Former WWE announcer Jonathan Coachman was interviewed last week by the As The World Turns Left blog and an spoke at length about what it was like working for WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

"There were times, especially when I started doing the bigger shows, where I — you know, he’s a perfectionist, he built it from the ground up, I respected him and still do to this day — and because of the way he was, so hard, so difficult, I got to the point where I could almost repeat in within a quarter or half a second what he was telling me," Coachman said.

"We got that much in synch. It’s difficult. There were times when I’d leave a show, and literally, I don’t know what a migraine headache is, but I think that’s what I had. Your head is really pounding, and it feels like it’s just going to explode after asking your brain to shape everything perfectly for two hours. So, did I enjoy it all the time? No. Did it make me mentally, incredibly strong? Absolutely.

"And I always said this the last two or three years I was there: No matter who I work for when I leave here, it’ll be like working for Mister Rogers compared to working for him. And I mean that in a good way. We left on the best of terms, and I still go and see everybody when they’re around, in Hartford or Springfield or Bridgeport.

"And we get along great. So, it was a great time for me. Anybody that complains isn’t mentally tough, and I don’t want to hear it. I hate people that leave and then bash him, bash the company and say what a horrible guy he is, because he’s not. He just asks a lot. And you’ve got a bring a lot, that’s it."

Labels: Jonathan Coachman, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: Jonathan Coachman, the rock

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:28 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross is back with another blog update at jrsbarbq.com. This time he took a shot and spoofed the recent story on MVP’s backstage heat over comments made to a WWE drug test monitor, that we posted on the site yesterday. Here are the highlights:

- JR on Mick Foley leaving WWE: The speculation regarding Mick Foley allowing his contract to lapse with the WWE and knowing at least a portion of Mick’s future plans has finally ended. Obviously, Mick cannot and will not be a full time wrestler for any organization but one can easily see Mick wrestling sporadically meaning once or twice a year if everyone involved in this scenario is of sound mind. Mick has many diverse, creative interests and my sense is that he is looking to explore TV opportunities that might come his way. Many of us have said for years that Mick would be great in a TV sitcom. Plus Mick has many more books left to write. No matter what Mick does I wish him only the best. It will be interesting to see how Mick is utilized and one can bet a slab of ribs that subject will be under the proverbial microscope by many within the business and more specifically the ‘rasslin media. As I see it, and remember this is merely one man’s opinion, it would appear that Mick did not burn any bridges with the WWE and a return engagement with the WWE isn’t beyond the realm of possibilities for Mick Foley in the future. No one in their right mind can argue that Mick Foley isn’t WWE Hall of Fame worthy at some point in the future.

- JR on Coach: Yours truly caught Jonathan Coachman reading the sports news on ESPN News a night or two ago. Coach looks good, relaxed and did a really nice job. I assume these anchors have to write their own copy and Coach did well there too and did not try and make the newscast about him or use forced humor.

- JR on SmackDown: Friday Night Smackdown debuts on October 3 on MyNetworkTV. I wonder if there will be any major changes on the show prior to then? Could someone be “future endeavored” prior to the debut? Will any major guests be booked for the premier? Could any trades be on tap? Why is the sky blue?

- JR spoofing the recent MVP news story: Did you hear about the MAJOR altercation in the locker room area of a recent wrestling event where a top hand had it out with a tester. Seems as if someone in catering failed to test the mashed potatoes and they weren’t creamy and buttery enough and there was quite the issue that ensued. Thank goodness that the fish that was throughly cooked that day or this matter could have gotten really ugly and made big news on the ‘net. I hear a team meeting will be held to discuss this issue but that the potato matter won’t be specifically addressed. Hey, being a tester and doing one’s job can be very…”testy.”

Labels: jim ross, Jonathan Coachman, mick foley, MVP

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:12 AM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross has recently updated the blog section of JRsbarbq.com. The following are a few of the highlights.

-- Ross on tonight's Brock Lesnar vs. Heath Herring fight: "The 12,000 plus that are slated to attend the fight in Lesnar’s present hometown will definitely be pro-Brock which can’t hurt a thing as it relates to Lesnar’s chances of not going 0-2 in the UFC. Lesnar can easily morph into a beast and a rah-rah, college-like atmosphere may facilitate that transformation which some might consider to be costly for Brock if he takes any unnecessary chances or tries to accomplish too much too fast. Being a Lesnar fan, I have plenty of concerns regarding this fight but I do think he will win and demonstrate how much his technique has improved since his debut. It’s really hard to see this fight going to the judges."

