Jim Ross believes AEW should consider major transition after WWE's announcement
Jim Ross has shared his views on AEW, considering a significant transition after a major announcement from WWE. His statements pertain to the duration of the programs produced by the Tony Khan-led company.
All Elite Wrestling recently announced a new and lucrative media rights deal with Warner Brothers Discovery. This has led to speculation among fans regarding the likelihood of the promotion's weekly TV shows Dynamite and/or Collision expanding their runtimes. The conjecture interestingly follows WWE's recent revelation that RAW would cut back on its duration for the remainder of the year.
On a recent edition of his Grilling JR podcast, All Elite commentator Jim Ross reflected on the positive effects of the Jacksonville-based company's new agreement with WBD.
"Yeah, I think so (AEW’s new TV deal is great for the wrestling business) because, you know, with the advent and the development of AEW, it gives talent an option. Everybody can’t work in WWE. Everybody can’t make a living doing just the indies. So, I think AEW’s a good alternative without question and it’s good for the talent and any time you can create an environment or a business plan that includes the enhancement of talents and you have a way to keep the talent happy which is paying ‘em, it’s a pretty good deal."
Good Ol' JR further stated that he would not be surprised if Dynamite's runtime increases from two hours to three.
"Not totally (would I be surprised if Dynamite or Collision became a three-hour show). I totally wouldn’t be just shocked. I think it’d be Dynamite; would be the first preference. So yeah, it wouldn’t surprise me a bit and it might be a good idea. Hell, I don’t know. You sure get a lot more wrestling on it and it gets more talent exposed which is not a bad thing." [H/T Post Wrestling]
Jim Ross provided commentary at AEW Grand Slam 2024
Although he has generally been commentating on pay-per-views lately, Jim Ross joined Excalibur, Taz, and Tony Schiavone on the broadcast team for Dynamite: Grand Slam 2024. He called the action for the long-anticipated dream match between Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness that opened the event.
Ross also announced the main event of the show, pitting Jon Moxley against Darby Allin to determine the number one contender for the AEW World Title. The Purveyor of Violence defeated the former TNT Champion to secure a championship match against his former ally, Danielson, at WrestleDream 2024.
It remains to be seen if JR will be on commentary duty at the Tacoma Dome later this month.