace winner
Regular singles bouts:
Chris Gutierrez vs. Tyler Shinn
Jamal Parks vs. Ruben Warr
Jonny Carson vs. Danny Navarro
The PPV is available on all major satellite and cable carriers around the world (DirecTV, Dish Network, InDemand, Cox, Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, etc.) Buy the online stream here.
From:Jim Ross
Hello everyone – It’s great to be here. Thanks for all the questions. I’m just getting caught up on them and will start answering soon!
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IDOHARM
Jim, is this 8 man battle royale going to be a real slobberknocker?!
From:Jim Ross
It better be a real slobberknocker if the fighters want to get booked again
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HolyHackZack
What would you change about UFC promotional tactics for putting a fighter over with the fans. Lets say Chris Weidman for example. What can a promoter do to make someone like that a household name?
From:Jim Ross
To make someone a household name, starts with the talent themselves. Weidman has to be willing to do extra TV work so that the fans can get to know him better outside the Octagon. Projects outside the Octagon will make you a bigger star outside the Octagon, and promoters will take advantage of a fighters’ work ethic and start using him or her on their various platforms, which generally equates to more success for a guy like Weidman.
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SKKRocks
During your work with the WWE, were you aware of the outcomes of the matches ahead of time and any of what the wrestlers would do within said matches? If so how much of your commentary were you able to prepare for beforehand? I can’t wait to watch battlegrounds. You and jerry lawler were my favorite sports broadcast team of all time.
From:Jim Ross
The less I knew regarding the pro wrestling matches’ outcomes, the better. I’d rather be surprised and react like a fan, so my prep basically was on the individual wrestlers’ accomplishments, excluding what they were doing that night.
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Funaki Masakatsu # 1
What type of role did guys like Shamrock and Severn coming into the WWF from the UFC have on your exposure and fandom of the sport?
From:Jim Ross
It was always fun to talk to Dan and Kenny about MMA and get a little of the nuances that they were willing to share. I look at it like being a football fan and having an NFL guy with us. I just took advantage of our relationship to learn about that aspect of their lives
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Sofa King Cool
In your conversation with Bill Watts it seemed like every story involving conflict he came out like the genius or the toughest guy in the room. Is Bill telling fishing stories or is that a shoot? That was a great podcast, by the way. Bill didn’t seem to mind expressing his true feelings or hurting anyone’s feelings.
From:Jim Ross
Bill has always been blunt and honest. He was a 6-3, 300 pound football player/wrestler and a 500 pound benchpresser who liked to fight. Some of his stories may have been somewhat embellished, but they were all based in truth as far as I know.
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Molsonmuscle360
Really interested to hear your take on MMA commentary. My main question would be is how much have you studied the ground positions and submissions to ensure that the fans are able to keep up with the fight? Or will you be using more old school catch wrestling terms?
From:Jim Ross
I am going to describe what I see to the best of my ability and lean on my broadcast partner to explain the nuances of MMA
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BW92
Do you think the UFC could pull off or benefit from an entrance ramp/PRIDE style production?
Are the folks at WWE fond of Chael?
Do you know if Austin ever plans to get involved with MMA in some capacity?
And is Brock done competing?
How did you feel when you saw that Anderson’s leg was BROKEN IN HALF
From:Jim Ross
1. I like the UFC entrances as they are, specifically when they come through a sea of fans.
2. Those that are MMA aficionados would certainly be fond of Chael. How could you not be?
3. Not to my knowledge, other than being a massive fan. On UFC PPVs, we generally on the phone with each other or texting with each other, analyzing the fights. Steve is going to watch the BattleGrounds MMA show tomorrow and, as he says, he’s going to give me the “411.”
4. That’s an intriguing question. Lesnar’s WWE contract allegedly ends right after Wrestlemania 31. Depending on Brock’s health issues, I would not be totally shocked to see him step back in the Octagon for a fight or two because he loves competition. I would put the odds on him getting back into the UFC 50/50, though. The point is never say never, especially when there is big money involved.
