The Steel Cage

Great blog. I find it interesting that now we know one of the world titles is changing hands this Sunday, but which one? You could make a case for either HHH or Edge since both of they're current reigns are relatively new. If I had to guess I would say Cena gets the WWE title back since they still havent changed that dumb spinner belt and I assume they would want to keep the WWE title on the "A" brand. That gives HHH a chance to go into a program with Edge for the World title.

I was very happy with Raw last night. I agree with pretty much all of the moves. Its about time (and I hope it sticks) that HHH is moved to Smackdown to start some fresh feuds with Edge and La Familia, Undertaker, Kennedy,MVP etc.

Hardy, some feel, was demoted to Smackdown because of his mistake earlier this year. I did not see it as that at all, he will do fine on Fridays. I was very happy until HHH was moved though bc Hardy will now have to compete with him on Fridays for the World title feud.

Punk on Raw...I see a Jericho IC Title feud...and I like it. Maybe an HBK match on Raw or ppv, more likely on Monday night then a big show like SummerSlam.

Batista on Raw is great too, since its been 3 years and he can possibly continue a feud with HBK and also have the much anticipated feud with John Cena.

Rumors are already on line that Jim Ross was very upset about the move to Fridays. While it sucks, get over it JR, its a business and its time to shake things up. JR/Foley sounds like a great team as does Cole/King.

Kennedy and Umaga were just floating around doing nothing on Raw. Undertaker/Umaga just has big $ feud and Kennedy/Edge can hopefully rekindle the feud that never had a chance to happen.

All in all...good moves...with the exception of Matt Hardy to ECW...but with ECW moving to Raw tapings its possible that he will eventually show up on Mondays.

So are we to expect for Sunday:

Cena wins the title for Raw
Kane keeps the ECW title and defends on ECW/Raw?
Hardy drops the gold to Chavo

Jim Ross reacts to the move to Smackdown:

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 thru 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.

I will miss working with the King as the wrestling biz is one in which a guy can count his legit friends on one hand…even after a 30 plus year career. King has been like a brother to me….albeit an “older brother”. ;) We will remain friends no matter that our team has been corporately imploded.

I believe that I have been strongly loyal to the WWE no matter the hands that were dealt to me over the years. In my tenure there I have earned a good living of which I am thankful. I will fulfill my commitments that I have made because unlike many in the business, my word is still my bond.

I can’t predict how long my Smackdown tenure will be, but I can promise that no matter how long or short it is that I will do my utmost best while sitting at ringside. I am not the kind of man who will “phone in” a damn thing.

My sincere thanks to all of you who have supported me on RAW over the years. I hope I was able to provide you a memory or two. Hopefully, we can create new memories now on Smackdown.

Based on my professional experiences, I look at each broadcast as potentially my last, which helps keep me motivated. So with that said we begin another chapter in my crazy life in the unpredictable world of ‘rasslin.

I still plan on attending RAW in my home market of OKC next Monday and I hear that tickets are still available. Any one have any extras?

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.