History of Jim Ross in Timeline

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Jim Ross

Jim Ross, also known as "Good Ol' JR", is a highly acclaimed American professional wrestling commentator and podcaster, currently with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is best known for his extensive career as a play-by-play commentator for WWE, where he's been regarded as the greatest wrestling commentator of all time. Ross's tenure in WWE also involved occasional on-screen storylines and participation in wrestling matches.

1950: Start of Mid 20th Century

In 1950, the mid 20th century began, marking the start of the era.

January 3, 1952: James William Ross Born

On January 3, 1952, James William Ross was born. He would later become a professional wrestling commentator, sports announcer, and podcaster, known as Jim Ross.

Others born on this day/year

1968: All-Conference Football Player

In 1968, Jim Ross was recognized as an all-conference football player for the Westville Yellowjackets.

1968: Oklahoma FFA Speech Championship

In 1968, Jim Ross won the Oklahoma FFA Speech Championship, showcasing his public speaking skills.

1969: All-Conference Football Player & Student Body President

In 1969, Jim Ross was recognized as an all-conference football player for the Westville Yellowjackets for the second time. He also served as student body president at Westville High School.

1969: Oklahoma FFA Speech Championship & National Runner-Up

In 1969, Jim Ross won the Oklahoma FFA Speech Championship for the second time and placed as runner-up in the national competition, demonstrating his continued success in public speaking. He was also elected treasurer of Oklahoma Boys State, and was named honorable mention center on the Tulsa World's 1969 Oklahoma High School All-State Football team.

1969: End of Mid 20th Century

In 1969, the mid 20th century ended, marking the end of the era.

1970: FFA State Degree and Vice President of FFA Northeast District

In 1970, Jim Ross received the FFA State Degree, which is the organization's second-highest honor. He was also elected vice president of the FFA Northeast District, marking his continued involvement and leadership in the organization.

1974: Career as a Referee

In 1974, Jim Ross started his career in professional wrestling as a referee, marking the beginning of his involvement in the industry.

1975: Start of Late 20th Century

In 1975, the late 20th century began, marking the start of the era.

1977: Transition to Broadcast Team

In 1977, Jim Ross transitioned from being a referee to joining the broadcast team, marking a shift in his career within professional wrestling.

1982: Lead Play-by-Play Announcer and Vice President of Marketing

In 1982, Jim Ross was promoted to lead play-by-play announcer for Mid-South Wrestling after Bill Watts' acquisition. He also became the promotion's Vice President of Marketing, expanding his responsibilities.

1987: Joined Jim Crockett Promotions

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

1991: Partnership with Bob Caudle

In 1991, following WCW’s departure from the NWA, Jim Ross was paired with longtime NWA commentator Bob Caudle, forming a new commentary team.

1992: Commentator for Atlanta Falcons Radio Coverage

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

1992: Joins Atlanta Falcons Radio Broadcast Team

In 1992, Jim Ross joined the Atlanta Falcons radio broadcast team.

1993: First Appearance for WWF

In 1993, Jim Ross made his first appearance for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) at WrestleMania IX. This marked the beginning of his tenure with the company.

1993: Radio WWF Idea

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

1993: Release from WCW Contract

In 1993, after Eric Bischoff was promoted to executive producer, Jim Ross requested and was granted a release from his WCW contract due to a strained professional relationship.

1993: On-Screen Debut at WrestleMania IX

In early 1993, Jim Ross joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later WWE) and made his on-screen debut at WrestleMania IX, held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

January 1994: First Bout of Bell’s Palsy

In January 1994, Jim Ross suffered his first bout of Bell’s palsy, a condition that would affect him throughout his career.

January 30, 1994: First Symptoms of Bell's Palsy

On January 30, 1994, Jim Ross experienced the first symptoms of Bell's palsy, a condition that sometimes temporarily paralyzes his facial muscles.

December 1994: Rejoined WWF

In December 1994, Jim Ross rejoined WWF for a third time, initially working on syndicated programming.

1994: Radio WWF Commentary

In 1994, Jim Ross and Gorilla Monsoon called select events such as SummerSlam, Survivor Series 1993, and the 1994 Royal Rumble for Radio WWF broadcast.

1994: Second Stint with the Atlanta Falcons

In 1994, Jim Ross had a second stint with the Atlanta Falcons radio broadcast team.

1994: Brief Rehire During Vince McMahon’s Trial

In mid-1994, Jim Ross was briefly rehired by WWF during Vince McMahon’s federal trial, providing commentary on Monday Night Raw. However, he was released again after McMahon's acquittal.

