As had been rumoured for months, Jim Ross has signed with All Elite Wrestling to act as both a commentator and as a Senior Advisor for the debuting promotion.
The news was released on April 3, 2019 in a press release trumpeting it as “the most lucrative deal in pro wrestling commentary history.” Terms were not addressed in the release, though other sources have noted it’s a three-year deal.
Good Ol’ J.R., who began in the wrestling business running errands for Leroy McGuirk in the old Mid-South territory, will debut along with AEW itself at the Double or Nothing on May 25 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“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 in the press release. “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.”
The press released continued with a comment from Ross.
“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 [Rhodes], The Young Bucks and Kenny [Omega] 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.”
Ross’ contract with WWE ended on March 31.
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