Jim Ross dismisses the notion that one must have wrestling experience to effectively book wrestling shows, citing both his own career and that of Sam Muchnick as proof. Bret Hart recently told Kenny McIntosh of Inside the Ropes that WWE’s struggles stem from non-wrestlers instructing wrestlers on in-ring work, specifically calling out Bruce Prichard. When Conrad Thompson brought up that Tony Khan also books AEW without any wrestling background on the “Grilling JR” podcast, Ross firmly rejected the assumption.
Ross pointed to historical examples to bolster his argument. He highlighted Sam Muchnick, who successfully promoted wrestling in St. Louis for decades despite never having wrestled himself. Ross emphasized that having strong knowledge of the business enables effective booking. He shared that he has booked successful events and helped talent earn substantial income despite never being a wrestler.
Ross was critical of his own in-ring appearances, explaining he was often unprepared and out of shape, relying more on his announcer persona than wrestling skills to connect with fans. However, he did concede that once a booker—regardless of wrestling background—creates a storyline, it’s essential for experienced wrestlers to translate the concept into the actual match. The key value of having wrestling experience, he explained, lies in fine-tuning the idea after its inception, not necessarily in originating it.
Ross did not shy away from bluntly stating, “No, that’s bulls***,” regarding the belief that only wrestlers can book wrestling. While he respected Hart’s viewpoint, admitting he hadn’t heard the full quote, he suggested it is ultimately up to others to agree or disagree with Bret’s opinion. Ross also shrugged off criticism aimed at Prichard, noting such scrutiny is nothing new given Prichard’s responsibilities and reporting lines within WWE.
The comparison to Muchnick is Ross’s strongest argument, reminding fans that Muchnick was widely regarded for running one of the most respected wrestling territories in the country for decades without ever having wrestled. Ross himself has had significant roles in talent relations and booking for WWE, Mid-South, and WCW without stepping into the ring professionally. Bruce Prichard holds a senior position in WWE Talent Relations and co-hosts the podcast “Something to Wrestle With” alongside Conrad Thompson.
Hart’s criticism of WWE’s creative process isn’t new; he has long contended that the product suffers when individuals without wrestling experience dictate how matches and storylines should unfold. The mention of Prichard is just the latest iteration of this argument, which predates Prichard’s current role.
Fan Take: This debate is crucial for wrestling fans because it highlights the ongoing tension between creative storytelling and in-ring authenticity. Understanding who crafts the product and how their background influences the end result can shape how fans perceive the quality and future of professional wrestling.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
