AEW News Roundup: Malakai Black discusses AEW Debut, Matt Hardy picks AEW and WWE Wrestler of the Year, Jim Ross reveals criticism over 'WWE Dynamite', and more (11 July, 2021)

#3. AEW commentator Jim Ross addresses 'WWE Dynamite' debacle

Jim Ross on AEW

A recent episode of AEW Dynamite saw the legendary commentator slip-up when announcing the name of the show. Botches are a staple in professional wrestling. Nobody likes it when they happen, but they're inevitable both in the ring and at the commentator's table. Errors on commentary are always hilarious, and legendary AEW announcer Jim Ross was the unfortunate victim of a spectacular one.

During the closing moments of AEW Dynamite's final show at Daily's Place, JR infamously called AEW's flagship show, 'WWE Dynamite'. People on social media had fun, while others defended the iconic commentator. Former AEW World Champion Chris Jericho jumped to the defense of JR, as did other eminent wrestling personalities.

Pointing out that small mistakes or no small mistakes, @JRsBBQ is the GREATEST wrestling commentator of all time.

— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) July 1, 2021

People are seriously giving the greatest announcer of all time crap? @JRsBBQ can call Dynamite “Emmitt Otters Jugband Christmas” and it shouldn’t make a difference. My first day on the job i called @Fgbrisco “Jack”. Now that’s a screw-up https://t.co/ASzas1TgT7

— Brian Gewirtz (@bfg728) July 1, 2021

However, some took the issue too far. On his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross went spoke at length about the fallout from his error. He apologized for his mistake and was grateful to the fans for supporting him for so many years.

I don’t know much more I can say when I addressed it. I made a mistake, it was inadvertent and I’m very sorry I did it obviously, it’s embarrassing. All of a sudden out of that one or two second bite, here’s what comes out of that for some wrestling fans and I say some wrestling fans because I’m still a devotee of our business, I have great respect for the fans. They have supported my efforts undeniably for years, through Jan’s death, leaving WWE. Whatever it may be, they’ve always stood fast. I think the criticism I’ve received has been from a vast minority of defiant young males and some females who ascertain these points.

Some fans took it too far, wishing for ill things on JR and speculating unnecessarily if he had medical issues.

[People said] I’ve had a stroke, by the way I’ve never had a stroke but that’s been diagnosed on the internet from my faupaux, I’ve had a stroke. I’ve had a battle with Bell’s Palsy, I’ve actually had three bouts with Bell’s Palsy. That I have onset dementia, which wouldn’t surprise me, it’s going to happen to everybody some ways or another. But man I got everything on that thing from people wanting me to die. Here’s what’s sad about that deal, it’s not about my mispronouncing, this is a much bigger issue in my opinion. That’s all this is folks, my opinion. It’s the flavor of the country right now, it’s just where we are and it’s sad, I don’t even know what you call it, the cancel culture. It was a little rugged.

It's sad that a historic personality who's given so much to wrestling has to bear with this. We all hope to continue to enjoy the remaining years of commentary.

(H/T for all quotes WrestlingInc)