WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a new blog entry over at his website where he gives his thoughts on various topics. We are now less than a week away from CM Punk’s UFC debut against Mickey Gall at UFC 203. Ross explained that he thinks the PPV event will do good business because there will be some fans wanting to see Punk lose or they want to see him win.
“Doing a great deal of MMA related media the past few days to discuss the upcoming UFC debut of former WWE star CM Punk this Saturday on PPV. Punk has an uphill struggle considering that he;s never fought in this environment before but I’d never count him out especially when one factors in the 4 ounce glove element. To create a buzz, perhaps Punk should actually embrace his pro wrestling legacy this week, instead of knocking it as some perceive, as many MMA fans will buy the PPV to see Punk get hammered Saturday night while Punk’s wrestling fans will buy to hopefully see Punk win. UFC was strategic in signing Punk as his presence will enhance what appears to otherwise be a not so special PPV event. I’m certainly going to buy the show. Bottom line is that Punk’s WWE created celebrity and the curiosity element will likely lead to a decent number of PPV buys Saturday night in Cleveland.”
WWE reportedly tried to break up Alberto Del Rio and Paige’s romantic relationship. However, they didn’t break up and Del Rio is on his way out of the company while Paige’s future is up in the air. Ross believes that personal relationships in the wrestling business are daunting.
“Personal relationships within the pro wrestling business are daunting. I’ve said that for years. Most ‘pro wrestling romances’ aren’t successful over the long haul but the point is that no company will ever have any success in legislating such. I’m not sure that any companies are attempting to intervene, namely WWE and the Alberto Del Rio/Paige relationship. I’m not a believer of every internet rumor that I read nor do I think that WWE would condone such interactions with staff and talents. It’s impossible to dictate personal relationships in any business especially when those in question are independent contractors. If Paige is totally committed in her personal life with ADR, and which she has the right to pursue, I’d be surprised if she returns to WWE any time soon. Hope I’m wrong as it relates to the apparent, troubled careers of both talents.”
Ross also noted that he is anxious to see the release of vintage TV footage on the WWE Network.
“Anxious to see the upcoming release of new, vintage TV footage that WWE is going to roll out this week on the WWE Network. The content is ultra impressive and I think if promoted that it will motivate many once, die hard fans to rejoin the process a bit more regularly. I know that I will be making a point to watch and I feel that each piece of the collection is a potential, separate story unto itself. Nostalgia still plays well on our TV’s including entertainment shows like Seinfeld reruns and vintage sporting events that many fans embrace for a variety of reasons.”
You can read the entire blog here. In you haven’t done so, you can listen to the latest episode of the Ross Report here:
