Jim Ross comments on calling the WWE Royal Rumble, Tyson Kidd undergoing knee surgery, WWE talent development

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 calling the WWE Royal Rumble: "I do know that the Rumble match is arguably the most challenging bout of the year for a broadcaster to call as the story changes every time a new entrant is announced and whenever there is an elimination. Then once all the Rumble entrants have ended another phase of the contest commences where the last man standing in the ring earns himself a significant payday because of nabbing a WrestleMania main event slot."

Powell's POV: Ross also recalled calling the Royal Rumble with Taz for the first time. The Rumble would certainly be a challenge, but the chaos that was the TNA King of the Mountain match wouldn't be much fun either. I can't recall whether Taz ever had the pleasure of calling one of those gems, but I'm not sure whether Mike Tenay or anyone else was exactly sure what the rules were.

-Ross on Tyson Kidd: "Tyson Kidd, one of the potentially brightest young stars in WWE, underwent knee surgery Thursday to repair multiple injuries and will be out until sometime late in 2013. I am very high on Kidd's in ring work and have seen him have some tremendous outings while performing at NXT. Hopefully when Tyson is healthy he will look at his return as a fresh start as, hopefully, will all involved in the process. If you've heard my commentary during Kidd's NXT bouts you already know what I think of this young man's potential."

Powell's POV: One can only hope that Vince McMahon and creative are paying attention to Ross, C.M. Punk, and everyone else who has been singing the praises of Kidd lately. It would be nice to see him get a real push once he returns.

-Ross on WWE talent development: "The signing of Clayton Jack from Oregon State won't be the last outstanding, collegiate athlete that WWE Talent Development signs this year. Far from it actually. Yes WWE will still scour the independent circuits for the best talents available but the raw numbers will be found in colleges. These specific athletes have no bad in ring habits, have a through resume that can be thoroughly reviewed and have been in a structured, athletic program where they have been held accountable and measured in a variety of way since high school."

Powell's POV: It has to be frustrating for indy wrestlers to read that the raw numbers will come from colleges. I'm all for WWE having a mix of both. If WWE isn't seeing enough of what they like on the indy scene, then it's logical to take this approach. That said, one thing the indy wrestlers have going for them over most of the college recruits is a true love of the industry.

Other topics include "Superstar" Billy Graham in bad health, Lance Armstrong's interview, Manti Te'o and the NFL Draft, and much more.