Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this entry, Ross focused primarily on Kevin Nash’s recent controversial comments about the pro wrestling industry “dying” at WrestleMania 20, which culminated with Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero celebrating in the ring as the company’s top champions.
Here are some highlights of what Jim Ross said about the situation:
“I’m an old school guy who thinks that wrestlers come in all shapes and sizes and that the final, final decree on how well said talents produce is ultimately left up to the consumer aka the fans.”
“Lots of sub six feet tall athletes have been huge box office draws in the biz over the years. There are too many to mention here.”
“Several big men who have migrated into the pro wrestling world simply because of their size have failed. Some haven’t. Kevin Nash was and still is very successful. He’s made a lot of money and he’s saved it. Smart guy. Out of the entire Grantland piece the thing that I felt was most compelling for today’s wrestlers, rookies, wannabe’s, etc, is that Kevin Nash made big money and he took care of it.”
Despite the negative backlash Nash’s comments have received on Twitter, from past and present wrestlers, Ross went on to praise Nash:
“Nash is a brilliant guy…love him or hate him. He’s a survivor and by any means necessary which at times doesn’t sit well with some people.”
“I helped give Kevin one of his first breaks while we were both in Atlanta in the early 90’s when WCW management, and I use that term loosely, did not know what to do with an athletic, 7 footer who could talk and who had a great look. When management heard Kev in on my WSB Radio show it opened their eyes to what they potentially had.”
“No, I don’t agree with Kevin on his smaller wrestlers theory as I like all that have true talent. But I do defend his right to express himself and chuckle at the ability that he has to manipulate fans and peers alike in 140 characters or less.”
