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

-Ross on Monday's Raw: "One element that I really enjoyed regarding Raw was the various 'hooks' that were utilized to keep me tuned in and to not channel surf as much during the commercial breaks. In my opinion, every episodically produced TV show, wrestling or otherwise, should do al they can to keep their audience emotionally invested from segment to segment but to also promote 'next week.' Getting a TV audience to think 'next week' is a huge matter when producing weekly, episodic TV.

Powell's POV: I agree wholeheartedly. I mentioned last night that I liked the hook for the Big Show vs. Chris Jericho match heading into the first commercial break. I also blogged yesterday about my surprise that WWE promoted nothing more than the "Access Hollywood" girls heading into Monday's show. That's not an issue next week, though, as they've already hyped John Cena vs. Triple H, and Snoop Dogg as guest host.

-Ross on the Diva Trade: "I haven't throughly examined the 'huge' Diva trade...is that where 'huge' or plus sized Divas are traded....never mind. Bottom line is that many fans would like to see the Divas become a more vital part of every TV wrestling show that airs. I would like to see on going issues forwarded on the weekly, wrestling TV shows too as it simply provides the viewer with more TV personas to emotionally invest."

Powell's POV: Smackdown scored big time by picking up Mickie James and Beth Phoenix. Now we can only hope that the two of them won't be simply living in Michelle McCool's world on the Friday night show.

-Ross on Nancy O'Dell and Maria Menounos: "I did not dislike Nancy O'Dell or Maria Menounos' efforts on Raw as they were non abrasive, executed smoothly, performed what most would have expected them to do plus they will provide ample opportunities for WWE to garner additional publicity from their appearances. Isn't that the primary reason for 'Guest Hosts' anyway? If any one thinks that a guest host is going to walk onto Raw and deliver in a 5 star, wrestling main event, then think again. It's all about the sizzle and facilitating the WWE talents to provide the steak."

Powell's POV: I'd add increasing the ratings as part of the appeal of guest hosts. I don't believe the masses tuned in specifically to see the two of them last night, which is the big reason I felt like they should have hyped more going into the show.

Other topics include J.R.'s wedding anniversary, John Morrison vs. The Miz, Rush Limbaugh's interest in buying the St. Louis Rams.

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