Tag: Jim Ross

Jim Ross Comments After Signing Off Show With “WWE Dynamite” Botch

Jim Ross, once again, misspoke during an AEW show when he signed off Wednesday’s program by calling it a live episode of “WWE Dynamite”.

Jim Ross is taking a lot of heat from wrestling fans… again. For the second time since joining the AEW commentary crew (really, the second time in a few months), he’s made the painful mistake of accidentally calling AEW by the name of his old employer. Again, he’s aware he messed up and on Wednesday night, following the show, he responded to folks who figured he should probably just quit.

To sign off Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite, Ross said, “There’s nothing in your life that will top seeing a live WWE Dynamite.” As you can imagine, the comments immediately came flooding in.

This is not the first time he’s made this mistake. It wasn’t that long ago he accidentally called Kenny Omega the WWE Champion. At the time, fans poked fun suggesting mistakes just happen. Since this is the second time he’s done it, fans have been a bit more critical.

Ross responded to all the heat on social media. He wrote, “Yep I apparently made an untimely error tonight at shows end. No excuses. And I’m not quitting.” His response suggests a couple of things. First, he seemed to have no idea he’d said what he said until he either saw it on social media or someone from AEW pointed it out for him. Second, he’s either beating all the critics to the punch or he’s responding to people saying he’s no longer someone that should be a part of the AEW announce team.

These mistakes are going to happen. When you’re Ross and you worked at WWE as long as J.R. did, it’s actually a bit surprising the slip up hasn’t happened more often. All it really takes is for something to cross your mind and out it comes. That said, does there come a point when AEW needs to do something about this?

As AEW fills the roster with more former WWE talent, it’s likely to happen again. And yes, he’ll take heat for it. At the end of the day, does it really hurt anything? It’s not ideal, but the video clip has gone viral. There’s always a silver lining.

Source: The Sportster – JIM PARSONS

Jim Ross Says AEW Will Be Releasing An “Aggressive” Touring Schedule Soon

On the latest episode of the Grilling JR Podcast, Jim Ross talked about AEW going back on the road for live shows for the first time since the COVID-19 Pandemic started. AEW has found a home at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville for the past year but according to Ross, they’re “aggressively” ready to hit the road and have fans attend their shows in different towns.

“We’re making some changes, we’re adding more content sooner or later with a new show,” Ross said. “We’re getting our schedule together, looks like we’re going back on the road pretty aggressively in the beginning of July and getting back to a live audience is a blessing. I can’t wait, it will help everybody’s work. Just can’t help but feed off the adrenaline of the audience surrounding you.”

AEW recently hosted its first-ever non-televised live event at Daily’s Place on April 9th. AEW also announced in March that plans to travel Boston, Rochester and Philadelphia had been moved to later in the year. Though it’s unclear if those events will be affected again, Ross talked about the schedule he expects AEW to have for the rest of the year.

“I expect an amazing atmosphere and that’s going to help everybody involved,” Ross said. “We fed off them. I’m sure AEW will be releasing their schedule [soon], I’ve actually seen it, it’s very aggressive. It’s very exciting, hopefully something for everybody to look forward to.”

“It just makes the show better. Business will pick up essentially when we’re back on  national television in front of a live audience. There’s going to be an awful lot of live television, I know where my Wednesday’s are going to be, in various locations around the USA. What about the UK? What about Canada? Would we look to go there? Of course we would but COVID’s still gotta play, you still got to play by the rules.”

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to Grilling JR 

Jim Ross Admits That AEW Still Has “Too Many Flips And Flops” For His Taste

“Good ol’ J.R.” Jim Ross took to his Grilling J.R. podcast this week to open up about why exactly he chose to sign a contract with All Elite Wrestling earlier this year. Ross admitted to listeners that money and the people involved with the company were major deciding factors when he signed, however, he would prefer the in-ring action to have less “flips and flops”.

“Somebody said, ‘Well, why are you at AEW?’ Because they pay me a lot of money, and I like the people I work for, and I love wrestling and love helping these young kids,” J.R. said. “Are they doing too many flips and flops for my taste? Yeah they are to be honest with you, they sure are. But they’re weaning themselves off that a little bit because that type of wrestling is not new and fresh anymore. How many times have you seen a 450 [splash]? A 620 [splash]… Now it’s not new anymore. It’s not new!”

