Ahead of Sunday’s AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross appeared on Busted Open Radio.
When asked what grade he gives AEW, Ross said he gives the company a “solid B.” He said, “A lot of things that can be improved upon like anybody else’s company. AEW’s challenge right now to me is creating new stars. Somebody on that brand has got to get hot and that’s gonna be I think what they need now is somebody’s got to get hot. I’m not gonna go into all the reasons why somebody’s not and all that dirt sheet stuff. Nonetheless, we gotta get somebody hot.”
Ross said that the talent always rises to the occasion on the pay-per-view events. He also said that creative can only do so much and it’s up to the talent to get over.
Ross said, “Somebody’s gotta pull themselves up and tighten their belt and lets go. Creative can get you in the ring but once you get in the ring, it’s up to the talent at that point, in my estimation.”
Bully Ray asked Ross if he submits his feedback to management on a weekly basis. Ross said, “Not on a weekly basis but I do give them feedback when I see something that I believe needs to be mentioned. It’s not always negative. I think sometimes in our world of pro wrestling today, we do too much negative stuff. Too much negative feedback and the glass is always half empty type of thing. I’m a big believer in positive motivation. I’m just trying to figure out who is gonna steal the show on Saturday night on pay-per-view.
Ross was asked to give one of the positives in AEW that sticks out to him: “Homegrown talent stepping up and working main event style matches. Example, Darby Allin. Darby’s style in the ring might not be everybody’s cup of tea. However, he’s unique. He’s different. He kind of has Jeff Hardy in him from back in the day…I think some of these young cats have come into their own. It’s heartwarming. They want to live their dreams. I know we hear that a lot. I know it’s cliche as hell. But they want to live their dreams and now working on these pay-per-views gives them the opportunity to do so. I’m a big fan of living your dream…”
Ross talked about his top moment in AEW (calling Cody Rhodes vs. Dustin Rhodes at Double Or Nothing 2019), AEW celebrating 5 years this Sunday on pay-per-view with Double or Nothing, and more.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Busted Open Radio with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
