Jim Ross Likely Staying with AEW Despite WWE Rumors Circulating Online

Jim Ross may not be going anywhere after all.

Despite a fresh wave of speculation claiming the legendary announcer is gearing up for a return to WWE, Fightful Select has reported that sources within AEW believe JR is staying put. According to the report, “Jim Ross’ contract was scheduled to be up this month. Those we spoke to believe he will be staying in AEW.”

This update cuts directly against recent rumors started by Chris Featherstone, who claimed there were discussions backstage about Ross finishing his career in WWE. But the veteran broadcaster already shut down that talk during a recent episode of Grilling JR just two weeks ago.

When co-host Conrad Thompson asked him about his AEW deal and potential renewal, JR was clear that he’s not looking to go anywhere else.

“I think my contract’s up in August.”
[Like this month?] “Yeah.”
[But you’re going to renew, you think?] “Well, I’m hopeful. I’m not planning on going anywhere. I like my part-time schedule. It lets me keep my batteries charged. I like working for Tony Khan because he’s always been fair and civil to me, and that I appreciate.”

Ross also praised Tony Khan’s approach to producing announcers, saying AEW’s environment works better for him than traditional micromanagement.

“Whenever he produces announce talent, and I would hear on headsets like these, oftentimes I don’t even hear him because he’s not overly hyped and active. And he certainly has the ability to be. He owns it. He’s smart. It’s easy to be a little eccentric and be a pain in the ass producing announce talent. It’s not an easy job, and it can really screw your announcers up by getting them off rhythm and messing up their timing.”

As for his contract negotiations, JR said he’s letting longtime agent Barry Bloom handle things behind the scenes.

“Barry Bloom is my agent. He’s working on it, I’m not worried about it.”

Unless something major has changed in the past few days, all signs now point to Jim Ross sticking with AEW rather than making a nostalgic return to WWE.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.