Jim Ross has shot down rumors that he'll be leaving the AEW commentary booth anytime soon. A report over at Ringside News this past week suggested Good Ol' JR will quit his role as AEW's lead announcer in order to focus on his off-screen roles within the company and apparently, he would still call the occasional big match. He responded when asked if the report were true with, "It’s news to me…"
Knowing that the report was inaccurate, it still begs the question, should Ross take a step back? There are more than a few reasons to suggest it's logical both AEW and Ross himself consider it.
Too Many Commentary Mistakes
Ross has been known to make a few vocal gaffes in AEW since his arrival. In one instance he talked about Anna Jay having a wardrobe malfunction. He also refered to an AEW champion Kenny Omega as the WWE Champion and the latest mistake was when he closed an episode of AEW Dynamite by calling the program "WWE Dynamite."
In all instances, he took a ton of critical backlash from fans who suggested it was time he hang up his announcer boots. Ross was quick to jump on social media and admit he made a mistake, but chalked it off something that just happens on live television and when you've got a lot of things going on and have worked so long for one place. Still, it's not a good look for AEW and how the old "fool me once, shame on you; fool my twice, shame on me' addage applies here. This would now be at least a fool me four times situation if he does it again.
This isn't a good look for AEW and there are only so many times the company can take a hit from fans for allowing JR to continue if he's going to make similar mistakes repeatedly. For the long-term benefit of the promotion and the integrity of the commentary on their flagship shows, it might be best to move on.
Ross Proved His Worth
The big reason Jim Ross was brought on in the first place was because AEW wanted a big name at their announce desk to get the promotion off on the right foot. He was used as a levarage chip in securing a television deal with TNT and it gave AEW credibility with the fans because Ross has called some of the biggest matches in the history of the industry. He served his purpose, AEW has their tv deal and he's no longer an essential piece of the puzzle as far as the company is concerned in that regard.
There are plenty of things Ross can do that doesn't involve weekly commentary. In fact, AEW might be better served having him only appear for big matches to create an even bigger fight feel to the bouts he does call. There's nothing wrong with admitting Ross was need at one time and isn't as much any more. The fanbase is already loyal and fully behind the company. Moving Ross to a position he's better suited for won't damage that reputation with the fans in the least bit.
AEW Has A Ton Of Good Replacements
Chris Jericho may not lose to MJF on Sunday, but if he does, he'll likely join the commentary team. It's a group that already consists of Tony Schiavone, Excaliber, and occassionaly Mark Henry and Paul Wight. AEW has regularly popped other names like Don Callis on a mic or asked wrestlers like Eddie Kingston to provide their two cents. In other words, AEW is not short on talent who can take Ross' place if AEW decides to go in another direction.
There are crossover names and announcers from IMPACT or NWA that could fill in and better promote the "forbidden door" agreements and this is not to mention what might happen with a legend like Ric Flair who is expected to be a part of the AEW roster imminently.
Ross Had His Run
JR joined AEW because it was good timing for the both the promotion and himself. His contract is coming due shortly and there's no reason for AEW to renew it at the same level they had when he signed -- a deal rumored to be the highest ever paid to an announcer in wrestling history. It's potentially time for AEW to think about other options and for Ross to look at how he can stay involved in another capacity. He used to be the head of Talent Relations and scouting for WWE. It makes sense that he be used in a role to work with newly-acquired performers and get them ready for the big time. He doesn't need to be an on-air personality every week to be good at that job.