Jim Ross, the veteran commentator who has been a fixture in AEW since its inception in 2019, has opened up about his future with the company as his current contract approaches its expiration date.
While Ross has recently taken a slight step back from his commentary duties, his voice remains familiar and comforting to AEW fans. During an episode of his podcast, “Grillin JR,” the 71-year-old acknowledged that his tenure with AEW cannot extend indefinitely. However, he expressed his desire to continue his association with the promotion, at least for the time being.
Responding to questions about his future with AEW, Ross confirmed that his existing contract is set to conclude at the end of September, stating:
“I’m 71 years old. I can’t do this forever. I feel like my work is pretty decent right now. My voice is strong. I don’t want to sit home, but you know, it takes two to tango.
“Like I said, I don’t know what the expectations are of me in an AEW world. I said before and I’ll stick with the same story because it’s true, and that is, you know, it’s up to Tony Khan in large part and Barry Bloom, who’s my agent.
“You know, Barry Bloom represents The Young Bucks, I think Hangman Page, Kenny Omega. I think he represents Don Callis, who’s doing a good job.”
“I have fun with Don calling him a miserable prick, but he kind of likes it and it fits him. He’s done a good job as a heel manager. Barry represents a lot of guys, which means to me that Barry has good communication with AEW.
“Now whether we get a deal done or we don’t get a deal done in time, you know, remains to be seen, and if it works out, then I’m in, and if it doesn’t work out, I’m out. It’s that simple.”
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“I’m not being nonchalant or cavalier about it. It’s just, that’s the reality. I’ve negotiated too many contracts to know how these things can or cannot work, but hopefully it’ll work out well. That’s what I want.
“I want to stay there. We’ll just have to wait and see. I mean, I’m not being flippant, and I’m serious about it, but you know, I can’t wave a magic wand and say, ‘Okay, here’s my deal and here’s what I will do.’
“I haven’t made any demands at all, but I like the challenge of building Collision into a good show, a watchable show. I also think it’ll be a short negotiation.
“I’m very signable right now in that regard. So we’ll see. You know, I’m optimistic it’s gonna work out okay, but if it doesn’t, then you’ll be seeing me more on the autograph circuit and things of that nature. You never know what else might pop up. So I’m just, as Minnie Pearl would say, ‘I’m just proud to be here.’”
Photo Credit; AEW