1996: Heel Turn Storyline

In September 1996, Jim Ross turned heel in an on-screen storyline where he claimed to be bringing back Razor Ramon and Diesel, characters previously portrayed by Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. This storyline was short-lived and poorly received.

December 1998: Second Bell’s Palsy Attack

In December 1998, while broadcasting Capital Carnage in London, Jim Ross suffered a second Bell’s palsy attack shortly after learning of his mother’s death, leading to a difficult personal and professional period.

March 8, 1999: Return to Raw

On March 8, 1999, Jim Ross returned to Raw in a storyline where he confronted Michael Cole, his on-air replacement, claiming he had been fired and trying to reclaim his commentary role. He was permanently reinstated, starting with WrestleMania XV.

October 11, 1999: Main Evented Raw is War from the Georgia Dome

On October 11, 1999, Jim Ross main-evented the WWF's first-ever show from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, an episode of Raw is War, teaming with Steve Austin against Triple H and Chyna.

1999: Participated in Wrestling Matches

In 1999, Jim Ross, while working in WWE, began to participate in wrestling matches. This marked a transition from his commentary role to being involved in storylines and physical confrontations.

1999: End of Late 20th Century

In 1999, the late 20th century ended, marking the end of the era.

2000: Release of 'Can You Take The Heat? The WWF Is Cooking'

In 2000, Jim Ross released 'Can You Take The Heat? The WWF Is Cooking', a WWF/WWE themed cookbook.

2000: Featured in WWF WrestleMania 2000

Jim Ross has provided his voice for many WWE video games, and is also an unlockable character in WWF WrestleMania 2000.

2001: Commentary for XFL Football League

In 2001, Jim Ross was assigned to the commentary team for WWF’s XFL football league. He initially did regional broadcasts with Jerry Lawler before moving to the national telecast.

2001: Original Lead Announcer of XFL

In 2001, Jim Ross was one of the original lead announcers of the original XFL.

2002: Exclusive Work on Raw

In 2002, after WWE introduced a brand split, Jim Ross worked exclusively on Raw and its pay-per-views, solidifying his role as the voice of the brand.

2003: Release of 'J.R's Cookbook'

In 2003, Jim Ross released 'J.R's Cookbook', a WWF/WWE themed cookbook.

2003: Tag Team Match at Unforgiven

In 2003, Jim Ross teamed with Jerry "The King" Lawler against Al Snow and Jonathan Coachman at the Unforgiven pay-per-view, with their Raw broadcast jobs on the line, they lost due to interference by Chris Jericho.

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October 2005: Written off Television for Colon Surgery

In October 2005, Jim Ross was written off television after being “fired” by Vince and Linda McMahon. He needed time off for colon surgery, and Joey Styles filled in during his recovery.

2005: Victory over Triple H in No-Disqualification Match

In 2005, Jim Ross achieved a notable in-ring victory over Triple H in a no-disqualification match, with assistance from Batista.

2005: Stepped Away from Executive Roles

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

2005: Targeted by Vince McMahon

In 2005, Jim Ross was regularly targeted by Vince McMahon's character, Mr. McMahon, in harsh segments that mocked Ross's colon surgery, which fans viewed as a form of bullying.

October 2006: Contract Expiration

In October 2006, Jim Ross’s contract with WWE expired, but he continued working on a week-to-week basis.

2006: Return to Commentary

In 2006, Jim Ross returned to call Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXII, WrestleMania 22, and Backlash, resuming his position on Raw in May after Styles exited in a storyline.

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, recognizing his contributions to the wrestling industry.

September 2008: Appearance on ECW

In September 2008, Jim Ross made a one-night appearance on ECW, expanding his commentary work across different WWE brands.

2008: Moved to SmackDown

In the 2008 WWE Draft, Jim Ross was unexpectedly moved from Raw to SmackDown, ending his 12-year run on the red brand. Initially unhappy, he later pledged to help make SmackDown the best show possible.

October 4, 2009: Final Full-Time Commentary Appearance

On October 4, 2009, Jim Ross made his final full-time commentary appearance at Hell in a Cell before taking a leave from broadcasting due to health issues.

May 2010: Closure of J.R.'s Family Bar-B-Q

In May 2010, Jim Ross's restaurant, J.R.'s Family Bar-B-Q in Norman, Oklahoma, closed after being opened in 2007.

2010: Appearance on Old School Raw

In 2010, Jim Ross appeared on the Old School Raw special, making a brief return to WWE programming.

2011: Match Against Michael Cole on Raw

In 2011, Jim Ross competed against Michael Cole on the April 25 episode of Raw, winning by disqualification after Jack Swagger attacked him.

