During the latest edition of his “Grilling JR” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer and AEW commentator Jim Ross commented on Vince McMahon being motivated by competition, CM Punk working on the AEW commentary team, and more. You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On AEW’s growth and his frustration with the AEW vs. WWE fans: “Who the hell would’ve thought two years ago we’d be talking about it in these terms? All of a sudden, AEW has become very, very relevant. I believe that’s all due to Tony Khan opening up the checkbook and signing some of the best talent in the world. I don’t say that as a knock to [WWE]. I’m not knocking the. All I’m saying is, two years ago, when AEW started its journey, I don’t think of any us, including me, thought it would grow to the level it has grown in this length of time. It’s pretty astonishing. So, the winners in all of this is the fans. But some fans just don’t have that mindset, and I think it’s a sad state of affairs. We battled for years and years to be acknowledged by the public – pro wrestling. Nobody wants to cover it. And now, everybody wants to cover it, and our own fanbase to some degree are bitching about it. I’m trying to figure out why, but I just don’t get it. ‘Well, it’s because we were loyal to WWE all those years.’ I don’t understand it. But in any event, I want to enjoy the ride.”
On Vince McMahon being motivated by competition: “I think so. It motivates him. He doesn’t like to lose. I think the battle on Wednesday nights is indicative of that statement. That’s why they moved to Tuesday. He didn’t like getting his ass beat every Wednesday night, and I know we didn’t win every Wednesday night. I get that, folks. But we won most of them, and winning one is too many for him. He’s very competitive. He believes he owns the genre, and I get it. I understand it. I always respect and appreciate his competitiveness. But yeah, he works better when there’s a little pressure on him, and I think that’s been proven time and time again. He’s a different breed of cat when it comes to that stuff. Reading on Thursdays who got this audience and that show got that audience, I can promise you was an issue. It was definitely an issue, without question.”
On Curt Hennig’s announcing work in WWE and wanting to work more with CM Punk on commentary: “Curt and I developed a good friendship even though we were broadcast partners. He reminds me in his broadcast work of CM Punk in recent days. Punk is a natural at doing commentary. There’s no doubt in my mind. One of my goals somewhere down the road would be to do a show on a regular basis with CM Punk. I think we would be terrific together. I know how he thinks and know how he works and you feed him things. I’m the point guard, and I’ve gotta get him the ball. That’s what I would like to try to do at some point in time. I’m not knocking working with Tony or Excalibur, even that’s what it’s gonna be made to be.”
(h/t – 411 Wrestling)