5. Two words came to mind – Joe Theisman. I was watching Monday Night Football when Lawrence Taylor broke Joe Theisman’s leg – not a pretty sight.
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charms434
We’ve seen events with kickboxing and MMA on the same card as well as boxing and MMA. In Japan there have been events that had both pro wrestling and MMA, do you think that would work in N. America? If yes, why?
From:Jim Ross
I have mixed emotions about the potential success of hybrid fight cards like that because I think the wrestling fans want to see wrestling and kickboxing fans want to see kickboxing and MMA fans want to see MMA. If they share a large enough common audience that will be entertained through the entire night, its possible
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slo ko
Jim, have you seen the videos where your WWE commentary is laid over people dancing in a club?
From:Jim Ross
Yes. Not one of the best examples of my work
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JJitsu
Love J.R. will buy some serious BBQ sauce if he answers this.
Every week on JR’s podcast he makes fun of the Internet wrestling community for criticizing the WWE and using industry words like “push”. Then he turns around and gives the exact same criticisms that the IWC has had for years and uses words like “push”. Then he’ll have an old wrestler on the show and they’ll both talk about how the modern product sucks exactly the way the IWC has felt for years, but won’t go so far to actually say suck, and will always stop to say Vince McMahon is a genius.
So what’s the deal? Is Vince a genius or is he the reason modern WWE sucks and has bad corporate writers instead of bookers? Was that his call or Stephanies? If you’re so mad that they don’t have any rules to be broken anymore and at all the high spots; were you arguing that point during the 20 years you were an announcer and head of talent? Who’s the main person that doesn’t care about that sort of stuff? Vince or Steph?
Theory being Shane McMahon would be doing a way better job.
From:Jim Ross
Thanks for your succinct question – only kidding. McMahon is a genius. He’s taken regional wrestling and made it global. I don’t share all his philosophical views on the sport but make no mistake, every major decision in WWE is made by one person – Vince McMahon. Personally, I think the product has moved away from the fundamentals that need to be in place for it to continue to grow. I hope you’ll enjoy the BBQ sauce the you promised to buy since I’ve answered your questions.
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UGCTT_Jay Edz
are you still in contact with WWE at all or has it been a clean break?
More importantly, when are you going to write a book?! Guaranteed bestseller.
From:Jim Ross
I’m in contact with WWE sporadically and I am in the process of working on an autobiography that I hope to have finished by the summer of 2015.
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GayGuardMooseSaucy
What was it like to witness Mick Foley nearly die at King of the Ring 1998?
What is your greatest memory from the attitude era? Worst memory?
Greatest wrestling moment in your opinion you’ve ever called/witnessed?
From:Jim Ross
1. It was scary. Near death experiences involving one’s friends are never pleasant.
2. Worst: The untimely deaths of Brian Pillman and Owen Hart. Greatest: One of my favorite memories was Wrestlemania 17 in The Astrodome
3. That’s like asking me which of my 2 daughters I love more. Impossible to answer.
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William C
Got any stories of WWF matches that turned into a shoot during your time there? Can you give any behind the scenes info on the Kurt Angle vs Daniel Puder match?
From:Jim Ross
I would say that pro wrestling shoots are very rare and I’m not sure that I’ve actually seen one. They’re boring and they’re embarrassing as well as unprofessional.The closest shoot I can remember is the ill-fated Brawl For It All.
I remember the Angle-Puder match, but not all the details. I can tell you that in an MMA fight, with both men in their prime, my money would have been on Angle.
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Sofa King Cool
Can we expect to hear any classic JR idioms such as ‘tougher than a two dollar steak’? Or were those terms only a part of your wrestling persona?
From:Jim Ross
Only if they fit and they’re organic. None will be forced or scripted.
