WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, provided predictions for the upcoming AEW Full Gear pay-per-view card and confirmed his own expected return date to the commentary booth. The discussion focused on the physicality and psychological dynamics of the card’s major stipulations, offering fans a neutral analysis of the high-stakes matchups.
Ross addressed the status of his commentary schedule and confirmed he anticipates a return to the broadcast booth next month. “My assumption, next month,” Ross stated when asked about his commentary duty status. He confirmed that he will be watching the pay-per-view intently in preparation for his return to the AEW commentary team, which will likely take place in December. Ross’s role in AEW is currently focused on working a limited schedule, primarily calling major matches on pay-per-view events following his recovery from recent health issues.
In addition to his AEW schedule, Ross confirmed he plans to be in attendance for the WrestleCade convention next week in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This public appearance is part of his gradual return to a regular schedule of professional wrestling engagements. His commitment to continuing his career after several significant health challenges demonstrates the dedication of the long-time announcer, who has worked a limited schedule for AEW since 2019.
Focusing on the main event, Ross acknowledged the credibility of the challenger in the World Championship Steel Cage Match between Hangman Adam Page and Samoa Joe. The stipulation of the Steel Cage increases the level of violence and often signals the definitive end to a high-stakes rivalry, trapping the participants inside the structure with no possibility of escape. Ross provided the necessary context on the credibility of the challenger: “Samoa Joe is such a credible opponent that you can almost slide him in for a world title shot at any point against anyone. And people are going to pay attention.”
Ross noted that the challenge in predicting the outcome of such a high-stakes, violent match lies in balancing the champion’s status against the challenger’s history. When asked for a prediction, Ross stated: “I’d hang my hat with the Page, the champion. But for Samoa Joe to walk away with a title would not surprise me.” This sentiment reflected the prevailing industry view that Joe’s consistent character work and reputation as an elite competitor make him a perennial threat to any world championship.
The discussion then shifted to the upcoming No Holds Barred Match between Jon Moxley and Kyle O’Reilly. This stipulation, which allows for weapons and disregard for traditional rules, suggests the culmination of a deeply personal and intense rivalry. Moxley is known for his history in deathmatch wrestling and his willingness to engage in extreme physicality. Ross predicted the outcome, stating: “I like Kyle O’Reilly, but Mox is still the guy. And I will say it’ll be physical and fun to watch. But Jon Moxley, I think, wins a knockdown, drag out. Without question.” The prediction acknowledged O’Reilly’s technical proficiency while ultimately favoring Moxley’s established character of violence and endurance in unscripted environments.
Ross also addressed Darby Allin’s match against PAC, stating Allin’s risk tolerance is unmatched. Allin’s persona is built around his disregard for personal safety, often involving extreme bumps and dangerous spots. Ross noted: “I don’t put any limits on what these guys could do when you involve Darby Allin. He has no boundaries, no boundaries whatsoever.” Ross provided the specific background for the extreme nature of the match, citing Allin’s willingness to fly through flaming tables in previous segments, which set the stage for the type of dangerous confrontation expected at the pay-per-view. The contrast between Allin’s style and Ross’s traditional NWA roots has often been a topic of discussion on his podcast.
The trios match featuring Kenny Omega and Jurassic Express against The Young Bucks and Josh Alexander was praised for its potential quality. The match includes some of the company’s most decorated stars and signals the continuation of the Young Bucks’ psychological storyline involving The Elite faction. Ross stated: “I think it’ll be a hell of a match. Could be match of the night. Quite frankly, if it is, so be it, I’ll be watching.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit speaking on the Grilling JR podcast with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can listen to the full podcast on GrillingJR.com.
