Happy New Year from under the black, 200X Resistol hat from the WWE's resident Okie, who is just returning to Norman, Okla., after leaving the woodshed in Glendale, Ariz., following the whipping that West Virginia University put on my Sooners Wednesday night in the Fiesta Bowl (which I watched from the OU sideline). The Sooners losing another BCS Bowl game wasn't exactly the way I wanted to spend another birthday.

Nonetheless, as the King would say, "One can't grieve forever." One of my favorite events of the year is just around the corner, and that is the 21st Royal Rumble, which I look forward to every January.  

Even the "village idiot" couldn't screw up this week's Raw Superstar of the Week as there is only one logical choice for Monday Night Raw #762 from Greensboro, N.C. -- and that is "Nature Boy" Ric Flair. For my money, sports-entertainment (that's the politically-correct term, you know) is about conveying clearly-defined, raw emotions and over the years, no one I can recall seeing in person elicited more emotions from fans than Ric Flair. I hope "Naitch" wrestles for years to come, but we all know that sooner or later, Flair will lose and that loss will be his last. Per order of our "beloved" Chairman, the storied career of Ric Flair ends with his next loss.

That particular stipulation doesn't seem fair, but perhaps life isn't so fair, either, sometimes.

Mr. Kennedy wrestled his most complete bout since arriving in WWE when he defeated future WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels in one of the best contests I can recall seeing on Raw in a good while. Kennedy has a nice upside, as defeating HBK would indicate. Knowing Michaels as I do, this issue most likely won't be over until Shawn says it is over.

Did Ron Simmons just say, "Damn"? I thought so. That's a helluva way to earn a living. It's almost as much fun as selling BBQ Sauce and Beef Jerky (cheap plug) on www.jrsbarbq.com. 

Hey, Dr. Phil, just what is the importance or significance of "tough love" anyway? It sure seems that the esteemed Mr. McMahon is hell-bent on providing his son, Hornswoggle, some of the elusive tough love.

As the late Ernie Ladd used to say about himself, Umaga doesn't "work by the hour," as the large Samoan made short work of the veteran "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan Monday night to qualify for Royal Rumble. 

No, don't adjust the volume on your TV sets. It's JBL back on Monday Night Raw, and the talented athlete is focused on becoming WWE Champion again in the future. But until that time, the former Texan-turned-Manhattanite (as in New York City, not Kansas) seems to be somewhat occupied with a matter known as Chris Jericho, which will be a damn interesting story to follow.

It is hard not to respect The Glamazon, WWE Women's Champion Beth Phoenix, who continues to dominate her division. The Triple Threat Match for her title Monday night in Greensboro featuring her, Mickie James (who is working on her college degree as we speak, which is a smart -- no pun intended -- move) and Melina was one of the best Diva bouts on Raw in a while.

William Regal, who I assume is still Raw GM, had an unexpected act of benevolence Monday night by refusing to smash "Horny" McMahon's brains in with brass knuckles, much to the little guy's Pop's dismay. Did Regal rectify the situation later on Raw when his actions during the Triple H-Flair match resulted in The Game losing via disqualification to Ric? Triple H was eliminated from the Royal Rumble Match, where the winner earns a title opportunity at WrestleMania XXIV. I assume we will learn more about this politically sticky situation this Monday night on Raw, which will feature "Raw Roulette" from the beautiful Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn. I think I might hear a Texas Hold ‘Em game calling my name Sunday night upon my arrival back in the friendly confines of the Nutmeg State.

WWE Champion Randy Orton is doing all he can to cool off the red-hot Jeff Hardy, who will face the self-proclaimed "one-man dynasty" at Royal Rumble. Orton's latest dastardly act of malice directed toward the convalescing Matt Hardy was particularly distasteful. Jeff Hardy's reception in his home state on the last Raw of 2007 was big-time, I assure you. Orton vs. Jeff is going to be one helluva wrestling match at the Rumble.

The Triple H vs. Ric Flair main event on Raw was superb and was refreshingly old school, and it felt great being able to broadcast a match so special on WWE's flagship broadcast from one of the most storied and historic sports arenas in America. Flair is as much a part of the Greensboro Coliseum as Michael Jordan, who starred in the same arena on numerous occasions. Without fail, interesting days lie ahead for the legendary 16-time World Champion.

If you haven't checked out what happened after Raw went off the air Monday night, it is has been on the WWE.com homepage. Yes, yours truly actually made the WWE.com homepage, ladies and gentlemen. But my actions directed at Big Dick Johnson and his twins were less than professional. I am dismayed with my behavior, even in light of Johnson's perhaps sophomoric and boorish actions. I apologize to you Mr. Johnson, and you will soon be receiving a bucket full of "J.R.'s Big Nuts," which are delicious, Oklahoma grown, oversized peanuts, available, ladies and gentlemen, at www.jrsbarbq.com.

Thank you very much and I hope to see you Monday night for "Raw Roulette" on USA Network, which I hear may be broadcast in HD, and that means you will likely see less of yours truly than ever. Be well, and have a great 2008!
 
J.R.

Be sure to check out J.R.'s Family Bar-B-Q Restaurant at www.jrsbarbq.com.