Dot Net has confirmed WrestleZone.com's report that Jim Ross met with TNA officials earlier this month. The original report indicated that TNA CFO Dean Broadhead attended the meeting, but that is not the case. Rather, multiple sources indicate that the meeting was held in Texas and included Ross, TNA president Dixie Carter, and her father Bob Carter.

The buzz amongst TNA sources is that Ross was not open to being just a play-by-play announcer for TNA. Rather, the talk amongst those unofficially recruiting him is that Ross expressed more interested in playing a behind the scenes general manager role in the sense that he would help shape the roster and the office staff structure among other duties.

The feeling coming out of the meeting was that Ross was not interested in committing to TNA and is looking for work outside pro wrestling if he doesn't strike a new deal with WWE. Ross's latest WWE contract extension expires on Apr. 30. He has a number of projects in the works including book deals and speaking engagements. One source noted that Ross is now represented by agent Barry Bloom.

Ross has also spoken with HDNet officials regarding a potential deal that would have him call MMA events and UFL football games. Although calling Ring of Honor could potentially be part of the package, the focus appears to be on MMA and football at this time.

Powell's POV: There is still a chance Ross could re-sign a long term deal with WWE or work out another short-term agreement. TNA sources do not believe there is a noncompete attached to his current WWE deal, meaning he could theoretically go to work for TNA or HDNet shortly after his contract expires. However, it does not appear that a deal is imminent with either party.

Although WWE does not intend to use Ross as a weekly television announcer, he still handles the company payroll among and performs other off-camera duties. This would be a hell of a move if TNA could pull it off, as Ross was the head of talent relations in WWE and could be just the person TNA needs to steer the ship. Plus, he's the best play-by-play voice in the game and would enhance the product greatly if they could talk him into calling the matches.

News Usage Policy

RECOMMEND THIS ARTICLE: