Dave Meltzer and I are back with Wrestling Observer Radio going over the big stories in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Because of the length of the show, we had to split it into two parts. In part one, Jim Ross joined us to talk about his new book Business Is About to Pick Up! He also talked about calling Sting’s last match, his health, calling The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIX, and his long history in the wrestling business.
In part two, Dave and I discussed the following:
SmackDown staying on Friday when it comes to the USA Network
Jim Ross believes that he and Jerry “The King” Lawler will call at least one more match together.
It was confirmed earlier this week that WWE chose not to renew Lawler’s broadcasting contract when it expired this January. Lawler is still under a legends deal with WWE but believes that his commentary career with the company has “probably ended.”
During Thursday’s episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross expressed that he felt bad about Lawler’s WWE contract not being renewed. Ross thinks that he and Lawler will reunite their memorable commentary team at some point down the road, whether that’s on television or as a one-off at a personal appearance.
I felt bad about this week’s news about Lawler, my partner. You know, I don’t think that he and I have worked our last match together, I really don’t believe that. I think somewhere down the road — if nothing else it’ll be at an appearance.
The 72-year-old Ross stressed that he’s not saying Lawler will be joining him in AEW. Ross said he doesn’t know anything about that and it isn’t his role to hire talent.
I just think that JR and The King at an appearance is marketable after all these years together. So we’ll see how that works out. I’m not saying that he’s going to join the staff at AEW, whatsoever. I don’t have any idea about that. And nor do I want to know, it’s not my place to hire talent. But I certainly feel in my bones that there will be opportunities for he and I to work together, whether it be on a TV show, a one-off type thing, or certainly some appearances.
Ross thinks he and Lawler still have great chemistry. The two last worked together on commentary for WWE in 2018, appearing on Raw’s 25th anniversary episode and the pre-show for WrestleMania 34.
This March, Ross announced that he had signed a new one-year contract with AEW. His role in AEW is doing commentary at pay-per-view events.
Lawler, 74, recently said his health is “great.” He’s continuing to recover from a February 2023 stroke that affected his speech.
Jim Ross recently spoke to Sports Illustrated about his health, calling Sting’s final match, and his new book.
Ross, who underwent hip surgery earlier this year, says his health is the best it’s been in a year.
He said:
My health is better than it’s been in over a year, I’m happy to say. My right hip, that’s healing and getting better. My radiation wound from skin cancer–and I’m cancer-free–is still healing. Vaping has helped. It’s allowed me to stop taking pain medication and get me through the night.
I’m feeling good. And I’m still doing what I love.
Despite having had hip surgery the month prior, Ross was at the commentary booth for Sting’s final match at AEW Revolution on March 3 in Greensboro. The 72-year-old told Sports Illustrated that he wasn’t going to miss the show no matter what.
Ross said:
I had my right hip replaced, and it’s healing nicely, but my surgeon and I failed to schedule a follow-up, so I didn’t realize I had 28 staples in my hip.
It was my first trip after the hip surgery. I kept thinking to myself, ‘This is painful.’ I thought it was me. Really, it was the staples causing all the pain.
It was a very emotional night, and that pulse from the people at the Greensboro Coliseum was a great treatment for making my pain subside. Even if I knew I the adversity I was going to be in, I still would have gone. Sting means the world to me. I wasn’t going to miss it.
Everybody talks about Sting in WCW, but I met Sting when he was tagging with Rick Steiner–and before that, Jim Hellwig–in Mid-South. When Cowboy [Bill Watts] fired Hellwig, he made sure to tell Sting he was wanted. He’s such a natural babyface. It’s hard to boo the guy. So I dealt with the pain. There are people out there in this world who have it a lot worse than me.
“Business Is About to Pick Up!: 50 Years of Wrestling in 50 Unforgettable Calls” is available now. In the book, Ross chronicles 50 of his greatest calls in wrestling.
Ross says of the book:
The book needed short chapters, and that’s what it’s got. It’s essentially a quick read. It’s a book you can leave in the bathroom and finish a chapter at a time.
His full interview with Sports Illustrated is available here.
In addition to calling pay-per-views, Jim Ross is hoping to pick up some more commentary assignments in AEW.
Ross recently signed a new one-year AEW contract. With the deal, the plan is for Ross to contribute on commentary for AEW’s PPV events. He called both the opening match and the main event at AEW Dynasty this past Sunday.
On his Grilling JR podcast, Ross said he hopes that he’ll also be able to have some other commentary appearances along the way:
Tony Khan hired me back to do pay-per-views, and I’m tickled to death to be there on them. So [having PPVs] once a month is great for me personally. And I hope that somewhere along the way there’s another assignment or two thrown in there at times, either on Dynamite or Collision.
