WWE Smackdown

Next week’s edition of Friday Night SmackDown will be the 500th episode of the program. The 500th episode spectacular is rumored to feature an appearance from WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Rodz. As if that isn’t enough, the show will also take a look at SmackDown’s “biggest fan,” and what it’s like to be a ring announcer. Here is the official TV Guide preview for next week’s show:

New, (TV-PG-V), The 500th’s episode celebration includes Big Show, MVP, Johnny Rodz and other stars of the series. Plus, a look at SmackDown’s biggest fan, and what it’s like to be the ring announcer. (Pro Wrestling), (V=Moderate Violence)

Now, WWE is proud to present a look at what the WWE Diva’s will have a chance to defend on Smackdown if they have the honor of being WWE Diva Champion. This beautiful purple and silver belt is none other than the official WWE Diva Championship Belt.

Who’s gonna get it? Who’s gonna be able to keep it?
Stay Tuned.

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.

As we all know, The other night on WWE One Night Stand, The Undertaker lost his TLC match to WWE Superstar The Edge and, as a result, is forced to “leave WWE”.

Immediately following his loss, WWE.com actually removed The Undertaker’s profile from their SmackDown! superstars section. Well, this afternoon, The Undertaker’s profile was added back to the WWE.com under the Albumni section, next to WWE legends The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Well after speaking with several reliable sources, The Undertaker will actually be gone from WWE’s television series for several months. Its anyone’s guess when he’ll return, but its speculation we can see him return at SummerSlam in August, however the dead man could be gone until Survivor Series.

Taking time off is nothing new for the Undertaker. For over a decade, Taker has been known to take off several months at a time.

But we know for sure that The Undertaker is NOT retiring or leaving the WWE, nor has he violated the Wellness Policy. The answer being used by multiple sources is that The Undertaker is merely taking time off to let nagging injuries heal.

“He’s making huge money,” said one source who stressed that Taker isn’t going anywhere. “He has a long-term deal.”