“Good Ol’ JR” Returns: Jim Ross Back on AEW Commentary Tonight in Tulsa!
The voice of wrestling is making his way back to the announce desk! Jim Ross (aka “Good Ol’ JR”) is set to return to AEW commentary for the first Dynamite of 2026 on Wednesday, January 7 — live from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, his home state.
This marks a much-anticipated homecoming for the WWE Hall of Famer, who’s been away from the booth since his last appearance at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door in August 2025 (about 5 months ago).
Ross has been sidelined by ongoing health challenges throughout 2025, including a battle with colon cancer (diagnosed in May, successfully treated with surgery, and declared cancer-free by June).
Despite the setbacks, he signed a new one-year contract extension in August 2025 (running through August 2026), focused on select high-profile matches, main events, and PPVs rather than full-time weekly duties.
He recently relocated back to Oklahoma full-time (after selling his Jacksonville condo), which has boosted his health and spirits — and what better spot for a comeback than Tulsa?
AEW dropped the news on New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025), hyping the stacked card alongside JR’s return:
• Lights Out Match: Hangman Adam Page & Swerve Strickland vs. HOOK & Powerhouse Hobbs — pure unsanctioned chaos for payback!
• Continental Championship Eliminator: Jon Moxley vs. Shelton Benjamin — winner gets a future title shot.
Expect JR to join the team (likely Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, and Taz) for key moments, adding that signature excitement, “slobberknocker” energy, and legendary storytelling.
At 74 (he turned it on January 3), Ross remains a special attraction — not full-time, but perfect for big nights like this.
Fans have been buzzing about his absence (he was originally eyed for Worlds End on Dec 27 but didn’t make it), so this feels like a proper kickoff to 2026 for AEW.
Will he call the Lights Out war? Hype Moxley’s eliminator? Either way, hearing “BAH GAWD” back on TV is going to give the IWC chills.
