Episode 369: New Game Plan Now!
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In Episode 369 of Grilling JR, host Conrad is joined live by legendary wrestling announcer Jim Ross immediately after AEW Dynamite, discussing the night's standout matches and broader industry trends. Ross shares positive health updates from his recent physical, expresses excitement for the upcoming Double or Nothing event in Queens, and delivers high praise for AEW's storytelling, particularly the Brody King vs. Darby Allin main event and the MJF vs. Kevin Knight opener. He reflects on the legacy of Hulk Hogan, calling his WrestleMania 18 match against The Rock 'wrestling Shakespeare' and a career-defining moment, while also offering thoughtful insights on current talent like Alistair Black, whom he believes has untapped potential but needs to refine his attitude and game. The episode also features sponsor segments for Blue Chew Gold and Morgan & Morgan, with Ross emphasizing the importance of reliability, mentorship, and creative planning in professional wrestling. The conversation closes with a powerful reading from Ross’s book, highlighting the emotional and historical weight of Hogan’s final match.
Alistair Black’s career success hinges on attitude and continuous improvement, not just talent.
Storytelling with a clear beginning, middle, and end elevates modern wrestling matches.
Hulk Hogan’s WrestleMania 18 match with The Rock remains a benchmark for emotional and narrative excellence.
Sustained fan engagement requires authenticity, not just comedy or spectacle.
Talent development demands creative collaboration and personalized game plans, not one-size-fits-all bookings.
Live from AEW Dynamite: Health, Hype, and Hopes
“I'm very blessed and very happy and good results today. It's always good to get results, good results from your health.”
AEW Dynamite Match Breakdown: Storytelling and Star Power
“You always want to put the babyface in as much jeopardy as they can be placed. And I thought, and with Darby Conrad, that's easy. He's a buck 80 or something for God's sakes.”
The Legacy of Hulk Hogan and the Power of Iconic Matches
“It was wrestling Shakespeare. We're never Tyson and I, we aren't going to get the witness of The Rock and the Hulk. The king said as Hogan began to run his mouth in a ring.”
Alistair Black and the Art of Talent Development
Ross offers candid advice to Alistair Black after his WWE release, emphasizing the need for attitude adjustment, creative growth, and mentorship. He believes Black is a 'keeper' but must evolve beyond his current limitations.
The Business of Wrestling: Releases, Rebranding, and Future Plans
Ross discusses the recent wave of WWE talent releases, expressing empathy for those affected while questioning the long-term strategy behind cuts. He advocates for structured game plans, creative collaboration, and 60-second vignettes to reintroduce talent.
“It was wrestling Shakespeare. We're never Tyson and I, we aren't going to get the witness of The Rock and the Hulk.”
“If all the people in the seats were lovers, they would have all been smoking right about now.”
“You always want to put the babyface in as much jeopardy as they can be placed. And I thought, and with Darby Conrad, that's easy. He's a buck 80 or something for God's sakes.”
Host
Guest
Hulk Hogan
person
Jim Ross
person
AEW
organization
The Rock
person
Alistair Black
person
Conrad
person
AEW Dynamite
other
WWE
organization
Tony Khan
person
MJF
person
Episode 365: Why Austin? Why!
Grilling JR • 18m • 4/2/2026
Episode 366: Is Vince Secretly Running WrestleMania?
Grilling JR • 1h 7m • 4/9/2026
Episode 367: Darby Allin Wins!
Grilling JR • 1h 21m • 4/16/2026
Episode 368: What is Lesnar's Legacy?
Grilling JR • 1h 8m • 4/23/2026
Episode 370: Tough Business
Grilling JR • 1h 4m • 5/7/2026
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