Jim Ross Blog: Raw's Opening & Closing, Vince Russo Interview

Jim Ross posted the following in his blog at JRsBarBQ.com:

On Interviewing Vince Russo: Also, tonight I’m chatting with Vince Russo for a future Ross Report podcast in which should be an interesting conversation especially in light that Russo is being blamed for killing two, wrestling companies and even implicated in “murdering Owen Hart.” That’s some heavy stuff.

On The Open to RAW: The show had some excellent moments without question and helped promote Summer Slam significantly. However, after a great start to the show that included the Heyman-Cena-Cesaro dealings the lack of in ring, bell to bell time was noticeable. It felt that the wrestling became an after thought after the hot start. It seemed like RAW was on the air a good 90 minutes and featured two wrestling matches. Cena’s serious promo was spot on as his WWE Title bout with Brock Lesnar is nothing to joke or to make light of whatsoever. Paul Heyman @HeymanHustle again cleared the bases with his promo work that seemed to motivate Cena to respond accordingly. Really good work by both men representing the main event at Summer Slam.

On The Show’s Closing Angle: Great close to the show with Stephanie McMahon and Brie Bella doing their thing to enhance their match at Summer Slam of which I mentioned six weeks ago was a sleeper angle that would resonate if WWE kept the issue personal. They have and this pairing will add a great deal to the PPV heading to LA. Personal issues are still the heartbeat of a compelling pro wrestling storyline. I had no problem philosophically whatsoever in the two ladies closing the show. None. Mentioned this on Twitter that I felt like WWE’s two hottest, heels were both non wrestlers in Stephanie and Heyman which is a tribute to their work but what does it say for the wrestlers who are cast in those roles? Heyman and Steph seemingly don’t play the role of a pro wrestling villain and they come across as natural and playing an expanded role on who they really are which is where the magic lies. Any talent ‘playing the role’ of a villain more often than not comes off as disingenuous and shallow. Be real, enhance it, or go home.