Ross believes that using a more traditional approach and incorporating psychology to engage the viewer will ultimately be the style that AEW builds itself around.

“So we’ve got to figure out something else to get the people’s attention,” J.R. explained. “It might be a wrestling match; it might be using psychology and grabbing them by the emotional balls and pulling them right along in the story.”

J.R. signed a 3-year deal earlier this year as a Senior Advisor for AEW. The statement issued out at that time called his contract “the most lucrative deal in pro wrestling commentary history”.

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to Grilling J.R. podcast

Jim Ross Says He Turned Down Appearance At WWE’s Upcoming RAW Reunion

WWE’s upcoming RAW Reunion show will feature appearances from lots of wrestling legends — but Jim Ross says he turned down an opportunity to be one of them.

Ross revealed during a Q&A over the weekend at his Grilling JR live show that Vince McMahon recently made the pitch to him — according to WrestleZone correspondent Dominic DeAngelo.

The AEW announcer said Tony Khan was all for him doing it, but he ultimately turned WWE down.

WWE’s advertisement for RAW Reunion aired during Extreme Rules and teased appearances from Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Razor Ramon, Diesel, Kurt Angle, Sgt. Slaughter, Christian, Ted DiBiase, Eric Bischoff, Boogeyman, Jimmy Hart, The Hurricane, Santino Marella, D’Von Dudley, JR’s former broadcast partner Jerry Lawler and more.

The show will take place next Monday night – 7/22/19.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1150551491364577280

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Jim Ross Says Chairs Have Run Their Course As Wrestling Weapons

AEW announcer and Senior Advisor Jim Ross appeared on Busted Open Radio yesterday with WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray and Dave LaGreca, to promote Saturday’s AEW Fight for the Fallen event. You can download the full show at this link.

One of the topics discussed on the show was the unprotected chair shot that Cody Rhodes took from Shawn Spears at AEW Fyter Fest last month. Bully asked JR his opinion on chairs and chair shots in general, and Ross said he believes chairs have run their course in pro wrestling.

“I think the chairs have run their course to be honest with you,” Ross said. “The chair shot back in the day, the chairs were there as usable objects because we are sitting on them. The ringside fans and the studio audience were sitting on them. Those steel chairs and folding chairs were everywhere because they were handy, easy to stack, cheap, easy & inexpensive staging. Now, then nobody sits on a steel metal folding chair. They’re all locked up on ringside. Usually nicer chairs. And the announcers don’t sit on folding chairs. Maybe the timekeeper does, I don’t know. It’s a work that it’s such an expose. Another thing, the boys know, if they’re gonna use the chair they gotta assume the doggy-style position. They’re on all fours waiting to get hit in the back. And I can’t recall ever in the last many years that a chair shot to the back has beaten a single soul.

“So, why are we doing it? I’m not b—hing about our creative. It was edgy. It was out there. In hindsight I wouldn’t have done it. But it happened and we [the announcers] called it the best we could. But I think the chairs are kinda like the authority figures – I think they’ve kinda run their course. Unless somebody can figure out a way to make them more innovative and current, I’d say lets ‘table that stuff’. No pun intended Bubba. Let’s get rid of those chairs for a while.”

Ray responded and said, “Sounds like you’re not in favor of the chair more from the psychology perspective of it than the actual physicality of it. Because it seems like the physicality of it is what people wanted to harp on.”

Ross mentioned CTE and how important it is to protect the wrestlers.

“I’m a big person to want to protect the CTE issues and people’s brains,” JR said. “Because obviously we know that some of those injuries are irreversible. Guys get their brains rattled so many times over and over again – you’re asking for trouble. If you dodge the bullet then God bless you. I just think that we gotta protect the CTE, protect the talents. I’m big on that. But again, it’s kinda run its course. I feel when a guy assumes the position you think you’re getting ready to watch a scene from a prison movie. He’s on all fours here. Come on. We have a lot of high flyers here in AEW. But at some point in time they gotta start winning matches with their high flying moves instead of using them as segue spots to get from point A to point B.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jim Ross Reveals Big News On The First AEW TV Show

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, who recently signed with All Elite Wrestling, appeared on WFAN Radio in New York City yesterday and said AEW will have a weekly two-hour live TV show that premieres in October.

