AEW has been a very bold pro wrestling organization all run by Tony Khan. Jim Ross recently spoke out on the moves by the promotion and gave his take on some of the more notable ones.

Jim Ross took to his “Grilling J.R.” podcast to talk about Jake “The Snake” Roberts being brought over to AEW. The longtime broadcaster was very complimentary of the move by Tony Khan.

“Smart move by Tony Khan to bring Jake in. We have such a young roster that you can’t get too many mentors, coaches, or whatever you want to say. Tony did a good job with that. I liked the pairing of Lance Archer and Jake. I think Lance is one of the more underutilized guys in the wrestling business. Big, rugged son of a gun. Nice man, reliable. You can’t get too many Lance Archers on your roster, I can promise you that. I thought that was a smart hire, and it came out of the blue to me. I’m not involved in the hiring or firing of talent in AEW, nor do I want to be. I’ve done that and been there. I’m happy that Tony made that hire, and it was good for all of us.”

Article Continues Below
More AEW News
Mariah May with the NXT logo on her left and a crossed-out AEW logo on her right
Mariah May breaks silence on leaving AEW for WWEMatty Breisch ·
While in the ring Mick Foley answered questions from fans and told stories about his career.
Mick Foley reveals proposed program with AEW starMatty Breisch ·
Professional wrestling commentator Jim Ross looks on before the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game between the LSU Tigers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
AEW’s Jim Ross sends strong message before cancer surgeryMatty Breisch ·
Director of Football Strategy Tony Khan for the Jacksonville Jaguars answered questions during the press conference where they announced James Gladstone as the general manager Monday morning February 24, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla.
Tony Khan reveals how Vince McMahon’s XFL influenced AEWMatty Breisch ·
WWE star Becky Lynch, who roasted Bayley and former star Sasha Banks, aka Mercedes Moné in AEW, at WrestleMania 39.
WWE’s Becky Lynch roasts former star’s business ventureAndrew Korpan ·
CM Punk reacts during the Men s Royal Rumble match at Tropicana Field.
CM Punk reveals why he chose AEW over WWE in 2021Matty Breisch ·

AEW also has a long tradition of bringing in veterans and giving them a second chance. Jim Ross likes the moves by Tony Khan and talked about the respect the AEW president has for the veterans.

“That’s because Tony is still a brilliant fan of wrestling. He respects what those guys did and how they contributed. He knows the opportunities they’re gonna have backstage primarily in talking to talents and giving them some feedback. ‘You might try this, or why don’t you take that out and put this in.’ That type of stuff. So, all that brainpower is amazing, quite frankly.”