WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has issued his first comments on his new AXS TV deal in which he will be providing commentary for NJPW. He posted the following on his JR’s Bar-B-Q website.

"My thanks to all of you that have given us your good wishes on our new gig with AXS TV and New Japan Pro Wrestling that starts on Friday night March 4. I will be filling the chair of the talented Mauro Ranallo who left AXS to take the WWE Smackdown play by play job and I will be working wth Josh Barnett, former UFC Heavyweight Champion and pro wrestler, who’s evolving into a helluva broadcaster. I am excited to get started and I’ve already begun my prep for our first voice over session which is in the second week of February in Los Angeles.

I’m looking forward to teaming with Josh Barnett on these broadcasts and our goal is to be the best broadcast team in pro wrestling. End of story. We’re coming to kick ass and have fun and to continue to help build the NJPW brand on AXS.
NJPW is a proud company that has long been one of the premier wrestling promotions in the world and I am honored to being the play by play voice of this company in North America.

I never felt like I left the broadcasting side of the wrestling business the right way and this will give me a chance to correct that self perceived negative exit. Every Friday night will be my own personal ‘Wrestlemania’ as I hope to hit the ground running on this new opportunity on AXSTV. Business has picked up…and I am grateful!"