Jim Ross Hits Back At Critics After Confirming New AEW Deal

Jim Ross has officially announced that he has signed a new contract with AEW, whilst hitting back at those who have been critical that he is too old to be there.

Good Ol’ JR confirmed that the new contract would see him stay in the same role he is currently in, with around 18 months added to his old deal.

Speaking on a recent episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross took the opportunity to give the details of his deal whilst also giving a simple phrase to those who feel he is past it.

I don’t think I’ve made this announcement yet; I signed an extension with AEW not too long ago. I appreciate Tony Khan’s confidence and his willingness to keep me on the team and contribute. We’re not going a long time, but I signed about a year and a half, something like that, to stay in the position I’m in. I’m really pleased that, at 70, I still have a future. At 70, I still love what I do. Anybody that says ‘you’re too old,’ f*ck yourself.

Jim Ross went on to explain that he has planned to continue in the wrestling business until 2024, which would see him hit a milestone figure in the industry.

I want to get to 2024. That’s 50 years in the wrestling business. Not a long of guys can say they were basically in the same job in a fickle. crazy ass, unpredictable business like pro wrestling for 50 years. The good Lord is looking down and cutting me a break, if I get to 50, I’ll be the happiest guy in Norman, Oklahoma.

Having started his career in wrestling as a referee for Mid South Wrestling in 1977, Jim Ross went on to become a play-by-play commentator in 1987 and also took on the role of Vice-President of Marketing.

JR stayed with the various incarnations of the promotions including Jim Crockett Promotions and later WCW, where he eventually left in 1993 when Eric Bischoff became Executive Producer.

At this point Jim Ross started his time with WWE which would go on to last two decades. As well as being an iconic voice for many years, he also became Head of Talent Relations and is credited with having a major influence on bringing in some of the top stars the company has ever seen such as The Rock, John Cena and Mick Foley.

Leaving at first in 2013, Ross would spend some time in New Japan Pro Wrestling as well as making a limited WWE return, before finally leaving in 2019.

Jim Ross became a Senior Advisor and commentator for AEW in April 2019. He joined the commentary desk along with Tony Schiavone and Excalibur, and looks set to remain on our screens for a long time yet.

With thanks to Fightful for the transcription.