-- Ross on the recent releases of five wrestlers and one referee: "Friday might not have been the best day for some wrestlers to answer their cell phones or home phones or Blackberrys or emails or even answer their front doors. Six individuals, at my last count, had been "future endeavored" out of the WWE which is never a good day at the office for any one involved. These are tough pieces of news to deliver (I know of what I speak) but the individuals who are released and their families are the one’s that are obviously the hardest hit. I sincerely wish every one who got bad news on Friday the best and would encourage them to persevere and not to give up on their dreams. Getting one’s "walking papers" isn’t the end of the world…take it from me."

-- Ross on Jonathan Coachman's debut on ESPN: "Great to hear that Jonathan Coachman has started his new gig for ESPN with his first assignment being on ESPN News. I expect to see Coach’s career advance nicely on ESPN after he gets his feet wet reading the sports on ESPN News. Coachman can do play by play and has done college football along with men’s and women’s hoops which will help him move up. Specifically having experience broadcasting women’s basketball is a nice caveat for the Coach to have in his pocket."

Other topics include more on tonight's UFC event, Jeff Hardy vs. MVP, an idea for Zach Ryder and Curt Hawkins, and Triple H vs. Great Khali.

Labels: big daddy V, jeff hardy, jim ross, Jonathan Coachman, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

Here are some latest tidbits from Jim Ross' blog:

Brooke in Playboy

Is Brooke Bollea Hogan actually considering posing for Playboy Magazine? First of all, I have zero issues with Playboy Magazine but wouldn’t one think that the timing of this particular matter helps no one but Playboy? What’s next, Nick in semi prison garb in Playgirl magazine? Can everyone, all at one time, say…"LAY LOW"? Leave the media crazy, TMZ-like radar screen and watch public perception improve….if that matters and perhaps it doesn’t. There was a fan’s sign in Philly Tuesday that read, "Hulk We Still Love You." BROTHER!

Affliction PPV

Affliction made a nice foray into the pay per view marketplace last Saturday night. The franchise guy is obviously Fedor, who needs no last name, who, at 28-1, is a physical freak and as long as he can stay on top the brand has a great chance to continue to grow and build momentum. Affliction would be wise to carefully market Fedor outside their envelope all the while being careful not to overexpose Fedor and to maintain his "mystique". Also, rushing into a Fedor-Couture fight might not be the best promotional strategy for Affliction as fans love the build up to a big fight and "anticipation" is a great marketing tool for a potential consumer. Plus, Couture needs a fight in which he can display his skills prior to venturing into the ring with Fedor which obviously is a big money piece of business.

On the Coach at the Bash

It was great seeing Jonathan Coachman for a few minutes Sunday afternoon at the Nassau Coliseum and getting to meet his new, baby daughter who is beautiful for the record. Coach is leaving the WWE and will begin a new career with ESPN and will be moving to the Bristol area in the near future. I am not sure but I think I first met Coach in Kansas City where he was working with Len Dawson, the former K.C. Chiefs Hall of Fame quarterback, doing local sports on TV. It seems as if Coach may have visited the day we produced Smackdown show #1 which I broadcast with The King. Michael Cole took over then the next week on episode #2. I wish Coach nothing but the best and he is genuinely and deservedly excited about his new gig. Our infamous "Country Whipping Match" that took place in Chicago on Monday night Raw was a unique experience for both of us and I am sure provided some insiders with a chuckle or two. I do think it got a decent TV ratings from what I recall, and quite frankly ladies and gentlemen, isn’t that what makes the world go ’round?

On the Going Back to RAW Rumors

I noticed that when I dispelled the "J.R.’s Heading Back To Raw" rumors that many printed that I inferred that I would not go back to the Monday show if asked which is inaccurate. Of course I would take the assignment because I still cash the WWE’s checks. My Dad taught me that if one is going to accept another’s cash then do your damnedest to earn one’s keep. The day that I decide to hang it up will occur some day but until then I am going to continue to be a team player and I have no issues in accepting pay for my work even though I personally believe that I am "bargain priced" :) for the WWE. I know this statement will cause some morons to write about my perceived lack of character or intellect for "being a team player" especially in light "of all the negative things" that have occurred to me over the years. Say what you wish, I still have fun seeing the wrestlers when I go to work, I enjoy meeting fans and interacting with them, and I still have a blast doing commentary of which I am damn competitive and still think that I can carry my share of the water (thanks to Deadwood’s Al Swearengin for that one).

