AEW commentator Jim ‘JR’ Ross recently joined the AEW Unrestricted podcast to discuss elements of his career from NWA, WCW, WWE and his new home, All Elite Wrestling.
Jim Ross on NJPW Post-Tapes
Before JR joined All Elite he was calling pre-taped NJPW shows along with Josh Barnett. Some shows did air live, however the majority were re-aired with overdubbed English commentary for the AXS channel.
G1 Special
When asked how he met Tony Khan and got on board with the AEW concept, JR replied. “I was in Long Beach, California working for AXS TV calling New Japan matches on tape voiceover” Jim Ross began. “We had live shows to call as well; a few live shows and we had a weekend getaway in Long Beach. We stayed at a hotel or the company [AXS] put us up in the same place that Tony Khan and Alex Marvez were staying.” The event that Ross is referring to is the G1 Special, a two night weekender that was headlined by Kazuchika Okada/Cody Rhodes on night 1. And Tomohiro Ishii was Kenny Omega on night 2.
Shooting The Breeze
Jim Ross elaborated further, saying “we partied over the weekend, and we talk a little bit about wrestling. Strategic, what I would do if I did this, if you know I wouldn’t do that if I own a company type deal, just shooting the breeze right that’s all. I had no idea there’s somewhere in his very able mind that Tony’s already thinking about something like AEW. “
JR finished by saying “we became friends and the decision was made. He said ‘I know what we’re going to build. And I want you to be here.’ So I don’t know if I was the first person hired. However, I can tell you as I was in the first five people hired.”
You can listen to AEW Unrestricted every week via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Player FM and more.
If you use any of the quotes from this article please credit AEW Unrestricted/Jim Ross with an h/t to Wrestlingnews.co for the transcription.
