WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross appeared on the 1400-AM The Ref in Norman, Oklahoma on Thursday with host James Hale. The following are the highlights of the interview. You may be able to find a podcast version later today at Sportstalk1400.com.

-Ross noted that he was in Green Bay on Tuesday for Smackdown. Ross spoke about Brett Favre's popularity in the city. He said there are still Favre jerseys for sale, and Favre still has a steakhouse in the city. Ross raved about the small city aspect of Green Bay and compared it to Norman.

-Ross was asked by a caller who the most influential person was in his life outside of a family member. He said that professionally it was Bill Watts. He called him a brilliant wrestling mind, and noted that he was his first of many great mentors. Ross noted that Watts didn't make the wrestling team at Oklahoma because a guy named Dale Lewis was better than him and he was a National Champion. Ross said Watts headlined Madison Square Garden in his third year as a pro wrestler.

-A caller noted that guys like Damien Sandow and Johnny Curtis seem to have natural charisma when it comes to their television persona. The caller asked how often he comes across guys with those characteristics. Ross said that's something that can't be taught. He said there are several NXT wrestlers who have good personalities and that's one of the things they look for.

-It was noted that Ross has over 500,000 Twitter followers.

Powell's POV: The show featured plenty of football talk with the Ross's beloved Oklahoma Sooners opening their season tonight. By the way, as much as I exchange jabs with Packers fans, I've always said that every NFL diehard should go out of their way to see a game at Lambeau Field. The majority of the Packers fans are a blast to hang out with and you can't beat the tradition and atmosphere.

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