Jim Ross shuts down WWE return rumor, signs new contract with AEW

A few weeks ago on his Grilling JR podcast, legendary pro wrestling broadcaster Jim Ross revealed that his current AEW contract was set to expire by the end of August. In the time since then, a rumor spread about Ross potentially going back to WWE.

It turns out that any such talk can be put to bed for at least another year, because Ross announced on his latest episode that he just signed a new deal with Tony Khan’s promotion. The deal got done this past weekend in London, where Ross was on hand for AEW’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view event.

While discussing the terms of his new AEW contract, Ross denied even talking to WWE about going back there.

“Somebody sent me something where they said that I was negotiating with WWE to go back. I hadn’t heard that one. I haven’t talked to them. No plans to go back. Not that I’m saying that out of animosity or anger. But it’s just not the right time for me to get more involved in business. But they could come to me with an idea that we haven’t discussed, and I might reconsider.

But I like being where I am. I like the schedule that I have, the freedoms that I have. I enjoy working with these young talents. I’ve developed some good relationships with all those kids in AEW. I’m happy where I am, I really am. Not a lot of stress and pressure.

And I just signed a new contract for a year. Got that done before I left [London]. One year, [until] next summer. Next August, I think it is. But I got fewer dates. I like that. So I have a deal that’s very desirable…My schedule basically is gonna be to work pay-per-views and assorted appearances on TV.”

Ross reiterated that he’s happy with his new AEW deal, and he’s happy to keep working with Tony Khan for the next year.

Let me know in the comments below how you feel about hearing JR’s voice on the call for another year of AEW pay-per-view events, Cagesiders.