Labels: brooke hogan, jim ross, Jonathan Coachman

Posted by Matt Loede at 5:13 PM | Permalink | Comments

From: Lords of Pain.net

Internet reports stating that WWE announcer Jonathan Coachman had signed a contract to join ESPN appear to be unfounded. Dave Nagle, a representative of ESPN, issued the following statement to SLAM! Sports to put an end to the rumors: "all I can say is that these 'rumors' are untrue...we do not have a signed deal. There is nothing more to say." Rumors regarding Coachman's departure began soon after Mick Foley replaced Coachman as the SmackDown color commentator at the Backlash pay-per-view two weeks ago. Internet reports started circulating and they said that Coachman had signed a contract with ESPN for an anchor position.

Labels: Jonathan Coachman, mick foley

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:03 AM | Permalink | Comments

From PWInsider

Last week on the PWInsider.com Elite Hotline, I exclusively reported that Jonathan Coachman was in the midst of the interview process for an on-air position with ESPN and that WWE put Mick Foley into his Smackdown color commentary role as they wanted someone who would be able to put the company first and foremost on their list of responsibilities.

Coachman, who sources indicate has been quietly discussing leaving WWE for some time, had been doing additional broadcast work for both the MSG Network and CBS' College sports broadcasts of late.

PWInsider.com can confirm Coachman has been hired by ESPN as an anchor. There's no word on when Coachman will debut for the cable sports network, but internally, WWE sources believe Coachman will be finishing up shortly, if he isn't done already with the company.

Coachman had been with WWE since December 1999, working as an announcer and on-air heel persona. Prior to his work with WWF/E, Coachman was a sports writer and sports anchor in his native Kansas.

Labels: Jonathan Coachman, pwinsider, smackdown

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:07 PM | Permalink | Comments

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Jonathan Coachman’s WWE contract is expiring within the next few months. There has been quite a bit of speculation that Coachman could leave the company for a full-time job with MSG Network, although he hasn’t said anything about it yet.

Labels: Jonathan Coachman, Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

I knew going in last night that Backlash was going to be at least 10 steps down from WrestleMania XXIV, and in most ways, the PPV didn't really deliver much on many angles, only due to the fact it was not set up to. They did do a pair of title changes, one I think will move along an angle, and the other I don't really agree with on a few counts.

The MVP-Matt Hardy opener for the US Title did what it was supposed to do, as Hardy finally was able to gain a measure of revenge for the "injury" that MVP did on him five months ago, putting Hardy out, (It was all a work angle). Hardy was able to come up with the win, and now we'll see if he can deliver on an angle to keep the US belt fresh. It's really the biggest singles belt that Hardy has had, so it'll be up to him to take it to another level.

The Kane-Chavo Guerrero match for the ECW Title was okay at best, with Kane winning a match that really dragged at points. Kane is actually a passable ECW champ, and I for one hope they allow him to keep it for a few months and have angles with other wrestlers than Chavo. I am thinking we'll see more in-ring action for Bam Neeley, the bodyguard for Chavo, and possibly a feud with either Mark Henry or if they allow Big Daddy V to return.

Not much to say about Big Show-Khali, other than it was expected to be painful, and it was. They really need to stop putting Khali in high profile matches, since he never, ever delivers. Show was helpless here in trying to make it look good, and thankfully it didn't last all that long, but anything over three minutes was tough to watch, and yes, this was tough to watch.

I was highly letdown by the events in the Shawn Michaels-Batista match on a lot of angles. First off, the insertion of Chris Jericho as special ref ended up meaning nothing in the end, which was odd. I guess they DON'T want to turn him heel...at least not yet. Then to have the match end as fast as it did with Michaels getting the superkick, just seemed odd. No real reaction from Batista, and Michaels sold the knee injury, which I was actually thinking might be legit if you look at the way the refs carried him as well as Jericho. I wonder where they take this thing from here.

The divas match was better than expected, mostly due to the fact they really only used the women that should be in the ring, and the rest were mostly eye candy on the outside. I expect to see a title rematch next month at Judgement Day (actually three weeks) between Beth Phoenix and Mickie James. Nice to see Cherry actually get some real ring attire by the way.

The World Heavyweight Title match was basically a repeat of Mania, which I felt it would be with Taker making Edge submit to the same choke he used to win the belt. While these two have had two good main event level matches, they need to add a stip as I am assuming they will have a third match at Judgement Day. One I can almost see coming is some stupid thing where it will be victory by pinfall only, stopping Taker from using the choke he's used to win the last two matches. I expect to see more than just one match though with these two as the spring and then summer continues.

As far as the Fatal Four-way for the WWE Title went, I for one was not thrilled to see Triple H win the belt, but I understand the premise behind it. You have John Cena gone for about a month to make a movie, JBL is not even close to being a legit contender, and you need a fresh program for 1-2 months till Cena comes back and you have a mega main event for SummerSlam with Cena vs Triple H for the belt. That I get.

