Jim Ross Blogs: Chris Kanyon’s Death, Swagger’s Title Win

Jim Ross has posted another blog on his website (JrsBarBQ.com):

On Gene Kiniski: Former NWA World Champion Gene Kiniski has apparently taken a turn for the worse and is battling to stay alive. ‘Big Thunder’s’ cancer has spread to his brain and some speculate that is is just a matter of time for the former Canadian Football League player and respected, pro wrestling star known for being an athletic, big man who was always in awesome cardiovascular condition. Our prayers are with the family of Gene. Gene was always a gregarious guy and one old story was that he talked so much in the huddle while playing pro football that he often times had to be told to be quiet by the quarterback so their teammates could hear the play called.

On Chris Kanyon’s passing: Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Chris Kanyon who was found dead this weekend in his apartment in Queens, New York. The death is being investigated as a suicide as those close to Chris say that he has been battling depression for quite some time. Chris abruptly retired from wrestling and then also declared that he was a gay American which were both major developments in his life. I never knew Chris lead an alternative life style when he was with WWE for a few years not that it would have made any difference to me one way or another. Chris was an innovative wrestler who always sought new maneuvers and holds to utilize in his matches and was a really good teacher and helped many of today’s stars with a variety of in ring techniques. Chris was a guy who seemingly wanted to be a pro wrestler most of his life and embraced the fact that he made it but obviously had issues after leaving the ring. Chris Kanyon will always be considered an underrated star in my eyes and I sincerely wish his many friends and his family our heartfelt condolences during these challenging and heartbreaking times.

On Jack Swagger: Congrats to new WWE World’s Champion Jack Swagger on his accomplishments as the Perry, Oklahoma native had quite the week at WM26 and in Las Vegas on Friday Night Smackdown. Swagger was my last ‘recruit’ in WWE and I hope that he has a long, productive career that sees him stay injury free and becomes financial independent. I’d love to see Swagger be able to establish his Championship reign over an extended period of time but wish him the best nonetheless. We had a great, private conversation after Wrestlemania at the hotel and he knows what I personally expect of him and what he potentially can do in WWE if he catches a break, conducts himself as a professional, and works harder than any one on the roster night in and night out.

You can check out the full blog at http://www.JrsBarBQ.com/

The Chris Kanyon Suicide Notes – What Went Wrong?