JR did not reveal the timeslot or the name for the AEW TV show, and he refused to elaborate on what network will carry the program, but we will keep you updated. Ross did say the AEW TV show will air on a major network that we all have access to.

“[AEW] is overwhelming for me,” Ross said. “To be 67 years old and be anointed the voice of a brand that’s gonna be debuting in October on national television on a major cable network, which can’t be named now. When people hear what network we’re going on, they’re gonna be doubly excited. It’s a network we can all find.”

Ross also said AEW is going for a more athletic presentation compared to what we see on TV from other promotions these days.

“I think what they’re shooting for is a more athletic presentation,” JR revealed. “It will hopefully be less eye rolling than the sophomore drama class trying to convince you in a 10 minute promo of anything they’re saying. It’s too long. Our audience can’t handle that.”

As we’ve noted, Ross signed a three-year deal with AEW and will make his commentary debut at Double Or Nothing on May 25, but he will also serve as a Senior Adviser to the company. His contract was called “the most lucrative deal in pro wrestling commentary history” in the AEW press release.

At the link below is full audio from JR’s interview on WFAN:

https://omny.fm/shows/the-afternoon-drive-with-carlin-bart-and-maggie/jim-ross-interview/embed

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jim Ross Officially Signs “Most Lucrative Commentary Deal” With AEW, Announce Team Revealed

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has officially joined All Elite Wrestling.

JR’s AEW signing was revealed in the latest episode of “Road to Double Or Nothing,” seen below. The episode features AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes praising Ross, and Ross talking about signing with the company.

It was also revealed that Excalibur and Alex Marvez will be on the AEW announce team. Alicia A will serve as the backstage correspondent and former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts will be the AEW ring announcer. Brandi Rhodes said she made the decision to sign Roberts.

JR’s WWE contract just expired at the end of March.

AEW issued the following press release on JR’s signing. It was noted that JR has signed the most lucrative deal in commentary history, which is for three years.

Legendary Commentator Jim Ross Joins All Elite Wrestling in Most Lucrative Deal in Commentary History— AEW Signs Jim Ross to 3-Year Deal as Senior Advisor —

Las Vegas, NV (April 3, 2019) – All Elite Wrestling announced a groundbreaking three-year deal with legendary commentator Jim Ross, generally considered to be the greatest pro wrestling announcer of all time. Effective immediately, Ross will take on the role as Senior Advisor in what is the most lucrative deal in pro wrestling commentary history.

Ross’ first in ring appearance for AEW will be at DOUBLE OR NOTHING, the highly-anticipated event on Saturday, May 25, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He will also work closely with the senior leaders at AEW on their roadmap to shift and reinvent the wrestling landscape.

“I’ve been part of the wrestling community since I was 7 years old, and there’s no greater thrill than welcoming the voice that I grew up with, Jim Ross, to our AEW family,” said Tony Khan, President of AEW. “We all share a common goal to make this the true golden age, to make this the greatest time ever to be a professional wrestling fan. And, as a business, we also seek to make this a new golden age for the performers and our staff members. Our entire team is thrilled to have Jim onboard and we can’t wait to shake things up together.”

“We’re all excited about having the legendary voice of our childhood come here and help the new generation of talent with his expertise,” said Nick Jackson, EVP at AEW.

“I’m moving on in a very positive way to this timely opportunity to be on the ground floor of one of the most exciting moments in the history of pro wrestling,” said Jim Ross. “I’ve known Tony, Cody, The Young Bucks and Kenny for a long time, and I know they’re going to change the world of pro wrestling. Their roster is already packed with top-level talent and up-and-comers. They’ve got a huge show coming up in May. They’ve brought in game-changing partners like KultureCity. And they’ve got an all-inclusive, welcoming culture like I’ve never seen before. I’m ready to change the world with them.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jim Ross Says AEW Deal Is Imminent, Talks How Much He Made Doing WWE 2K Voiceover Work

Recently on The Jim Ross Report, WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross talked about his recent talks with AEW. Also, Ross shared the big paydays he received for his voiceover work on 2K’s WWE video games.