Ross mentioned that he’s brought up the idea of him potentially calling the go-home episode of Collision before a PPV:
I think pay-per-views is what Tony had slotted for me to come in and contribute to. They’re going to be once a month and that’s when I’ll be there. But I would not be surprised if somewhere down the road — you know, I suggested this to him, maybe me doing a Collision on the go-home show, the last Collision before the pay-per-view Sunday. I think that might be a thought. But you know how us old carny types are, we’re just always trying to get ourselves booked.
Swerve Strickland vs. Samoa Joe and Kazuchika Okada vs. PAC were the matches that Ross called at Dynasty.
Since 2019, Ross has been part of AEW. The 72-year-old Ross said on his podcast that he still enjoys and appreciates working. “It’s part of my DNA,” Ross said.
Experience 50 years of wrestling history through the iconic voice of Jim Ross.
For wrestling fans, Jim Ross’ voice is the soundtrack of an era. This book is your ringside ticket to wrestling’s most unforgettable moments—from the announcer who made them iconic.
In the last 50 years, professional wrestling has risen up from a collection of regional territories to become a global phenomenon—and Jim Ross has been there for it all. From the grit and glory days of the 1970s with NWA, to the rise of WCW and the heyday of WWF and WWE, to signing on as on-air talent and senior advisor for wrestling’s newest chapter at AEW, Jim Ross has long had the best seat in the house.
Now, in 50 definitive chapters, chronicling 50 iconic calls across 50 unforgettable years, Business Is About to Pick Up! takes you into the ring, and behind the scenes, as only Jim Ross can.
Immerse yourself in sports entertainment’s most dramatic moments, biggest shocks, and history-making firsts—from watershed collisions like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin versus Bret “Hitman” Hart to industry-shaping milestones like the debut of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the rise of John Cena and Dave Bautista as Hollywood A-list stars, and the birth of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Then debate which moments Jim Ross just had to include . . . and what else should’ve made his list.
This book is a celebration of pro wrestling’s past, present, and future—narrated by the Voice of Wrestling himself, who was ringside to call it all.
The book follows previous ones written by Ross, including Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling (2017) and Under The Black Hat (2020).
Ross recently revealed that he’s signed a new one-year deal with AEW. However, he noted on his podcast that it’s likely this will be the last year of his career.
During a Q&A episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross was asked if this could be the last year of his Hall of Fame commentary career. Ross said he thinks it “more than likely” will be his last year announcing, but that is to be determined. Ross said that’s up to him, his health, and Tony Khan:
I think so. It’s realistic to think that way. You know, I’m 72 years old. I feel good. I’m getting healthier every day, which is great. But I can think realistically this could be my last year — and more than likely will. That’s to be determined. That’s between me, my health, and Tony Khan seeing how much to utilize me. Right now, it’s a good plan because I’m essentially working, as I understand it, pay-per-views only. So that’s where you’ll find me once a month working these pay-per-views as the plan goes as we speak. We all know that in pro wrestling things change on a fly and things could be different, but I don’t think so on this occasion.
Ross said he’s fine with the plan for him to only call AEW PPVs.
After some time away battling health issues, Ross made his return to the commentary desk at AEW Revolution earlier this month. He called the last two matches of the PPV, including Sting’s retirement match.
Ross has been part of AEW since the promotion was founded in 2019.
The full episode of Grilling JR can be watched below:
Jim Ross never thought Vince McMahon would allow WWE to get as out of control as it became.
On this week’s episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross addressed the situation with McMahon following the allegations that were made in Janel Grant’s lawsuit. Grant, a former WWE employee, has accused McMahon of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking.
“I just never believed that Vince would allow his company to get this out of control — and it has,” Ross said. Ross said he thinks it’s time to move on and get some rest and peace for some people.
Lots of change afloat. And personally, I’ll be glad when the winds have swept that change on through. I’m tired of it. It’s embarrassing in a lot of ways that it’s happened this way. It’s affected a lot of innocent people. That’s my take on it, I might be wrong. But it’s time to move on. It’s time to move on and cause some rest and peace for some people. And it’s time to move on, in my opinion. And I just never believed that Vince would allow his company to get this out of control — and it has. And I feel badly about that because I know how much the WWE meant to Vince. I’m sure it still does to some degree. So, anyway, I just…it’s time. Let’s go. Let’s move on. Let’s rewind it and cast the hook in the water one more time and see if we can catch something more positive.
McMahon resigned from WWE and its parent company TKO Group Holdings after Grant’s lawsuit was filed. McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis are named as defendants in the lawsuit. McMahon has vowed to vigorously defend himself against the allegations.
Grilling JR co-host Conrad Thompson asked Ross how he thinks the lawsuit will affect McMahon’s legacy. Ross believes it will impact McMahon’s legacy to some degree, but he doesn’t believe it will be earth-shattering. Ross said you’ll never be able to take away what McMahon was able to build in WWE.
