Jim Ross Praises Bad News Barrett, Talks Alexander Rusev and Foreign Wrestlers

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross reviewed this past week’s episode of “Monday Night Raw” on his blog, and had some interesting things to say regarding a few of the foreign stars showcased on the program.

This week’s episode saw Bad News Barrett defeat Sheamus to advance to the final round of the Intercontinental Championship No. 1 Contender Tournament. Regarding Barrett, Ross had the following:

“Enjoyed the physicality of the Sheamus vs. Wade Barrett match and felt that the Englishman was due. When Barrett learns to occasionally retreat and to perfect the William Regal-like pro wrestling villian nuances he’s going to be money.

Of course, developing subtle, heel nuances is something that most playing that role in the biz could stand to work on sooner than later.”

Barrett has been the subject of on-again and off-again pushes in his WWE career, and will face Rob Van Dam in the finals of the tournament.

Ross also had some words regarding Alexander Rusev and his manager Lana, which he further expanded into a general view of foreign wrestlers.

“It will take some time and patience but I like the potential of Rusev and am a fan of Lana’s work even though both talents are still very green and are still learning their craft. Hopefully, by this time next year they will be a much more refined duo.

American wrestling fans, unfortunately in real life much too often, don’t like people who aren’t from the USA and/or who don’t sound ‘American.’ Not a flattering trait but nationalism storylines will generally work if executed smartly. Hell, some Americans dont’ liek folks with Southern accents and what in the hell is up with that? (Shout out to Hurricane Gregory Helms)”

The rest of Ross’ blog, where he talks about the rest of the episode, can be found here.

Editor’s Note

No surprise to see Ross as a fan of both these stars. I hope that they too can find their own place in the company, as they are extremely talented undoubtedly.

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