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2011: Final Wrestling Match

In 2011, Jim Ross participated in his ninth and final wrestling match during his time with WWE. This marked the end of his in-ring career.

2011: Returns to Team with John Cena

In 2011, after being fired as an announcer by John Laurinaitis, Jim Ross returned to team with John Cena against Michael Cole and Alberto Del Rio in a tag team match on Raw, achieving a winning effort.

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2011: Sporadic Appearances and Firing Storyline

In early 2011, Jim Ross resumed commentary during Jerry Lawler’s feud with Michael Cole. He appeared at WrestleMania XXVII and other episodes of Raw but was "fired" in a storyline by John Laurinaitis. He had brief matches and comedy segments throughout 2011.

2012: "End of an Era" Hell in a Cell Match Commentary & NXT Commentating

In 2012, Jim Ross called the "End of an Era" Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Triple H at WrestleMania XXVIII. He contributed to Raw 1000 and began commentating on the revamped NXT, joining Byron Saxton and William Regal. Paul Levesque (Triple H) appointed him as an adviser and scout for Talent Relations. He also filled in during Jerry Lawler’s recovery from a heart attack and was honored in his hometown during Raw on October 1, dubbed “JR Appreciation Night”.

August 16, 2013: WWE 2K14 Panel

On August 16, 2013, Jim Ross hosted a WWE 2K14 panel where he appeared visibly fatigued and made unscripted comments, including criticism of a sponsor. Ric Flair also made controversial remarks on the panel.

2013: Mentoring and 20th Anniversary of Raw

In 2013, Jim Ross began mentoring new commentators at the WWE Performance Center. He returned for the 20th Anniversary of Raw, contributing to the celebration.

May 26, 2014: Debut Calling Boxing for Golden Boy Promotions

On May 26, 2014, Jim Ross made his debut calling boxing for Golden Boy Promotions on Fox Sports 1.

October 3, 2014: Commentates Battlegrounds MMA with Chael Sonnen

On October 3, 2014, Jim Ross teamed up with MMA fighter and UFC veteran Chael Sonnen to commentate the Battlegrounds MMA one night tournament PPV.

October 2014: Appears in Brian and the Boz Documentary

In October 2014, Jim Ross appeared in "Brian and the Boz", a 30 for 30 documentary on Brian Bosworth.

2014: Starts The Ross Report Podcast

In 2014 Jim Ross began hosting his own podcast The Ross Report for PodcastOne.

January 4, 2015: Commentary for Wrestle Kingdom 9

On January 4, 2015, Jim Ross and Matt Striker served as the English language commentators for Global Force Wrestling's presentation of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome pay-per-view.

2015: Lead Announcer for New Japan Pro-Wrestling

In 2015, Jim Ross became the lead English-language announcer for New Japan Pro-Wrestling on AXS TV. This expanded his commentary career beyond WWE.

January 19, 2016: Ross Becomes Lead Announcer for NJPW on AXS TV

On January 19, 2016, Jim Ross signed on to become the new lead announcer for New Japan Pro Wrestling's weekly program on AXS TV, working alongside Josh Barnett. Ross's contract was directly with AXS TV, not NJPW.

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October 8, 2016: Commentary for WCPW's Refuse to Lose

On October 8, 2016, Jim Ross, along with Jim Cornette, provided commentary for What Culture Pro Wrestling's (WCPW) first iPPV, Refuse to Lose.

February 12, 2017: Returns to WCPW for Commentary

On February 12, 2017, Jim Ross returned to WCPW for commentary at the iPPV, True Destiny, and for WCPW's Loaded tapings that same month.

March 21, 2017: Wife Jan Involved in Vehicle Accident

On March 21, 2017, Jim Ross's wife, Jan, was involved in a vehicle accident, suffering serious head injuries.

April 2, 2017: Return to WWE at WrestleMania 33

On April 2, 2017, at WrestleMania 33, Jim Ross returned to WWE, providing commentary for the main event No Holds Barred match between The Undertaker and Roman Reigns.

October 3, 2017: Release of Slobberknocker Autobiography

On October 3, 2017, Jim Ross's autobiography Slobberknocker was released, with a foreword by Vince McMahon.

Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling
Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling

January 22, 2018: Reunion with Jerry Lawler on Raw 25 Years

On January 22, 2018, Jim Ross reunited with Jerry Lawler as part of the commentary team at the Manhattan Center for the Raw 25 Years episode.

