Jim Ross shoots on why Smackdown wasn't live

For over forty years Jim Ross has been the Voice of Wrestling. From starting as referee in the regional territories to becoming the Executive Vice President for WWE, nobody has a story quite like Jim Ross. From recruiting and hiring some of the biggest superstars in the industry to providing the soundtrack for the most important moments in wrestling history, “Good Ole JR” was there for it all. Join us every Thursday morning as Conrad Thompson grills JR like you’ve never heard before, uncut and uncensored!

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[gerardparker]

The Smackdown fist stage was the best design

[jarrettallen]

I miss the ovaltron version of Smackdown back in '99-'01

[davidthompson]

I had no idea what the original Smackdown theme was saying but I damn sure sung along every Thursday

[DJDoubleCee]

After hearing Jim Ross’ explanation, I can understand why SmackDown was pre-taped. But I wonder why Michael Cole took his place in the commentary booth in the first few years SmackDown was on the air.

[Dakatari]

Even it was taped show still usually better than Raw anyway

[larrystilltheeman]

I always liked Smackdown way better than Raw. Smackdown had what I came to see...the wrestling. Raw not so much. Smackdown has always been the A show to me. Vince treats Smackdown like it's his stepchild. Not caring, not there and not live! Glad it became live a few years ago. Raw makes me sleepy.