Ross Report: Michaels, Rock, Trish, and more! A big Oklahoma "Howdy" to all, and my best wishes from under the black Resistol Hat for a healthy and Happy New Year! It's always great to go back "home" and see family and friends as yours truly had the opportunity to Thursday in Tulsa. A sold out crowd enjoyed live World Wrestling Federation action at the Tulsa Civic Center, the site of the old Mid South/Federation television shows of the 1980s. The fans braved terribly cold weather and challenging driving conditions to attend the long awaited Federation event. My two daughters even got to dance with Too Cool, much to their surprise. I'll be headed to South Florida Sunday or Monday to attend next Wednesday's Orange Bowl featuring my Oklahoma Sooners and Florida State to be played Wednesday night. Oklahoma is a 12-point underdog even though they are undefeated and ranked No. 1in the country. I will probably hook up with Faarooq (Ron Simmons) in Miami as the former Florida State legend will also be attending the game. Lita's back exam resulted in good news for the young superstar and her condition is improving and will not require surgery. X-Pac should be back prior to the Royal Rumble. His neck condition is improving and will continue to do so if the youngster really gets serious about his physical therapy and hitting the gym regularly. There are no plans to utilize Mark Henry or the Big Show in this year's Rumble. However, both are getting into better condition and continue to drop the pounds. The Federation did well on the sale of their hotel property in Las Vegas. Other potential sites in Vegas are being considered. TNN's RAW television ratings on Christmas night were very solid, but I think RAW on New Year's night will be a little tougher. Our cookbook, "Can You Take the Heat," is in its third printing! I hope you'll check it out. Dean Malenko is having knee problems, but he is still scheduled to be at TV, and is expected to continue his interaction with Lita. Malenko's MRI results are not available as I write this. The Rock has been invited to be a presenter at this year's NAACP Image Awards TV broadcast, to be held Feb. 3. Rock will join Michael Jordan and Denzel Washington at the event. I expect to speak with Shawn Michaels soon about his future in the World Wrestling Federation, and the possibility of performing in another match, or perhaps more in 2001. The World Wrestling Federation's video game business really seems to be booming. The World Wrestling Federation is going all out to promote Chyna's upcoming book, which is due out in late January. Several high-profile opportunities have been discussed, including lots of cable and network TV appearances. It looks as if this year's Royal Rumble card will feature five matches plus the Rumble, which will have competitors entering the fray every two minutes. Of course, this is subject to change, much like the weather. Triple H, Chyna, the Dudley Boyz, Trish Stratus, Lita and Raven will all be a part of UPN's Press Day in Los Angeles next Friday. The Dudleys will also be in Las Vegas on Saturday, Jan. 6, to do some promotional work with the XFL. Steven Richards and Ivory will be at WWF New York on Jan. 7. Trish struts her stuff in Times Square on Jan. 14, and the APA on Jan. 28. For the record, WrestleMania tickets are still available for April 1 in Houston. The World Wrestling Federation will be represented at the NAPTE TV convention next month in Las Vegas - including Triple H, Chyna, Ivory, Tazz, The Kat, Too Cool and J.R. Chris Jericho and Eddie Guerrero will be doing some promotional work for our pals at Gallery Furniture in Houston over the next several weeks. Eddie will be good to go at the Rumble. Chyna's fitness video is being promoted well. Check it out. I cannot, for the life of me, support backyard wrestling in any respect. The King just received his copy of Penthouse magazine, which featured a nice write-up by Bryan Alvarez on TV commentators in our business. I find it funny that the King got his photo in Penthouse before The Kat! And thank goodness my broadcast partner was clothed! Thanks, Bryan, for the kind words. I fully expect the "journalists" of the sports world to absolutely hammer the broadcast teams of the XFL throughout the season. Knocking Jesse Ventura is an easy lay-up for these pundits, and the other XFL broadcasters will provide fresh meat for these folks to chew up and spit out. But, of course, they are always fair and informed about the subjects of which they assault - er, write about. Our talents have had a great year entertaining crowds around the world. They are a quality team of professional men and women. No, they are not perfect. But they are from top to bottom - and this includes our talent development performers - the best roster I've been associated with in my 25 years in the business. Take care and have a safe and fun New Year's Eve, and remember - DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Thanks! J.R. Thanks to WWF.com