WWE Hall Of Famer Committed To AEW, Confirms Lucrative Offer

Jim Ross, a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Famer, has signed a deal with rival pro-wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling after his contract with his previous employers ended in March. He will make his debut as a ring-side commentator at AEW’s first event “Double or Nothing” scheduled to take place May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas.

The 67-year-old signed a three-year deal with AEW, founded in January by Tony Khan, son of billionaire Shahid Khan, who also owns NFL franchise Jacksonville Jaguars. The promotion confirmed that Ross’ deal was the most lucrative in pro-wrestling commentary history.

Ross revealed recently the opportunity to work with AEW was too good to turn down while also confirming the report about the financial terms on offer. He added that the trust his new employers showed in his “story-telling” ability convinced him to sign a long-term deal.

"26 year great run. 26 years, wouldn't trade it for anything, but this opportunity to do something new with AEW and the Khan Family, too good to pass that up," Ross told TMZ Sports in New York. "And you know, they have a strong belief that I can still do my story-telling job at ringside in this wrasslin' business, so we're going to give it another run and have some fun."

"Well, I wasn't being used much, I wasn't getting much playing time," he added talking about why he left WWE. "You know all of us grizzled old veterans think we can still play. So, I just believe that I still have some juice in the berry, and the opportunity came about. I've never had an opportunity like this, as far as financial rewards, new people, young management. It's a lot of fun. It was the right time."

Ross is an iconic figure in WWE, but was not being used as a ring-side commentator for a number of years. He did not rule out a possible return to the world’s most popular pro-wrestling promotion in the future but made it clear he was committed to AEW for the next three years, or possibly even longer.

"I think when you're in the entertainment business and you're proverbially on your back nine of life, you say no to nothing, you say never say never," Ross said when asked about possibly returning to WWE one day. "I'm committed for three years to AEW, and hopefully for longer, so I'm not thinking that far ahead. I'm ready to get to work today, tomorrow, whatever."