Ever since his WWE departure fans have been dying to see Jim Ross get back to what he does best and do wrestling commentary full-time. Well we’re all about to get our wish. It’s been rumored for a while that Jim Ross was in talks with AXS TV to do commentary for NJPW. Ross confirmed the talks recently and he announced today via Fox Sports that he has officially signed a deal.
Ross noted that the deal will see him travel to Los Angeles 8 to 10 times a year to do two days of voice overs for the NJPW shows. Ross commented on the deal saying that he’s a big fan of NJPW and he thinks it’s going to be a good fit.
“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.”
He also noted that he’s very excited to get back to doing commentary and that his tank is far from empty.
“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.”
You can also check out the official press release below:
LEGENDARY WRESTLING COMMENTATOR JIM ROSS JOINS AXS TV’S ‘NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING’ ALONGSIDE JOSH BARNETT STARTING MARCH 4
‘NJPW’ Airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on AXS TV
LOS ANGELES – January 19, 2016 – AXS TV today confirmed legendary pro wrestling commentator Jim Ross will join AXS TV’s hit series ‘New Japan Pro Wrestling’ (NJPW) to call play-by-play commentary alongside NJPW veteran and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett beginning Friday, March 4 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. In Ross’ first episode, he and Barnett will call the action for matches from Wrestling Dontaku 2015.
NJPW, which premiered its 52-episode second season on AXS TV Jan. 15, airs Friday nights at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. This 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.
A WWE Hall of Famer, Ross was known as the voice of WWE for nearly two decades, bringing his incomparable broadcasting talent to hundreds of TV and pay-per-view broadcasts for the organization. No stranger to New Japan Pro Wrestling, Oklahoma native Ross also called the first-ever, live English-language broadcast of NJPW with Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 2015.
“I’m excited to join the AXS TV team in presenting the amazing athletes of the New Japan Pro Wrestling brand,” said Ross. “I’m a major fan of NJPW and look forward to joining Josh Barnett to form the best broadcast team in the genre. Business just picked up!”
“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,” said Barnett. “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.”
“Jim Ross is unquestionably one of the best announcers in the history of professional wrestling. He is a true legend and we look forward to leveraging his unparalleled experience to continue to make NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING on AXS TV the best wrestling show on television,” said AXS TV FIGHTS CEO Andrew Simon
AXS TV’s NJPW episodes are produced by and acquired from TV ASAHI CORPORATION.
ABOUT AXS TV
AXS TV is the cable industry’s leading entertainment network for live event programming, and the premier destination for some of the nation’s biggest music festivals. Launched in July 2012 by visionary entrepreneur Mark Cuban, AXS TV provides groundbreaking concerts, stand-up from top comics, celebrity interviews from today’s taste makers, and hard-hitting MMA promotions. Popular AXS TV series include THE X FACTOR UK and original programs such as THE BIG INTERVIEW with Dan Rather; THE WORLD’S GREATEST TRIBUTE BANDS; GOTHAM COMEDY LIVE; ART MANN PRESENTS; AXS TV FIGHTS; and INSIDE MMA, among others.
AXS TV is a partnership between Mark Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and CBS. The network is available in the United States via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other cable, satellite and telco providers, including members of the National Cable Television Cooperative. The network is also distributed in Canada and the Caribbean. For more information, visit the website, www.axs.tv; go to the Facebook page here and follow the company on Twitter, @axstv; on Instagram; Tumblr; YouTube and Cyber Dust.
