Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jim Ross

Discover the career path of Jim Ross, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jim Ross, also known as "Good Ol' JR", is an American professional wrestling commentator, sports announcer, and podcaster. He is currently signed with AEW as a commentator, analyst, and senior advisor. Ross is widely recognized as one of the greatest wrestling commentators of all time, primarily for his extensive and successful career with WWE. While primarily a commentator, Ross occasionally participated in WWE storylines and even wrestled in a handful of matches between 1999 and 2011.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1974: Referee Career Start

In 1974, Jim Ross began his career as a referee.

1977: Transition to Broadcast Team

In 1977, Jim Ross transitioned from being a referee to joining the broadcast team.

1982: Lead Announcer & VP of Marketing

In 1982, after Bill Watts acquired NWA Tri-State and rebranded it as Mid-South Wrestling, Jim Ross was promoted to lead play-by-play announcer and Vice President of Marketing.

1987: Joins Jim Crockett Promotions

In 1987, after Jim Crockett Jr.'s acquisition of the Universal Wrestling Federation and its merger with Jim Crockett Promotions, Jim Ross joined the newly combined organization as a color commentator.

1991: WCW Departure from NWA

In 1991, following WCW's departure from the NWA, Jim Ross was paired with commentators Bob Caudle and Paul E. Dangerously.

1992: Atlanta Falcons Commentator

In 1992, Jim Ross briefly expanded into mainstream sports broadcasting, serving as a commentator for one season of Atlanta Falcons radio coverage.

1993: WrestleMania IX Appearance

In 1993, Jim Ross made his first appearance for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) at WrestleMania IX.

1993: Radio WWF Idea

In 1993, Jim Ross pitched the idea for Radio WWF, a short-lived radio program where he and Gorilla Monsoon discussed wrestling news and interviewed talent.

1993: WCW Departure

In 1993, after Eric Bischoff was promoted to executive producer, Jim Ross requested and was granted a release from his contract with WCW due to a strained relationship and concerns about being sidelined. According to wrestler Mick Foley, Ross also resigned from WCW's booking committee around this time.

December 1994: Third WWF Rejoining

In December 1994, Jim Ross rejoined WWF for a third time.

1994: Brief WWF Rehire & Release

In 1994, Jim Ross was briefly rehired by WWF during Vince McMahon's federal trial, providing commentary on Monday Night Raw. After McMahon's acquittal, Ross was released again.

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1994: Radio WWF

In 1994, Jim Ross's radio show, Radio WWF, continued to broadcast wrestling news and interviews.

1996: Heel Turn

In September 1996, Jim Ross turned heel in an on-screen storyline, claiming to be bringing back Razor Ramon and Diesel with new performers, delivering a worked-shoot promo criticizing Vince McMahon.

March 8, 1999: Return to Raw

On March 8, 1999, Jim Ross returned to Raw in a storyline where he confronted Michael Cole and tried to reclaim his commentary role, eventually leading to his permanent reinstatement.

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1999: Wrestling Matches

In 1999, Jim Ross participated in wrestling matches while working with WWE.

2001: XFL Commentary

In 2001, Jim Ross was assigned to the commentary team for WWF's XFL football league, initially on regional broadcasts with Jerry Lawler and later on national telecasts with Jesse Ventura.

2002: Voice of Raw

In 2002, after WWE introduced a brand split, Jim Ross worked exclusively on Raw and its pay-per-views.

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October 2005: "Firing" and Colon Surgery

In October 2005, Jim Ross was written off television after being "fired" by Vince and Linda McMahon, as he needed time off for colon surgery.

2005: Executive Role Departure

In 2005, Jim Ross stepped away from his executive roles as Executive Vice President of Talent Relations, citing health, family, and personal business goals.

October 2006: Contract Expiration

In October 2006, Jim Ross's contract expired, but he continued on a week-to-week basis.

2006: Commentary Return

In 2006, Jim Ross returned to call Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII, WrestleMania 22, and Backlash, and resumed his position on Raw in May.

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March 31, 2007: WWE Hall of Fame Induction

On March 31, 2007, Jim Ross was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

September 2008: ECW Appearance

In September 2008, Jim Ross made a one-night appearance on ECW.

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2008: WWE Draft to SmackDown

In the 2008 WWE Draft, Jim Ross was moved from Raw to SmackDown, ending his 12-year run on Raw.

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October 4, 2009: Final Full-Time Commentary Appearance

On October 4, 2009, Jim Ross's final full-time commentary appearance was at Hell in a Cell.

2010: Old School Raw Appearance

In 2010, Jim Ross appeared on the Old School Raw special.

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2011: Wrestling Matches

In 2011, Jim Ross participated in wrestling matches while working with WWE.

2011: Sporadic Appearances and Firing

Throughout 2011, Jim Ross appeared sporadically, including WrestleMania XXVII and other episodes of Raw, but was again "fired" in a storyline by John Laurinaitis. He returned briefly for matches and comedy segments.

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