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

-Ross on Umaga: "I haven't commented much on the Umaga situation here but I have addressed that matter and many similar issues in the Q&A section. Nonetheless, I have been asked what is next for Umaga? I don't have an answer as the man himself is the only one who can provide that info. I do hope that Umaga takes the time to carefully think things through and to evaluate all aspects of his life and not just his wrestling career. Umaga has been blessed with many athletic skills but nothing compares to the blessings of having a wonderful family which has to come first in any of our major decisions."

Powell's POV: Fair statement. You can't expect Ross to reveal all the circumstances that led up to Umaga's release given his own position with WWE. To his credit, he at least comments on the matter even though I'm sure some in WWE would prefer that he simply ignore it and all other issues pertaining to former WWE talent.

-Ross on Stan Hansen: "I had a great phone conversation with the legendary Stan 'The Lariat' Hansen from his home in Waco, Texas on Friday. Stan was up my way in OKC a few weeks ago while his son Shaver was playing baseball for the Baylor Bears in the Big 12 Tournament but we were unable to hook up. Stan, 60 years old, is doing great and making a few autograph conventions from time to time and getting ready to watch his younger son play college baseball for the University of Texas at Arlington.

"We talked old times specifically when Stan and Frank 'Bruiser Brody' Goodish were a young, physical tag team in Mid South Wrestling for Bill Watts. Watts wanted to separate the two big bruisers which they did not like. Stan told me that even though both he and Brody were not willing to split at that time that they both realized years later that Watts was correct when he said that both men would make much more money as single stars than as a tag team."

Powell's POV: Shaver was selected in the sixth round of the MLB draft by the Seattle Mariners. As for the Mid South story, I'd say Watts made the right call. Both wrestlers went on to have tremendous careers as singles wrestlers. Of course, Hansen also made a lot of money in Japan working tag matches. He's a true legend and definitely warrants WWE Hall of Fame consideration.

-Ross on Mitsuharu Misawa: "Another significant piece of Japanese, wrestling history died this weekend. Mitsuharu Misawa apparently died in the very spot that he gained his incredible fame and resounding respect from wrestling fans around the Globe....inside a wrestling ring. It's a damn shame that the vast majority of American wrestling fans won't give a second thought about the untimely death of "a Japanese wrestler." I encourage all fans to find DVD's of Misawa and watch him in his prime, in the 90's especially. If one is really serious about about being a highly skilled, pro wrestler, then study the late Mitsuharu Misawa."

Powell's POV: Ross had much more to say about Misawa in his blog. Classy comments.

Other topics include a lack of on-camera appearances by the Smackdown announcing team, a charity event that J.R. attended with other celebrities, and more.

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