WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with a new blog on jrsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights from this entry:

- Many fans are still buzzing about the return of the enigma known as Brock Lesnar. Lesnar is a complex, dominating and driven athlete who made an immediate impact last week when he F5′ed John Cena without warning.

- The WWE Title picture certainly became even more interesting Monday night when reigning Champion @CMPunk found himself with a bull’s eye on his chest not only from the challenge last week of Mark Henry but also from the renewed pursuit of Chris Jericho @IAmJericho, @TheRock who said that he would be WWE Champion again, @JohnCena who always has his sights set on the top prize in WWE plus Brock Lesnar who certainly feels that he is the alpha male in WWE but to validate such must be WWE Champion.

- After watching HIAC from WM28, challenging because I don’t like listening to myself (I know…I could have muted the sound but my wife wanted to hear the commentary) I am hard pressed to name any match that was more better executed that what I saw between HHH and Undertaker. Their match stole the show, in my opinion, and was one of the best bouts that I ever had the honor of calling. The gutteral physicality was extraordinary.

I don’t have a crystal ball but I’d be surpirsed to see HHH, @ShawnMichaels and the Undertaker, all together, ever being in the ring as participants at a WrestleMania or any other WWE event ever again. The final chapter of an amazing book was seemingly written and the book closed on Sunday in Miami.

- Speaking of FCW, keep an eye on Damien Sandow who debuted on Smackdown Friday night. He’s bright, athletic and motivated. I fully expect him to be successful at the next level. I love his ‘Lou Thesz-like’ robe and towel combo. I have high expectations for Sandow who’s got a solid work ethic and is a student of the game notwithstanding a well spoken individual.

Labels: Damien Sandow, jim ross, triple h, undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:39 PM | Permalink | Comments

Due to WWE Chairman Mr. Vince McMahon being in Afghanistan visiting troops with several other WWE Superstars, Paul Levesque (Triple H) was left in charge of this past Monday's edition of WWE Raw.

Labels: triple h, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:29 PM | Permalink | Comments

Word going around at Tuesday’s WWE tapings was that creative has discussed popping the big CM Punk storyline at Survivor Series with CM Punk and Colt Cabana’s team taking on Triple H and Kevin Nash’s team. One idea was thrown to have Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli on Team Punk.

WWE is looking to keep the Punk and Triple H storyline going through the fall to help against Monday Night Football competition.

Labels: 2011 survivor Series, cm punk, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:45 PM | Permalink | Comments

In the opening segment of the Raw Supershow, WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H fired Kevin Nash after Nash revealed that he had snuck into his office and sent a text to himself from Triple H’s phone, instigating his attack on CM Punk at SummerSlam. Nash was then shown leaving the venue with John Laurinaitis.

In accordance with the storyline, Nash’s profile has been removed from WWE.com’s Raw Superstars section. He is once again listed as a WWE Alumnus.

Labels: kevin nash, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:27 PM | Permalink | Comments

The decision to put CM Punk vs. Triple H on Night of Champions was actually made over the weekend. The match had been penciled in for the Survivor Series pay-per-view.

There’s still no official word yet on what is keeping Kevin Nash from working a full-fledged match but most feel that it will be resolved soon.

The Nash vs. Punk feud was going to lead into the Punk vs. Triple H match but now the plan is to do Triple H vs. Punk first and then Nash vs. Punk. Original plans had Nash putting Punk over.

Labels: 2011 Night of Champions, cm punk, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:13 PM | Permalink | Comments

Former WWE Champion CM Punk recently appeared on Mark Madden's radio show in Pittsburgh. Madden asked Punk if he was headed for a feud with Triple H and if he was, could he escape that feud "undamaged."

"That's a fantastic question," Punk said. "And I'm not so sure that's where we're headed. I guess that's the $64,000 question. Everybody immediately assumes based on past experiences and past TV shows that this is what's going to happen. 'Punk's going to get buried.' That's one of those things, Mark, I hate to give you this answer but you have to wait and see. Is there a way I can escape that undamaged? Absolutely. Unless we're doing things we were doing 10 years ago and we don't really care about the future of the business. Because let's be honest, the future of the business is in jeopardy right now. If we want to make the same mistakes, then I'm obviously speaking out against it. But if we do make those same mistakes, I don't know if there's going to be a business in 30 years."

Labels: cm punk, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments

Wrestler Jody Kristofferson received a WWE tryout at the August 9th show in Sacramento, California. After Brodus Clay pinned Kristofferson, Triple H walked past him and said, “Nice bump, kid.” Kristofferson replied with a thanks and that was it.

