Jim Ross is keeping AEW All Out in his sights as he continues recovering from a difficult summer that included brain surgery and an extended hospital stay.
The WWE Hall of Famer has dealt with several health challenges in recent years, but June brought one of the most demanding periods of his career and personal life. Ross spent 27 days in the hospital after undergoing brain surgery. The day before AEW Double or Nothing, he also suffered a fall that resulted in two broken toes. Since then, Ross has focused on rehabilitation and regaining the stability needed to resume traveling and working major wrestling events.
All Out, scheduled for Sunday, September 26 at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, is a show Ross believes could offer a realistic route back to the AEW commentary desk. The Chicago-area date is especially appealing because of the relative ease of the trip from his Oklahoma City home.
“Yeah, man. It’s in the cards if I continue to improve at the rate that I currently am. No doubt about it. Because it’s a non-stop flight from OKC to Chicago. I’m not flying to London,” Ross said on Grilling JR. “Two hours. And to me, that’s a pretty short hop.”
For more background on this topic, read AEW Dynamite Draws 796,000 Viewers After All In, Key Demo Rating Falls.
Ross made clear that the obstacle is not his ability to recognize and communicate the action once the show is underway. His concern, as well as the concern held by those around him, is the physical process of getting to and from the event safely. The legendary announcer said he is capable of watching a match, understanding its story and articulating what he sees. The remaining issue is becoming steadier on his feet before resuming regular travel.
“But, I’ve made it very known that I want to return to help on some of the main events as soon as I’m able to travel better,” Ross continued. “As far as just looking at the match, interpreting what I see, and articulating it, I can do that now. But they’re worried about my falling and they want me to get a little bit more steady on my feet.”
That distinction is important for an announcer whose voice remains closely tied to major-match atmosphere. Ross has never simply been a conventional play-by-play broadcaster. Throughout his career, his calls have been built around identifying urgency, presenting wrestlers as stars and adding emotional context when the stakes are highest. A full-time weekly schedule may not be the immediate objective, but a measured return for select main events would allow AEW to use Ross in a role tailored to his strengths and current situation.
All Out provides a potentially ideal setting
The All Out location is central to Ross’ optimism. A direct flight from Oklahoma City to Chicago is substantially more manageable than a long international trip, and the show’s proximity to home reduces part of the logistical burden that comes with a return to live television or pay-per-view work. Ross specifically contrasted the Chicago flight with traveling to London, emphasizing that the shorter journey makes All Out a more attainable target if his recovery remains on track.
The event could also carry an especially newsworthy match at the top of the card. Andrade has been rumored to challenge for the AEW World Title at All Out. That match has not been confirmed, but the possibility has added attention to the show because it would take place on the same day as WWE x AAA Worlds Collide at the nearby Allstate Arena.
The two venues are approximately 20 minutes apart, creating an unusual situation for wrestling fans in the Chicago area. With Worlds Collide bringing WWE and AAA together, All Out is positioned against an event with a clear interest for Mexican wrestling fans. The reported possibility of Andrade competing for AEW’s top championship has been viewed as a potential way for AEW to retain attention among that audience. Should the rumored title match take shape, it would certainly qualify as the kind of high-profile bout Ross has said he wants to call.
Ross’ history with championship main events is extensive enough that even a limited appearance can carry weight. His voice has been attached to some of wrestling’s most memorable title changes, rivalries and climactic moments. AEW has utilized him in a more selective capacity in recent times, and that approach may be even more appropriate as he works toward a safe return. Rather than asking Ross to carry the demands of a full broadcast, placing him on a major main event would enable the company to capitalize on his experience while respecting the realities of his recovery.
Tony Khan’s stance remains focused on Ross’ health
Ross indicated that AEW President Tony Khan is not counting on him being at All Out. At the same time, Khan wants Ross present if he is healthy enough to make the trip and work the event. That leaves the decision in the hands of Ross’ continued medical progress rather than any expectation tied to the pay-per-view card.
It is a sensible position considering the seriousness of what Ross has gone through since late spring. Returning to a live production environment involves more than sitting behind a desk for several hours. There are airports, transportation, backstage movement, production schedules and the general physical demands of a major arena event. Ross’ recent fall and broken toes underline why mobility is being treated carefully, even as he feels confident in his mental readiness for the commentary role.
Ross also spoke positively about Khan’s support during the recovery process. He said that he has not had a negative call with the AEW president, a notable endorsement given the uncertainty surrounding his health and availability. For Ross, the support appears to have given him the freedom to prioritize recovery without needing to make promises about a specific return date.
That patience could prove valuable to both sides. AEW benefits from having Ross available when the right moment arrives, while Ross is able to avoid rushing back before he is comfortable traveling safely. His comments do not guarantee an All Out appearance, but they establish the event as a genuine possibility rather than a distant hope.
A cautious path back to the desk
The key phrase surrounding Ross’ potential return is conditional: he needs to continue improving at his current rate. He is not presenting All Out as a certainty, and neither is Khan. Instead, the September 26 event stands as a practical goal because the travel demands are reasonable and the show could feature a main event with considerable significance.
For fans, that means the situation should be viewed as encouraging but unresolved. Ross feels he can still do the essential work of a commentator: follow the bout, explain the action and give the audience a sense of why the match matters. His physical stability, however, remains the factor that will determine whether he boards that direct flight to Chicago.
If he is cleared and comfortable enough to return, All Out would offer a fitting stage for one of AEW’s most recognizable broadcast voices. If he is not, the priority remains unchanged. Ross’ return should happen when he can travel and work without compromising the recovery that has occupied his entire summer.
For now, Ross has a clear target, a manageable travel plan and the backing of AEW leadership. Whether that results in a call at the NOW Arena will depend on the coming weeks, but his desire to once again lend his voice to a major AEW main event is unmistakable.
In pictures
Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.