WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently spoke with BestofNewOrleans.com to promote his events in New Orleans. Below are some highlights:
What can we expect at your one-man shows this Thursday?
I’ll do a succinct open, to get everybody up to speed on my career, and then we go right into the questions-and-answers. Fans can ask any question they choose. No topic is off limits — I call it a no-holds-barred Q&A — and the questions lead to stories. I’m not a stand-up comedian, but a lot of the stories are organically humorous, so there will be a lot of laughs. The questions make every show different, and I think that’s better than a long monologue. Each show has its own personality, its own tone, tenor and uniqueness. I don’t work off a teleprompter or script. I’m still a wrestling fan, been one my entire life, so I like spontaneity and improvisation.
I think my story is motivational in spirit for some. I was raised as an only child on a 160-acre farm in East Oklahoma, not a child of privilege by any stretch of the imagination. A guy from Oklahoma, with a Southern accent, who had three Bell’s Palsy attacks that left me with paralysis around my mouth — that guy isn’t supposed to be successful, especially on television.
So we have comedy, history lessons, some motivation. And the audience is just as involved as I am, asking questions and stimulating banter. It’s gonna be a fun night. For the VIP ticket holders, after the show I’ll do a meet & greet and talk to them one on one. And you know I’m gonna bring down all the barbecue sauces, the mustard, ketchup, jerky, so we’ll have those on hand as well.
Your show’s the first event of a big weekend, which of course is built around WrestleMania. Do you have a pick for a sleeper match at WrestleMania XXX?
Because of what’s at stake and the two guys in it, I think the Triple H/Daniel Bryan match could very well be the show-stealer on that card. I expect that match to go on early, so the audience is going to be fresher, full of “P & V.” Then the fact that there’s something definitive at stake as relates to the winner. [The winner gets a title shot later that night.] You have a destination, you have a reason, you have two highly talented guys that have so much professional pride. I think that Triple H/Bryan match is one that will tell a very compelling story. It’s not the beginning or ending chapter; another chapter will be written later in the night. But it’s got a chance to be a great match.
Among the things you’ve done since parting ways with the WWE is launching a very successful podcast. What’s been the biggest learning curve for you in the world of podcasting?
What I’ve learned is to have a basic outline of things that you want to address, but don’t work from a script. Leave yourself the flexibility to deviate from your GPS — you’re still gonna get to the destination. You want the podcast to be entertaining and informative, but don’t overscript; that takes the spontaneity out of it. It’s the same as my live shows. It’s better being more conversational, more one-on-one and personal. Podcasting has been a real fun venture. I’m enjoying it, it’s a good way to stay connected to the business.
When I left WWE in September 2013, I’d been there a little over 20 years, and in the business 40. I’m 62, I thought maybe I’ll slow down a little bit — but I enjoy being busy, being active, being around people.
The one-man shows, the podcasts, the project for Fox, the family brand of food products — it keeps me out of mischief.