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UGCTT_Benwahwah
1. Who is your favourite wrestling commentator to listen to?
2. What do you think MMA could learn from the Wrestling business that would improve their product?
From:Jim Ross
1. I’ve always considered Gordon Solie to be the best ever.
2. That you can never have too many stars and that encouraging your fanbase to make an emotional investment in the athletes is crucial to creating stars ie vignettes, out of ring features, understanding the human side of the fighters more away from the cage. It motivates the fans to make an emotional investment in the fighters.
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beerbelly
My question, What caused Shane McMahon to leave WWE, leaving his sister and bro-in-law as the successor to Vince? He was all over tv then disappeared.
From:Jim Ross
He made a personal decision to create his own company and thus establish his own legacy in a new world.
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FETT_Loadin76
I have been watching you call matches since forever. Just wanna say I am a huge fan of all things Jim Ross.. will you do commentary for my retirement ceremony in a year? 🙂
From:Jim Ross
Thank you for your kind words, but as it relates to your retirement, I suggest you never retire. Always stay active, but in a nutshell as Gorilla Monsoon would say “Highly Unlikely.”
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Sandy Pantz
No need to name names, but can you either confirm or deny that talent has done “special favors” for certain persons of influence in the WWF/E for pushes?
From:Jim Ross
I never witnessed any personal favors for the beloved pushes that are so often referred to in the IWC but to say they’ve never been done anywhere in the business would be naive.
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Art (Monday Night Instigator)
It’s about time you classed up the joint kirik. Good job.
what do you think of Bo Dallas?
Oh and can you ask him to comment on the current status of The Intercontinental and US titles?
From:Jim Ross
Thank you for your words. I think Bo has potential and is still learning his craft. I’m optimistic he’ll be a main event someday TBD.
They’ve lost some of their luster and need to be rehabilitated and repositioned to have more equity.
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BW92
How is your relationship with Dana? UFC on Fox’s Facebook was asking fans if they’d like to see you in the UFC… I’d love it
From:Jim Ross
We’ve only met one time, but had a great casual conversation. I seem to interface well with alpha male bosses.
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moiststpierre
do you think we will see cm punk in a wrestling ring or an mma cage next? Also how do you think the undertaker would of done in mma in his younger years?
From:Jim Ross
As far as the Punk is concerned, I don’t think he’s had his last pro wrestling match. But when and where he returns, only he knows. I don’t see him having an MMA fight, but never say never when it comes to him. He’s a different breed of cat.
The Undertaker would have made a very intriguing MMA fighter at 6 foot 9. He’s very athletic from his basketball days, so chances are he would be successful.
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ProctorMMA
What MMA fighters would you like to see cross over into professional wrestling? Same with pro wrestlers into mma? What’d you thin of the TNA and Bellator crossover thing they had going on?
From:Jim Ross
The only MMA fighter that comes to mind is Chael Sonnen. I think the two professional wrestlers in WWE that have the most potential in MMA would be Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger.
I have mixed feelings about the Bellator/TNA crossover relationship. I’m not sold on it and it feels forced.
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The Red Arrow
Longtime fan. I recently conducted an interview with Kenny “Starmaker” Bolin, for the OG’s Pro Wrestling Ground. I asked him the story about the Big Show getting sent back to OVW and Jim Cornette threatening to shoot Brock Lesnar. What do recall of those situations?
From:Jim Ross
I would say the legend of stories like these grow annually and, more than likely, have been significantly embellished over the years and I don’t remember either incident being a big deal.
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zackthewop
In all the years of your involvement with wwe who was the baddest/toughest guy you heard stories about or saw in action backstage?
Would any of the wrestlers bribe or entice you in any ways to call their matches a specific way that might help their character develop in a specific way?
Who do you think was the most underrated wrestler in the ring and who do you think was the most underrated on the mic?
From:Jim Ross
1. The toughest guy I ever heard stories about was Dan Hodge but Steve “Doctor Death” Williams would have to be on that list as well.
