AEW Figure Surprised By Penta’s WWE Raw Debut
Jim Ross has urged caution after Penta finally made his WWE debut.
On January 13th, Penta made his highly-anticipated WWE debut, defeating Chad Gable in a little over 13 minutes. After the match, the star cut a passionate promo where he declared that his arrival represented the dawn of a new era.
WWE had spent several weeks hyping the debut, with Michael Cole even describing his signing on commentary as the worst-kept secret in the industry.
Prior to signing with WWE, Penta had been a major part of AEW from 2019 through the early part of 2024. He and his brother Rey Fenix won the World Tag Team, and World Trios Titles during this period, feuding with the likes of The Young Bucks and FTR.
Jim Ross Gives Thoughts On Penta’s WWE Switch
Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, veteran announcer Jim Ross gave his opinion on WWE’s latest acquisition. While Ross was quick to praise Penta’s ability, he questioned WWE’s long-term plans with regard to the signing, noting they have several wrestlers with a similar in-ring style.
I was a little surprised. We had him here at AEW for a good while. Soft-spoken guy, no trouble. Hardly knew he was there until he got in the ring, and then he was phenomenal. But I was a little surprised at the hype. So what it tells me is that WWE and Triple H covet him in a significant way, where he’s gonna be in main events or semi-main events within the next year, if not sooner.
But I was a little surprised. There’s so many guys doing that act, that bit, that routine, of the luchadores. When I hired Rey Mysterio, we didn’t have anybody that even compared to Rey, but really nobody in the business did. He was special, unique. He’s one of a kind.
I don’t know…Penta, we had a lot of that kind of style in AEW. He was one of many that did a lot of acrobatics and flying things. He might have been the best at doing it, I’m not saying that. But he wasn’t the only one doing it, so it made it less special.
WWE’s got a good stock of luchadores. They got several guys on the roster that have that background. Just gotta be careful of how you book him,”
Following Penta’s arrival in WWE, AEW has pulled Rey Fenix’s merchandise from its online store. In late 2024, Fenix hit out at his treatment by AEW after the company added time to his contract, despite appearing to have no plans to use him.
Fenix, who hasn’t appeared on AEW television since July 20th, is under contract for several more months.
H/t to Fightful