Kevin Dunn stopped WWE from hiring AEW personality, Jim Ross recalls
Jim Ross recently recalled how WWE television production executive Kevin Dunn allegedly dismissed the possibility of Tony Schiavone returning to the company.
On the April 7, 2003, episode of RAW, Ross quit his commentary role as part of a storyline. The former talent relations executive was replaced by backstage interviewer Jonathan Coachman before resuming his on-screen role a few weeks later.
Ross confirmed on his Grilling JR podcast that Schiavone was considered as a possible short-term replacement for him at the announce desk. However, Dunn had no interest in rehiring the former WCW commentator:
"I'm all for Tony getting more work, making some more paydays," Ross stated. "It was met with a lukewarm reception. When you said Kevin Dunn was not a big Schiavone fan, apparently, by what we're talking about here, and he put the kibosh to that deal and used a homegrown guy, Jonathan Coachman, to sit in my chair for a while." [15:23 – 15:49]
Schiavone stepped away from wrestling commentary after Vince McMahon bought WCW in 2001. The current AEW announcer previously commentated for WWE in 1989 and 1990.
Jim Ross disliked "quitting" his WWE role
The legendary commentator was often booked in elaborate storylines in WWE, particularly when the company staged shows in his home state of Oklahoma.
Howdy Partner!
What? I am smiling. 🤠
San Antonio and Norman bound. @AEW https://t.co/w8vt9J7dGZ
Ross felt "awkward" performing as an on-screen personality and preferred working as an announcer:
"It was never my goal [to become a character on TV], it was never my dream. I wanted just to do my job and do it really well, but it was hard. I've never been comfortable, as I said, in a participatory role. I liked doing the broadcasting. That was what I thought I was pretty decent at. It seemed awkward at times." [11:57 – 12:23]
On this week's podcast, Ross also gave his thoughts on Brian Kendrick recently training Bad Bunny for his match at Backlash against Damian Priest.
Do you think WWE should have rehired Tony Schiavone? Let us know in the comments section below.
Please credit Grilling JR and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.