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

-Ross on the possibility of Ric Flair appearing on WWE TV that is being held in North Carolina next week: "Speaking of North Carolina, Smackdown is taped next Tuesday in Charlotte and does any one else find it strange that Ric Flair is not 'officially' a part of either of the proceedings in Raleigh or Charlotte? Perhaps we will get a Nature Boy surprise “drive by” at one of the events. With or without 'The Naitch' present, there will be many 'Whoo’s' in North Carolina next Monday and Tuesday."

Powell's POV: I'm still surprised that they didn't have Flair appear on Raw this week to promote the release of his new DVD. Hell, they had him on the show just to watch Vince McMahon dial a telephone and deliver a "Whoo" on command, so you'd think they'd bring him in when they have something to sell. Of course, he may have had other commitments.

-Ross on this week's WWE Smackdown: "There will be lots of wrestling on Friday Night Smackdown this week. In my humble and biased opinion, SD features the best wrestling of any WWE program this week. Edge had another memorable night of TV and is simply on top of his game and doing what he does better than any one in the WWE. I especially enjoyed the Triple H vs. Chavo Guerrero, Matt Hardy vs. Shelton Benjamin, and Edge vs. Big Show bouts in particular. Plus, the continued slow, steady growth of the “Moscow Mauler” Vladimir Kozlov is encouraging when one looks long term. Every match on the program seemed to accomplish their goals which is always fun of which to be a part.

Powell's POV: Best wrestling show? Hell, it's the only wrestling show. There's more talk on Raw than there is on Rush Limbaugh's radio show. I've enjoyed the last two editions of Smackdown and I've enjoyed it a lot more since the WWE Draft took place for a variety of reasons.

-Ross on Tony Atlas: Interesting pairing of Tony Atlas and ECW Champ Mark Henry this Tuesday on Sci Fi. Henry traveling with Atlas will allow Mark to sit under a veteran’s learning tree and talk wrestling and the many nuances of the business. I am pulling for Atlas, a WWE HOF’er, who has had some challenging times in recent years including being homeless for a time. I am a big believer in 'mentoring' and every successful wrestler I can think of had a mentor in their professional life.

Powell's POV: I've spoken with other WWE sources who are not as optimistic regarding Tony's run. I don't think anyone is rooting against Atlas and nor should they, but the move to hire Atlas surprised some people.

Other topics include J.R.'s assessment that C.M. Punk vs. Batista will be one of the most analyzed matches of 2008, his chemistry with Mick Foley, and new WWE 24/7 features.

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