Jim Ross has called out wrestling media for turning into a WWE-centric echo chamber, arguing that too many outlets pour nearly all of their coverage into one promotion while ignoring major stories elsewhere.
The AEW commentator singled out Busted Open Radio as an example of the problem during a recent appearance on his own show.
Speaking on the latest episode of Grilling JR, Ross acknowledged his own bias before making his case. He works for AEW, and he was candid that Tony Khan has looked out for him, particularly through his ongoing health issues.
So, no, I’m obviously, I work for AEW. I’m very biased. Tony Khan’s been great to me, especially since my health has been kind of kicking me in the ass a little bit,” Ross said. “So, I don’t know, man. I got mixed feelings.
Even with that caveat, the WWE Hall of Famer did not hold back on what he sees as a lopsided media landscape. He pointed to a recent episode of Busted Open as the moment that frustrated him.
I listened the other day to… maybe what was it? Busted Open. Yeah. And it’s all about WWE. Everything. Everything. And I don’t know how they get by with that,” Ross said.
If you’re a good producer and you’ve got more than one thing to talk about, then talk about it. But this is certainly kind of a head-scratcher to me that it’s just turned into a WWE infomercial. And I don’t have a problem with that, but spread the wealth around a little bit. There’s more than one wrestling company in the world that has some significance.
Ross Sees Change Coming To The Wrestling Landscape
The conversation started after Conrad Thompson brought up Tony Khan’s claim that AEW is enjoying one of its hottest stretches in years, fueled by stronger television ratings and the move to streaming on HBO Max.
Ross agreed that making the product easier to access has helped grow its audience, but said the topic exposed a larger issue with how the business is covered.
Ross also expects the industry to shift as promotions keep competing for top talent. He wondered aloud whether WWE is already tracking AEW performers whose deals are nearing expiration.
Are we getting set up for a situation whereby WWE’s got their eye on a handful of talents in AEW and just waiting for a contract to lapse or what have you? And then go get the talent,” Ross said.
That’s seemingly an easy way of doing it because you go get the talent with your checkbook. So, we’ll see how that works out at the end of the day. But I like the growth of AEW. I like where they’re going… Things are not going to stay as they are. Change is coming.
Ross has been candid about his health struggles on recent editions of Grilling JR, and he has used the same platform to speak plainly about how WWE structures its contracts.
His latest comments frame wrestling as a business that has outgrown a single-company story, and he hopes coverage starts to reflect that.
