WWE News: CM Punk And Jim Ross To Announce For New Japan Pro Wrestling?
Jim Ross, former WWE announcer and Hall of Famer, recently pitched the idea about he and CM Punk announcing for New Japan Pro Wrestling on his podcast, the Ross Report. Punk and Ross have been away from the WWE for quite some time, so their no-compete clauses wouldn’t take effect. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the idea was pitched to NJPW.
“Through other channels, the idea of Ross doing NJPW shows was pitched but the impression given was that New Japan didn’t bite on the idea. It could be because the iPPV’s don’t have a lot of buys outside of Japan. It should be noted this was just a JR idea and there was no talk within NJPW of making it happen. Ross also noted he hadn’t talked to Punk about it.”
It is certainly a shame this never came to be, because the wrestling world would tune in to listen. Ross is still the “Voice of WWE.” No offense to Michael Cole, but there was always something about Ross that nobody could replicate. The way he would tell a story was magnificent. The only thing that comes to mind is the way Cole promotes the WWE Network, and that’s not a compliment.
As for Punk, he’s having fun doing other projects, but will eventually tune back into wrestling. If he said that wrestling would “never ever” happen again, he never ruled out announcing it. Besides, who wouldn’t want to see Punk back in the announcer’s chair?
If, by some miracle, it would come true, the rumored WWE lawsuit would have to subside first. New Japan Pro Wrestling is a very honorable company that doesn’t need the sideshow of Punk’s ongoing saga with the WWE.
Besides, Japanese pro wrestling is hurting for star talent after the illustrious KENTA left for greener pastures in the WWE. While NJPW is popular in Japan, the report was right by saying that not many people watch NJPW outside of their area. KENTA was a draw outside of Japan, and now that he’s gone, somebody or something must replace him.
Punk and Ross would make that the second-most watched wrestling promotion on the planet. WWE is first and won’t be topped for a long time. TNA is second, and during their pitfall, somebody will take their spot. Ring of Honor won’t make any strides until they make a new TV deal. In come two of the most popular wrestling personalities in the world, and NJPW is now competition to the WWE.
It sounds like a crazy dream, but imagine the ratings boost those two would provide.
While the pitch was shot down by NJPW, the possibility of Ross and Punk announcing as a duo would be a mark’s dream come true. The WWE would then have to step up their game and add to the announcer’s team. At this point, just let Renee Young call the matches.
[Images via WWE.com and SportsKeeda.com]
