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

WWE's website published an article on Thursday speculating about the Undertaker's whereabouts - and when he'll return.

The Undertaker, who made his WWE television debut 20 years ago at Survivor Series 1991, hasn't been seen on television for months.

The storyline-driven article questions whether the Undertaker could appear at Survivor Series - or at WrestleMania 28 from Miami.

"If The Phenom is to reemerge in time to compete on The Grandest Stage of Them All, he will be attempting to extend The Streak to 20-0. With that in mind, it is possible that The Deadman may not be seen until The Show of Shows."

Labels: undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 5:16 PM | Permalink | Comments

Mick Foley was asked on Twitter last night if he can see himself having another match against The Undertaker. Foley replied, “Could I see me and Undertaker having one more match? Not likely, but I’m going to drop 50 lbs just in case I get the call.”

Foley was then asked who on the WWE roster today does he think he can have a good match with. Foley said, “Not sure I can have a GREAT match with anyone, anymore. But I think I could have a GOOD last match with several guys in @WWE.”

Foley also gave his thoughts on TNA getting talent over to the mainstream after a fan asked who he thought has “it” on Impact Wrestling, enough to be a top talent like The Rock or John Cena. Foley’s thoughts: “Not trying to be mean, but I’m not sure Impact will ever be big enough to truly get a new wrestler over to the mainstream.”

Labels: mick foley, undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE is going with the idea that long-term booking works better and will be booking more angles ahead of time and going backwards.

WrestleMania 28 has been a hot topic for months now and the way they have been building up Mark Henry as of late has to do with a possible match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania next year. Some are against the idea with the feeling that Taker shouldn’t waste one of his remaining WrestleMania matches on a guy like Henry, but the match has been discussed.

Daniel Bryan cashing in Money in the Bank and John Cena vs. The Rock is also on tap for Miami next year. Another top match that has been discussed is Triple H vs. CM Punk.

Regarding Bryan cashing in at WrestleMania 28, one source doesn’t expect that storyline to last through the end of this year.

Labels: Daniel Bryan, john cena, mark henry, the rock, undertaker, wrestlemania 28

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:11 PM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:16 PM | Permalink | Comments

While it’s not official yet, the internal thought within WWE is that The Undertaker is basically retired, which explains Michelle McCool leaving to spend more time with him at home.

The Observer reports that The Undertaker is in far worse physical shape than is being let on. WWE officials aren’t ruling Taker out for WrestleMania 28 in 11 months but don’t expect him to work another match before then. People close to Taker have talked to him about retiring at WrestleMania 28 with his streak at 20-0.

The last time The Undertaker was around WWE was at the April 25th RAW in Raleigh, North Carolina, following by a FCW scouting event on May 4th.

Labels: michelle mccool, undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:20 PM | Permalink | Comments

It was reported yesterday that WWE officials discussed moving The Undertaker to Raw to make up for a top babyface character being transferred to SmackDown during the 2011 WWE Draft. While the draft came and went without The Deadman changing brands, company sources indicate he'll join Raw upon his return to television.

Labels: undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:41 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

There have been discussions all week about whether to close Sunday's WrestleMania XXVII pay-per-view event with John Cena vs. The Miz or Triple H vs. The Undertaker. The latter match was scheduled to close the show last week, but Vince McMahon is going back and forth this week on what to do.

Labels: undertaker, WrestleMania XXVII

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments

As the date for the WWE's biggest annual event gets closer and closer, it's always fun to look back and the good, and the not-so-good, of what makes WrestleMania the biggest event of the year. No other wrestling event in the world is watched, broken down, or comes under as much attention as Mania, which is why the company invests as much time and money as they do into it.

Today, instead of the good, I will break down the bad, and give you my WORST 10 all-time WrestleMania Matches of the last 26 years. The matches are in no set order, as these truly were all stinkers in my book.

1. WrestleMania II: Adrian Adonis defeats Uncle Elmer - This was to the point where Adonis (Keith Franke), who at one point was a very solid worker and heel, had gone the "Gorgeous George" route, and had also balloned to well over 300 pounds. His character garnered more attention than his skills, and this match with the tubby Elmer (Stan Frazier) was one for the birds. Thankfully for these two now deceased grapplers, this bout only lasted 3:25.

2. WrestleMania IV: Ultimate Warrior defeats Hercules - Neither of these two guys will ever go down as good workers, but this match of muscleheads was tough to watch, as was the entire feud for that matter. Herc was actually the better "wrestler" in the feud, which is not saying much. Warrior was nothing more than a muscle bound goof that never deserved the push that he eventually got, leading to main eventing WM VI. This 4:29 match that saw Warrior win when he lifted his shoulder after a half-nelson suplex is one to fast forward through if you ever watch this Mania in full.

3. WrestleMania V: The Red Rooster defeats Bobby Heenan - Not much needs to be said about this garbage, other than the :32 seconds it took Rooster (Terry Taylor) to win the match was about :30 seconds too long. Add the Brookyln Brawler in for a little post-match attack, and you have all the eyesores you can handle for one day.

