Jim Ross Doesn't Agree That AEW Has Signed Too Many Former WWE Talent

Jim Ross has rallied back against criticisms that AEW has signed too many former WWE talent, calling the argument 'weak'.

Malakai Black - the former Aleister Black - became the latest former WWE superstar to join All Elite Wrestling last week, following the likes of Miro (Rusev), Andrade, Christian Cage, Mark Henry, Paul Wight and Sting in switching to AEW in recent times.

The likes of Matt Hardy, Chris Jericho, Cody and FTR have all featured heavily for WWE in the past as well, but AEW commentator Ross says all the signings AEW make are to better the company and help younger talent get better.

Speaking during the latest edition of his 'Grilling JR' podcast, he said: "It’s a weak argument. ‘They’re WWE lite.’ I don’t agree with that, and I’m not knocking WWE. I had 26 great years there and I’m not anti-WWE.

"I don’t feel like we’re in a wrestling war. The war is AEW against its self – getting our young guys to continue to evolve and get better. I think we’re seeing that. Some of your homegrown kids are starting to find their way. There’s a big difference in working in PWG or an indie show and working a match on a national television show. It’s a different mindset and a different ballgame…..I just believe we’ve got some talent and I love watching the evolution of it.

"That’s what we all want – we all want the business to be healthy. The trickle down if someone gets hot. It’s good for all of us. Everybody gets a share in some of that newfound or renewed enthusiasm. I want Ring of Honor to do well, or Impact. I still enjoy watching New Japan. They give you some really great matches.

"I’d love to see Okada in a big pay-per-view main event for AEW someday, and who’s to say that can’t happen? We have a good relationship with the New Japan office. I think that somewhere down the road, one would assume when travel issues are lessened, having an AEW presence in New Japan in big shows seems to be a likely move."

H/T 411Mania.com