BleedPhilly.com | Philly's preeminent sports & pro wrestling blog

Jim Ross Returning to the Wrestling Announce Booth for New Japan Pro Wrestling

 

Many wrestling fans have been clamoring for the return of Good Ol' J.R. to the announce booth, and it sounds like they're finally going to get it. According to FOX Sports, Ross is set to join the AXS TV community and assume the lead commentator duties that Mauro Ranallo left vacated when he jumped to WWE to become the voice of SmackDown. Ross'll do voice-overs from Los Angeles. More from FOX:

 

"This opportunity to work with AXS TV is attractive on many fronts," Ross said. "The travel won't be weekly but approximately 8-10 trips to Los Angeles in a year's time. While there, in a two-day, voice-over session, we will hammer out up to six shows. I'm happy OKC now has non-stop flights to LAX."

"I'm a big fan of the New Japan product as they have been one if the most highly regarded brands within the genre for decades," Ross said. "New Japan has a unique opportunity with AXS TV to grow their brand in North America. The more fans sample the athleticism, physicality, no-nonsense presentation of NJPW the more they're going to like it.

"For me, the New Japan Pro Wrestling business philosophy reminds me of my earlier years in wrestling. I've had numerous other offers, some serious and others just flirting to return to TV Wrestling broadcasting but none have had the appeal that AXS TV offered me. We think my style will fit the NJPW in-ring presentation well. We'll know that conclusively in early March. Plus, AXS TV and I discussed other potential projects outside NJPW." 

NJPW's season features episodes highlighting matches from the 2015 New Japan Cup, Invasion Attack, HINOKUNI, Best of the Super Juniors 22, Dominion 7.5, G1 Climax 25 and more throughout the year.

"It's a dream to be able to sit next to the legendary Jim Ross and call the incredible wrestling action of New Japan Pro Wrestling," Barnett said. "I've listened to his commentary throughout the years and I'm glad to have someone as distinguished as him to work with in the booth."

...

"NJPW has some studs on their roster and they do a great job of offering a strong, physical style that highlights stiff strikes, heavy kicks and high level air skills," Ross said. "Hiroshi Tanahashi is their ace -- NJPW's version of John Cena as it relates to carrying his company's brand during challenging business times. Kazuchika Okada is the heir apparent to Tanahashi and is one of the most dynamic performers anywhere in the world. 

"I'm hopeful that my partner . . . and I can continue to introduce many new fans to more of these amazing, proud athletes. The NJPW roster is loaded  with many young, talented, highly trained men that all hungry to fight their way into main events."

Did Ross, who is a contributor to FOXSports.com, miss calling the action?

"I think I only missed it when I heard others doing it on television," Ross said with a a laugh. "I've never missed it while sitting in an airport or checking into another hotel. Broadcasting has been in my DNA for over 40 years so it's here to stay. Broadcasting was always my favorite facet of being in the TV wrestling business. 

"I'm very excited about this opportunity to get off the bench and get back in the game," he added. "My tank is far from empty. The social-media feedback, especially on Twitter, regarding the possibility that I might get back behind the mic for some pro wrestling has been nothing short of spectacular. I've been touched by the genuine outpouring of support from fans who have been supporters of mine for years. 

"It's my job to not let these folks down, and I won't."

 

It'll be great to hear Ross back on the airwaves for pro wrestling, even if it isn't for WWE. Does this mark a potential return to WWE for Ross in the future? I'll be interesting to see if this is just a pit stop for one of the best announces in professional wrestling history.

Your Royal Rumble and Jim Ross Rundown

Yesterday was one of the longer days of my life, but with good reason. I got to meet Jim Ross, talk with him a little bit, hear some of his stories from the ol' rasslin' business, and then head to one of the most anticipated events in professional wrestling, the Royal Rumble, at the Wells Fargo Center.

This off the heels of meeting Philly.com sports producer and wrestling columnist, Vaughn Johnson and former WWE creative writer [who also hosted Jim Ross' one-man show], Andrew Goldstein, made this weekend pretty damn special. Made new friends, got to talk about wrestling, and got to stand next to Mick Foley's kids who at the time I had no clue they were Mick Foley's kids. I'm sorry, Noelle.

 

Had an awesome time at @ringofhonor tonight and met the lovely @TheJoannaRose 😁 #ROH pic.twitter.com/rALMZZsO0A

— Noelle Foley (@NoelleFoley) January 25, 2015

 

Yeeeeah...