4. WrestleMania X: Bam Bam Bigelow and Luna Vachon defeated Doink the Clown (Ray Apollo) and Dink in a "Mixed Tag Team match" - Ugly. That's about all you can say about anytime you have a "Mixed Tag," but add the awful clown comedy of Doink and his small mascot - Dink, and this just over six-minute match is one you'll want to forget.

5. WrestleMania XII: Roddy Piper defeated Goldust (w/Marlena) in a "Hollywood Backlot Brawl" - Talk about the dark ages for the WWE. This was supposed to be a parody of the O.J.Simpson car chase, where Piper chased Goldust around and it was shown on the large screen back at the arena. Awful. Needless to say that they kept cutting to this "match", and everytime they did it got worse and worse.

6. WrestleMania VII: Tenryu and Kitao defeated Demolition (Crush and Smash) (w/Mr. Fuji) - To me, Mania is supposed to be about feuds ending or starting, and wrestlers getting their shot at the big time. That's why having two wrestlers on the card that basically no one knew, or never really heard from again in Tenryu and Kitao fight for 4:44 beating an established team like Demolition was one of the bigger head scratchers of the last 23 years of booking of the event.

7. WrestleMania XVI: T & A (Test and Albert) (w/Trish Stratus) defeated Head Cheese (Al Snow and Steve Blackman) (w/Chester McCheeserton) - Ugh. Three of the four wrestlers in this match are downright bad workers, which made this thing ugly to watch from the word go. This Mania was bizarre in the fact where all the matches were tags or six-man matches, and this one may have been the worst of the bunch.

8. WrestleMania XXI: Akebono defeated The Big Show in a Sumo Match - A one-minute match that was very much a gimmick, but also very unnecessary. Again, no real reason to put one of your bigger names in a gimmick match with an unknown and make him lose. Hey wait, isn't that going to probably happen again this year? Hmmm.

9. WrestleMania XXV: 25-Diva battle royal to crown Miss WrestleMania - This would have been a solid put together match, but instead they made it a farce with the throwing in of Santino Marella dressed like a woman calling himself Santina. I would have like to have seen 25 divas from the past and present really being allowed to go at it.

10. WrestleMania IX: The Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) defeated Giant Gonzales (w/Harvey Wippleman) by disqualification - While Taker is still undefeated at Mania, this had to be the worst of his Mania wins. First off, Gonzales is just downright awful, and then you had it where Taker actually took a beating from him, only to make a return after the DQ. This one Taker fans won't ever want to relive.

Labels: bobby heenan, Giant González, paul bearer, the great khali, undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:52 AM | 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

The latest talk about The Undertaker retiring is that he will do it after going 20-0 at WrestleMania 28 in 2012. Of course there is always talk about Taker retiring and most people feel that he will wrestle as long as he is physically able to.

Labels: undertaker, wrestlemania 28

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:29 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

Word going around is that WWE officials have discussed The Undertaker vs. Triple H for WrestleMania 27 in a Career vs. Streak match with Shawn Michaels as the guest referee.

Labels: triple h, undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:07 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross followed up on comments made last week regarding rumors of Sting wrestling The Undertaker at WrestleMania, saying he doesn’t see the former wrestling champion appearing “in WWE any time soon.”

He wrote in the Q&A section of his official website: “Will Sting ever come to WWE? Does a 51-year-old guy want to engage in an ambitious, road schedule or any schedule? Could a deal be done and all the pieces be put in place before WM27? Is Sting even remotely interested in re-entering the squared circle on any level? I don’t know the answers to these questions nor, would I suggest, does anyone but Sting himself.”

Labels: jim ross, sting, undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:31 AM | Permalink | Comments

According to Dave Meltzer, TNA sources have revealed that Sting has not signed a new deal with the company for 2011. While there is no confirmation, the internal feeling within TNA is that Sting is WWE-bound.

Then today, the New York Daily News’ wrestling column reported that Sting has signed a one-year contract with WWE. There has been no confirmation on this news from WWE or any other sources so take it for what it’s worth for now.

Right now speculation is running wild that Sting may be brought in to face The Undertaker at WrestleMania 27. Prior to rumors of Sting's arrival to WWE, the plans were for The Undertaker to face Wade Barrett. On last night's RAW there was a video teaser that could have been for either the return of The Undertaker or for the arrival of Sting on the February 21st RAW. Fans are already putting together promos for the potential blockbuster dream match.

Labels: sting, undertaker, wrestlemania 27

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:40 PM | Permalink | Comments

This promo says it all, the Taker will be back on 2/21 in Fresno.

Labels: undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

To update The Undertaker's health situation, the dead man began physical therapy following recent rotator cuff cusrgery. He was backstage at the TLC pay-per-view last month and was said to be in good physical shape at the event.

Taker remains optimistic about his chances of working WrestleMania 27, although him being healthy by then is a "best case" scenario.

Labels: undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:21 PM | Permalink | Comments