Jim Ross expresses his discomfort with the controversial AEW season
Legendary boxing announcer Jim Ross spent more than 50 years in the professional boxing industry and witnessed some of the sport’s most dramatic and intense moments. As the voice of WWE’s Attitude Era, Ross tops the list of wrestling’s most memorable matches. Ross, who now works with AEW, recently described a particularly volatile moment during a competition that left even the most seasoned announcer feeling uncomfortable.
The incident in question occurred during AEW Dynamite’s July 24 Blood and Guts tournament in Nashville. At one point, Mark Briscoe threw a steel chair directly at Jack Perry’s head. To make the moment even more troubling, Perry was chained to a metal cage around the ring, rendering him defenseless and unable to block the blow.
The incident immediately sparked controversy among fans and members of the industry. Some thought the chairs were a clever way to mitigate impact, while others worried someone might be seriously injured. Nicholas Jackson, one of the Young Bucks and Perry’s teammates, later assured fans that Perry was fine after the chair shot.
But the controversy didn’t go unnoticed by Jim Ross, who recounted the moment on a recent episode of his Grilling JR podcast. The WWE Hall of Famer didn’t hold back, expressing concern about the incident and questioning whether it was necessary.
“I can understand people’s concern, and by and large, I agree with them,” Ross admitted. “I was uncomfortable with it, to be honest with you. But I understand why it was done, I understand the environment that we were in on that show. When I saw it watching it here at home, I was mildly shocked that it came from such velocity and harmful intent.”
Ross’s comments highlight a growing concern within the wrestling community about the use of dangerous spots in matches. While fans have long been drawn to the physicality and drama of pro wrestling, incidents like the one involving Perry and Briscoe raise important questions about the limits of in-ring violence.
“Thank god I think they only used it once if I remember correctly,” Ross continued. “It’s tough, man. It’s how far do you go? What’s too much? What’s not enough? I would just suggest that there are ways to get the same violence without scrambling a guy’s brains.”
With his wealth of experience in the industry and his deep love for the industry, Ross’ words carry a lot of weight. The way he handled the issue is a reminder that while boxing is entertainment, the welfare of the fighters should always be paramount
In addition to the Blood and Guts controversy, Ross has faced his own challenges of late. Due to ongoing health issues, the iconic publisher has drastically reduced its on-screen presence at AEW. Ross had a health scare in June that required a trip to the emergency room due to respiratory issues, leaving fans concerned.
Despite these challenges, Ross returned to AEW Dynamite this week, facing AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland. However, his appearance worried observers, with some saying that Ross looked thin enough to appear weak and perhaps weaker than before. Seeing Ross, a beloved figure in the wrestling world for decades, look fragile was a poignant reminder of how time and health struggles can take their toll.
Despite Ross’ health issues, his return to the screen shows an unwavering commitment to the industry he helped shape. His passion for boxing and dedication to being a publisher earned him the respect and admiration of his fans and colleagues.
While Ross continues his health challenges, the boxer remains optimistic about his recovery. His candid thoughts on the Perry-Brisco incident contribute greatly to the ongoing discussion on safety in wrestling. This project, layered with drama and spectacle, must constantly examine the balance between fun and security among its performers.
