Source: www.jrsbarbq.com

Written by Jim Ross in his most recent blog:

"Expect to hear from WWE regarding my next assignment w/ them in a day or two. Contrary to what is being carelessly reported, WWE is still my top priority as it relates to wrestling gigs.

Amazed at the amount of inaccurate info regarding my future. Can only say that my future is bright, that I'm very happy, and looking forward to an interesting next few days.

When something is finalized I will accurately report it. Until then, be leery of all the nonsense that you read on line. Many interesting, high road projects are being presented to me of which I've previously discussed. Nothing is a done deal. I'm merely listening to some of them. Many projects that the internet are reporting are completely false. You can believe that or not. Whatever I decide to do will be things that are classy, fun and things that I have been wanting to become involved with. "

Jim Ross met with TNA officials earlier this month. Multiple sources indicate that the meeting was held in Texas and included Ross, TNA president Dixie Carter, and her father Bob Carter.

Buzz amongst TNA sources is that Ross was not open to solely being a play-by-play announcer for the company. Rather, he expressed more interest in playing a general manager type role where he would help shape the TNA roster and office staff structure among other duties.

The feeling coming out of the meeting was that Ross was not interested in committing to TNA and is looking for work outside professional wrestling should he not strike a new deal with World Wrestling Entertainment. He has a number of projects in the works including book deals and speaking engagements. His latest contract extension with WWE expires on Apr. 30.

Ross has also spoken with HDNet officials regarding a potential deal that would have him call MMA events and United Football League games. Though calling Ring of Honor could potentially be part of the deal, the focus appears to be on MMA and football at this time.

There is still a chance Ross could re-sign a long term deal with WWE or work out another short-term agreement. TNA sources do not believe there is a non-compete attached to his current deal with WWE, meaning he could theoretically work for TNA or HDNet as soon as his contract expires. However, it does not appear that a deal is imminent with either organization.
Jim Ross gives condition of employment to TNA...

Several company executives met with Jim Ross earlier this month. Ross met with TNA Chief Financial Officer Dean Broadhead, Dixie Carter and her father Bob Carter a few weeks ago to discuss working with the company when his WWE contract expires in just 10 days. One of the main points of contention Ross brought up was that Vince Russo would have to be removed from the creative team before he would even consider any serious negotiations.

Jim Ross told the Carters that if he were to sign with TNA – he’d be looking to be not just an announcer, but a top level company executive. With the amount of time Ross spent as one of the top players behind the scenes in WWE, he would be an invaluable asset to TNA in terms of talent development and the overall direction of the company. We can confirm that Ross has also also spoken with officials from Marc Cuban’s HDNet cable channel. HDNet is the home of MMA, UFL football and Ring of Honor programming.

Jim Ross posted the following on his blog, explaining his WWE status...

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.

This matter is much more simple than many perceive. My WWE 'talent contract' has ended after a 17+ year run with the company.

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.

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.

In the meantime, I am still interested in a variety of projects and opportunities.

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.

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.

This matter is much more simple than many perceive. My WWE 'talent contract' has ended after a 17+ year run with the company. 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.

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.

In the meantime, I am still interested in a variety of projects and opportunities.

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.

No...to address one of the many emails on the subject...I am NOT interested in doing the obligatory 'shoot interview.'

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.

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.

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.

Yes...radio is on my radar as multiple outlets have expressed an interest in me. Some local and some national.

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.

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.

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.

Life is good and great days lie ahead. I count my blessings daily and am thankful for every day that I'm above ground. I hope that you do too.

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/JRsBBQ. We've updated our Q&A section and invite your questions and comments there.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.

Source: www.jrsbarbq.com

A Decision Has Been Made (By Jim Ross)

Fri, 05/28/2010 - 9:06pm — J.R.


My plans for the immediate future have been a point of discussion in some circles and we now have something finalized. (This is usually where I do the obligatory pitch for your on line biz because YOU KNOW that I want to sell you some BBQ Sauce, Chipotle Ketchup, Beef Jerky or a signed JR's Cookbook.) Aside from that here's the story....

I have worked out what we believe to be a win/win, employee agreement with WWE and will remain with the company that I have been with essentially since 1993 when I debuted at Wrestlemania 9. (To celebrate this occasion, as I'm writing this I'm wearing a toga.)

Going forward, I will be focusing on a variety of talent relations matters, essentially as a consultant, of which will not require weekly travel. I will be visiting FCW in Tampa on a regular basis to observe the development of the young men and women who, I hope, all want to headline Wrestlemania some day. This area of the company has always been of particular interest to me including when we opened developmental areas years ago in Louisville, Cincinnati, Memphis, and Southern California. Many of the WWE's biggest stars of this generation came from those areas.

The future of any wrestling company is largely dependent on developing new stars. That matter hinges on the type of individuals that are intelligently recruited and properly trained. Charismatic, world class athletes getting diverse and unique individual training has never been more timely or important.

We are still going forward with our book concept which is evolving really well. I tell myself every day that I'm NOT going to write an 'average,' wrestling book. (For the record, I'm still battling on what to leave OUT of the book in order to keep it around 275-300 pages.)

Our public speaking facet is also in place and we are reviewing some potential bookings on that front beginning at summer's end. (BTW I'm not going to take dates on Oklahoma football weekends which I'm sure will be an eye roller to some. Yes, I will turn down a pay day to see my Sooners play.)

I've also been offered a position to do some free lance writing for a major, national sports website which we'll update you on within the next 10 days or so. It will likely focus on College Football, the NFL, and MMA.

The new arrangement with WWE will allow me to explore broadcast options in other, non competitive areas such as MMA if I so choose. (For now, being a MMA fan and watching the UFC this Saturday night on PPV works for me. I'm still an Evans 'lean.' as this one has Slobber-Knocker written all over it.)

I will not be returning to weekly, WWE TV or their monthly PPV's. However, being involved with other WWE broadcast products is a possibility. A few opportunities have been discussed.

BTW my 'cryptic' Text earlier today was just me having a little fun but it was amazing where that little piece of business went and the life that it took. Some of you reading this are very creative. Want to help write a book?

All is good in our world as interesting days lie ahead. Thanks for all your support. We are grateful , appreciative and very blessed.

(May I now suggest that you buy some sauce?)

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.