Tag: Jim Ross

“Four Horsemen” And Other New Trademark Filings By Cody, Conrad Thompson And Arn Anderson

We have seen a flurry of activity on the professional wrestling intellectual property front recently with All Elite Wrestling’s Cody [Rhodes], professional wrestling podcaster Conrad Thompson, and professional wrestling great Arn Anderson all filing for trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

On March 10, 2019, Cody Runnels, also known as Cody in professional wrestling circles, applied to trademark the moniker he has used on the indie scene, ‘The American Nightmare’. Of course, ‘The American Nightmare’ is a take on Cody’s famous father’s nickname, ‘The American Dream’, which Cody also applied to trademark on March 10, 2019.

Conrad Thompson, through his business entity, Toot Toot, LLC, applied to trademark ‘Four Horsemen’ on March 10, 2019.

Also of note, recently released WWE producer, Arn Anderson, applied to trademark his ring name on March 9, 2019.

All of these new trademark applications were filed through the same Attorney Of Record, Michael E. Dockins of Toledo, Ohio. We recently reported that WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross applied to trademark the phrase, ‘The Voice Of Wrestling’ for appearances and podcasts. Michael E. Dockins is the Attorney Of Record for that recent filing as well.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jim Ross Applies For New Trademark As His WWE Departure Nears

On March 7, 2019, WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross applied for a new trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Under Ross’s business entity, J.R.’s Blackhat Enterprises, LLC, which also owns the intellectual property behind Ross’s barbecue products, book, and stage shows, the professional wrestling veteran has applied to trademark ‘The Voice Of Wrestling’.

According to Ross’s application, the trademark is to be used for live and personal appearances, and podcasts, including video podcasts.

This news comes hot off the heels of Ross’s announcement that he will be parting ways with WWE at the end of March 2019. Moreover, in recent weeks, Ross has stated that he will likely begin a new podcasting project with pro wrestling superfan and entrepreneur Conrad Thompson, which will replace the current incarnation of Westwood One’s Jim Ross Report.

“It’s moving along well,” Ross said of the new venture on The Jim Ross Report recently. “It looks as if, unless something happens in the 11th hour, it’s going to be a go. If it goes like Conrad and I have strategized and gameplanned it, it will replace this format and I’ll keep you posted on that. It’ll replace this format and make it better, so I’m looking forward to that. Conrad has done a great job with Eric Bischoff and Tony Schiavone [on their respective podcasts].”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jim Ross Announces Plans To Leave WWE At End Of March

On the latest installment of his weekly podcast, “The Ross Report,” WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross announced his plans to leave WWE at the end of the month.

“Good Ole’ J.R.” revealed during the show that he recently met with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and the two mutually agreed to part ways. Ross confirmed that he will no longer be affiliated with WWE once his current contract expires at the end of this month.

“I still want to play the game, I still want to stay busy,” said Ross on this week’s edition of his Ross Report podcast. “I will not be returning to WWE after the 29th of March.”

As noted, Ross has been rumored to be involved with the upstart All Elite Wrestling (AEW) promotion.

Check out the complete episode of The Ross Report featuring Jim Ross’ comments about his WWE status at Omny.fm.

Source: EWrestling.com

Jim Ross On If AEW Will Get A TV Deal

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently weighed in on the formation of All Elite Wrestling on The Jim Ross Report. Specifically, Ross speculated that a TV deal is more or less in place for AEW come Fall 2019. Ross suggested that AEW will most likely be most comparable to New Japan Pro-Wrestling in terms of roster size and an athletic presentation. Also, Ross talked about the advice he imparted on AEW President Tony Khan.

According to Ross, the AEW rally most likely would not have happened if a television deal was not basically done already.

“I don’t think you go on and do a big presentation like those folks, the Khans, AEW, did on Tuesday if you’re not pretty damn set on your television outlet. So I think the television outlet is more set than people probably know and maybe they’re not ready to know or need to know right now.” Ross added, “maybe there’s an I not dotted, or T crossed or whatever, but getting on a basic cable channel to me is imperative.”

In Ross’s learned view, a TV deal is essential for AEW’s success. ‘Good Ol’ J.R.’ went on to say that he thinks AEW will be on a major network come Fall 2019.

“The issue is television is king. That’s your heartbeat. That’s your heartbeat and I’m of the belief, maybe I’m wrong, that a television deal is, I guess the politically correct term is ‘imminent’. I think a TV deal is basically done. Why would you do all of this celebration and this thing on Tuesday and all that without having more? You’ve got your [ducks in a row]. You’re showing us that you have your ducks in order or getting there on talent. And so I’m believing they’re not going in half-cocked here. Why would you have this major announcement, this huge event, or huge company, all that’s going to happen, if you didn’t have TV pretty much locked up? So I’m sure the paperwork, the ink’s not dry, and all those good things. Could be possibilities or they’re still negotiating some finer points, whatever, but I believe, come this Fall, that AEW is going to have a very prominent television partner that’s going to give this team the opportunity to be successful.” Ross noted, “I do think that the TV’s more in place than they are ready to announce right now and I understand that too.”

