The Return of the Voice

Jim Ross, good ol' JR
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

No, I'm not talking about the singing show on NBC.  I'm sure it's still on the air, but I don't watch.  What I'm talking about today is the big news that Jim Ross is returning to the world of professional wrestling.  Known by this generation as "The Voice" of the WWE (or wrestling in general really), JR is set to call a pay per view after the start of the new year.

Global Force Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that Ross will do play by play for Wrestle Kingdom 9.  It's set for January 4, 2015 in Japan.  People here in the United States can watch through a variety of cable and satellite options at 2 a.m. EST. According to GFW's website, you can also watch via the Flipps app on iTunes and Android.

Mick Foley & JR
Photo courtesy: WWE

I'm excited that JR is going to be involved with the show.  I've missed him on Monday Night Raw and WWE pay per views.  He brings a level of intensity and professionalism to the industry that quite frankly hasn't been close to being duplicated anywhere else.  His ability to tell a story during a match is unbeatable.  Since he's left the WWE, I've been a regular listener and big fan of The Ross Report on Podcast One. 

This event is still a couple of months away.  I'll be honest, it's been the most exciting news to come from GFW since Jeff and Karen Jarrett announced the promotion earlier this year.  I truly hope that it's a show that focuses more on wrestling and less on the entertainment.  I don't think anyone will knock Vince McMahon and company from the throne, but I'm still waiting for someone to lay claim to the second in command spot. 

Good luck to JR, the Jarretts, GFW, and NJPW.  Fans have something to be excited about in 2015.  Thank you for that.