Well, it’ll affect it to some degree, but it won’t be earth-shattering. It won’t be a big seismographic change, because he’s still Vince McMahon and he’s still built this amazing company that many of us in different forms of pro wrestling are still celebrating and still playing off of. I just think it’s time for all of us to move on and find happier days and build from there. But you’ll never be able to take away from what Vince built and how he’s helped a lot of people. I mean a lot of guys that are making a living in pro wrestling right now can look at it any way they choose, but if they’re being realistic, they look in the mirror and see Vince McMahon staring them right in the face because he was the catalyst that created a lot of this change and the incomes going up and all those things. So, I just wish it was over. I just wish we were moved on and all these issues were settled and we have moved on to happier days, because I think that’s what the business and the world needs is happier days and still get that with the old WWE memories, at least I do.
I’m very thankful I had the chance to work there. I’m even more thankful I have a chance to work for Tony Khan now in AEW. So, it’s all good man. It’s all good, Conrad. We have to build on the positives. And that’s what I’m trying to do at my stage of life and my health situation. It’s important for me to build on the positives, and that’s what I’m trying to do.
Ross was the voice of WWE during his decades working as a commentator for the company. A WWE Hall of Famer, Ross also served as WWE’s executive vice president of talent relations for a period of time.
Ross joined AEW when the promotion was founded in 2019. Ross revealed on Grilling JR that he’s signed a new AEW contract. The deal is for one year.
Ross called the final two matches of AEW’s Revolution pay-per-view on March 3. It was Ross’ return to AEW programming following recent health issues.
The 72-year-old posted to social media on Tuesday that he is out of the rehab facility and improving daily following a broken hip and two surgeries.
Ross wrote:
First full day on Jax Beach and out of the rehab facility! Using a cane for now. Improving daily. Broken hip responding well. Excited for my future with @AEW!
First full day on Jax Beach and out of the rehab facility!
Ross revealed on February 1 that he had undergone cancer surgery on his right hip, although he did not mention his hip being broken at the time.
“Had cancer surgery this morning on my right hip. All went well. Thanks for all your love & support!” Ross wrote.
On February 5, Ross revealed that he’d had another procedure done.
“Another successful surgery hopefully. Need your prayers,” he posted.
Ross also noted on his podcast last month that his contract with AEW expired on February 14, 2024. While there hasn’t been confirmation that he’s signed a new deal, Ross said he’s spoken to Tony Khan about getting to call Sting’s last match at AEW Revolution along with Tony Schiavone.
I mentioned that to Tony Khan last night. He agreed. It’s only right. It makes sense.
How can I say this without sounding like a turd? I think there’s money in Schiavone and I working together. Not just in Greensboro, but going forward, sporadically. And we have great chemistry, we’ve never lost that.
If he and I are doing the match with Sting and company… I believe it’s the right thing to do.
Jim Ross is said to be in great spirits following surgery.
On Monday, Ross revealed that he had undergone another medical procedure just days after having had surgery to address cancer on his hip last week.
Conrad Thompson posted to social media on Tuesday that he had just spoken with JR, who is hopeful he’ll get to leave the hospital soon.
Thompson wrote:
Just FaceTimed with @JRsBBQ and he’s in great spirits and thinking he will get to go home soon! His nurses are taking great care of him and his lovely daughter is there helping run point. He asked me to let everyone know the latest and if you don’t mind, throw one up for him!
Just FaceTimed with @JRsBBQ and he’s in great spirits and thinking he will get to go home soon! His nurses are taking great care of him and his lovely daughter is there helping run point. He asked me to let everyone know the latest and if you don’t mind, throw one up for him! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/5mSH1wLxzJ
It is not clear what type of surgery Ross had on Monday.
“Had cancer surgery this morning on my right hip. All went well. Thanks for all your love & support!” Ross wrote on Thursday.
On Monday, he posted, “Another successful surgery hopefully. Need your prayers.”
Ross has been dealing with a variety of health issues in recent years, including a battle with skin cancer in 2021. The radiation treatment he received led to longstanding issues with a wound on his leg that has had difficulty healing as well.
“Jr is stronger than skin cancer,” wrote Missy Hyatt in response to his post.
Ross also underwent surgery to address cancer on his right hip last Thursday. Later that night, Ross wrote on X, “Had cancer surgery this morning on my right hip. All went well. Thanks for all your love & support!”
Had cancer surgery this morning on my right hip. All went well.
Ross also missed several weeks of AEW programming from November to December last year on doctor’s advice. The 71-year-old has been dealing with a leg wound due to radiation therapy for skin cancer he received in 2021. As the wound has had difficulty healing, doctors felt he should avoid flying for some time to help. He was also told that high blood sugar levels might be impacting the wound’s healing. Ross noted on his podcast in December that he had been prescribed insulin injections to combat his high blood sugar levels.