Also during the podcast, Ross stated that NJPW is probably the closest thing to what AEW will be as a promotion with an emphasis on athleticism and a real sports presentation.

“New Japan does a real nice job of having a small roster in number that remains special,” Ross said. “They do a real nice job of keeping their guys separate, keeping some exclusivity to the rivalries. That is [an] athletically oriented presentation. If there is anything I would suggest and I don’t know because I have not discussed it with anybody. Probably New Japan is going to be the closest analogy to what I perceive AEW might be, and I stress ‘might be’ because I don’t know. You can do more things, develop more talent, and do it in a reality based manner that people don’t roll their eyes every 30 seconds because they’re watching that damn wrasslin’ again. There’s credibility to it and at least the presentation bell-to-bell is going to feel like you’re watching kind of a perverse legitimate sporting event.”

Additionally, Ross shared that he met up with Khan for drinks and told the young billionaire that pro wrestling promotions require talent and a television deal to be successful.

“Alex [Marvez] and I have been friends for years, since the WCW days. And he introduced me to Tony and we had a [pro] wrestling fan chat and had a few drinks. But I said, ‘if somebody was ever going to do a pro wrestling company, the foundation is not a mystery. It’s all about television and talent.” Ross explained, “you can’t have one without the other.”

Check out this edition of ‘Slobberknocker Audio’ here https://www.westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/the-jim-ross-report/ or via the audio player below at the link below.

https://omny.fm/shows/the-ross-report/aew-breakdown-with-pro-wrestling-sheet-s-ryan-sati/embed

Source: WrestlingINC with credit to The Jim Ross Report

Jim Ross Confirms AXS TV Role With NJPW Is Done At The End Of The Year

In January of 2016, it announced Jim Ross would be featured on NJPW’s weekly program on AXS TV, typically working alongside Josh Barnett. In addition to doing voiceover work, Ross also commentated for the live US shows NJPW held including the most recent Fighting Spirit Unleashed in Long Beach, California.

Ross is still signed with WWE through March, and WWE is apparently holding him back from re-signing with AXS TV until he’s officially a free agent in April.

While still working for AXS TV, WWE also signed the Hall of Famer in 2017 to work events like the WWE Mae Young Classic and calling a handful of matches at WrestleMania.

On Twitter, Ross confirmed yesterday he would be heading out to record his final sessions with AXS TV and that would be it until his contract is finished up at the end of the year. This also means Ross won’t be calling Wrestle Kingdom 13 (January 4).

AXS TV is expected to announce it’s TV wrestling plans for 2019 sometime later this week.

Update On Jim Ross’ Status For Wrestle Kingdom 13, Contractual Status With WWE

With New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 coming up in two months’ time, there have been talks about Jim Ross’s status for the show, and if he will be calling the matches for AXS TV. Ross is currently under contract with AXS TV, but also signed a new deal with WWE last year.

On the most recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shed some light on Jim’s contractual status with WWE and AXS TV. Dave revealed that Ross’s contract with AXS TV expires on December 31st this year, and that he won’t be calling the pay-per-view for the network in January.

Meltzer also revealed that WWE told Ross he couldn’t announce for the QUINTENT event earlier this year in Las Vegas. Dave noted that Jim’s contract with WWE will run out on March 31st next year, and unless he signs an extension, Ross will be free to work with NJPW from April 1st, 2019.

Source: WrestlingINC

Jim Ross Fuels Speculation Over New Promotion During Chris Jericho Cruise (VIDEO)

jim ross new promotion chris jericho cruise video speculation

Chris Jericho shot down rumors surrounding a new promotion he and Jim Ross are allegedly trying to get off the ground — but this video from his cruise will certainly fuel further speculation.

BroBible shared a video from Jericho’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Rager at Sea over the weekend showing a quick clip from the live recording of Talk is Jericho featuring JR and Jerry Lawler.

According to BroBible, the trio touched on WWE attempting to stop Rey Mysterio from appearing on the cruise and Ross can be heard in the video saying “Somebody along the way is going to create another company some day and you’re not gonna have to worry about all that bullsh*t.”

As we previously reported, Jericho/JR are allegedly working behind the scenes with billionaire Shahid Khan — who owns the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham F.C. of the English Premier League — to make the promotion a reality.

AXS TV has already denied any involvement, despite reportedly being in talks for TV rights.

Watch the video of JR below.

https://twitter.com/BroBible/status/1056745384050077697

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Jim Ross Gives Injury Update On Latest Podcast, Says Situation Was ‘Inept’ And ‘Dangerous’

jim ross njpw injury injured g1 special inept dangerous update

Jim Ross spoke on his latest podcast about the injury he suffered at NJPW‘s G1 Special in San Francisco … calling the situation inept, dangerous and unnecessary.

The legendary announcer kicked off this week’s Jim Ross Report by thanking everyone who sent him well wishes. He then explained doctors say he has bruised ribs and a bruised lung on the left side … plus, his sternum is “out of whack.”

Doctors are also worried about Ross catching pneumonia because of the lung issues.

Due to the injuries, JR says he had to miss a Headlock on Hunger event and a Glenn Jacobsrally.

Juice Robinson talked about the unfortunate incident on the latest episode of X-Pac 1-2-360 and said the ring crew told he and Jay White that the guardrails would be interlocked during the show. That clearly didn’t happen, however, and the chaotic incident led to JR getting hurt.

While discussing the ring crew doing this, Ross said: “All I know is that the situation was inept, it was dangerous, and it was unnecessary.”

Josh Barnett joined Jim later in the episode to talk about the G1 Special and the incident was discussed in further detail. The two announcers talk about White/Robinson apologizing after the event and Josh says he lectured them during the exchange.

Barnett also explains why he stepped up to Jay White, which can be heard in the full episode at the link below.

https://omny.fm/shows/the-ross-report/josh-barnett-looks-back-at-g1-special-future-of-br/embed?style=artwork

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Jim Ross Suffers Possible Injury During NJPW G1 Special In San Francisco

The G1 Special in San Francisco was full of unexpected moments and high spots. Juice Robinson fought Jay White in a battle that popped The Cow Palace when Robinson captured the IWGP United States Title. Unfortunately, Jim Ross suffered an injury during this match.

White sent Robinson into the steel guardrail right in front of the commentary position during their contest. Ross and Josh Barnett were calling the match when the railing came at them and hit a monitor down which knocked Ross out of his chair.

Barnett got angry at White and followed him into the ring. It was an intense moment that nobody saw coming, especially JR. The WWE Hall Of Famer says he couldn’t sleep that night because he was in so much pain and couldn’t even get his bag up in the overhead compartment on the plane as he traveled home.

Ross claims the spot during the G1 Special in San Francisco had nothing to do with the storyline and it wasn’t discussed with him beforehand either. JR says he might also have broken a rib. Hopefully, he heals up soon.

https://twitter.com/JRsBBQ/status/1016124400062648321

Source: WrestlingINC

Jim Ross Says Ronda Rousey Had The Most Impactful Pro Wrestling Debut Ever

Throughout his over 40 years of being in the pro wrestling business, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has seen thousands of names make an indelible mark, as well as the same amount flounder and never make a successful career out of it. Throughout the infancy of Raw, and lasting nearly 15 years, J.R. was instrumental in adding a much-needed emotional element in matches that not only assisted with the storyline and kept the fan interest, but also successfully win the Monday Night War against their WCW rival. In addition, J.R. has called numerous memorable WrestleMania matches, adding an extra level of fondness to them.

Despite all the legendary names who J.R. has seen debut, there is one on the top of that list. That person is Ronda Rousey.

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio, Ross elaborated on his thoughts of Rousey’s pro wrestling debut at WrestleMania.

“I thought that Ronda’s debut was the most impactful pro wrestling debut that I have seen in my 40-plus year career. If you look at her skill set, experience-wise, from this genre in pro wrestling, it was almost non-existent,” said Ross. “But she had so much pressure on her. The hype was amazing. The expectations were mixed. Some die-hard wrestling fans don’t even like her being there, which is absolutely insane. They are [sic] and goofy, no doubt about that. So, I was absolutely blown away by what she did and how she executed. She looked like an athlete; we knew she is an athlete. She’s a winner.”

J.R. also had a message for those who use Rousey’s two straight UFC losses as leverage to prove a point.

“Now look, some say, well, she lost her last two fights. Kiss my a**,” said Ross. “How’s that? C’mon. She won a lot of fights, guys. You know what I mean? She’s a winner. She goes to the Olympics and medals. She’s a winner. So I knew that she was not going to drop the ball.”

Despite the circumstances and criticisms, Ross felt that Rousey was very impressive at WrestleMania 34, and handled the pressure of having over 70 thousand fans at the stadium, and millions more at home, watch her compete in a WWE ring for the very first time.

“It’s WrestleMania, guys. If you’re an MMA fan, then you say, ‘Well, what does it matter? It’s still pro wrestling.’ There was almost 80,000 people there,” Ross said. “She had so much pressure at this massive event, it would’ve been very easy for her to slip the bit and not have a great outing. If she continues to train as diligently and as ferociously as she has been, the sky’s the limit for her. She can be really, really good.”

Source: MMA Junkie via WrestlingINC