AEW Commentators Jim Ross & Taz Question Why Some Wrestling Fans Choose NXT Over Dynamite

There’s no doubt about it: WWE is at war with AEW. The ratings have gone back in forth in favor of both since the AEW Dynamite premiered against WWE’s weekly NXT TV show on Wednesday nights. Reminiscent of the old WWE vs WCW Monday Night Wars of the 90s, the players on each side stand strongly by their respective teams.

Some of the most vocal proponents of AEW’s supposed superior weekly product have actually been former WWE stalwarts. Cody Rhodes destroyed a Triple H-Esque throne last summer and Chris Jericho publicly called WWE “bad creative” during an early episode of Dynamite.

Moreover, the latter wrestling legend even called the ratings war out by name a few weeks ago on the show, explaining why he appears so often on the program.

Fighting Words From J.R. & Taz

Every week, AEW announcers breakdown the events of the latest episode of Dynamite in their post-show. During the July 22 episode, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross gave his own pitch as to why people should watch Dynamite and not NXT.

This is going to sound real ass-kissing, but why is there even a choice on Wednesday nights? DVR NXT. Watch it later. Our shit’s better and I’m proud of being able to say that and it’s not in defiance. It’s the reality, Ross said.

Ross has historically had a number of problems with the WWE and its head honcho Vince McMahon for the better part of the last 30 years. Ross has been fired and brought back and humiliated so many times that the ill-will he feels toward his former home organization is warranted.

While the argument can be made for both AEW and NXT delivering a better product every week, its certainly interesting to hear Ross come out so hard against the former.

WWE’s Decision To Ignore AEW

Additionally, during the same episode, Taz continued the negative energy and went so far as to claim the WWE insults the intelligence of its fans on a weekly basis.

I don’t really remember the last time I watched that show. I’m not bullshitting. I really don’t remember and I don’t give a rat’s ass about it. I respect the men and women there bumping and working. I’m not trying to be a homer and I don’t give a shit if someone thinks that. I’m so locked into this, I don’t really give a rat’s ass about it… What we’re doing is that we’re not insulting your intelligence and we’re acknowledging WWE. They’re the ones insulting your intelligence, Taz said.

Debuting in the WWE back in 2000 against Kurt Angle, Taz worked for the company for decades as both an in-ring performer and a member of the Smackdown commentary table. However, since joining the ranks of AEW earlier this year, Taz has taken aim at the WWE and its NXT label.

The above comment came as a response to AEW’s acknowledgment of the existence of WWE in its storylines while Vince McMahon chooses to pretend his competition does not exist. For example, Chris Jericho’s recent storyline skirmish with the iconic Mike Tyson stemmed from a moment the two shared on an episode of WWE Monday Night Raw in 2010.

Moreover, Jim Ross chimed in on the topic, throwing more sarcastic insults at WWE’s decision making.

Well here’s the thing. Do you think any of those TV shows or streaming shows that WWE does would ever mention us? Shit no. They’re arrogant and omnipotent. They’re the kings of the mountain, Ross said.

Despite which side you choose to stand on, it has never been a better time to be a wrestling fan. 2020 has been a whirlwind for the entertainment and sports industries but pro wrestling continues to provide memorable and exciting moments multiple times a week in the form of AEW, WWE, IMPACT, and NJPW. However, it seems the relationships being tarnished during this war of worlds will take some healing if the competition ever ends.

What do you think? Do you agree with Jim Ross and Taz? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and on social media @The_Illuminerdi.