WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has published a new blog on his official website where he addressed such topics as next year’s WWE Hall of Fame class, CM Punk and Paul Heyman’s verbal talent, and what it takes for an undersized wrestler to succeed in WWE. Highlights from the post are as follows:

Next year’s WWE Hall of Class: “It seems as if I never stop getting questions on who will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2014 in New Orleans. Obviously, there are a few former Mid South Wrestling stars that would be viable candidates including Danny Hodge, who is in every wrestling Hall of Fame known to man, I think, the Fabulous Freebirds, and Dr. Death Steve Williams to name a few that come off the top of my biased brain.”

Undersized wrestlers succeeding in WWE: “Speaking of American, tackle football and WWE, I compare the red hot, @WWEDanielBryan to undersized superstars Wes Welker of the Broncos and Danny Amendola of the Patriots who are both smaller receivers with huge talent and who don’t realize that they aren’t the biggest dogs in the hunt. Skill set, passion, execution, character and professionalism cannot be measured by inches and pounds. Do smaller guys, whether it be in WWE or the NFL, etc have to be highly skilled to compensate for their physical measurables? Absolutely. But it isn’t an impossible feat as we have seen. ‘Refusing to fail’ cannot become one’s slogan but must become their way of life in professions where the “size matters” philosophy is often times over utilized.”

Advice for young talent looking to succeed in the professional wrestling industry: “For NXT talents who may read my blogs and any other young talents who desire a career in WWE, you cannot and will not be successful if you only invest in yourself while you are “at work.” DVD study, reading books on the biz, success stories, self help books, regular gym workouts, etc are not optional in my view but are essential. That also includes being personally responsible with one’s finances to the extend of filing and paying one’s independent contract taxes every quarter. If one isn’t mature and professional enough to handle the very basic elements of personal finance, which is a law BTW, how can the same person be depended upon to became a viable member of the locker room over the long haul? Personal responsibility is a multi faceted element in the total development of a sports entertainer. Uncle Sam rarely loses a match.”

CM Punk and Paul Heyman’s verbal talent: “Was asked on my weekly radio hit on yahoosportsradio.com today with @SeanPendergast about the promo skills of @CMPunk and @HeymanHustle this past Monday on RAW. Quite simply, Heyman and Punk are at the top of the food chain when it comes to delivering, believeable, organic, suspend-my-disbelief. verbal presentations. They are themselves. They are passionate and they believe what they are saying to be absolute fact. Young wrestlers who can execute their promos in the same manner increase their chances to find success and reach the Promised Land. A bad actor playing the role of a pro wrestler cannot or will not succeed, at least in my opinion. Bottom line for young talents….embellish who you naturally are and let the chips fall where they may.”

Ross’ full post can be accessed here.