Jim Ross has boldly predicted that a certain AEW star will become World Champion before the year is out.
Throughout his extensive career in the wrestling business, Jim Ross has earned a reputation as someone with an impressive eye for talent. During his tenure with WWE, Ross was instrumental in signing The Rock, John Cena and Mick Foley to name but a few.
This credit in the bank means that when the legendary announcer tips someone as a future World Champion, people take notice.
Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast Grilling JR, available via AdFreeShows, the WWE Hall of Famer made one such bold predication. On the show, Ross was asked by a fan who he would like to see win the AEW World Championship after current incumbent, Hangman Adam Page.
In response, Ross ran down a list of likely candidates, while admitting that he’d be in no rush to take the title off Page as he has been improving his all-round game ever since he became champion. However, in amongst a list of would be-champions, it was the name of a certain Maxwell Jacob Friedman that stood out, with JR predicting he will win AEW’s top prize before the year is over.
“MJF will definitely be the AEW Worlds Champion at some point in time,” Ross said. “I suggest sooner than later, this year as in sooner. I don’t have that written down, Tony Khan didn’t whisper that in my ear at the UFC fight on Saturday but there are a lot of guys that qualify. Adam Cole’s got to be right there at the top of that list, he hasn’t had a bad match yet and he’s very reliable and he’s got a beautiful girlfriend that’s a big part of our team.
“I think Adam Cole is in line for an opportunity with that role but I’ve got to tell you, I’m not in any big hurry to take it off Hangman Page. He’s getting better and better every time. The things he’s done on TV the last couple of weeks, the little run-ins, talking, interacting. He’s shown a huge improvement in his game, he’s in great shape, he looks good and he’s healthy. I’m not in any hurry for Hangman Page to lose but if it does come his turn, we have plenty of guys.
We haven’t got Kenny Omega back, Kenny Omega will be back soon at some point in time when he gets healthy. Miro, Samoa Joe, there are a lot of guys that would be good champions. But right now, with the course I see it on, if there has to be a change, Adam Cole would be my most viable suggestion.”
MJF is currently embroiled in a feud with Wardlow, who is determined to keep under contract, despite the powerhouse’s best efforts. As part of this plan, Wardlow is set to face The Butcher on the April 20th edition of AEW Dynamite.
Meanwhile, Adam Page is coming off the back of a terrifically violent Texas Death Match on Rampage, where he retained his World Championship with victory over Adam Cole.
H/t to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.