Kenny Herzog of Rolling Stone is featuring an interview with WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross discussing the current WWE product and Jeff Jarrett producing more international Pay Per View events through his new Global Force Wrestling promotion.
On the current WWE product:
“I look at WWE more like they’re reloading rather than regrouping. But I do think it’s a transitional period, and it’s creating a lot of talk, because the fans are unsure of where the future’s leading. Somebody’s gotta replace John Cena. Who’s it going to be? So there’s a lot of unknown, but I don’t perceive it to be overtly negative. In this case, the talents didn’t go to another wrestling company. Some of them just got old. Some of them just got injured. Here’s the deal: As a football team, you’re always obligated to develop a backup quarterback. So, I think the mistake the WWE’s made is that they haven’t developed that backup quarterback as readily as they would have liked. But it isn’t formulaic. You gotta have a real good eye for talent, and you gotta create the right kind of people. I think it’s a unique time in the business, and it’s a unique time to study it.”
On the business model of Jeff Jarretts Global Force Wrestling:
“I think, quite frankly, it has a very viable chance to survive. It’s a new business model. Some people of the old-school wrestling fraternity will have their doubts. I believe it has outstanding potential. The key is simple: There has to be a level of trust established with all these promotions that the money and all that stuff is going to be above board, the talents are going to be treated professionally and the financial partnerships are going to be upheld. But I think [Jarrett] does have a good chance. There’s a lot of brands around the world that want to get exposed in the U.S.A. That’s what he’s trying to provide. It’s so new, there’s no precedent for it, so it’s one of those things where you gotta just see how it’s going to evolve. If wrestling fans are the least bit unsatisfied with what they see on a regular basis in this country, then they’re going to be looking for alternatives.”
You can check out the full interview at the link below.
Rolling Stone: Jim Ross Knows Who Should Win the ‘Royal Rumble’