Jim Ross has some scepticism over a recent AEW angle.
Following the exits of Bobby Lashley and MVP from WWE earlier in the year, many fans assumed that a reunion would be taking place in AEW. Additionally, with Shelton Benjamin remaining a free agent a year on from his release, a reunion of The Hurt Business looked to be inevitable.
With MVP making a surprise appearance at Grand Slam, plans looked to be in place and many knew it was only a matter of time before the popular faction would be back together again. Shortly before Lashley’s debut, Benjamin competed in a number of matches on TV and was able to remind the world what he can do more than 20 years into his professional career. However, despite the impressive showing from Benjamin, Ross believes that it should have been extended.
Speaking about The Hurt Syndicate on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross stated that he thought Benjamin has already been relegated to a secondary wrestler with the arrival of Lashley:
“They quickly make Shelton a secondary player which I think is a mistake. He’s a star and a hell of an athlete. He can do things nobody else can and do it effortlessly. He’s that good.”
At Full Gear, Lashley secured a dominant victory over Swerve Strickland in his pay-per-view debut. Discussing the possibility of more matches, the AEW announcer stated that he does not believe it will be a one and done:
“I don’t think it’s a one off. I just don’t know how far it’s going to go and all that, but yeah, it’ll be good. Both those guys are excellent talents.”
Jim Ross Criticises Modern Wrestling Trope
Having been in the industry for 5 decades, Ross has seen wrestling evolve into what it has become today. While Jim Ross is pleased with some of the changes, the announcer recently admitted he hates one thing wrestlers do.
In a recent episode of his podcast, Jim Ross stated a recent AEW spot “scared the sh*t” out of him.
Inside The Ropes will present an intimate evening with Jim Ross in January and February 2025 in London, Manchester and Glasgow. Tickets for the show can be purchased here.