AEW launched in 2019 and made one of its biggest signings in Jim Ross. The wrestling legend shockingly left WWE that same year and brought his familiar voice and expertise to the upstart promotion. Ross was recently asked about returning to Stamford-based company and his answer may come as a surprise to many.
Good Ol' JR has been working in pro wrestling since 1974. Widely regarded as one of the greatest minds of the business, and the best wrestling commentator of all-time, the NWA & WWE Hall of Famer has held many roles, including commentator, announcer, executive, and even in-ring talent, among others. He joined All Elite Wrestling as a commentator, analyst, and senior advisor.
The 72-year-old signed a one-year contract extension back in March and said he believes this could be his last year in broadcasting as he is now working a limited schedule. On the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast, the veteran was asked if he could see himself potentially returning to WWE someday.
"Well, you never say never. Quite frankly, you never say never... especially in a business that has so few jobs available. So, that's not in my plans. You know, they've gone younger. Could I contribute? Of course I could contribute, but that's just not in the plans right now. I love my role [with AEW]," Jim Ross said. [From 1:01:13 to 1:01:39]
Former WWE writer buries Judgment Day HERE
Ross currently works only on AEW pay-per-view events. He last did commentary at Dynasty in April and was expected for Double or Nothing in May but had to pull out of the show due to a minor health issue. JR is currently scheduled to return to the booth at Forbidden Door on June 30.
Jim Cornette wants to see Jim Ross leave AEW for WWE
Jim Ross and Jim Cornette are two of the most legendary pro wrestling figures who manage to stay relevant in the modern era with commentary on their individual podcasts.
The Louisville Slugger wants to see Good Ol' JR leave All Elite Wrestling to finish his career with World Wrestling Entertainment. Speaking on his Drive-Thru podcast, Cornette advised Ross to leave Tony Khan's promotion to go back to the pro wrestling powerhouse.
"Oh, Good Lord. I thought you were going to say, 'Would you like him to end his career with AEW?' No, the AEW has almost been the end of a number of people's careers. [The] jury's still out. But no, I think with the new ownership instead of the insulting way that he was sometimes treated under Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn and John Laurinaitis, the co-conspirator of the f**king scandal and etc. With the new ownership, it would be nice to see him brought back and finish his career there," Jim Cornette said. [From 0:28 to 1:06]
Cornette often goes viral for his takes on Khan and AEW. The wrestling legend recently lashed out at the promotion for how they're booking Will Ospreay.