Deep thoughts from under my traditional white cowboy hat...

Many fans raved about this week's television. Raw and Smackdown gave us a few more matches for Survivor Series and we had quite a few interesting "sports entertainment" segments. Two incredible promos and The Rock-Stone Cold confrontation that closed Raw made for some of the best television the World Wrestling Federation has dished out all year. These two had done bits such as that on the house show tours that went over well with the live crowd and last Monday night was no exception. I'll take The Rock's singing over Shane McMahon's dancing any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

I couldn't agree more with what Mick Foley said in his promo on Raw. There's too damn many titles and by default they have lost their luster. It doesn't help that some of these titles seemingly change hands every week. Mick made mention that we may not see him on WWF television regardless if the WWF wins or loses at Survivor Series and he was honest in that statement. As a Mick Foley fan for over a decade, I would like to say thank you for actually giving a damn about the product.

Paul Heyman's calling out of Vince McMahon on Smackdown was excellent television in my view. I'm not the biggest supporter of Heyman, but the man brought genuine emotion in his promo in an attempt to save the Survivor Series pay-per-view. I mean, this pay-per-view is being sold on the fact that jobs will be lost after Sunday night and most performers seem rather indifferent to the whole thing. Commentators try to ram the point home, but it's nothing more than white noise. An enraged Heyman hit Vince with the truth and gave me, as a viewer, the feeling I should have had when the "InVasion" started. Odds are it may not have gone over as well with the more casual fan and they saw it as "a fat and bald asshole doing a heel promo." You gotta believe though that even the casual fan could sense that Heyman legitamitely felt that way and they were seeing something out of the ordinary.

Right about here is where I would mention that Diamond Dallas Page is currently digging his own grave, but I'll save my thoughts on DDP for next week. At least he didn't embarrass himself on Howard Stern's show. Well, he did mention his wife is 16 years younger than him, but I say more power to him on that one.

I unlike Jim Ross, actually listened to Stern's show and I have to say Torrie Wilson and DDP represented the WWF very well. Congratulations to Torrie or her engagement to Billy Kidman.

Shane McMahon's appearances this week were a positive for the most part from where I sit. Shane addressed the Alliance seriously on Raw and since he didn't dance or act like an ass his promo actually meant something. I don't understand Shane's fetish for stealing catch phrases or signature moves of other superstars. How Shane can get away with making the Rattlesnake his bitch by saying "What?" to close out that segment boggles my mind. Also, I may never understand the jumping chairshot his hits superstars with. This isn't basketball Shane-O-Mac. This ain't ballet or figure skating. No style points are handed out for "fancy" chairshots.

Concerning start-up promotions backed by money marks I have an old saying: If it walks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck.

I said last week that the new tag team of Billy Gunn and Chuck Palumbo should be an adventure to follow. And these two didn't disappoint in their first exposure as a team. That interview Lilian Garcia conducted with these two on Sunday Night Heat had to be one of the most awkward moments in the history of the business. "The One" checked Palumbo out and Palumbo giggled like a school girl. Can't forget to mention the matching orange tights. If they're looking for a team name, I highly suggest either "3 dollar bill" or "Box Office Poison."

Rico Constantino will continue to work dark matches until a character is developed for him. Where have I heard that one before? This former police officer has lived a very traumatic life.

Folks, I am not putting much stock in those Jerry Lawler rumors. If the King returns on Monday night, then great. If he isn't there, you would have just set yourself up for disappointment.

Let's take a look at the matches scheduled for Survivor Series...

The enhancement talent battle royal for "immunity" should be viewed as what it is. Just a way for talent to get their face on the PPV. As always, don't expect a 5 star classic here.

Edge vs. Test is a test (pun intended) for both of these young studs. Their in-ring styles may be different, but the effort will be there without a doubt. Don't forget that this match is to unify the U.S. and Intercontinental Championships. I know I almost did.

Once again the Federation goes to the well by matching up the Dudleys and the Hardys. However, this time it is a unification match to unify the WWF and WCW Tag Team Championships. Also, it will take place in the unfriendly confines of a 15-foot high steel cage. Also, a break up between Matt and Lita has been foreshadowed. All this action could make this one a barnburner.

The six pack challenge for the vacant Women's Championship won't be textbook wrestling, but the effort should be strong. The only question I have about the mystery woman is she going to be dressed like WCW's mystery man back in January?

William Regal and Tajiri should have a very good outing. They'll work it snug that's for sure.

I think the 5 on 5 Team WWF vs. Team Alliance match has everyone intrigued for many different reasons. I would love to see this match get at least 45 minutes considering all the talent in there. Even though it hasn't been teased on television, I think a return by Triple H could be in the cards. I wouldn't rule out a Montreal finish either.

My Sooners are 7.5 point favorites over Texas Tech on Saturday. Oklahoma needs this game in the worst way possible if they want a shot at the Big 12 title game. Should be a wild day in Lubbock.

I hope everyone enjoys Survivor Series. You can count on me producing some thoughts on Survivor Series Monday morning right here on the [slash].

That's my prerogative.

J.R., Jr.
The Best Damn Columnist on the Damn Internet