10 Creeping Problems AEW MUST Fix

3. Commentary

Andrade AEW
AEW

Does Jim Ross actually like AEW, or...?

Every week, he refuses to sanction the fact that, whether he likes it or you like it or not, AEW takes a lax approach to rule enforcement. It's not ideal in itself when, on certain occasions, the sight of the referee only serves as a reminder that they are redundant. But after two years, we are firmly in "it is what it is" territory. Tony Khan was an ECW guy growing up, and the Elite became Elite in New Japan Pro Wrestling. A ref that shows latitude enables more action. It is what it is, and it can be explained away with frequent reminders that wrestling fans deserve a proper, decisive finish above all else.

Jim Ross does not do this. He hates the leniency. He articulates this hatred a lot.

He's not just an embittered, joyless crank - he remains superb at getting certain acts and beats over, and is a key part of Jungle Boy's ascent in that regard - but there's also an air of hypocrisy to his exacting standards. When he f*cks up, and he does so quite frequently, he gets a bit pissy and spoils the mood. It feels like there's one rule for JR, and another rule for the wrestlers and agents. Should JR be accommodated? Is he that important?

Is it time, after two years of this - two years that mean the third and fourth aren't likely to change - to reduce the scope of his role?

Is it time to present Ross as a special attraction commentator and sit him at the booth for matches he's likely to actually like?

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!