After over a week of speculation and rumors, FOXSports.com has announced that WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has signed on to replace Mauro Ranallo as the new voice of NJPW On AXS TV, joining former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett on commentary for the weekly show.
JR will make his NJPW On AXS TV debut on the Friday, March 4th edition of the show. The show is scheduled to feature matches from NJPW's Wrestling Dontau 2015 event.
Ross said the following in the official press release issued to announce that he has signed on with the promotion.
“I’m excited to join the AXS TV team in presenting the amazing athletes of the New Japan Pro Wrestling brand,” said Ross. “I’m a major fan of NJPW and look forward to joining Josh Barnett to form the best broadcast team in the genre. Business just picked up!”
JR has called a show for New Japan in the past, as he and Matt Striker called the Wrestle Kingdom 9 event live from Tokyo, Japan. He told FOX Sports the following about his belief that NJPW is a breath of fresh air for fans of pro wrestling in the United States.
“I’m a big fan of the New Japan product as they have been one if the most highly regarded brands within the genre for decades,” Ross said. “New Japan has a unique opportunity with AXS TV to grow their brand in North America. The more fans sample the athleticism, physicality, no-nonsense presentation of NJPW the more they’re going to like it.
“For me, the New Japan Pro Wrestling business philosophy reminds me of my earlier years in wrestling. I’ve had numerous other offers, some serious and others just flirting to return to TV Wrestling broadcasting but none have had the appeal that AXS TV offered me. We think my style will fit the NJPW in-ring presentation well.”
