By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE announcer Jim Ross posted a new blog today on jrsbarbq.com updating Ric Flair's status on his birthday after a tough week, reviewing the NXT launch, and talking Arn Anderson in the Hall of Fame.

-- Ross said he exchanged text messages with Ric Flair today on Flair's 61st birthday and Flair said he's "doing okay." Flair was in the news earlier this week when his wife was arrested late on Sunday night following a reported domestic dispute after a dinner outing.

"We exchanged text messages this morning and it meant a lot to each of us. Ric was in okay spirits," Ross said. "I love the guy and for him to publicly say that I was the 'sound track' to his career at the WWE HOF function in Orlando was awesome."

-- Ross wrote a brief review on the NXT debut, echoing some of the comments he posted on Twitter during Tuesday night's first airing.

"I really enjoyed the innovation, feeling of newness, and potential of NXT," Ross said. "Anxious to follow it weekly. Love the combo of reality TV and wrestling. I'm very interested to see NXT evolve and loved the commentary."

Caldwell's Analysis: Potential is the key word, as WWE has yet to answer many questions on how the format works regarding the competition aspect, which could really enhance the show depending on how WWE maps it out.

-- Ross also addressed current WWE agent/producer Arn Anderson not being in the WWE Hall of Fame yet. Ross said Anderson is certainly worthy (if WWE hypothetically had criteria to determine worthiness) and he's underrated as a wrestler.

"Is Arn Anderson Hall of Fame worthy in the future? Hell, yeah. Double A is one of the most underrated wrestlers that I ever had the privilege of working with over the years," Ross said. "AA doesn't need the Horsemen to be considered for any honor."

Caldwell's Analysis: I expect that Anderson's time will come next year when WrestleMania is in Atlanta. That's going to be a big year for the Hall of Fame, as there are so many potential HOF inductees with a long, long history of pro wrestling in Georgia, plus the WCW history.

We suggest these recent related articles...

WWE NEWS: Superstars SPOILERS - Results from Chicago Raw

WWE NETWORK: Monday, Oct. 12 Schedule - Raw pre-show, Sting DVD preview

WWE NEWS: Lana & Rusev reportedly engaged - follow the interesting 2015 timeline