On a recent edition of his “83 Weeks” podcast, Eric Bischoff explained why AEW President Tony Khan should make it his top priority to re-sign Jim Ross to a new deal in 2024.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On whether AEW should let Jim Ross go: “No. Absolutely not. I don’t think JR has been put in the best possible position at AEW. Part of that is Jim. Look, we all have to take responsibility for our own successes and our own lack of success from time to time. But I would have liked to have seen JR right from the beginning be more of a special event announcer. I would have put him on a different level of pedestal. Not that he’s better than Tony or better than anybody else, but he’s different than everybody else. And I would have taken advantage of that in a kind of enhancement, and built on that perception of Jim being the legend in wrestling broadcasting that he really is. But by putting him on a pedestal and showcasing it, and maintaining that separation from the day-to-day work so to speak, puts them on a different level, you know? And I wish they would have done that from the get-go. But look, JR’s got that voice, man. When you hear that voice, it’s like comfort food for my ears, man. It’s like macaroni and cheese for my ears when I hear Jim’s voice.”
On the importance of Ross: “If you look at AEW over the last 12 months between the Punk drama that ended up in Punk moving over to WWE — which is still mind-boggling to me, to be honest, every time I say it, I just shake my head. Losing Jade Cargill, obviously it’s a big move. I don’t know that if I were Tony [Khan], I would want to lose any more brand value. JR has 50 years of experience as a broadcaster. JR is embedded in the culture of professional wrestling and among fans. So to lose another brand like that, I think the timing would be really bad. Tony’s gotta hold it together. He’s gotta bring that ship together, he’s got to tighten it up. He’s got to lock down the brand talent that he has, the names that he has. Obviously, MJF being crucial at this point, but guys like JR and Tony Schiavone, those people who have equity in their names in every wrestling fan know who they are and have known who they are most of their lives. Those talents you need to lock down while you’re trying to reestablish yourself. And I think AEW in many ways is, believe it or not, in a rebuilding mode because the bottom has just fallen out. So, so much so over the last few months that they’re scrambling to rebuild.”
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Jim Ross, also known as JR, is a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling broadcasting. With over 50 years of experience as a broadcaster and a voice that is instantly recognizable to wrestling fans, Ross has become an integral part of the industry. Recently, there has been speculation about his future with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and Eric Bischoff believes that AEW President Tony Khan should prioritize re-signing Ross to a new deal in 2024.
Bischoff acknowledges that Ross may not have been put in the best position at AEW. He suggests that Ross should have been treated as a special event announcer from the beginning, highlighting his status as a legend in wrestling broadcasting. By maintaining a separation from the day-to-day work and showcasing Ross’s unique talents, AEW could have capitalized on his reputation and enhanced the perception of his role within the company.
One of the main reasons why Bischoff believes AEW should hold onto Ross is his brand value. Over the past year, AEW has experienced some setbacks, such as the departure of CM Punk and Jade Cargill. Losing another brand value like Ross would be detrimental to the company’s image and reputation. Ross’s 50 years of experience and his deep connection with wrestling fans make him a valuable asset that AEW should not let go.
In Bischoff’s opinion, AEW is currently in a rebuilding mode. The recent challenges faced by the company have caused them to scramble and try to regain their footing. In this critical phase, it is crucial for AEW to hold onto talents like Ross and Tony Schiavone, who have established names and equity in the wrestling industry. These talents can help AEW reestablish itself and maintain its position in the market.
Ultimately, Bischoff believes that Tony Khan should make it a top priority to re-sign Jim Ross to a new deal in 2024. Ross’s voice is like comfort food for wrestling fans, and his presence adds a sense of familiarity and nostalgia to the broadcasts. By retaining Ross, AEW can not only preserve its brand value but also benefit from his wealth of experience and knowledge in the industry.
In conclusion, Jim Ross is a highly respected figure in professional wrestling broadcasting, and his contributions to the industry cannot be overstated. Eric Bischoff’s recommendation for AEW to re-sign Ross to a new deal in 2024 is based on the belief that Ross’s brand value and experience are essential for the company’s success. As AEW navigates through a rebuilding phase, holding onto talents like Ross becomes even more crucial for their long-term growth and stability.