X-Pac opens today’s show by speaking about last weekend’s NJPW event. He points out that he enjoyed most of the show, but he really wishes performers would stop dropping each other on their heads. He points out that offence such as stiff forearms and chops are fine, but dropping your opponent on their head is not a safe way to work.
X-Pac welcomes Jim Ross to the show.
Ross informs that he has battled through a lot this past year. He thanks the fans for being a support base for him, because they were a life saver for him. He points out that he’s trying to stay busy because he likes his work, and he didn’t like the thoughts that entered his head when he was alone.
He informs that Vince McMahon wanted him to be at WrestleMania last year, even though it was shortly after his wife, Jan’s death. He says McMahon is a wise man, and while other promoters or certain talents might criticize him, they need to realize that he continues to make them money whether they’re working for WWE or not.
Ross informs that he really enjoys his work right now, and he enjoyed calling the recent NJPW show which aired from the United States this past weekend. He thought it was a good show, but he admits that a 4-hour runtime can be a challenge. He points out that he and Barnett have dealt with some criticism regarding their commentary of the event.
He knows that a lot of NJPW fans are loyal to Kevin Kelly and Don Callis, and he completely understands that. However, he doesn’t think it’s necessary for people to attack him and Barnett online. He informs that people are even starting petitions to ensure that he and Barnett don’t call any more NJPW events, and he thinks their time would be better served trying to be better human beings.
X-Pac asks Ross what the biggest difference is between working for NJPW and WWE. He points out that WWE’s budget allows for all the bells and whistles which makes his job as easy as possible. On the other hand, the guys at AXSTV are one of the greatest groups of guys he’s worked with – guys that he enjoys being around and would love to stay in touch with outside of wrestling.
X-Pac recalls complaining to Ross about payment when Ross was WWE’s VP of Talent Relations. He informs that Ross would always take care of him, and would throw an extra $5,000 on his cheque. One night in particular he performed alongside Edge and Christian to a sold out house, and after the show Edge and Christian received $12,000 but he only received $4,000. He called Ross and they had a discussion, and shortly thereafter he received a cheque for $8,000. He’s always been loyal to Ross because of that.
X-Pac recalls Ross talking to him when he started to make good money in WWE. X-Pac had a couple of 7-figure years in WWE, and Ross advised X-Pac to get some financial planning in place at that time. X-Pac informs that he did just that, but he jokes that it didn’t prevent him from spending all of his money.
Ross mentions that he hopes to get a call from WWE regarding a role at this year’s WrestleMania. He hasn’t been asked about a role yet, but he hopes that call will come. He points out that this has nothing to do with wanting a pay day, he just loves the idea of working on the Grandest Stage of Them All. X-Pac thinks Ross will be on the show in some fashion.
Ross informs that his new podcast, “The Jim Ross Report” will debut on WestwoodOne in April, and he’s very excited about this new opportunity. He plans on building a studio in his home, and he thinks he’ll be more creative there because that’s his comfort zone.
Ross informs that if he was booking WrestleMania, he’d have Undertaker and John Cena close the show. He wouldn’t put one of the Championship matches on last because he feels like that would undermine the other Title bout. X-Pac points out that he knew last year’s match wouldn’t be Undertaker’s last, and Ross notes that Undertaker isn’t retired until he says he’s retired.
That sums up today’s episode of X-Pac 1, 2, 360. You can listen to the show yourself anytime here, and I’ll catch ya next week for another recap!
