Jim Ross comments on major change in his WWE broadcasting role, apologizes for a poor choice of wording regarding Heath Ledger

Jim Ross updated the blog section of JRsbarbq.com. The following items are among the highlights.

-Ross on his changing role as a WWE broadcaster: "My hybrid role as a quasi play by play guy/analyst is likely going to be the direction that I will be traveling in the future with WWE. I actually like it and had a good time with working in the new role at WM25. I will assume this role again this Friday on SmackDown, working with Todd Grisham, and it is a work in progress but I think that in time, hopefully Sooner than later, that I will nail it. The old school play by play role is considered obsolete in WWE these days as the broadcasters are more story tellers than play by play people or color commentators. I look at this repositioning as a challenge and one that I look forward to refining."

Powell's POV: It's cool that J.R. is up for a new challenge, but I don't like the shift. WWE has the best play-by-play man in the history of the business, yet they've decided to adjust his role to some type of play-by-play and color commentator hybrid. Will Vince McMahon ever appreciate what he has in Ross? I think he does to some extent, but I don't think he'll totally grasp it until Ross retires.

-Ross on a comment he made regarding late actor Heath Ledger during the WrestleMania 25 pay-per-view: "Heath Ledger fans took me to task about my poor choice of words during Rey Mysterio's entrance at WM25 and for good reason. I had something else I wanted to say in reference to Rey's attire and I fumbled. My bad. My attempt to make a topically, funny remark came out wrong but it's on me. Sometimes on live TV things are said that one would like to have back but when one works without a net that's what occasionally happens. Nonetheless I am sorry for offending any of you with my remarks."

Powell's POV: Ross said something to the effect of how at least Rey's carer is alive and well. It was a poor choice of words and it's good to see Ross apologize for his mistake.

Ross also discusses the upcoming WWE draft and his preference regarding which brand he works for.