So, anyway, Jim Ross' one-man show lived up to the hype. We've told you on Bleed Philly before that his show brings you an uncensored, no holds barred type atmosphere to it, and Sunday afternoon at Underground Arts in Philadelphia was no different. Ross kicked off the show by discussing his unfortunate mishap the night before of falling and wounding his ass. That pretty much set the tone for the afternoon.

Ross talked about acquiring his second bout of Bell's Palsy during a WWF UK PPV, hours after learning his mother had passed away. Ross left the company to take care of himself and returned to call the main event of WrestleMania XV in Philadelphia, which pitted Stone Cold Steve Austin against then-WWF Champion, The Rock. Ross said that the people of Philadelphia who cheered him that first night back, despite his face not looking in the best shape, restored his faith in being able to continue his career. He admitted he thought his career was over after his second Bell's Palsy attack, but credited the Philly fans with re-kindling it with a thunderous applause at WrestleMania. Next time someone tells you Philly fans are all assholes, ask them to talk to Jim Ross.

Ross also mentioned that he thinks Brock Lesnar wants to return to MMA to finish his career the right way, not the one that was marred by diverticulitis complications during his last UFC run. I'm willing to bet we see Brock in UFC after WrestleMania.

Some of Ross' stories also included the antics of the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, which were probably the highlights of his show. 

After a Q&A session, James J. Dillon appeared as Ross' special guest, much like Sean Waltman was on Friday night. The two shot the shit a bit before the show ended. An hour and a half well spent. Before the show, I got to meet JR face-to-face and let him know how much I appreciated him letting me cover the event and also advertising it beforehand. He called me a good man. And that's pretty much all I needed.

 

Then, it was Royal Rumble time.

RINGSIDE With Jim Ross Moved to Underground Arts in Philly

RINGSIDE with Jim Ross, which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 25th, from the Trocadero Theater, has moved to a new location.

The new venue will be Underground Arts at 1200 Callowhill Street between 12th St. and 13th St. Tickets that have already been sold will still be valid at the new location. You can purchase tickets for the event here. For information on the event, click here.

There's no word on why the venue was changed.

 ...

This news comes on the heels of WWE's Summerslam pay-per-view being forced to move to a new location due to the closing and eventual destruction of the IZOD Center in the Meadowlands. 

"WWE is currently looking at alternatives and we are confident that we will come up with an equivalent, if not better, option for Summerslam."

The new location should be Red Bull Arena, but Madison Square Garden is also a possibility. An event like Summerslam should be held outdoors, but it's all about the moneh.

Related articles

Jim Ross on Why He's Thankful for Philadelphia

Daniel Bryan Announces He'll Return to WWE at the Royal Rumble in Philly

The Legendary Jim Ross Set to Host a Pair of One-Man Shows on Royal Rumble Weekend

Jim Ross On Announcing Boxing, Thoughts On CM Punk In MMA

WWE PPV Schedule Announced For 2015

Jim Ross on Why He's Thankful for Philadelphia

Jim Ross wasn't sure he would ever commentate again. In fact, he wasn't sure he would ever look the same again.

But there's one thing Jim Ross was sure of, and that's thanking the fans of Philadelphia for giving him back his livelihood back in 1999.

Ross was stricken with a bout of Bell's Palsy in late 1998 during a pay-per-view in the United Kingdom. Coming off the heels of learning his mother had passed away left Ross as vulnerable as ever, and he was forced to take a leave of absence from the then-WWF for months. He legitimately had lost his smile. He wasn't sure he would ever return.

But he did. At WrestleMania XV in the then-First Union Center in Philadelphia, Ross returned to call the main event of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. The Rock, at the request of both wrestlers. Ross wasn't sure how Philly would receive him, and he was in for quite a shock. [Philly.com]

To Ross’ surprise, when the Philadelphia fans heard the familiar fight song of the Oklahoma Sooners blare through the speakers of the First Union Center and saw his patented black cowboy hat make its way down the aisle, they gave him a standing ovation.

After all he’d been through, from his mother dying to his second battle with Bell’s palsy, the reception was the shot of energy and confidence that Ross needed.

“I can’t tell you how good a medicine that was because it gave me confidence that they didn’t care what I looked like,” he said. “They just cared that I was there and that I was going to put my heart and soul into the broadcast and that I had the guts and the courage to walk out there looking sure as heck not TV-friendly.

