Next week’s RAW is already shaping up to be a blockbuster show. Here’s what we know is going down so far:

Ric Flair will be returning to WWE next week on RAW to address Chris Jericho and his disrespectful remarks from earlier. A graphic appeared during this week’s broadcast with a picture of Flair in a gold robe advertising that he will be there live next week. The announcement came after Chris Jericho cut a promo on Mickey Rourke, Roddy Piper, and Ric Flair saying they were all washed up. He singled out Flair, saying that he is now doing autograph signings in high school gyms and interviews for shady low budget websites.

So the Nature Boy is coming out of retirement for at least one more beat down. Stay tuned for the full details.

We’re getting reports that that the new WWE Diva’s title match at the upcoming WWE Great American Bash pay-per view event later this month will be between Natalya vs. Michelle McCool.

Also coming down the grape vine is the news that CM Punk will remain World champion on the RAW side for a little while longer.

He’s being credited in show line-ups as World champion as far as late-August (where he faces up against JBL) in Madison Square Garden. Of course show line-ups can be changed at a moment’s notice, but it would make sense as WWE RAW’s rating is now holding strong at its’ average as another sign, especially now that the post-draft shake-up has left SmackDown! with the upper hand, and an unknown on top with the strap in CM Punk is another big change, but again, the ratings aren’t declining so it would seem logical to let his title-reign play out.
But that’s just our speculation. What’s your thoughts?

Ever since the draft, we’ve been hearing mixed reactions from fans on the decision. Well now we’re even getting mixed reactions from WWE employee’s too. Apparently Jim Ross almost quit the WWE last night after being drafted to SmackDown. He posted this new blog on his official website earlier today, stating that he was informed of the decision the same time fans were when they were watching on television. That’s not very nice of the WWE.

Below is J.R’s Own Words from JRsBarBQ.com:

As many of you know, I was “drafted” to Smackdown Monday night in the “random lottery”. Obviously that means I will be leaving Monday Night Raw and my long time partner Jerry Lawler.

I am not happy about this surprise development.

I also contemplated calling it a career Monday night and not going to Houston to tape SD.

After speaking with my wife and thinking on this matter until 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, I have decided to do the right thing for the fans who care and the talent who care and begin my new assignment.

It has been explained to me that the WWE’s Smackdown tenure on My Network is a high priority within the corporation. Allegedly, my presence is needed in that effort.

Many are speculating about when I learned of this development…the same time those of you were watching at home. I should have detected something with the demeanor of certain individuals either thru their plastic, poker faces or the perceived smirk that I thought I might have seen on some of their faces during the day.

As far as going to Connecticut each week to do Smackdown post production, that’s not going to happen. Either Mick Foley can handle it or the WWE can install a DSL line in my home to facilitate the work.

I will miss working with the King as the wrestling biz is one in which a guy can count his legit friends on one hand…even after a 30 plus year career. King has been like a brother to me….albeit an “older brother”. We will remain friends no matter that our team has been corporately imploded.

I believe that I have been strongly loyal to the WWE no matter the hands that were dealt to me over the years. In my tenure there I have earned a good living of which I am thankful. I will fulfill my commitments that I have made because unlike many in the business, my word is still my bond.

I can’t predict how long my Smackdown tenure will be, but I can promise that no matter how long or short it is that I will do my utmost best while sitting at ringside. I am not the kind of man who will “phone in” a damn thing.

My sincere thanks to all of you who have supported me on RAW over the years. I hope I was able to provide you a memory or two. Hopefully, we can create new memories now on Smackdown.

Based on my professional experiences, I look at each broadcast as potentially my last, which helps keep me motivated. So with that said we begin another chapter in my crazy life in the unpredictable world of ‘rasslin.

I still plan on attending RAW in my home market of OKC next Monday and I hear that tickets are still available. Any one have any extras?

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.

Wow, well, its safe to say that J.R. is NOT happy with the way things are turning out.

World Wrestling Entertainment has released a statement this morning addressing the cliffhanger that took place at the end of RAW. From the spin of the statement, it’s likely that the “tragic accident” was, in fact, “staged”… No! Not in wrestling…

The official press release is below

RAW® DRAMA

Last week, Monday Night RAW ratings defeated all other television programming on broadcast and cable in the coveted male 18-49 demographic. Last night’s shocking twist will no doubt add even more intrigue to the most watched regularly scheduled show on cable.

So there you have it folks, an accident does nothing more than add intrigue? Glad to see everyone’s ok and hope and prayers have gone out to Vince and his family…

For the 5th Week in a Row WWE’s Best of Raw – 15th Anniversary DVD has topped Billboard’s sports DVD chart according to their February 9 chart.

If you don’t have your copy yet, WWEShop currently has a special packaging the DVD with an Exclusive 15th Anniversary T-Shirt.
Get ‘em while the gettin’s good.

Product: WWE Best of Raw 15th Anniversary DVD T-Shirt Package
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WWE Best of Raw 15th Anniversary DVD T-Shirt Package