Why Jim Ross Hasn't Been On AEW Dynamite Lately
Here's what's going on with Goold Ol' JR at the moment.
Jim Ross hasn't been seen (or heard) on AEW television in several weeks, with the promotion reconfiguring its announce team down to Tony Schiavone and Cody in the midst of the ongoing global crisis - and it may be a while before the legend returns.
The man himself recently guested on Wrestling Inc.'s daily podcast, explaining that his current absence is down to what is currently going on around the world.
JR said the following (h/t Lords of Pain):-
"Tony Khan and I had a very long and thoughtful talk that he initiated. I’m an asset for that company in his view, and mine too, and he said I’ve got to protect you because he knows I won’t protect myself. So, the decision was to stay home for a couple of days and I’m not gonna be on Dynamite this week or next until we see where this thing is headed. If it gets worse, I’m 68 and in a high-risk group. I don’t wanna die. I don’t wanna get the flu because my ego says I’ve gotta be on TV. ‘Oh I can’t lose my spot, because then I won’t get my push!’ Stop. Please."
As we expected, then, though it's good to hear it straight from the horse's mouth regardless.
This is the same reason why WWE has kept Ross' old partner, Jerry Lawler, from recent tapings in Orlando, with the crisis also affecting AEW's Excalibur, who is currently marooned in California.