Jim Ross Speaks On Michael Hayes’ Return, RAW Tonight, More

Jim Ross has a new blog entry up. Highlights are below.

On Michael Hayes’ upcoming return: Yours truly looks forward to seeing old friend Michael Hayes return to work with the WWE which I understand might be this Monday in Salt Lake City for the live Monday Night Raw. As reported on many websites over the past several weeks, Michael made a mistake and a terrible error in judgment that has cost him severely. Sitting home for 60 days without pay and being demoted and losing current and future income are appropriate and significant punishments. Michael’s problem, in my personal opinion, are manifested and enhanced by one evil and that is abuse of alcohol. My paternal Grandfather was two different people, a loving, supportive “Grandad” when he was sober who attended many of my athletic contests and a mean spirited, embarrassing, foul mouthed person I did not care to be around when he was drinking which, unfortunately, was more often than I choose to remember. This particular matter came to a head when he rolled into our front yard one Saturday afternoon with a buddy who was also drunk and obnoxious while my Dad and I were doing lawn duty. The two of them thought they would “show off” when my Grandfather challenged me to a “wrestling match” knowing I was a big wrestling fan. My Dad gave me the nod that I had better defend myself and I reluctantly did and the physicality ensued. This ended up with my Granddad unfortunately sustaining broken ribs by his 15 year old grandson which is obviously not one of my fondest or proudest childhood memories. I have never shared this story with many people before now. My Granddad’s friend attempted to do the proverbial “run in” and “save” his drinking buddy until my 6′3″-270 lb. father backhanded him with Dad’s massive left hand. It was not a good weekend on the Ross farm but it taught me a great lesson of how destructive the abuse of alcohol can be. It is my understanding that Michael has received counseling for his alcohol issues which I am truly thankful to hear. Whether Michael works for the WWE for one more day or one more decade, I am more concerned that he defeats his demons and lives a long, healthy life. Financially and from a personal perspective, Michael Hayes has been hit deservedly hard but this unfortunate situation can be made into a positive one at the end of the day if Hayes learns from his mistakes and begins his daily battle to restrain from drinking. On a personal level, I am happy that Michael Hayes is being given another chance, Lord knows I have had second chances in life, and now it is up to him to make it work. I sure as hell hope that he does and will be there to help him in any way that I can. This entire, unfortunate experience may have saved the former Freebird’s life.

On tonight’s RAW: It looks as if Salt Lake City will be a sold out event this Monday night for Raw. I think we will see a faster paced show with more wrestling even though watching Mr. McMahon attempt to dial a phone had its moments much akin to yours truly trying to learn how to use the iPod I got for Christmas from my oldest daughter and her husband which I still haven’t learned to use. 🙂 Please feel free to make all the jokes you want about this subject especially for those who like to respond to this blog on other websites by using phony names and making wise-ass remarks about yours truly. I may deserve to verbally get my ass kicked occasionally but if this blog provides that much consternation to some why in the hell do they read it?

On the 6/23 RAW: It looks as if the WWE Draft show on June 23 in San Antonio will be a sell out for the 3 hour live broadcast on the USA Network that starts at 8/7 central as I understand it. I know all three announce teams are required to be there which is interesting. Do you actually think any broadcasters will switch brands? I know at least two “talking heads” that hope they don’t change addresses.

Check out the full blog entry here.