According to Ross, he has been in talks with AEW and a deal is likely imminent. Ross suggested that he is unsure whether the deal will be for a broadcasting role and/or a behind-the-scenes role.

“We’re talking to AEW,” Ross began. “I mentioned that before. They are an exciting young company. I’d like to think I could contribute to their success either at ringside, calling the play-by-play, or behind-the-scenes. Those details are still being discussed and when we get something finalized, I’m thinking within the next few days at most, we’ll let everybody know. So life is good, man. When one door closes, another door opens if you let it. And that’s my choice. Another door is opening and if all goes well, knock on wood, as I’m doing right now [knocks]. Hear it? I’m knocking on wood that everything’s cool. It’s going to be a good year.”

Apparently, Ross made over six-figures on multiple occasions from his work doing voiceovers on the WWE 2K video games.

“I see where Tommy Dreamer is back in the news,” Ross said. “Tommy’s House Of Hardcore will be in a video game, RetroMania Wrestling, so that’s going to be an interesting proposition, opportunity, I should say, for Tommy. He works hard, man. He’s a one-man band. But it could be a big deal. I can tell you this: I made six-figures plus on many occasions for my work on the 2K games for WWE. It’s a big deal, so if you’re lucky enough to get involved with the video games, and they sell, they’ve got to sell – it wasn’t like appearance money. It was like part of your royalties. The more they sold, the more you made.”

Check out the podcast at the link below:

https://omny.fm/shows/the-ross-report/tony-schiavone-and-kenny-omega/embed

Sources: Wrestling Inc. and The Jim Ross Report

Jim Ross’ WWE Contract Comes To An End, Reveals An Undertaker Documentary Is In The Works

Earlier this month, WWE Hall of Famer, “Good Ol’ J.R.” Jim Ross, confirmed that he would be parting ways with the WWE when his current contract expired.

On his show, The Ross Report, J.R. mentioned that a lot of great opportunities are coming up even if his time with WWE has reached it’s conclusion.

“There [are] a lot of big things on the horizon,” Ross said. “I’ll leave you with that. There [are] so many rumors out there, ‘this is going to happen,’ ‘that is going to happen.’ All I can tell you is this: I’m not keeping any secret. My contract with WWE is up at the end of March. What happens after that is not up to me entirely. It takes two to tango on any front you go to. So, all I know is I’m not worried about any of it. I’m not worried about how to get my groceries in 2019. All is good.”

The last day of J.R.’s contract with WWE has arrived, and J.R. took to Twitter to comment on what today entails. Ross wrote, “Big day…it’s the final day of my contract with WWE after 26 years. A WWE camera crew arriving at my home today to record for an Undertaker documentary. I’m honored to be a part of it. Great way to exit.”

There’s no official word on what is next for J.R. We previously noted that despite being under contract with WWE until today, he has been in talks with AEW.

“I don’t know, [AEW and I are] talking,” JR said. “I just haven’t signed anything yet. My people and their people are doing their thing. The only agent I grew up knowing was a State Farm agent in Oklahoma, I got a real agent now, man. So, they’re working on it. I’d like to get into some voice-over work, I’d like to do some… I wouldn’t mind having a radio gig doing college football.”

You can read Ross’ full tweet below:

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jim Ross Confirms He’s In Talks With AEW

Just weeks after announcing he’d soon be parting ways with WWE, wrestling legend Jim Ross has confirmed he’s in talks with All Elite Wrestling.

“We’re talking. We’re talking. I just haven’t signed anything yet,” JR said during an interview on Thursday with ESPN’s Outside The Lines. “My people and their people are doing their thing.”

As we previously reported, the WWE Hall of Famer sounded confident that he wouldn’t be out of work for long when he announced his WWE departure on an episode of his podcast.

Check out the clip of JR confirming the AEW talks below.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet