On April 3, 2019, 2019, All Elite Wrestling announced that legendary commentator Jim Ross would be signed to the promotion as their lead commentator. As the road to Double or Nothing continues, other announcements would include Alicia Atout as a backstage interviewer for the event Double or Nothing, Justin Roberts would return as an in-ring announcer, and Excalibur as the additional commentator.

Jim Ross, also known as ‘Good ol’ JR’, is one of the most recognized, iconic, and legendary professional wrestling commentators known in the business. He has one of the longest and most distinguished careers in wrestling commentary.

Ross began his career in commentating on college radio and filled a position in the NWA Tri-State territory. Jim Ross also received training as a referee in 1974, he continued that position till 1977. Jim Ross would eventually make his way to WCW, receiving a three-year contract with Turner Broadcasting.  He would leave WCW and would be removed from the air by Bischoff.

In 1993, Jim Ross would sign with WWF (now WWE) and would make his first on-screen debut at WrestleMania IX. Ross has worked along sides of Bobby Heenan and Jerry “The King” Lawler. He would provide the most memorable commentary during WWE’s Attitude Era. Ross would commentate on both RAW and SmackDown Live till 2013.

Ross would then join New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s English commentating team, on January 4, 2015, with Matt Striker. Good ol’ JR would become the lead announcer for NJPW weekly program on AXS TV with Josh Barnett.

In the video on the road to Double or Nothing. Ross would discuss his depression of losing his wife. He would discuss that he is not ready to retire, and he still is one of the best, when it comes to professional wrestling. Jim also talks about the fans and the opportunity to be apart of a new aspiring promotion, that could leave an impact on the industry.

AEW Official Statement

All Elite Wrestling announced a groundbreaking three-year deal with legendary commentator Jim Ross, generally considered to be the greatest pro wrestling announcer of all time. Effective immediately, Ross will take on the role as Senior Advisor in what is the most lucrative deal in pro wrestling commentary history.

Ross’ first in-ring appearance for AEW will be at Double Or Nothing, the highly-anticipated event on Saturday, May 25, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He will also work closely with the senior leaders at AEW on their roadmap to shift and reinvent the wrestling landscape.

“I’ve been part of the wrestling community since I was 7 years old, and there’s no greater thrill than welcoming the voice that I grew up with, Jim Ross, to our AEW family,” said Tony Khan, President of AEW. “We all share a common goal to make this the true golden age, to make this the greatest time ever to be a professional wrestling fan. And, as a business, we also seek to make this a new golden age for the performers and our staff members. Our entire team is thrilled to have Jim onboard and we can’t wait to shake things up together.”

“We’re all excited about having the legendary voice of our childhood come here and help the new generation of talent with his expertise,” said Nick Jackson, EVP at AEW. “I’m moving on in a very positive way to this timely opportunity to be on the ground floor of one of the most exciting moments in the history of pro wrestling,” said Jim Ross.

“I’ve known Tony, Cody, The Young Bucks and Kenny for a long time, and I know they’re going to change the world of pro wrestling. Their roster is already packed with top-level talent and up-and-comers. They’ve got a huge show coming up in May. They’ve brought in game-changing partners like KultureCity. And they’ve got an all-inclusive, welcoming culture like I’ve never seen before. I’m ready to change the world with them.”

Pics & video courtesy of AEW, NJPW|AXS TV, and WWE.

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