Hall of Fame wrestling announcer Jim Ross has announced that he underwent surgery to address cancer on his right hip on Thursday.
In a social media post on Thursday night, Ross said that he had surgery on his right hip on Thursday morning:
Had cancer surgery this morning on my right hip. All went well. Thanks for all your love & support!
Ross announced in October 2021 that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer and subsequently underwent more than 20 radiation treatments. In December 2021, Ross announced that he was cancer-free, but he has since been undergoing wound treatment as a result of the radiation.
A member of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame and WWE Hall of Fame, Ross is currently under contract to AEW. He stated on his podcast last month that his AEW deal expires on February 14, but that he hopes to extend the contract and “finish up” his wrestling career with the company, and to call Sting’s retirement match next month specifically.
Ross turned 72 last month. He joined AEW prior to its first show, originally signing a three-year contract in April 2019. He announced in May 2022 that he had signed a roughly 18-month extension.
Had cancer surgery this morning on my right hip. All went well.
Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross says his AEW contract expires next month, but that he hopes to be on the call for Sting’s last match at Revolution in March.
Ross opened up about his AEW contract status on this week’s episode of his Grilling JR podcast, where he revealed that his deal expires on February 14. Ross also said that he had a conversation with AEW owner Tony Khan about being on the commentary team with Tony Schiavone for Sting’s retirement match set for March 3.
In an aside during the podcast, co-host Conrad Thompson asked Ross if his contract expires next month:
Conrad Thompson: “That’s that the day your contract’s up? On Valentine’s Day?”
Jim Ross: Yeah…
Ross explained that he had a conversation with Khan at this week’s Dynamite taping regarding working with Schiavone at Revolution:
“I mentioned that to Tony Khan last night. He agreed. It’s only right. It makes sense.
How can I say this without sounding like a turd? I think there’s money in Schiavone and I working together. Not just in Greensboro, but going forward, sporadically. And we have great chemistry, we’ve never lost that.
If he and I are doing the match with Sting and company… I believe it’s the right thing to do.
I need to get signed up so I can be there.”
In discussion regarding Sting’s last match likely being a Sting & Darby Allin tag match against The Young Bucks as teased during this week’s Dynamite, Ross said:
“I think The Young Bucks are great opponents.”
Ross went on to say that he hopes to end his career in AEW:
“I’d like to finish up in AEW… I love working with them.”
AEW senior producer/coach Dean Malenko has undergone successful brain surgery, says Jim Ross.
Speaking on this week’s Grilling JR podcast, Ross said that he saw Malenko at Wednesday’s Dynamite and Rampage taping in Oklahoma City and revealed that Malenko had surgery to treat symptoms of his Parkinson’s disease.
Ross said:
I saw Dean Malenko. Malenko’s had some health issues. I saw him there. And he had brain surgery and it stops his shakes form the Parkinson’s and it has, he’s had the surgery. He’s such a sweetheart of a guy.
Malenko has been with AEW since 2019 in a producer’s role after holding a similar job with WWE from 2001 to 2019 following the conclusion of his in-ring career.
Ross continued to discuss Malenko’s role in AEW and how he helps talent construct their matches within the framework of what their segments call for:
He one of those unsung guys that’s such an MVP at AEW because of his guidance, his coaching. He encourages the talents to bring with them to him what they want to do… and then he helps them, he contributes. It’s teaching. All that is is coaching. And he’s really, really good at it.
Ross also discussed his return to the commentary desk on Dynamite in calling the main event of Wednesday’s show on this week’s Grilling JR.
Tony Schiavone revealed on today’s AEW Control Center that Ross will be back on tonight’s show in Oklahoma City.
“Come join us for some great action in the Continental Classic and more including welcoming back JR,” Schiavone said. “That’s right, Jim Ross will be with us tonight in Oklahoma. Oklahoma City, of course.”
AEW is partnering with Jazwares for tonight’s Holiday Bash edition of Dynamite. The two companies announced more than $1 million worth of toys will be donated to Toys for Tots.
“We’ll celebrate the holidays with JR and have some great action as we also help Toys for Tots,” Schiavone continued.
Ross has been absent from AEW programming since early November. The 71-year-old has been dealing with an open leg wound since undergoing radiation treatment for skin cancer in 2021. His doctors believe that high blood sugar levels and frequent flying on airplanes may have prevented his wound from healing properly. He went into further detail regarding his health issues on an episode of his podcast covered here.
AEW Dynamite December 20 announced lineup:
Continental Classic Gold League: Jon Moxley (12 points) vs. Jay White (9 points)
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including Dave’s big article on WWE and WBD and the RAW rights negotiations, your world famous AEW TV report, update on Jim Ross, ratings and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