“I owe that thank you to the fans of Philadelphia,” he added. “Their reception and their appreciation for my work, that got me back to where I needed to be and I’ve never forgotten that story. I would not have had the confidence to come back and work through my issues if it hadn’t been for the fans of Philly.”

 

Read the rest of Vaughn Johnson's incredible article here.

This is just one of the many stories you'll hear at RINGSIDE with Jim Ross at the Trocadero Theater on January 25th, hours before the Royal Rumble. Ross has been running this one-man show, hosting a podcast, and has done commentary for MMA and FOX Sports since leaving WWE in 2013.

...

Yesterday, Ross joined Kyle Scott of Crossing Broad on his podcast, Crossing Streams, and delved into the past, present, and future. Listen to it after the jump.

Daniel Bryan Announces He'll Return to WWE at the Royal Rumble in Philly

 

Almost everyone, including yours truly, thought Daniel Bryan was set to retire last night after he sent out the above tweet before Monday Night RAW.

Then, the show opened with a promo highlighting Edge's retirement speech from 2011, when he was forced into retirement due to a neck injury. Bryan has a similar neck injury, but apparently not to the extent that Edge did, because Bryan is returning to in-ring action on January 25th in Philly. 

 

 

So, now is your chance to buy tickets to the Royal Rumble. Also, don't forget to get tickets to RINGSIDE with Jim Ross occurring at the Trocadero Theater hours before the Rumble.

Bryan spoke with WWE.com after the show, and you can view that video after the jump.

The Legendary Jim Ross Set to Host a Pair of One-Man Shows on Royal Rumble Weekend

Still one of the most respected broadcasters in the wrestling industry despite not performing for years, Jim Ross is bringing his one-man show to Philadelphia during WWE's Royal Rumble weekend.

No, Ross is not employed by WWE anymore, but he still gets to take advantage of the wrestling community coming together in an action-packed wrestling weekend from January 23rd through the 25th. From JRsBarBQ.com:

Excited to announce two RINGSIDE with Jim Ross shows in January at which I hope you will join me. Friday night, January 23, I will be at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey for an 8 pm show with the VIP meet & greet starting at 6 pm. Tickets start at $20 and go on sale this Friday at www.axs.com.

On Sunday we are excited to do a matinee at 3 pm at the Trocadero Theater with the VIP meet and greet starting at 1 pm. Tickets for the Philly show will also go on sale this Friday at www.axs.com. Tickets start at only $20.

These shows will be loaded with stories, Q&A's, PLUS, for the first time, all VIP ticket holders will also receive a FREE bottle of JR's Original BBQ Sauce!

 

Tickets range from $20-$65 for these shows, but the money seems to be worth it if you're a die-hard wrestling fan. Jim Ross always has a plethora of stories to tell, so this is a great opportunity to hear some great stories from one of the best.

For Friday's (1/23) show tickets, click here. 

For Sunday's (1/25) show tickets, click here.

...

The weekend ends Sunday night, as the Royal Rumble emanates from the Wells Fargo Center. Get tickets for that here.

For a preview of what you can expect at these one-man shows, check the video after the jump.

Jim Ross Signs Deal With FOX Sports, Finalizes PodcastOne Deal

Jim Ross has officially signed a deal with FOX Sports.

Ross wrote in a blog post earlier this month that he was nearing a deal with them.

Ross also has a deal with PodcastOne, and will be doing a weekly podcast beginning in February. It won't be all wrestling, as Ross has clearly articulated he has more than wrestling in his arsenal, but he'll be taking calls, so wrestling will seem to be a main topic for his show.

Ross officially published his first article after a deal was struck on FOXSports.com yesterday, citing his favorite Rumble moments. One of them was from 1995, when Lawrence Taylor and Bam Bam Bigelow got into a heated confrontation.

1995: Indeed this was a good year for this event. This was the night that Bam Bam Bigelow had a physical confrontation with NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. LT was sitting at ringside smiling at Bigelow who was exiting the ringside area and that "show of disrespect" drew the ire of the tattooed, bald man from New Jersey, who obviously wasn't a Giants fan, and prompted him to shove LT hard ... very hard. When Taylor got off the concrete floor, No. 56 wasn't smiling -- at all. Not even a little grin. Old school Bigelow had just welcomed the NFL legend into the world of sports entertainment. One might say that Bam Bam called an audible. 

 

Check out Ross's column here.