Jim Ross comments on rumors of Smackdown going live on pay-per-view weekends, speculation that Mark Henry was given the ECW Title because of the Michael Hayes incident

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

-Ross on reports that Smackdown could go live in weeks when WWE has pay-per-view events: "Read a rumor where Friday Night Smackdown may go 'live' several times a year which is also new news to me. I feel it is 'highly unlikely' that this will happen but time will tell I suppose. My money is on that it won’t happen with the exception being the Friday night prior to WM25 in Houston.

"Even if it does, I have no issue with it as long as I don’ t have to miss any OU Football games then the Friday night business could become an issue.  For the record, I talked to people even closer to those close to the decision makers and they don’t think this will happen either except on a rare occasion. It is too expensive and would take completely retooling the schedule. Plus those who know the match results from the Tuesday tapings is such a small number that who cares?"

Powell's POV: Too bad. As I mentioned earlier today, I was selfishly looking forward to this even though I didn't think it would help the ratings much.

-Ross on TMZ's story regarding Mark Henry winning the ECW Title because of the incident with Michael Hayes. "I found it somewhat insulting that TMZ’s website would discount Mark Henry’s athletic abilities and entertainment skills pretty much in total by inferring that Henry became ECW Champion simply because of his ethnicity.

"Henry’s entire career has been marred by injuries plus let’s not confuse the difference in a traditional wrestler with a wrestling 'attraction' a la Andre The Giant which is what Mark Henry is in my professional opinion, an attraction. Mark deserves this opportunity because he has earned it and now it will be up to Mark to raise his game and run with the ball. Henry’s 'look' and verbal skills intrigue me."

Powell's POV: I've spoken with people inside and outside the company who believe the Hayes situation had a lot to do with Henry's title win. That being said, I suppose only Vince McMahon knows for sure.

Other topics include J.R.'s response to theories that he was moved to Smackdown because he essentially challenged Vince McMahon via his blog, "erroneous info" floating around regarding how much he earns in WWE, and his latest broadcast with Mick Foley.