…continued from page two
Two of JR’s former broadcasting colleagues, Taz & Mick Foley, left World Wrestling Entertainment for TNA Wrestling, and the latest news being speculated on is former five-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion & Main Event Mafia Member, Booker T, could be making a return to the WWE at the end of his current contract. Does JR see Booker returning back to World Wrestling Entertainment? "I haven’t talked to Booker since he left the WWE. I think he is a good guy, and I’ve known him for years. I don’t know what WWE’s thoughts are about Booker T coming back or not. Now obviously, if he’s healthy, if he’s motivated, and he could manage the travel schedule at his stage of the game. I think he could be an asset."
JR has come around the Western New York area throughout his WWE career, and World Wrestling Entertainment is returning to Buffalo & Rochester next week for the first set of TV tapings for RAW, ECW, & SmackDown after Sunday’s Bragging Rights Pay-Per-View. Mosh asked JR about his memories of the area & working there. "I came to buffalo with the (Atlanta) Falcons one year & did the sideline reporting in a sleet storm, which was not overly pleasant, but the Bills killed the Falcons. When I go to Rochester, I always think of Gorilla Monsoon, because he was from there, and he always talked fondly about his upbringing there." JR also added his memories of the world-famous Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant in the Buffalo area, which was opened up by the famous grappler in the mid ’60’s, which is still owned & operated today by Ilio’s son, Dennis.
The absence of JR from SmackDown brought up questions regarding his contract status with the WWE & what his future holds…Could that include TNA? JR cleared up the situation exclusively on The Mayhem. "There’s no contractual issue with me. I just have to redo a deal. I have to come to terms on a contract, and I feel like it’ll be done. But if it isn’t done, I don’t need a telethon or a career eulogy. I’ve had a wonderful run; 35 years in the business…Are you kidding me? I’m a fan, I’m still a fan."
Concluded on page four …