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April 8, 2018: Calls Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

On April 8, 2018, at WrestleMania 34, Jim Ross called the fifth annual André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the WrestleMania 34 pre-show, alongside Jerry Lawler and Byron Saxton.

April 27, 2018: Televised Appearance at Greatest Royal Rumble

On April 27, 2018, Jim Ross's last televised appearance for WWE was part of the pre-show panel for the Greatest Royal Rumble.

2018: Relaunches Podcast as The Jim Ross Report

In 2018 The Ross Report podcast was relaunched as part of the Westwood One podcast network as The Jim Ross Report.

2018: Departure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling

In 2018, Jim Ross concluded his role as the lead English-language announcer for New Japan Pro-Wrestling on AXS TV, ending his three-year stint with the promotion.

2018: Eye Operation

In 2018, Jim Ross had an eye operation that greatly affected his eyesight in one eye.

March 27, 2019: Leaves WWE

On March 27, 2019, Jim Ross left WWE after choosing not to renew his contract due to limited bookings and a desire to continue play-by-play commentary.

April 3, 2019: Signs with All Elite Wrestling (AEW)

On April 3, 2019, Jim Ross signed a three-year deal with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a commentator and senior advisor.

April 2019: Revamps Podcast as Grilling JR

In April 2019, Jim Ross partnered with Conrad Thompson to revamp his podcast as Grilling JR, focusing on Ross's wrestling history.

August 2019: Ross Reveals Conversation with Vince McMahon

In August 2019, Jim Ross revealed what he said to Vince McMahon before he left WWE, stating that he still believed he could perform play-by-play, unlike McMahon.

March 2020: Publication of 'Under the Black Hat: My Life in the WWE and Beyond'

In March 2020, Jim Ross's second book and further autobiography, 'Under the Black Hat: My Life in the WWE and Beyond', co-written with Paul O'Brien, was published.

Under the Black Hat: My Life in the WWE and Beyond
Under the Black Hat: My Life in the WWE and Beyond

February 23, 2021: Discusses Favourite TV Show on Grilling J.R.

On the February 23, 2021, episode of his YouTube series Grilling J.R., Jim Ross stated that The Sopranos is his favorite TV show and that he still would occasionally watch it.

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October 23, 2021: Announces Skin Cancer Diagnosis

On October 23, 2021, Jim Ross tweeted that he had skin cancer as he was on his way to AEW Dynamite.

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December 29, 2021: Announces Being Cancer Free

On December 29, 2021, Jim Ross tweeted that he was cancer free.

January 5, 2022: Returns to TBS on Dynamite

On the January 5, 2022, episode of Dynamite, Jim Ross returned to TBS for the first time since 1993.

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June 2022: Switches to Commentary on Rampage

In June 2022, Jim Ross switched from full-time commentary on Dynamite to full-time commentary on Rampage in a commentary team rotation swap with Taz.

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2022: Land Sale

In 2022, Jim Ross sold land that was originally allotted to his great-great-grandfather by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This land was part of his Cherokee heritage.

June 17, 2023: Ross Tweets About Injury and Steps Away

On June 17, 2023, Jim Ross tweeted an image showing a black eye he had suffered due to a fall. He worked at the debut episode of AEW Collision but later announced that he would be stepping away to heal.

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August 5, 2023: Returns to AEW Collision Commentary Team

On August 5, 2023, Jim Ross returned to the AEW Collision commentary team, and has since only provided commentary as an analyst for the main events in the second hour of AEW Collision.

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February 1, 2024: Undergoes Cancer Surgery on Hip

On February 1, 2024, Jim Ross posted that he had undergone successful cancer surgery on his right hip.

March 3, 2024: Commentates Sting's Retirement Match at Revolution

Following his further surgery in February 2024, Jim Ross returned on March 3, 2024, for Revolution to commentate Sting's retirement match.

May 7, 2024: Release of 'Business Is About to Pick Up!'

On May 7, 2024, Jim Ross and Paul O'Brien released their second book, 'Business Is About to Pick Up!'.

Business Is About to Pick Up!: 50 Years of Wrestling in 50 Unforgettable Calls
Business Is About to Pick Up!: 50 Years of Wrestling in 50 Unforgettable Calls

August 25, 2024: Commentates at All In

On August 25, 2024, Jim Ross commentated during the main event between Bryan Danielson and Swerve Strickland at All In.

September 7, 2024: Returns for All Out Main Event

On September 7, 2024, Jim Ross returned for the All Out main event and unsanctioned matches.

May 15, 2025: Diagnosed with Colon Cancer

On May 15, 2025, Jim Ross announced that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer and was to go into surgery for it.