Jim Ross comments on C.M. Punk vs. The Rock at WWE Royal Rumble, Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus, Ryback getting the star reaction

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross updated the blog section of JRsbarbq.com. The following items are among the highlights. To order J.R.'s BBQ products, visit WWEShop.com.

-Ross on C.M. Punk vs. The Rock: "Punk vs. @TheRock at the Royal Rumble in Phoenix will be a giant attraction especially as both talents begin to totally focus on the specific event. I'm curious to see how the build to the Rumble unfolds. Without question Paul Heyman @HeymanHustle will be an integral part of the process."

Powell's POV: I was surprised to see that Punk and Heyman gave so much attention to that match on the TLC go-home show. That said, it's nice to see a longer than usual build to such a big match. I'm really looking forward to the month of January when the build really kicks in.

-Ross on Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus: "@WWESheamus vs. @HEELZiggler was the best match of the night. Certainly one of the better free, TV bouts that I've seen in a good while. If I had to pick 10 guys to start a new roster, these two would be on that list. Ziggler had an MVP like night and my only concern is his body holding up considering the athletic hell it endures on a regular basis. Dolph's the kind of guy that has one basic pace and that's all out. Sooner than later Ziggler will realize that more often than not that less is more is more than a often used wrestling Cliche."

Powell's POV: Fair assessment by Ross. Dolph is the best bumper in the company right now, yet I do worry that he's putting some unnecessary bumps on the proverbial bump card. That seems to be what Ross is getting at as well. Either way, this was a hell of a match and one of the better Raw matches of 2012.

-Ross on Ryback: "Watching at home, it felt like @Ryback22 got one of his best live audience reactions on Raw. Seems like the Las Vegas native is beginning to click and will likely continue to do so. Again, some fans with zero patience want it to happen 'yesterday' but speaking from experience the process takes time. I can provide numerous illustrations of this going all the way back to the 70's when I started in the business."

Powell's POV: I thought Ryback got the star pop last week as well. The strategy of saving him for the end of those two shows has been successful. They can't do that every week or the formula will get old, but it's definitely working right now.

Other topics include The Shield's promo, Antonio Cesaro vs. Kofi Kingston, A.J. Lee and Vickie Guerrero, Eve vs. Alicia Fox, Best 100 Raw Moments DVD, and more on Monday's WWE Raw.