Back on January 15, Jim Ross took to Twitter to deny the rumors that we’d be seeing back behind a commentary desk anytime soon:
Those telling you that I have a new, wrestling gig are jumping the gun as I have NO done deal w/ anyone.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 15, 2016
I know nothing about that & it's simply not accurate. @njpw1972 would have nothing to do w/ it anyway. https://t.co/RF34zFjVcg
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 15, 2016
Well, now a few days later, that deal is done, and AXS TV is announcing Jim Ross as the newest voice of their New Japan Pro Wrestling English-language broadcast. Via their press release:
AXS TV today confirmed legendary pro wrestling commentator Jim Ross will join AXS TV’s hit series ‘New Japan Pro Wrestling’ (NJPW) to call play-by-play commentary alongside NJPW veteran and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett…
“I’m excited to join the AXS TV team in presenting the amazing athletes of the New Japan Pro Wrestling brand,” said Ross. “I’m a major fan of NJPW and look forward to joining Josh Barnett to form the best broadcast team in the genre. Business just picked up!”
“It’s a dream to be able to sit next to the legendary Jim Ross and call the incredible wrestling action of New Japan Pro Wrestling,” said Barnett. “I’ve listened to his commentary throughout the years and I’m glad to have someone as distinguished as him to work with in the booth.”
Ross is one heck of a replacement for Mauro Ranallo, who recently left AXS to join the WWE SmackDown announce team. You can catch JR’s first broadcast on March 4 at 9 p.m. ET, where he and Barnett will be calling the action for select matches from NJPW’s Wrestling Dontaku 2015.