Another wrestler working for an extra, as one of Cody Rhodes’ bag guys, approached Triple H and said, “You worked with that kid’s dad in a movie.” A puzzled Triple H was then informed that Jody was the son of actor and musician Kris Kristofferson.

Triple H then went up to Kristofferson and asked him why he didn’t tell him who his father was, and invited him to the SummerSlam pay-per-view.

Labels: Jody Kristofferson, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:26 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE’s website is teasing that Triple H has signed CM Punk to a new WWE deal after the challenge at Comic-Con over the weekend and then Punk’s return on RAW last night. They also note that Triple H finally gave Zack Ryder his long-awaited opportunity last night, something else that Punk mentioned when he crashed Comic-Con.

Labels: cm punk, triple h

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

Labels: cm punk, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments

IGN.com reports that this afternoon at the San Diego Comic-Con, WWE Champion CM Punk disrupted a panel with Triple H, Rey Mysterio, and Bret Hart, who were promoting Mattel's "Past, Present, Future" line of WWE action figures.

Punk brought his bullhorn with him, and took the microphone during the Q&A session, relaying his disgust that Raw was trying to crown a new champion, and dared Mysterio, or anyone else, to face him in Chicago if they wish to be the real champion.

Punk also demanded to know from Hunter why Zack Ryder wasn't on TV. Hunter calmly explained that there's a new regime in charge, and that Punk should give him a call. Punk's parting shot was to tell Triple H that Stephanie already has his number.

Labels: cm punk, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:18 PM | Permalink | Comments

For those still wondering, the end of RAW last night with Triple H and Vince McMahon was part of the storylines with a little bit of real life thrown in there as Triple H has been groomed for a year now to take over Vince’s duties.

WWE’s website is teasing that the company’s latest evolution captained by Triple H begins next week on RAW with the crowning of a new WWE Champion.

Labels: triple h, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:59 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton participated in an interview with Phoenix, Arizona based rock station 98 KUPD promoting this week's SmackDown tapings. Highlights from the interview are as follows.

* Orton discussed his past issues with drug abuse, including an incident in 2006 where he overdosed, stopped breathing and his wife called an ambulance to save his life. Orton said he and his family discuss the bad choices he's made in WWE's upcoming DVD release, Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator

"I was ashamed of it for a long time, but now talking about it and getting it off my chest—when my in-laws and mom watches it, they're going to cry. My wife talks about when I stopped breathing and the ambulance came," Orton said.

* Orton noted his recent concussion at a live event in Spain, saying the Raw taping the day after was "the biggest blur" and that he "couldn't focus or concentrate." He said it was the sixth concussion he had suffered, which had WWE worried. He said it was three years since his previous concussion, and that he had suffered some "bad ones" earlier in his career.

* Orton was broached on the subject of not being able to say he's a wrestler, but rather, a "WWE Superstar." Orton added, "Honestly, a lot of things we've talked about thus far in this interview, they'd be upset with. I'm not like, 'eff it,' but I try to be real."

* Orton shared a story of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson trying to get him in trouble prior to WrestleMania. Orton said he gave his opinion on The Rock during a media interview—that he wasn't buying his return speech about returning to WWE and never leaving again. John Laurinaitis told him he "got in trouble" with Vince McMahon over his remarks. Orton said Johnson called management and claimed the WWE Superstar slammed him and Triple H in the interview. Orton feels Rock mentioned Triple H to grab their attention even though he didn't criticize "The Game" in the interview.

* Orton said Cena is "light years" ahead of everyone in WWE on the microphone, including The Rock. Orton then criticized Cena's wrestling ability by laughing at his in-ring style.

Labels: randy orton, the rock, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments

There are people within WWE who don’t feel that the current developmental system is giving the company a return for their money. While everyone is expecting a complete revamp of the FCW developmental system, nobody has a clue what changes will be made now that Triple H has a much bigger role.

A lot of people expect Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman to be involved in whatever changes happen because Triple H trusts them to give him straight answers on the developmental talents.

Labels: kevin nash, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments

Arguably the biggest WWE superstar will be returning at Money in the Bank 2011. An email blast sent out by the WWE advertises the return of Triple H. It is unknown whether The Game will lace up the boots or just making a non-ring appearance on July 17.

It is no secret that Triple H is in the midst of winding down his in-ring professional wrestling career. The WWE recently announced that the former world champion is the new head of WWE talent development. The Game has spent his time recently helping craft the debut and signings of Sin Cara and Kharma and is currently working with upcoming talent on the WWE roster.

It will be interesting to see if Triple H makes some kind of a return to active action whether it is part time or full time. It has been well over a year since Triple H has been a regular performer on the WWE roster. Triple H disappeared last year after a feud with Sheamus and didn’t reappear until nine months later, when he returned to WWE RAW as part of the infamous 2-21-11 RAW surprise.

If less is more, Triple H is certainly making the most of his twilight years as a professional wrestler. Triple H wrestled his first match in over eleven months at WrestleMania 27. Triple H vs. The Undertaker has been regarded in some circles as one of the greatest matches in WrestleMania history, and was arguably the show stealer at this year’s WrestleMania. Triple H made one more appearance the night after WrestleMania 27 but has disappeared into the dungeons of Titan Towers ever since.

The WWE has a tough dilemma with Triple H. The talent pool has never been thinner and the only two superstars on the WWE rosters are Randy Orton and John Cena. Triple H would certainly be a welcome boost to the company roster. On the other hand, the company really needs to utilize this down period to build new stars. Bringing back Triple H is certainly a step in the wrong direction if the WWE hopes to prepare for the future.

This could also be the start of a big SummerSlam 2011 angle. There were rumors of a planned Triple H vs. The Undertaker SummerSlam match. I have heard from a few different sources that the WWE would move faster with a rematch rather than sit on it and commit this early to another WrestleMania 28 match. Of course the other side to this is that it gives Triple H the chance to get his win back without compromising the streak. While a WrestleMania 28 rematch could still be on the table, it also gives the WWE freedom to jump on an opportunity if it presents itself like an Undertaker vs. Sting, Brock Lensar, Batista, etc match.

Of course I have no idea what Triple H could do at this point back in the WWE. After all, he did say nothing else matters other than ending The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak didn’t he?

WWE Money in the Bank 2011 takes place July 17 in Chicago, Ill. at Allstate Arena.

Labels: 2011 money in the bank, batista, Brock Lensar, sting, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:34 AM | Permalink | Comments

Below are notes from WWE’s shareholders meeting on Friday:

* Marketing exec Michelle Wilson said the decision to drop “wrestling” from their official name is a part of their vision to expand. She noted that WWE executives had a meeting at the end of 2010 to come up with a new plan to improve, fix and grow WWE’s core business, while coming up with new ways to be more than a wrestling company. She added that WWE won’t take their eye off the ball of their heritage being wrestling but want to grow beyond that.

* USA Network is helping WWE pay for some of their new marketing campaigns and they have new sponsorship deals with companies like M&M Mars and Kmart as a way to “get the word out about WWE.”

* Triple H was introduced as the Senior Adviser to the Chairman’s Office. Vince McMahon stressed that Triple H is leading WWE’s new talent initiative that will look to bring in more international stars. Triple H is now in charge of “re-focusing on talent development.”

* Vince talked about new stars and said guys like Alberto Del Rio, Sin Cara and The Miz are on their way to being the “next John Cenas and The Rocks.”

* Vince noted that WWE might have other programs in the future with NBC Universal. They are also looking to “monetize in-ring live event content” through services like Amazon, Netflix and Google.

* WWE is still looking at launching their own TV network in 12-18 months. The network may be launched through normal cable/satellite systems or it may be part of a new model WWE is looking into with services like Amazon, Netflix and Google.

Labels: triple h, USA Network

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:43 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE Title Match
John Cena vs. The Miz

All the focus on this match has been how much the Rock will get involved. The build has been on the Rock vs Cena, which is what the company seems to be building towards. One wonders if they are going to do a remake of 14 when they built Mike Tyson to be a heel, then he turned on Shawn Michaels to help Steve Austin. Can't see the Rock helping Cena win, but with the heat on Cena now, they may do it just to get him back over.

Winner: Cena

No Holds Barred Match
Triple H vs. The Undertaker

Many think this will finally be the year the streak ends, more so with HBK being involved somehow. Can't see it. They wanted this to be either Brock Lesner or Sting vs Taker, but settled on HHH after the first two dropped out and they couldn't come to a deal. Taker won't lose here, though I can see there being more and more talk of this streak ending with Taker set to walk away in 1-2 years at 46-47 years old. Here's thinking HBK on accident superkicks HHH to give Taker the tombstone win.

Winner: Undertaker

World Heavyweight Title Match
Alberto Del Rio with Brodus Clay vs. Edge with Christian

Edge was undefeated going into WM 24 vs Undertaker, and has lost three straight since, and tonight will be four. Del Rio truly is the future of the company with a three-year deal inked last year, and he's going to represent the company as the champ for awhile at least. One has to wonder if the curve will be Christian turning on Edge, but that would almost be too predictable. Del Rio does find a way to get a win.

Winner: Alberto Del Rio

Randy Orton vs. CM Punk

Good mid-card match for both, like Rey Mystero's match with Punk a year ago. Orton's stock seems to be heading back up as a top face, and I think Punk takes the fall here with Orton getting one on the leader of Nexus.

Winner: Randy Orton

John Morrison, Trish Stratus and Snooki vs. Dolph Ziggler, Layla and Michelle McCool

Tons of heat at the Hall of Fame for Snooki when they showed the promo, but the WWE got what they wanted with lots of mainstream media coverage of her being in the show. Look for a comedy match that should go about 5-7 min with Stratus wrestling 90 percent for the women, and Morrison and Ziggler getting a lot of mat time as well. They likely will give Snooki the pin, which should go over like a fart at a wedding at the dome.

Winners: John Morrison, Trish Stratus and Snooki

Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel and Wade Barrett vs. Big Show, Kane, Santino Marella and Kofi Kingston

Odd booking here from the start, as I was amazed Kingston was left off the card, but the company did a good job using Axxess to shoot an angle to have him replace Vlad in his match. The Corre seems to be the growing future of the company, while the team of Show and Kane was thrown together, so give the Corre the win as they continue to develop the team.

Winners: The Corre

Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes

These two could steal the show if given the time, but as history goes, they won't get more than 5-8 minutes to try and go at it 100 percent. Mystero is talking about leaving, which is why they should give Rhodes the win. Plus they need to build his character up, so if they do the right thing, Rhodes goes over. With that said, you know how it's going to end.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

Special Referee: Steve Austin
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole with Jack Swagger

The King finally gets a Mania match, and it's about time. Of course it's going to be filled with a lot of hijinks and running around with the likes of Swagger and Autsin probably at some point getting into it. No doubt that Lawler wins, and one has to wonder with Cole being in such hot water if they are going to bury him totally to end his time with the company over his anti-gay tweets that the company is feeling the heat on.

Winner: Jerry Lawler

WWE United States Title Match
Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus

Pretty much just a way to get Sheamus on the card, and a good way, as these two have gone back and forth a few times recently with solid matches. I can see this being the opener, as Sheamus should get over to keep him hot in the heel mid-card slot and also carrying a strap.

Winner: Sheamus

Labels: john cena, the rock, triple h, undertaker, wrestlemania 27

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:31 PM | Permalink | Comments

Shawn Michaels teased involving himself in The Undertaker vs. Triple H match at WrestleMania XXVII.

When asked about Triple H ending "The Streak," Michaels said, "I'm not sure I can let him do what I couldn't."

He then commented on whether he plans to interfere in the match, saying, "I'll do everything I can not to stick my nose in. Maybe."

He added, "Do you ever find that you're meanest to the people you love the most? If I ruined his chances of ending The Streak, I'm sure he'd beat the tar out of me at that moment, but I'm sure he'd forgive me eventually."

Michaels' role in the match has not been announced by WWE.

Labels: shawn michaels, triple h, undertaker, wrestlemania 27

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:41 PM | Permalink | Comments

The official program for WrestleMania XXVII is billing the Triple H vs. Undertaker match as "Nothing Else Matters." That is also the name of a Metallica song. The official Twitter account of the heavy metal band tweeted yesterday that Triple H would be using one of their songs at Wrestlemania XXVII.

Labels: triple h, undertaker, wrestlemania 27

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:34 PM | Permalink | Comments

As most everyone knows, The Undertaker defeated Triple H ten years ago at WrestleMania 17 back in 2001.

For their current WrestleMania 27 feud, officials have ordered that the WrestleMania 17 match not be brought up and acknowledged because there’s a feeling it will take away from the fans believing that Triple H can end the streak.

Labels: triple h, undertaker, wrestlemania 27

Posted by Matt Loede at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments

Triple H and The Undertaker are the ones putting together their current program for WrestleMania 27, with minimal input from WWE creative.

Taker was originally scheduled to face Wade Barrett and Triple H was set to face Sheamus at WrestleMania but the two got together and realized that WrestleMania 27 had no special match. As WWE’s two most power political forces, they felt they could take control of their own angle without much in the way of outside influence.

Shawn Michaels is still expected to be introduced into the storyline and have a role at WrestleMania, possibly as a referee or an enforcer. The idea behind the storyline is that Triple H is going at Taker for revenge after Taker ended his best friend’s career.

Labels: triple h, undertaker, wrestlemania 27

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:42 PM | Permalink | Comments