2. Never. They knew that I would always give my best effort with the sole purpose in mind of enhancing their persona. How they were perceived was entirely up to them, not up to the announcers.
3. I’m not good at answering the questions asking the “best” or “most” about anything. It’s too generic and there may be several correct answers.
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homegrowncone
Huge fan for a few decades now JR, glad you’ve decided to do this.
From:Jim Ross
Thanks and I hope that you buy our PPV tomorrow! It’s a great $20 investment
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Shanks
In your opinion, how far away is another wrestling renaissance, similar to the Attitude and Rock n Wrestling eras?
What is the primary obstacle preventing that from being actualized now?
From:Jim Ross
1. Solely dependent on how fast the younger stars evolve and mature. No way of telling.
2. There’s an overall shortage of main event stars and, until talents get the adequate experience, no one knows the answer to that question.
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The Power Double
Who do you think are the three greatest MMA fighters of all time and why?
Do you think it’s exciting to see women’s MMA gaining legitimate traction in Invicta and the UFC?
From:Jim Ross
1. Again, not proficient at answering “greatest” or “best” of all time questions. I can tell you who I’ve enjoyed watching fight, among many. I’ve enjoyed Chuck Liddell, GSP and Chael Sonnen, among many fighters.
2. Absolutely. I’m a big fan of MMA and women’s MMA and my favorite MMA fighter male or female is Ronda Rousey.
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The Ghost of REED ROTHCHILD
Did he really think Mick Foley was dead when the Undertaker tossed him off the top (in the famous Hell In the Cell Match)? I was group of friends watching it and there was silence for about 30 secs.
From:Jim Ross
I hoped not. At that moment, I didn’t think anyone could survive that fall. What you heard was my real, natural reaction
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ku3mmt
What do Mick Foleys fingers taste like?
From:Jim Ross
BBQ sauce
JR
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pureincognito
Conor McGregor thoughts?
Plus is it true you were feeding Chael lines in 2010 when he first started using the heel gimmick? I also heard it was Paul Heyman or Roddy Piper that were feeding him the lines.
From:Jim Ross
1. Conor has the potential to be a superstar. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be one of the top earners in the UFC, especially if he plays up his Irish heritage. In other words, he’s a natural born villian.
2. I’ve not fed Chael any lines and I seriously doubt that anyone has. He’s a naturally gifted talker and because he’s a fan of pro wrestling, he gets it.
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Flannerz
How can the UFC promote the fighters better and what can the fighters do to better promote themselves to become as big as Hogan, The Rock, Austin etc?
If you could commentate on wrestling match between wrestlers from any era, who would they be and what type of match would it be?
From:Jim Ross
1. See my earlier response to a similar question referencing Chris Weidman
2. Matches that stress wrestling and not gimmicks.
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FedorFan5000
Do you think today’s pro wrestling would benefit from incorporating MMA style moves into the match? Why or why not?
From:Jim Ross
Only if they fit into he context of the match and were not forced
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Anderson P Sonnen
When Undertaker nearly killed Mankind, was your emotions genuine? Because everything you said during that match will stick with me forever…
From:Jim Ross
My emotions were 100 percent genuine when Undertaker nearly killed Mankind
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TheBearStare
Any chance you will do comentating for the new Japan pro wrestling ppv in January? If so, any challenges you think you will face in commentating such a different style of product in comparison to the wwe?
what challenges do you think you will face in announcing mma? Any areas you know you will need to work on? Do you think the more sensational style of announcing you had to do (in contrast to straight play by play)as the years went on will be a hinderance to get out of your system?
From:Jim Ross
I have no idea what challenges I’ll face until the ship sails. I’ll let you know next week
I have no idea. Much of it will depend on budget issues, but I’m open to the idea.
None whatsoever.
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BrocksEliteStandUp
What was the craziest thing you ever heard Vince tell one of your co commentators during a live event from back stage ?
