In the latest episode of his “Grilling JR” podcast, Jim Ross, a known commentator for AEW, shared his reactions towards WWE’s decision to reduce the number of live events starting from next year.
Find below some key insights from the podcast discussion:
When discussing the reduction of house shows by WWE, Ross said, “From a monetary standpoint, I comprehend why. Organizing these events is certainly not cheap, with all the airfares and other expenses. But I believe that they offer the talents opportunities to hone their skills. These events are live practice sessions, similar to preseason games in other sports. It’s beneficial to keep talents engaged and working.”
On the topic of WWE’s transition towards more televised events, Ross said, “That’s quite a lot of television content. Nonetheless, I don’t foresee a major difference since it allows talents to practice, which is crucial in my opinion. Some performers are more at ease when they’re touring than when they’re at home. It might sound odd, but it’s the truth. I’m glad WWE isn’t completely withdrawing live events, since they’re necessary for talent development. I don’t think the fans will notice a huge difference except for the fact that WWE won’t be as accessible, which is a good strategy to keep fans craving for more.”
Ross also praised WWE’s approach to live events saying, “They’ve done an admirable job with them. Although I’m doubtful about the profitability of these events, I hope they are profitable for the talent and the company itself. The direction this takes in the future will certainly be interesting to watch.”
The full discussion can be viewed in the latest episode of “Grilling JR.”