Jim Ross has revealed that he has signed a new contract with AEW, before taking the opportunity to fire back at his critics.
Legendary announcer Jim Ross has confirmed that he will be sticking around on AEW television for a little while longer.
Speaking on a recent episode of his Grilling JR podcast, available via AdFreeShows, the WWE Hall of Famer revealed that he had put pen to paper on an extension which will see him remain with AEW for another year and a half.
After breaking the news, Ross had a simple message for critics who suggest that he’s too old at 70 to still be calling the action: “f*ck yourself.”
“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,’ fuck yourself,”
Ross explained that his main target is to still be working in 2024, which will see him rack up five decades in the notoriously fickle world of professional wrestling.
“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.”
Jim Ross began his Hall of Famer career in Mid South Wrestling in 1974, where he worked as a referee until 1977. After transitioning into being a play-by-play announcer for the promotion, he also became the Vice-President of Marketing.
After the UWF was brought by Jim Crockett Promotions Ross remained at the announce desk, again remaining in position when the promotion became WCW. JR worked his way up to be the company’s Head of Broadcasting before leaving in 1993 after Eric Bischoff was promoted to become Executive Producer.
Jim Ross then moved to WWE, where he would remain until 2013. During this period he became the ‘voice of the Attitude Era’ calling many of the biggest moments in WWE history. Backstage he also assumed the role of Head of Talent Relations, often being credited with helping sign the likes of The Rock, John Cena and Mick Foley.
After a short stint with New Japan, Ross returned to WWE in 2017, although he was used sparingly. This eventually led to his departure in 2019.
In April 2019, Jim Ross signed with AEW to become both an announcer and Senior Advisor with the company. Since putting pen to paper, Ross has been a permanent fixture in the AEW announce booth calling the action on Dynamite and on pay-per-view alongside Tony Schiavone and Excalibur.
H/t to Fightful for the transcription.