As Jim Ross’s contract with AXS TV comes to a close at the end of the year, AXS TV has announced that they will begin airing same-week coverage of NJPW events in 2019.
On this week’s Jim Ross Report, Ross congratulated Kevin Kelly and Don Callis on being named the new AXS TV broadcast team for NJPW, replacing himself and Josh Barnett.
Ross had nothing but kind words for the duo.
“Of course, congratulations to Kevin Kelly and Don Callis. They’ll do a good job, no doubt about it.”
AXS’s press release does not make clear whether or not Kelly and Callis will record specialized audio for the events, as Ross and Barnett have. Ross indicated Kelly and Callis will be using their audio from the original NJPW World live broadcasts.
Perhaps as a nod to criticism of not always being as knowledgeable of the NJPW product as fans might expect from a play-by-play announcer, Ross says that won’t be an issue with Kelly and Callis.
“They’re both conscientious guys, smart guys, and they know the brand very, very well,” Ross said. “Product knowledge is the key to what you’re doing.”
Ross began calling NJPW events for AXS in March 2016. His final show with the network should air on Friday, December 28.
The full episode of The Jim Ross Report can be found below. When referencing this transcript, please credit SEScoops.com. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.
?@davemeltzerWON? convo#LarryMatysik#Announcing#Creative
?@BeckyLynchWWE? ?@MsCharlotteWWE?
?@WWEAsuka?SlobberKnocker Audio Awaits! ?
Pet Coon Goofy Award! https://t.co/RlgDtHP7Rw
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) November 30, 2018
