Jim Ross Confirms He Signed A New One-Year Deal With AEW, No Plans To Go Back To WWE

Jim Ross is staying with AEW.

When All Elite Wrestling arrived on the scene in 2019, one of their first major acquisitions was adding legendary commentator Jim Ross to their announce team. At the time, he inked a three-year deal with the company, though, due to health issues, his presence behind the desk has fluctuated through his time with AEW. When it emerged that his contract was expiring earlier this month, many were wondering what would be next for the 73-year-old, with some even linking him with a return to WWE, but we now know that he’s staying All Elite.

On Grilling JR, Jim Ross first addressed rumours that he was negotiating with WWE. On this, he clarified that he had no plans to return, revealing that he’s signed a new one-year deal with AEW.

“I saw somewhere online, somebody sent me something where I was negotiating with WWE to go back. I hadn’t heard that one. I haven’t talked to them. No plans to go back. I’m not saying that out of animosity or anger. It’s just not the right time for me to get more involved in the business. If they come to me with an idea that we haven’t discussed, I might reconsider, but I like being where I am. I like the schedule I have, the freedoms I have. I enjoy working with these young talents. I’ve developed a good relationship with a lot of those kids at AEW. I’m happy where I am, I really am. Not a lot of stress and pressure. I signed a new contract for a year. Got that done before I left. One year, next summer. Next August, I think it is.”

-Jim Ross

In terms of what fans may be able to expect from his next run, Ross explained that he expects to work all pay-per-views alongside some TV appearances.

“I have few dates. I like that. I have a deal that is very desirable. My schedule is basically to work pay-per-views and assorted appearances on TV. I expect to do all pay-per-views and we’ll see where that takes us. I’m happy with my deal. I’m happy to go back working with Tony (Khan). Tony and I spent a lot of time together in London, talking about my deal and his plans for me. I’m still figured in very strongly,”

-Jim Ross

After thankfully announcing that he was cancer-free in June, Ross made his first AEW appearance in over 10 months on July 12 at All In: Texas. With his time in the coming set to continue, he also provided commentary at this past weekend’s Forbidden Door.

As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Jim Ross’ AEW status as soon as we hear more.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription.