Grilling JR

Episode 384: 30th Anniversary of the RAW Bowl

As "The Voice of Wrestling" Jim Ross continues his recovery, we're firing up the time machine and heading back 30 years for one of the strangest nights in Monday Night RAW history, the first and last RAW Bowl! Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson revisit the January 1, 1996 edition of RAW and the WWF's unforgettable attempt to kick off the new year with a football-themed wrestling spectacle. JR shares his firsthand memories of calling the action, why Vince McMahon believed themed television could attract new viewers, and whether anyone backstage actually thought the RAW Bowl might become an annual tradition. Then, the guys examine the state of the WWF entering 1996. The New Generation Era was nearing its end, the Royal Rumble was right around the corner, and the company was unknowingly standing on the doorstep of one of the most transformative years in professional wrestling history. Plus, JR discusses Diesel's final months in the WWF, the arrival of Vader, the infamous "Billionaire Ted's Wrasslin' War Room" skits, and a Monday Night War that was beginning to heat up faster than anyone could have imagined. THIS WEEKS SPONSORS CAR GURUS - It's no wonder CarGurus is the number 1 most visited car shopping site, according to Similarweb's estimated traffic data. Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at http://cargurus.com LARINECO - Larineco is better-for-you chewing gum that uses the same mineral your teeth are made of to support daily enamel health. Right now, Larineco is offering our listeners up to 50% off at BuyLarine.com/JR BLUECHEW - When you buy two months of BlueChew Gold, you get the third FREE with promo code JR. You will also receive an additional 10% OFF + Free overnight shipping on your first order. Visit http://BlueChew.com for more details and important safety information SAVE WITH CONRAD - Stop throwing money away by paying those high interest rates on your credit card. Roll them into one low monthly payment and on top of that, skip your next two house payments. Go to https://www.savewithconrad.com to learn more. PODCAST HEAT - Want to grow your business with the power of podcast advertising? Reach loyal, engaged audiences through trusted host endorsements across the Podcast Heat network. Learn more at PodcastHeat.com

Episode 383: Champion, Coach, Legend - Remembering Dory Funk Jr

On this LIVE edition of Grilling JR, the voice of wrestling, Jim Ross, pays tribute to his close friend and wrestling legend Dory Funk Jr. JR shares the story of how they first met, reflects on Dory's incredible influence on the wrestling business, and discusses the lasting legacy the WWE Hall of Famer leaves behind. Then, the conversation turns to Roman Reigns and his place in professional wrestling history. Does the Tribal Chief belong on wrestling fans' Mount Rushmore? Conrad and JR debate Roman's impact, accomplishments, and influence on today's wrestling landscape. Finally, the guys look back at one of the most unforgettable moments of the Attitude Era: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's explosive encounter with "The Baddest Man on the Planet," Mike Tyson! All that, plus JR answers questions from the LIVE audience on another can't-miss edition of Grilling JR!   THIS WEEKS SPONSORS BLUECHEW - When you buy two months of BlueChew Gold, you get the third FREE with promo code JR. You will also receive an additional 10% OFF + Free overnight shipping on your first order. Visit http://BlueChew.com  for more details and important safety information MARS MEN - Get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at http://Mengotomars.com  PODCAST HEAT - Want to grow your business with the power of podcast advertising? Reach loyal, engaged audiences through trusted host endorsements across the Podcast Heat network. Learn more at PodcastHeat.com SAVE WITH CONRAD - Stop throwing money away by paying those high interest rates on your credit card. Roll them into one low monthly payment and on top of that, skip your next two house payments. Go to https://www.savewithconrad.com  to learn more.

Episode 382: Chemistry Of A Heel

On this episode of Grilling JR, the show kicks off with JR's predictions for SummerSlam, as Good Ol' JR shares who he believes will leave WWE's biggest event of the summer with momentum. The guys also recap AEW Redemption, discussing the standout performances, surprises, and what the event means moving forward. The conversation then shifts to the future of rising prospect Cruz Montana, before JR and Conrad break down Jim Cornette's timeless formula for creating a truly great wrestling heel and why the fundamentals of villainy still work today. Finally, the guys revisit one of the most outrageous moments in sports entertainment history, when Vince McMahon took on God in a tag team match. JR shares his firsthand memories of bringing the unforgettable spectacle to life, what was happening behind the scenes, and why the angle remains one of the most talked-about moments of the Ruthless Aggression Era.       THIS WEEKS SPONSORS SQUARE - Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at www.square.com/go/jr #squarepod BLUECHEW - When you buy two months of BlueChew Gold, you get the third FREE with promo code JR. You will also receive an additional 10% OFF + Free overnight shipping on your first order. Visit http://BlueChew.com  for more details and important safety information LARINECO - Larineco is better-for-you chewing gum that uses the same mineral your teeth are made of to support daily enamel health. Right now, Larineco is offering our listeners up to 50% off at BuyLarine.com/JR PODCAST HEAT  - Want to grow your business with the power of podcast advertising? Reach loyal, engaged audiences through trusted host endorsements across the Podcast Heat network. Learn more at PodcastHeat.com SAVE WITH CONRAD - Stop throwing money away by paying those high interest rates on your credit card. Roll them into one low monthly payment and on top of that, skip your next two house payments. Go to https://www.savewithconrad.com  to learn more.

Episode 381: The News Behind The News

It's another can't-miss edition of Grilling JR as "Good Ol' JR" Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson break down the biggest stories making headlines across professional wrestling! The guys dive into the latest developments surrounding Vince McMahon after another major allegation failed to gain traction, and JR shares his perspective on the ongoing controversies surrounding the former WWE Chairman. Then, JR gives his unique insight into what makes Kenny Omega one of the most gifted and compelling performers of his generation, revealing the intangible qualities that separate "The Best Bout Machine" from everyone else. Plus, JR and Conrad preview AEW Redemption, discussing the biggest matches, the stories to watch, and what fans should expect from one of AEW's most anticipated events. And in this week's look back through wrestling history, the guys revisit the 35th anniversary of Hulk Hogan's infamous appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show, examining why the interview became one of the biggest public relations mistakes of Hogan's career.     THIS WEEKS SPONSORS BLUECHEW - When you buy two months of BlueChew Gold, you get the third FREE with promo code JR. You will also receive an additional 10% OFF + Free overnight shipping on your first order. Visit http://BlueChew.com  for more details and important safety information LACINECO - Larineco is better-for-you chewing gum that uses the same mineral your teeth are made of to support daily enamel health. Right now, Larineco is offering our listeners up to 50% off at BuyLarine.com/JR MARS MEN - Get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at http://Mengotomars.com  PODCAST HEAT - Want to grow your business with the power of podcast advertising? Reach loyal, engaged audiences through trusted host endorsements across the Podcast Heat network. Learn more at PodcastHeat.com SAVE WITH CONRAD - Stop throwing money away by paying those high interest rates on your credit card. Roll them into one low monthly payment and on top of that, skip your next two house payments. Go to https://www.savewithconrad.com  to learn more.

Episode 380: Something's Missing

What makes fans truly invest in professional wrestling? This week on Grilling JR, Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson tackle some of the biggest questions facing the business today. JR shares his thoughts on the conversation surrounding SummerSlam's ticket sales and whether they're a sign that something is missing in today's product. From there, the discussion turns to the importance of creative direction and why compelling storytelling remains the driving force behind every successful wrestling promotion. Jim also recalls some unforgettable experiences traveling with Vince McMahon, including the Chairman's unique quirks aboard the corporate jet, offering a fascinating behind the scenes look at one of wrestling's most talked-about figures. Then, the guys take a trip back to one of the most memorable matches in Monday Night RAW history as they revisit the unforgettable ladder match between The Undertaker and Jeff Hardy a bout that elevated a young superstar and remains one of the defining television matches of its era.     THIS WEEKS SPONSORS BLUECHEW - When you buy two months of BlueChew Gold, you get the third FREE with promo code JR. You will also receive an additional 10% OFF + Free overnight shipping on your first order. Visit http://BlueChew.com  for more details and important safety information CAR GURUS - It's no wonder CarGurus is the number 1 most visited car shopping site, according to Similarweb's estimated traffic data. Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at http://cargurus.com  PODCAST HEAT - Want to grow your business with the power of podcast advertising? Reach loyal, engaged audiences through trusted host endorsements across the Podcast Heat network. Learn more at PodcastHeat.com SAVE WITH CONRAD - Stop throwing money away by paying those high interest rates on your credit card. Roll them into one low monthly payment and on top of that, skip your next two house payments. Go to https://www.savewithconrad.com  to learn more.