Been a fan since 96, you’re the greatest of all time, Jim !
From:Jim Ross
I would say nothing in particular stands out but he has been known to disseminate some amazing information.
Thank you for the kind words. Tune in tomorrow night to the BattleGrounds MMA show!
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Trip6
JR = GOAT and My childhood.
What was one of your favorite wwf/e matches that you commentated and why??
(can’t think of a question right now but I have to be apart of this)
From:Jim Ross
There have been many, but Wrestlemania 19 – Austin vs The Rock – would be on the list because it was Austin’s last match
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Built Like A Fedor
Bad News Brown vs. The Iron Sheik in a NHB match circa 1985.. Who takes it?
From:Jim Ross
I’d give a nod to the Iron Sheik because of his amateur wrestling background
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bigwingnj
Who has been his favorite and least favorite guests on his podcast?
From:Jim Ross
I haven’t had any least favorites. I would say the inspirational story of Magnum TA would be one of my favorites
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Dirty Dick Slater
People always talk about the toughest wrestlers. Any dick Murdock stories?
From:Jim Ross
Dick Murdock – He once got fined everything he earned working for Bill Watts, but one dollar. He got a check for one dollar for a week’s work and said he’d never cash the check. Therefore, Watts could never balance his check book again.
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ku3mm3t
Not constantly refreshing this thread is tougher than a $2 steak.
1. What, in your opinion is the greatest WWE singles match of all time?
2. Thoughts on the PG era? Do you think it’s better this way, or was the Attitude Era a better style?
3. What is your favorite MMA fight, and who is your pound-for-pound best of all time?
From:Jim Ross
1. Impossible question for me to answer. There’s no one answer. As a fan, I’ve been lucky enough to call many that deserve that distinction
2. The Attitude Era was better in my opinion because of the talent roster depth and it was a TV-14 format, as opposed to PG
3. I’ll have to get back to you on that one. The question deserves more thought
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World Peace’s Left Elbow
Big, big fan, JR. I have been since I was a nine year old, war raising, ass elbowing Left Elbow.
1. What is your reaction to people dubbing your calls over sports highlights?
2. Being close to Kansas City, I have to know. What is your favorite place to get BBQ in KC?
From:Jim Ross
1. I’m flattered and amused more often than not.
2. There are many, but Oklahoma Joe’s would be on the list.
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RATFINK13
Good ol JR, long time fan and the utmost respect for you. The attitude Era!
In your opinion, who are in your top 5 wrestlers that cut the best promos consistently?
Really excited to hear you and chael call fights. How would the “Bad Guy” do in the WWE? He owes Scott Hall Royalties, imo
From:Jim Ross
No way to limit it to 5. It wouldn’t be fair to many I’ve worked with. It’s a subjective question that truly has no right or wrong answers.
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RICKY B
What does the UFC have to do to get back into the million ppv buys again , is it just a star thing or has the production become stale
From:Jim Ross
PPV productivity is based on the attractions that are featured. It has nothing to do with production values. It’s all about star quality. Bottom line, PPVs are attraction driven.
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Dave Fu
How much resistance and skepticism have you met while making this transition to MMA announcing coming from sports entertainment?
MMA, and particularly play by play announcing, can use any and all infusions of talent. Anyone who has followed your work knows you have and can continue to excel in that capacity.
The production and on air talent in boxing is top notch and can make casual fans significantly emotionally and financially invest in a 4th fight between two 120 lb fighters who speak no english and fought three previous lackluster decisions. MMA falls tremendously short in comparison. What can MMA do to catch up
From:Jim Ross
Absolutely none. The MMA media has been fantastic. However that may change tomorrow night based on how well we do
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From:Jim Ross
Everyone
Thank you for all your questions. I wish I could have answered even more, but I’ve got homework to do before our pay per view tomorrow night. I hope you all will tune in and enjoy!
JR