Jim Ross said directly on the latest episode of Grilling JR that AEW should revisit running live events, and that not having them is a philosophy he disagrees with.
The topic came up when Conrad Thompson, working backwards from a fan question about how Ross would book house shows today, asked what an AEW house show would look like in 2026.
Ross’s first point was that house shows should be built directly off the TV product, with talents working storylines fans already know.
“All you’re going to do, Conrad — I let the cat out of the bag — it’s not a ritual here, but you book what’s on television. So you, for example, tonight, if I would have a live event or house show, you’re certainly going to use everybody. Everybody’s got a little story behind them, and when they see that, because the stories merit their exposure, you’ll get great cooperation. So all you’re basically doing is following the TV. You want people to see on television, see in that live event non-televised, you’re going to give them something they have a familiarity with, a match or a rivalry or whatever.”
He said he would pencil Darby Allin into a singles match rather than a tag, given Allin’s standing as AEW World Champion.
“I probably would put Darby Allin in singles because he is your champion, and that’s just the process of helping him get over. He’s peaking on television, so why wouldn’t you. And a lot of events you would. But I wouldn’t load the card there for 16 or 18 guys.”
The bigger point came next. Ross said house shows are essential development infrastructure, and that AEW skipping them altogether is a mistake.
“I do believe that the house shows are extremely important to revisit from time to time, so that your green talent have a place to work in front of a paying audience. That’s essential to learn how to do that.”
When the conversation continued to a separate question, Ross came back to the same point.
“In AEW’s case, there are no house shows, no live events. And I don’t agree with that philosophy, quite frankly. I think he could revisit live events, where it routes well and you get your talents ring time. There’s nothing better. You can learn to be good in a warehouse or a gym or what have you. No doubt about that, and I encourage that you should do that. Practice is good. Work live, hot, good rounds. So I’m kind of straddling the fence, and all that generally does is give you a nutshell, a little bit of a testament.”
Ross said he was surprised WWE was still running as many live events as it does, and framed those events as a recruiting tool as much as a creative one.
“I’m surprised that WWE is still doing as many as they do, because I believe that’s a great recruiting tool for talent that you’re out there doing your thing. And because most of those young guys want to work, they want to be seen and recognized and remembered.”
He acknowledged the logistical side, including the infrastructure and personnel needed to run a touring schedule profitably.
“You gotta have the infrastructure. You gotta have the personnel. It’s not as easy as it sounds. There’s insurance issues. You gotta get all that in line, and you gotta have a separate promoter that’s going out and selling, getting your tickets sold. Worst thing you can do is have a house that you can shoot a gun off in and not hit anybody. It’s just not something you want to take a part of. So anyway, the house show concept is viable. You just got to be managed correctly, and it can’t make you fall behind your other responsibilities to do it.”
AEW has not run regular house shows since its inception in 2019, with rare exceptions.
If you use quotes from this article, please credit Grilling JR and include a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
