Jim Ross doesn’t think WWE running Worlds Collide against AEW All Out was an accident. As far as he’s concerned, the timing was deliberate—and he believes the company had a very different goal than simply putting on a great wrestling show.
Speaking on Grilling JR, Ross was asked about WWE scheduling Worlds Collide in the Chicago area on the same day as AEW’s All Out. He didn’t dance around the subject, saying he believes the motivation behind the move is obvious.
“I don’t like it because I know the motivation, and in my mind’s eye I know the motivation for them running the event in that city, on that day, at that time, which just happens to check all three of those boxes to AEW.”
Ross said he’d rather see wrestling companies help the industry grow than try to get one over on each other. He admitted he doesn’t expect that to happen anytime soon because, in his view, too many people in wrestling still think the business has to be treated like a war.
“I think everyone should co-promote and grow our profession, but it’s never gonna f****** happen because the wrestling business… too many people in the business are too ignorant to see that. Everyone can help each other. It’s not a matter of, ‘Who’s going out of business?’ ‘I’ll put you out of business,’ ‘Billionaire Ted,’ whatever. No, man, it’s spiteful.”
Ross also explained that he wouldn’t have had any issue with Worlds Collide if he believed WWE’s only objective was to fill the building and give fans a memorable night. The problem, he said, is that he doesn’t think that’s what was driving the decision.
“If their motivation was to entertain the fans with a big house and put on a great show, then I’d be all for it. But that’s not the motivation. Too many coincidences—that wasn’t the motivation.”
He pointed to CM Punk being advertised for the show as another reason he questioned the scheduling. In Ross’ opinion, WWE already had a major attraction capable of drawing a crowd without running opposite AEW, leaving fans who enjoy both companies in a difficult spot.
“By putting CM Punk on the show, you already guaranteed a big house. Some fans like both companies. You gotta make a decision.”
Ross’s comments come just days after reports suggested Worlds Collide is expected to be taped rather than air live, despite WWE loading the event with stars like CM Punk and Rey Mysterio. Whether WWE changes those plans remains to be seen, but Ross clearly isn’t convinced the company’s scheduling was ever just a coincidence.
What do you make of Jim Ross’ comments? Do you think WWE scheduled Worlds Collide against AEW All Out intentionally, or is it simply part of the wrestling business? Let us know in the comments.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
