The Jim Ross Report Recap w/ Conrad Thompson – WrestleMania Weekend Analysis, Was ‘Mania Main Event Botched? Practicing for AEW Commentary Debut, More!

Ross is joined on today’s show by Conrad Thompson.

Ross thought this year’s HOF ceremony was a good show, but he thought it lacked the build or excitement of previous years. Conrad notes that perhaps the lack of a single headlining inductee hurt the show. He points out that someone like Vader really deserves to be in the HOF and he hopes we see that in the years to come.

Ross agrees entirely. He adds that Vader probably wouldn’t have been the headlining inductee anyways because McMahon tries to limit the amount of deceased inductees each year. In the end it’s a television show, and he likes having the show go off the air with a good speech from the headliner.

Ross says he loved Vader, even though he could be difficult to handle sometimes. He can recall Shawn Michaels refusing to work with Vader at one point unless Vader washed his ring gear. Ross had to call Vader and tell him to wash his gear and that was an uncomfortable phone call.

Ross thought it was a shame that Bret Hart was attacked during the Hall of Fame. Conrad agrees, and notes that some WWE wrestlers may be facing legal consequences for their punches during the scrum. Even though most people are probably happy the attacker got what he deserved, in today’s society someone’s probably going to have to write a cheque for those punches.

Ross thought WrestleMania was a good show but it was simply too long. He thought there were a number of matches that could have been shorter and that would have led to better matches and a better show overall. Conrad agrees, noting that the Triple H/Batista match was a good example of this. Ross agrees, saying that match could have been 10-12 minutes and it would have been great.

Ross and Conrad both agree that we saw the planned finish for the main event featuring Lynch, Rousey and Charlotte. If anything, the execution was poor by the talent and that led to the controversy. If that wasn’t supposed to be the ending, the referee wouldn’t have counted to three in their opinion.

Ross thinks it’s too bad that fans were worried about their exit plan from MetLife stadium during this match. He thinks this entire angle peaked too early and Conrad agrees, noting that Lynch was hotter 6 weeks ago than she is now.

Ross informs that he’ll have a new podcast with Conrad starting next week, or maybe the week after. The podcast will focus on Ross’ history with multiple promotions, and his experience at the commentary table as well as behind the scenes as an executive.

Conrad says it was great to see The Undertaker at RAW on Monday. He was surprised we didn’t see him at ‘Mania on Sunday, and equally surprised when he appeared on Monday night. He thought it was good because fans travel from around the world for ‘Mania weekend and Undertaker has become a big part of that experience.

Ross notes that Undertaker is so well respected within the locker room that no one questions his part-time schedule. If anyone has paid their dues, it’s Undertaker. It’s also important to note that part-time schedules keep talent fresh. A big problem with WWE today in his opinion is their over-utilization of talent.

He notes that Corey Graves is colour commentator on both brands and he fears this will burn Graves out. It’s obvious that WWE covets his look and skill, but it’s also obvious that they don’t have confidence in their other commentators.

Ross thought the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal was a throwaway match. It ultimately became a lengthy comedy skit featuring the SNL guest stars. He understands that matches like this help get more talent booked on the show, but he doesn’t think it’s a talent’s right to be booked at ‘Mania. He considers getting booked at ‘Mania a privilege.

Ross loved seeing Kofi Kingston win the WWE Title. He’s happy WWE gave their fans what they wanted and he hopes Kingston gets a long run with the Title because he thinks WWE can tell a lot of stories with him. However, he thinks it’s on Kingston to make that happen, adding that he needs to have better matches than he’s been having because this is the big-time.

Ross notes that it’s old school for a retiring talent to leave with a loss, but he would have changed those rules for Kurt Angle. He wanted to see Angle win at WrestleMania followed by a nice celebration for the legend. He thought Corbin did okay here, but he doesn’t see any money in Corbin yet even though he has upside as a talent.

A listener writes into the show and asks Ross if he’s nervous about calling a bunch of new moves for AEW. Ross says he’s not nervous at all. He might not get all the names of the moves right, but it won’t be for lack of effort. He notes that he’ll be part of a three-man booth. He’s not a fan of three-man booths, especially when he hasn’t worked with either man before.

He plans on meeting with his commentary partners for two days next week to practice commentary and to begin building chemistry. He thinks their commentary will continue to get better as the shows go on.

That sums up this week’s episode of The Jim Ross Report. You can listen to the show yourself anytime here, and I’ll catch ya next week for another recap!