Jim Ross had high praise for the Texas Death Match at AEW Full Gear, saying Swerve Strickland and Adam Page “raised the bar.”
November 18th saw ‘Hangman’ Adam Page and Swerve Strickland go to war in a Texas Death Match that’s divided opinions online. The bout was one of the bloodiest in AEW history, employing staple guns, multiple weapons, and even a spot where Adam Page drank Swerve Strickland’s blood.
The violence in the match has divided opinions amongst fans and critics alike. While legendary manager Jim Cornette wasn’t a fan of the violent spectacle at Full Gear, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross had a different view of the bout.
Speaking on the latest edition of Grilling JR, Ross had high praise for both Strickland and Page, comparing the bout to something that would be found in old-school ECW.
“It was a lot of drama. A lot of physically. They raised the bar, as I tweeted out as the match was going on. Those hardcore-type matches, it reminded me a lot of an old ECW. The matches and the move set and the violence, I guess.
“It was a hell of a performance by those guys. I’m proud of both their efforts. Whether you like the hardcore style or you don’t like the hardcore style, the one thing you cannot do is to criticize the efforts and the work rate of the talents. That was covered.”
Jim Ross Praised AEW Full Gear Overall: “It Was Just A Smashing Hit”
Continuing, Jim Ross called AEW Full Gear an overall success, saying the show delivered as AEW pay-per-views are known to do.
“There were a lot of really good matches on that pay-per-view. I thought it was just a smashing hit, what I saw. I knew what it was gonna be like, and it was exactly like I thought it was going to be. I don’t want to sound like, ‘Oh, I know everything.’ I just thought that the whole crew delivered.
“It was hard because the management of the blood, unique. It was a challenge for the talents to follow what they’re following. Nonetheless, I thought they pulled it off very well. They should be proud of their efforts.
“It was a fun show to watch. AEW always seems to deliver in crunch time with these pay-per-views. It’s uncanny how the guys rise to the occasion and they pull this thing off, and they certainly pulled it off in California.”
While he is still under contract, Jim Ross is currently taking time away from AEW in order to allow his ongoing leg wound a chance to heal.
h/t Fightful