• Wrestling News & Wrestling Rumors – WWE & TNA

Jim Ross was understandably and visibly unhappy last night on the 3 hour WWE Raw special about being drafted to Smackdown. He was not aware (in fact barely any star was aware) that he was being drafted until it was announced on TV. In the aftermath Ross wrote the following on his blog:

“As many of you know, I was drafted to Smackdown Monday night in the “random lottery.” Obviously that means I will be leaving Monday Night Raw and my long time partner Jerry Lawler. I am not happy about this surprise development.

I also contemplated calling it a career Monday night and not going to Houston to tape SD.

After speaking with my wife and thinking on this matter until 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, I have decided to do the right thing for the fans who care and the talent who care and begin my new assignment.

It has been explained to me that the WWE’s Smackdown tenure on My Network is a high priority within the corporation. Allegedly, my presence is needed in that effort.

Many are speculating about when I learned of this development…the same time those of you were watching at home. I should have detected something with the demeanor of certain individuals either through their plastic, poker faces or the perceived smirk that I thought I might have seen on some of their faces during the day.

As far as going to Connecticut each week to do Smackdown post production, that’s not going to happen. Either Mick Foley can handle it or the WWE can install a DSL line in my home to facilitate the work.”

A lot of people within the company feel that Ross should have been told a head of time simply because his tenure in the position. When was the last time a major player in the business world was moved to a different department and was only told during a shareholders meeting? In a non wrestling context it seems ludicrous. Still it is no secret that Vince McMahon doesn’t respect JR and has been looking to get him off Raw, even contemplating Mike Adamle to begin with as his replacement! I’d also put money on Vince and his creative team buddy Brian Gewirtz having a good laugh at Ross’ reaction. They apparently both love to ridicule the Oklahoma legend.

He will join Mick Foley on the announce team of Smackdown, whilst Michael Cole will join Jerry Lawler as the new voice of Monday Night Raw.