In a recent discussion with Ad Free Shows, AEW commentator Jim Ross addressed the prevalent topic of AEW’s roster size, which fans are divided about.
Ross explained that AEW President Tony Khan formulates his signing decisions in the context of being able to provide chances for talent from a variety of backgrounds, and opposed the idea that talented up-and-coming wrestlers can disappear unless they are given sufficient screen time and adequate opportunity to showcase their abilities in the ring.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below.
On why AEW’s roster list is as long as it is: “We got a lot of talent … You don’t want to start cutting the roster because that’s not my job, I could certainly handle it if it were. But, we have a lot of people coming through. Tony Khan is always looking to give guys opportunities, you never know what you’ll find.”
On why providing a chance to new names can be mutually beneficial: “I didn’t know how good all those kids in the Jericho Appreciation Society were going to be until I saw them in action, so you just never know. That’s why you keep giving guys a chance, and some of them it’s obvious that they won’t draw any money, and some of them it’s not as obvious.”
