Jim Ross Confirms He Will Call Matches at AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door Collaboration

Jim ross Heads to London for AEW Forbidden Door Commentary

London, England – Wrestling legend Jim Ross has confirmed he will be traveling to London to provide commentary for All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) upcoming “Forbidden Door” pay-per-view event at the O2 Arena. The announcement came during a recent appearance on the “Grilling JR” podcast.

Ross expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the iconic venue, describing it as “London’s version of madison Square Garden” adn “THE arena,” noting its history of hosting major events and attracting passionate crowds. He has previously worked events at the O2, recalling consistently lively atmospheres.

While specific matches haven’t been finalized for Ross’s commentary duties, he highlighted his anticipation for the main event showdown between Kazuchika Okada and Swerve Strickland. Praising okada’s ability to consistently deliver on grand stages, Ross stated he expects “greatness” from the match, emphasizing the high level of performance AEW talent brings to its major shows.

“Lot of physicality, smoothness, nothing clumsy,” Ross said of the anticipated contest. “I think they’ll tell good stories without question.”

This appearance marks a important return for the veteran commentator to a major international event with AEW. Ross’s presence adds considerable prestige and experience to the Forbidden Door broadcast, promising fans a uniquely insightful perspective on the action.

Evergreen Insights: The Enduring Legacy of Jim Ross

Jim Ross’s career spans decades, encompassing pivotal moments in professional wrestling history. From his tenure as the voice of WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” during the Attitude Era to his current role with AEW, Ross has consistently been lauded for his passionate delivery, storytelling ability, and deep understanding of the sport.

His signature calls – “Bah God Almighty!” and “As God is my witness!” – are instantly recognizable to wrestling fans worldwide.Beyond the catchphrases,Ross’s strength lies in his ability to elevate matches thru compelling narratives and genuine emotional investment.

The O2 Arena itself holds a special place in wrestling lore, having hosted numerous landmark events for both WWE and now AEW. Its capacity and modern facilities make it a premier destination for large-scale professional wrestling shows,attracting international audiences and solidifying London’s status as a key market for the industry.

How does Jim Ross’s historical involvement with interpromotional events like WCW/NJPW in the 90s uniquely position him to contribute to AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door?

JR Returns to the Forbidden Door Stage

Legendary wrestling commentator Jim Ross (JR) has officially confirmed he will be on commentary for select matches at the highly anticipated AEW x NJPW: Forbidden door pay-per-view on June 29th, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. This announcement has sent ripples of excitement through the professional wrestling community, with fans eager to hear JR’s signature calls during some of the biggest matches of the year. The collaboration between all Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promises a unique blend of styles and stars, and JR’s presence elevates the event even further.

The Significance of JR’s Involvement

Jim Ross is widely regarded as the greatest wrestling commentator of all time. His decades-long career includes iconic calls for WWE (then WWF) and WCW, and more recently, AEW. His ability to build drama, convey emotion, and connect with the audience is unparalleled.

Here’s why his participation is so critically important:

Legacy & Prestige: JR brings a level of prestige and historical context to Forbidden Door. he’s called matches featuring many of the biggest names in wrestling history.

Enhanced Storytelling: His commentary isn’t just about describing the action; it’s about telling a story. This is crucial for a crossover event like Forbidden Door, where some fans may be unfamiliar with NJPW talent.

Fan Appeal: JR remains incredibly popular with wrestling fans, and his presence is a major draw for the pay-per-view.Expect a surge in PPV buys and viewership.

Bridging the gap: JR’s familiarity with both American and Japanese wrestling styles makes him uniquely suited to call matches at Forbidden Door, helping to bridge the cultural gap for viewers.

Matches JR is Expected to Call

While AEW and NJPW haven’t officially announced which matches JR will be calling, speculation is rampant. Based on current storylines and the overall card,here are some likely candidates:

AEW World Championship Match: A main event featuring MJF or samoa Joe is almost guaranteed to have JR on the call.

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Match: Jon Moxley’s potential involvement makes this a prime candidate for JR’s commentary.

High-Profile Interpromotional Matches: Any match pitting top stars from AEW against NJPW, such as Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay, will likely feature JR.

Special Attraction Matches: Matches with significant storylines or unique stipulations are also likely to benefit from JR’s expertise.

Jim Ross’s Recent AEW Commentary & Style

JR has been a consistent presence on AEW commentary since its inception in 2019. His style has adapted to the modern wrestling landscape while retaining his signature flair.

Key elements of his current commentary include:

Emphasis on Storytelling: JR continues to prioritize building narratives and highlighting the emotional stakes of each match.

Respect for the Business: He consistently demonstrates a deep understanding and thankfulness for the history and traditions of professional wrestling.

Modern Adaptations: JR has embraced social media and interacts with fans online, demonstrating his willingness to evolve with the times.

Collaboration with the Team: He works effectively alongside other commentators like Tony Schiavone and Excalibur, creating a dynamic and engaging broadcast.

The History of JR at Forbidden Door-Type Events

While “Forbidden Door” is a relatively new concept, JR has a long history of calling matches at crossover events.His work during the WCW/New Japan collaborations in the 1990s showcased his ability to seamlessly integrate different wrestling styles and cultures into his commentary. These events, featuring stars like Ric Flair, sting, and The Great Muta, were groundbreaking at the time, and JR played a crucial role in their success.He understands the unique challenges and opportunities presented by interpromotional wrestling.

What This Means for AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door

JR’s involvement is a clear indication that AEW and NJPW are taking this collaboration seriously. They want to deliver a premium product that appeals to both fanbases, and JR’s presence is a key component of that strategy. Expect a heightened level of excitement and anticipation leading up to the event, and a memorable broadcast experience for viewers.The combination of top-tier wrestling action and JR’s legendary commentary is a recipe for success.

Benefits of JR’s Commentary

Increased Viewership: JR’s name recognition and popularity will attract a wider audience to the event.

Enhanced Match Quality: His commentary can elevate the perceived quality of matches by building drama and highlighting key moments.

Positive Fan Reception: fans are overwhelmingly excited about JR’s involvement, which will generate positive buzz and social media engagement.

Historical Significance: JR’s presence adds a layer of historical significance to the event, connecting it