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What's the story?
Jim Ross, the voice of the hottest period in WWE history, was recently a guest on X-Pac's 1, 2, 360 show. A man involved with both WWE and NJPW at present, Ross compared Hirooki Goto to Bret Hart.
He also had some extremely flattering words for the IWGP Champion Kazuchika Okada. We thank 411Mania for the transcript.
In case you didn't know...
If there's anyone that knows and understands the business of professional wrestling, it is Jim Ross. From WCW to WWE to NJPW, he has done it all. In fact, he's still calling big events actively, such as the recently concluded NJPW Strong Style Evolved in California.
Jim Ross has received both praise and criticism for his recent NJPW commentary efforts, because of mispronouncing names and appearing unfamiliar with the product at times.
The heart of the matter
This is what Ross said about Goto:
I like Goto. Let me tell you why I like (Hirooki) Goto, I compared (Hirooki) Goto to Bret Hart. Because I felt (Hirooki) Goto was underappreciated like Bret was at times he was extremely fundamentally sound always. Bret’s always that way. So I looked at it as a compliment some people took me to task on it.
Thereafter, he called Kazuchika Okada his guy:
Well, Okada is my guy. Cause I just think anytime you get a 6ft 3′ Thirty-year-old kid that’s got great looks and the charisma is natural, organic. That’s a big thing there.
What's next?
We believe Jim Ross will continue calling matches for NJPW as the brand grows in stature and prominence in the months to come.
Author's take
I'm a huge fan of both the gentlemen Jim Ross mentioned, even though I wouldn't necessarily say I think of Bret Hart when I look at Goto. The fact remains that they have a fantastic roster, and will only keep growing in strength.
That said, I personally prefer Kevin Kelly and Don Callis calling the bigger NJPW events.
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