Where we will go from here is basically a set of rematches between Triple H and Orton, starting with the Judgement Day PPV in May. Look for that and then some type of speciality match at Vengence (now the Night of Champions PPV) in June.

One final thought, I enjoy the new SmackDown announcer team of Michael Cole and Mick Foley, though I hope they find something for Coach to do. One thought is that Coach goes back to being a GM on RAW, now that William Regal appears to be headed for full-time in-ring action. As for the ECW crew, Tazz really does not appear to like working with the awful Mike Adalmie, and the line of the night has to be when Adalmie screwed up the ref for the ECW title match, and Tazz corrected him.

Labels: 2008 backlash, john cena, Jonathan Coachman, michael cole, mick foley, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:49 AM | Permalink | Comments

Its Official: WWE announced on its website today that Mick Foely has repalced Jonathan Coachman and will be calling the Smackdown matches alongside Michical Cole at Backlash tonight. The WWE.com article also impled that Foley will be the regular Smackdown announcer alongside Cole from now on. WWE.com's announcement is as follows.

"BALTIMORE – WWE.com has learned Mick Foely will debut on color commentary for SmackDown tonight at
Backlash. At the Pay-Per-View, the Hardcore Legend will call the World
Heavyweight Championship Match between titleholder Undertaker and Edge, as
well as the other Smackdown matches, alongside Michael
Cole.
Foley first took the microphone at One Night Stand 2005 when he
joined WWE.com's Joey Styles at
the announcers' table. The three-time WWE Champion brings in valuable in-ring and
out-of-the-squared circle experience to SmackDown's team.
Don't miss Foley's debut tonight on Backlash at 8/7 CT only on pay-per-view."

Labels: 2008 backlash, Jonathan Coachman, michael cole, mick foley, smackdown, wwe smackdown, wwe.com

Posted by Tymo55 at 3:08 PM | Permalink | Comments

source: Wrestling Observer

Jonathan Coachman may be getting replaced as the color commentator on Friday Night SmackDown. WWE officials contacted Mick Foley for an announcer role on the brand.

Labels: Jonathan Coachman, mick foley

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:06 PM | Permalink | Comments

From Wrestling Observer Newsletter

- Jonathan Coachman is said to be a major whipping boy, and has heat backstage because he's not doing the job JBL did as the color commentator of SmackDown. Additionally, a few weeks back when Undertaker was brawling by the announcers table, Coach stayed near the area when the announcers are supposed to run away to sell the danger of not being there. Officials punished him by having him go to the ring after the taping to take finishers from the main eventers. He took a tombstone from Undertaker, a Batista bomb from Batista, and a shillelagh shot courtesy of Finlay.

- Raw Diva Ashley Massaro has been sent home for the time being, which explains her recent absence from television.

From PWInsider.com

- WWE has released Silas Young and former TNA wrestler German Figueroa a.k.a. Apolo from their developmental contracts.

Young's release comes as a surprise because he was signed to a contract just last December. His release is believed to be due to WWE having too many wrestlers under one roof in Tampa what with the arrival of the OVW wrestlers to the territory. Young had been working in OVW. Young is from the midwest indy scene.

Apolo's release from the company doesn't come as much of a surprise because he's been dealing with a number of legal problems in Puerto Rico as of late. In January, a judge sentenced him to 30 days in jail for missing a court appearance regarding a domestic issue with his wife. However, he didn't turn himself in to serve the jail sentence and is considered to be a fugitive, reports the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He signed a contract in December, but never worked a match in developmental.

- WrestleMania 25 is slated to take place in Houston, Texas at the Reliant Stadium -- home of the NFL's Houston Texans -- which holds a capacity of 71,500 for football games, and should hold far more for wrestling.

The event will take place on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

Labels: apolo, Jonathan Coachman, undertaker, wrestlemania 25

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:04 AM | Permalink | Comments

Ugh. That is all I can say about the WWE decision, or should I say Vince McMahon's decision to put Jonathan Coachman with Michael Cole as the new announcing duo on SmackDown. We knew that JBL would be leaving, but I personally thought they should have put Tazz, who already has a history on Friday nights and did a solid job, back with Cole. Coach can grate on ones nerves really quickly, and I realize that he is supposed to be a heel, but the bottom line is he is not that good of an announcer. He proved that on the three-man team that he, JR, and the King made up on RAW when they were doing the show together. Bad decision by the company.

Labels: Jonathan Coachman, michael cole, smackdown

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:11 PM | Permalink | Comments