WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a new blog entry over at his website where he gives his thoughts on CM Punk’s UFC debut and Sunday’s Backlash PPV event. Ross believes too much is being made of Punk losing to Mickey Gall at UFC 203. Ross also doesn’t fault Punk for taking the chance to fight in the largest MMA promotion in the world.
“Seems like too much is being made of CM Punk’s UFC debut Saturday night in his losing effort to Mickey Gall. The signing of Punk by UFC was initiated by UFC as Punk was seemingly content to start his belated, MMA career in a much lower level entity. Punk got an UFC offer and as anyone with a brain would do, jumped at it. UFC promoted Punk because, among multiple reasons, he has a strong social media following and his, significantly sized fan base from his successful run in WWE. In other words, Punk wasn’t on the card to revolutionize execution in the Octagon but for promotion and marketing purposes including increasing PPV buys which I’m certain occurred. I’m proud that Punk got the opportunity to live his dream no matter the outcome of the match. More people should take more calculated risks in their lives to be able to facilitate long term goals and dreams. Those who protest loudly the Punk/UFC relationship likely have never gambled on living a bucket list dream in their own lives.”
Ross enjoyed Sunday’s Backlash pay-per-view event and believes that the show wasn’t rushed.
“I enjoyed WWE Backlash and am happy that I watched it live on the WWE Network. The Richmond Coliseum audience helped the overall presentation. Loved the 911 tribute and thought the copy was exceptional. Overall, Backlash did not feel overbooked or rushed which enhanced the viewing experience.”
Despite being advertised, the scheduled match between Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt didn’t take place at the PPV. Ross thinks that Wyatt can still be a main eventer but maybe as a babyface down the road.
“Many fans of Bray Wyatt are making their presence known that they are not pleased with Bray’s creative. I feel that Bray Wyatt is a potential main event talent without question but I see him as a character baby face somewhere down the road. The ‘fire fly’ entrance feels like a fan favorite presentation and that much support makes it hard to motivate a live audience to boo the proposed villain. Not sure what’s going on with Randy Orton who apparently or so it’s rumored has concussion issues but was allowed to make a cameo at Backlash, of which I’m confident was under doctor’s care. BTW Orton helping Kane defeat Wyatt did not offend me as it apparently did some fans.”
As seen in the main event, AJ Styles defeated Dean Ambrose for the WWE Title. Ross said that Styles’ win is timely and according to him, Styles was the most over guy on the show.
“AJ Styles is the best, full time, in ring performer in WWE for my money. AJ’s win was timely and he was the most ‘over’ talent on the show. Good booking to make AJ the WWE Champion as he can have superb matches with virtually anyone on the SD Live roster. My only mild complaint was that the pace of the AJ-Ambrose match was so fast that the two talents did not make the time to adequately sell some of their dynamic moves. Bottom line is that I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation and felt like it was was the best match that Ambrose has had in WWE.”
Ross also talked about RAW and more. You can read the entire blog here. If you haven’t done so, you can listen to the latest episode of the Ross Report here:
