WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is officially back calling professional wrestling on national television in the United States. FoxSports.com announced on Tuesday that JR has signed on to do play-by-play for New Japan Pro Wrestling’s weekly show on AXS TV. JR’s broadcast partner will be Josh Barnett, who previously did commentary on the show alongside current WWE SmackDown announcer Mauro Ranallo.
The first episode of NJPW on ASX TV featuring Jim Ross on commentary will air on Friday, March 4th at 9pm EST. That episode will feature matches from NJPW’s Wrestling Dontaku 2015 event. In a press release sent in by AXS TV, JR said,
“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!”
Ross is no stranger to the New Japan product, having called 2015’s Wrestle Kingdom 9 from ringside live at the Tokyo Dome. JR explained to Fox Sports why the NJPW product is a breath of fresh air compared to what many fans in the United States are probably used to.
“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.”
Ross also teased that this is an opportunity to work with AXS TV on “many fronts.” Overall, fantastic news for wrestling fans and Good ‘ol JR!
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