Only a few weeks after announcing that he would be formally cutting ties with WWE when his contract ended later this month, legendary play-by-play man and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross made the expected next step in his career, signing what’s being called, “most lucrative deal in pro wrestling commentary history,” with All Elite Wrestling, per a press release sent out on Wednesday.
While it notes that the deal is in “commentary,” Ross won’t actually be joining the company as a commentator; instead, the release says he’s signed on as a “Senior Advisor.” Alex Marvez and Excalibur will be calling Double or Nothing in Las Vegas on May 25 with Alicia Atout handling backstage interview duties, but I’m sure we’ll hear good ol’ JR’s voice in some capacity on the show.
You can check out the press release and the Ross announcement as part of the latest episode of Road To Double Or Nothing below.
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.”
All Elite Wrestling AEW is a new professional wrestling promotion headlined by members of The Elite (Cody Rhodes, Nick Jackson, Matt Jackson, Kenny Omega) and Chris Jericho. For the first time in many years, AEW is offering an alternative to mainstream wrestling, with a growing roster of world- class male and female wrestlers who are poised to bring new spirit, freshness and energy to the industry. The inaugural event under the AEW banner is DOUBLE OR NOTHING on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, followed by FIGHT FOR THE FALLEN on July 13 in Jacksonville.
No matter what his role ends up being in the company, it’ll be refreshing to see him get the respect and love he deserves without having to get his arm broken or have barbecue sauce poured all over his face every time they go to Oklahoma.
