Jim Ross recently spoke with Joe Roderick from Grand Slam Sports about WrestleMania and more. Check out the highlights:
On the weather for WrestleMania 29: “My initial thought was to pack a jacket. That hasn’t changed. I looked at the long-term weather, and it looks like we’re going to get a break in the end. It’s going to be chilly, but it’s not going to be raining. It’s not going to be snowing. It’s going to be an adventure, which is great for fans like me. The stadium is great. [It's a] beautiful stadium. It’s going to be the home of the Superbowl next year. I’m excited about it. I think it’ll be a unique opportunity for those attending. Apparently the weather hasn’t driven anyone away because it’s sold out.”
On John Cena teasing a heel turn: “It seems that way. Last night, I was going into the show thinking that Rock won last year, so Cena will automatically win this year to even their big match rivalry at one apiece. But after last night, I’m not so sure that’s going to happen. I was intrigued that Cena’s promo was a little bit edgy. I thought, is that just the character, the persona, being what it’s cast to be, or is it the human being processing what I said earlier? We have to follow everything. We have to close the show. It’s game day for us. So I don’t know. It’s provocative to me because I try to stay away from all the creative stuff. I don’t want to know what’s going to happen. I don’t have any desire to know the end of the movie. I want to see it unfold. So, I’m somewhat intrigued by the whole process, especially after last night’s RAW.”
On the Undertaker’s physical condition: “Well, he’s in great shape, as good as it can be. He’s just like an old baseball pitcher that used to throw heat, and now his throw’s chilling. The bottom line is he still gets people out and he still is able to help you get a “W.” I think that’s where we are with the Undertaker. His body is worn and he’s had tears and surgeries. Still mentally tough, physically tough, and still dedicated to his profession. I know that he’s never going to compromise his body of work to have one more payday. So I know we’ll see him have a great match on Sunday against CM Punk, who’s another phenomenal performer. But he works through the pain. Not many guys I know would do what he’s doing right now, but he loves it that much. It’s not a need for cash. It’s not a need for he needs one more payday. He’s got all the money he needs. He loves what he does, and as long as he can keep the quality of his work up he’s going to continue to do it.”
On Bruno Sammartino: “I tell ya, if all the guys in the Hall of Fame were sitting at a table, they would all leave the head of the table vacant until Bruno got there. He dominated a wrestling territory, and the fans in St. Louis can identify with Sam Muchnick’s amazing run as a promoter there, week after week, month after month, year after year, and Bruno was the champion for one run for eight years. So his act in the market in New York City was amazing. He sold out Madison Square Garden 188 times, and he sold it out again this Saturday. A fitting honor, and I never thought it would happen. I’m very very happily surprised that it is.”
On whether he will be involved in WrestleMania: “Well, I don’t know. I’m not being evasive. I don’t have an assignment as of right now. I’m kind of like the Mad Hungarian, Al Hrabosky. I’m in the bullpen, going through my crazy mannerisms, and I’m ready to come in and get somebody out if you need it. If I’m needed, I’m there. If not, I’ll enjoy the view from wherever I am. I’m not being evasive. I’m not being cute. I don’t know. I’m always ready to roll if they need me, and last year I got an assignment sort of late. Thanks to Vince McMahon I was called out of the pen to call the Undertaker and Triple H match. I’m hoping something along those lines happens again. If so, then I’ll have a blast.”
On the weather for WrestleMania 29: “My initial thought was to pack a jacket. That hasn’t changed. I looked at the long-term weather, and it looks like we’re going to get a break in the end. It’s going to be chilly, but it’s not going to be raining. It’s not going to be snowing. It’s going to be an adventure, which is great for fans like me. The stadium is great. [It's a] beautiful stadium. It’s going to be the home of the Superbowl next year. I’m excited about it. I think it’ll be a unique opportunity for those attending. Apparently the weather hasn’t driven anyone away because it’s sold out.”
On John Cena teasing a heel turn: “It seems that way. Last night, I was going into the show thinking that Rock won last year, so Cena will automatically win this year to even their big match rivalry at one apiece. But after last night, I’m not so sure that’s going to happen. I was intrigued that Cena’s promo was a little bit edgy. I thought, is that just the character, the persona, being what it’s cast to be, or is it the human being processing what I said earlier? We have to follow everything. We have to close the show. It’s game day for us. So I don’t know. It’s provocative to me because I try to stay away from all the creative stuff. I don’t want to know what’s going to happen. I don’t have any desire to know the end of the movie. I want to see it unfold. So, I’m somewhat intrigued by the whole process, especially after last night’s RAW.”
On the Undertaker’s physical condition: “Well, he’s in great shape, as good as it can be. He’s just like an old baseball pitcher that used to throw heat, and now his throw’s chilling. The bottom line is he still gets people out and he still is able to help you get a “W.” I think that’s where we are with the Undertaker. His body is worn and he’s had tears and surgeries. Still mentally tough, physically tough, and still dedicated to his profession. I know that he’s never going to compromise his body of work to have one more payday. So I know we’ll see him have a great match on Sunday against CM Punk, who’s another phenomenal performer. But he works through the pain. Not many guys I know would do what he’s doing right now, but he loves it that much. It’s not a need for cash. It’s not a need for he needs one more payday. He’s got all the money he needs. He loves what he does, and as long as he can keep the quality of his work up he’s going to continue to do it.”
On Bruno Sammartino: “I tell ya, if all the guys in the Hall of Fame were sitting at a table, they would all leave the head of the table vacant until Bruno got there. He dominated a wrestling territory, and the fans in St. Louis can identify with Sam Muchnick’s amazing run as a promoter there, week after week, month after month, year after year, and Bruno was the champion for one run for eight years. So his act in the market in New York City was amazing. He sold out Madison Square Garden 188 times, and he sold it out again this Saturday. A fitting honor, and I never thought it would happen. I’m very very happily surprised that it is.”
On whether he will be involved in WrestleMania: “Well, I don’t know. I’m not being evasive. I don’t have an assignment as of right now. I’m kind of like the Mad Hungarian, Al Hrabosky. I’m in the bullpen, going through my crazy mannerisms, and I’m ready to come in and get somebody out if you need it. If I’m needed, I’m there. If not, I’ll enjoy the view from wherever I am. I’m not being evasive. I’m not being cute. I don’t know. I’m always ready to roll if they need me, and last year I got an assignment sort of late. Thanks to Vince McMahon I was called out of the pen to call the Undertaker and Triple H match. I’m hoping something along those lines happens again. If so, then I’ll have a blast.”
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