What Happened to Jim Ross WWE? Why did Jim Ross Leave WWE? Does Jim Ross have Bell's Palsy?
by A Maria | Updated Jun 20, 2023
Who is Jim Ross?
James William Ross is an American professional wrestling commentator who is currently associated with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). In his role with AEW, Ross serves as a commentator, analyst, and senior advisor. However, Ross is widely recognized for his extensive and illustrious career as a play-by-play commentator for WWE. Affectionately known as JR or Good Ol' JR, he has been hailed as the greatest wrestling commentator of all time.
Apart from his contributions to wrestling, Ross has made a name for himself with his barbecue sauce and beef jerky brand called J.R.'s Family BBQ. His barbecue products have gained popularity and are well-regarded by enthusiasts. Additionally, Ross engages with his fans through his own weekly podcast titled "Grilling JR," where he shares insights, stories, and his unique perspective on various aspects of the wrestling industry.
Name
James William Ross
DOB
January 3, 1952
Age
71
Place of birth
Fort Bragg, California, U.S.
Nationality
American
Spouse
Jan Ross (M- 1993, Died 2017)
Children
2
What Happened to Jim Ross WWE?
Ross and Monsoon collaborated as commentators for major WWE events in the latter part of 1993, including SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and the Royal Rumble, where their voices provided the backdrop for the excitement. During this time, Ross also lent his talent to Radio WWF, adding his signature commentary to the Royal Rumble event. Unfortunately, Ross faced a setback in early 1994 when he experienced his first bout of Bell's palsy on January 30th.
This condition, characterized by temporary facial paralysis, affected him personally and professionally. Regrettably, just two weeks after Bell's palsy episode, Ross was unexpectedly terminated from his position on February 11, 1994. Ross himself revealed these events during an episode of Raw on September 23, 1996. Despite the challenges he faced, Ross's dedication and passion for the industry would eventually lead him to further success in his wrestling career.
Why did Jim Ross Leave WWE?
The relationship between Jim Ross and WWE has been a tumultuous one, marked by highs and lows. Despite being hailed as one of the most iconic voices in professional wrestling, responsible for creating unforgettable moments during the Attitude Era, Ross often found himself on the receiving end of disrespect from his boss, Vince McMahon. Throughout the years, there were numerous instances of mistreatment and humiliation, resulting in Ross being fired from WWE on multiple occasions.
In 2013, Ross's departure from WWE caused quite a stir, surrounded by controversy. The exact details of what transpired may be unfamiliar to some fans. Jim Ross holds a revered status among wrestling announcers, particularly for his contributions to WWE's Attitude Era. His classic commentary during pivotal moments across multiple eras has played a significant role in shaping WWE's identity.
However, despite his immense talent, Vince McMahon had a peculiar penchant for mocking and mistreating Ross, subjecting him to unfavorable treatment. The first instance of Ross experiencing such treatment in WWE dates back to 1994, shortly after he initially joined the company following his tenure in WCW. This incident set the tone for future episodes of poor treatment and served as a foreshadowing of the challenges Ross would face throughout his tenure with WWE.
Despite the hardships endured, Ross's impact as a wrestling announcer remains undeniable, and his contributions continue to be cherished by fans and the industry alike.
Does Jim Ross have Bell's Palsy?
Ross is known for his struggle with Bell's Palsy, a condition that affects his speech. However, it's worth noting that this never hindered the quality of his commentary. Interestingly, just two weeks after experiencing his first episode of Bell's Palsy, Ross was unexpectedly released from WWE. While it remains unclear if there was a direct correlation between these two events, it is widely believed that his release was heavily influenced by his health condition.
Although his departure was abrupt, it didn't take long for Ross to make a return. Unfortunately, his second stint with WWE was also short-lived, as he was once again let go, this time for allegedly leaking confidential information. Throughout the years, Ross found himself at the center of jokes and pranks in various segments, often caught off guard and made the target of ridicule.
One notable incident occurred during the 2008 WWE Draft when Ross was unexpectedly drafted to SmackDown without prior warning or consultation, causing him to contemplate leaving the company. While there are numerous instances of mistreatment, one of the most controversial periods of Ross's WWE tenure took place in 2013.
This incident resulted in his release from the company, although WWE tried to portray it as a mutual decision rather than a unilateral choice to terminate his contract. These tumultuous experiences within WWE highlight the challenges Ross faced and the often unfavorable treatment he encountered during his time with the company.
How Old is Jim Ross?
Jim Ross, 71, was born on January 3, 1952, in Fort Bragg, California. During his time at Westville High School, Ross excelled in various sports and extracurricular activities. He played first base for the Westville baseball team and achieved the status of a two-time all-conference football player for the Westville Yellowjackets in 1968-69. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Ross had a strong academic and leadership background.
His maternal grandparents owned a general store in Westville, Oklahoma, while his paternal grandfather, Dee Ross, owned an off-sale beer store and worked as a carpenter.[citation needed] Ross demonstrated his leadership skills by serving as the President of the Student Body and holding the position for all four years of high school. He also lettered in basketball for four years and held the prestigious role of State Vice President of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Ross's oratory abilities were recognized during his time in the FFA. He became the FFA Oklahoma Speech Champion in both 1968 and 1969, and he was the runner-up in the FFA National Speech Championship in 1969. In recognition of his accomplishments, Ross was awarded the FFA State Degree in 1970, which is the organization's second-highest honor. Furthermore, he actively participated in the FFA as he ran for and won the position of vice president in the FFA Northeast District in 1970.
His talents were not limited to academics and athletics alone. Ross's exceptional football skills earned him recognition when he was named Honorable Mention on the 1969 High School All-State Football team as a center, as determined by the Tulsa World. Throughout his high school years, Jim Ross demonstrated a remarkable blend of academic excellence, athletic prowess, leadership qualities, and public speaking abilities.
Jim Ross Takes Center Stage
During the exciting SummerSlam weekend in August 2013, WWE generated anticipation for the release of their highly anticipated video game, WWE 2K14, the latest addition to their acclaimed 2K series. To add to the excitement, the esteemed Jim Ross was chosen as the host of a captivating panel. This star-studded event brought together a remarkable lineup of WWE wrestlers, featuring a mix of current superstars and legendary figures from the industry.
Notable participants included Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler, Mick Foley, Paul Heyman, the legendary "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Rey Mysterio, and, perhaps most famously, the iconic Ric Flair. With Jim Ross at the helm, this WWE 2K panel created an unforgettable experience for fans, showcasing the charisma and talent of these wrestling icons.
What Happened to Jim Ross WWE - FAQs
James William Ross is an American professional wrestling commentator who is currently associated with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Jim Ross had a complex relationship with WWE, characterized by ups and downs. Despite his iconic status as a wrestling commentator, Ross often faced disrespect from his boss, Vince McMahon. Throughout the years, he experienced mistreatment, humiliation, and multiple firings from WWE. In 2013, Ross's departure from WWE caused controversy, with details surrounding the events remaining unfamiliar to some fans. Despite the challenges, Ross's dedication and passion for the industry ultimately led him to further success in his wrestling career.
The relationship between Jim Ross and WWE was tumultuous, with instances of mistreatment and disrespect. Despite being a celebrated wrestling commentator, Ross often became the target of mockery and unfavorable treatment by Vince McMahon. Ross's departure from WWE in 2013 caused a stir and was surrounded by controversy. Although WWE tried to present it as a mutual decision, it was essentially a one-sided choice by WWE to terminate his contract.
Yes, Jim Ross has been known to suffer from Bell's Palsy, a condition that affects his speech. However, his commentary quality has remained unaffected by this condition.