Jim Ross Reacts To WWE Scheduling Worlds Collide Against AEW All Out

Jim Ross Criticizes WWE Counterprogramming Worlds Collide Against AEW All Out

AEW commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has voiced strong frustration over WWE’s decision to run Worlds Collide in the Chicago market on the exact same date as AEW All Out.

Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross questioned the underlying motives behind booking the joint WWE and AAA show at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, on the same night AEW hosts its major pay-per-view at the nearby NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates.

Ross made it clear that he disdained the scheduling tactics:

“I don’t [like it], because I know the motivation, I think I know the motivation for them running an event, in that city, on that day, at that time.”

The veteran announcer argued that major promotions should focus on growing the industry overall rather than trying to cut into competing audiences:

“I think everybody should promote growth in our profession, I really do. But it’s never going to fcking happen because the wrestling business, too many people in the wrestling business are too ignorant to see that everybody can help each other.”*

Ross added that while he supports giving wrestling fans great content, the timing and location—alongside adding Chicago native CM Punk to the card—pointed directly to strategic counterprogramming rather than simple scheduling convenience:

“It’s not a matter of who’s going out of business. I’m all for the wrestling fans, I’m watching a lot of wrestling right now. If their motivation was to entertain the fans, have a big house and put on a great show, then I’m all for it, but that wasn’t the motivation. Too many coincidences. That wasn’t the motivation. By putting CM Punk on the show, you already guaranteed yourself a big house in Chicago.”

Despite initial uncertainty regarding broadcast plans, updated reports confirm Worlds Collide will stream live on YouTube, setting up a direct head-to-head clash in the Chicago market.