Jim Ross thinks wrestling media has become far too focused on WWE.
While speaking on the latest edition of Grilling JR, the AEW commentator argued that too many outlets spend nearly all of their time covering WWE while giving little attention to the rest of the wrestling industry. Although he acknowledged he works for AEW and has his own bias, Ross said fans deserve coverage that reflects the entire business—not just one promotion.
“I think so. Yeah. It makes the product more accessible and that’s always a good thing when it’s easier to get access to the content that we’re seeing on television. So, no, I’m obviously—I work for AEW. I’m very biased. Tony Khan’s been great to me, especially since my health has been kind of kicking me in the ass a little bit. So, I don’t know, man. I got mixed feelings.”
Ross then pointed to a recent episode of Busted Open Radio as an example of what frustrates him. According to the WWE Hall of Famer, nearly the entire discussion revolved around WWE despite there being plenty of major stories happening elsewhere in wrestling.
“I listened the other day to… maybe what was it? Busted Open. Yeah. And it’s all about WWE. Everything. Everything. And I don’t know how they get by with that. If you’re a good producer and you’ve got more than one thing to talk about, then talk about it. But this is certainly kind of a head-scratcher to me that it’s just turned into a WWE infomercial. And I don’t have a problem with that, but spread the wealth around a little bit. There’s more than one wrestling company in the world that has some significance.”
The discussion began after Conrad Thompson brought up Tony Khan’s recent claim that AEW is enjoying one of its hottest periods in years thanks to stronger television ratings and the addition of streaming on HBO Max. Ross agreed that making AEW more accessible has naturally helped grow its audience, but said the conversation highlighted a much bigger issue with how the industry is covered.
Ross also believes the wrestling landscape could look very different in the coming years as companies continue competing for top talent. He specifically wondered whether WWE is already keeping an eye on AEW stars whose contracts are nearing expiration, while expressing confidence that AEW is continuing to grow.
“Anyway, I’m anxious to see how, when it gets down to the nut-cutting time, who’s healthy and who’s not and who’s growing and who isn’t. And are we getting set up for a situation whereby WWE’s got their eye on a handful of talents in AEW and just waiting for a contract to lapse or what have you? And then go get the talent. That’s seemingly an easy way of doing it because you go get the talent with your checkbook. So, we’ll see how that works out at the end of the day. But I like the growth of AEW. I like where they’re going, trying to say. So, we’ll see how it works out. At the end of the day, Connie, it’s going to be interesting. Things are not going to stay as they are. Change is coming.”
Whether fans agree with Ross or not, he believes wrestling has grown beyond being a one-company business. In his view, promotions like AEW have earned a larger share of the conversation, and he hopes wrestling media begins reflecting that in its coverage.
Do you agree with Jim Ross? Has wrestling media become too WWE-focused, or is that simply where fan interest is today? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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