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.
In 1950, the mid 20th century began, marking the start of the era.
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.
In 1968, Jim Ross was recognized as an all-conference football player for the Westville Yellowjackets.
In 1968, Jim Ross won the Oklahoma FFA Speech Championship, showcasing his public speaking skills.
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.
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.
In 1969, the mid 20th century ended, marking the end of the era.
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.
In 1974, Jim Ross started his career in professional wrestling as a referee, marking the beginning of his involvement in the industry.
In 1975, the late 20th century began, marking the start of the era.
In 1977, Jim Ross transitioned from being a referee to joining the broadcast team, marking a shift in his career within professional wrestling.
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.
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.
In 1991, following WCW’s departure from the NWA, Jim Ross was paired with longtime NWA commentator Bob Caudle, forming a new commentary team.
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.
In 1992, Jim Ross joined the Atlanta Falcons radio broadcast team.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In January 1994, Jim Ross suffered his first bout of Bell’s palsy, a condition that would affect him throughout his career.
On January 30, 1994, Jim Ross experienced the first symptoms of Bell's palsy, a condition that sometimes temporarily paralyzes his facial muscles.
In December 1994, Jim Ross rejoined WWF for a third time, initially working on syndicated programming.
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.
In 1994, Jim Ross had a second stint with the Atlanta Falcons radio broadcast team.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 1999, the late 20th century ended, marking the end of the era.
In 2000, Jim Ross released 'Can You Take The Heat? The WWF Is Cooking', a WWF/WWE themed cookbook.
Jim Ross has provided his voice for many WWE video games, and is also an unlockable character in WWF WrestleMania 2000.
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.
In 2001, Jim Ross was one of the original lead announcers of the original XFL.
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.
In 2003, Jim Ross released 'J.R's Cookbook', a WWF/WWE themed cookbook.
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.
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.
In 2005, Jim Ross achieved a notable in-ring victory over Triple H in a no-disqualification match, with assistance from Batista.
In 2005, Jim Ross stepped away from his executive roles as Executive Vice President of Talent Relations, citing health, family, and personal business goals.
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.
In October 2006, Jim Ross’s contract with WWE expired, but he continued working on a week-to-week basis.
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.
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.
In September 2008, Jim Ross made a one-night appearance on ECW, expanding his commentary work across different WWE brands.
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.
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.
In May 2010, Jim Ross's restaurant, J.R.'s Family Bar-B-Q in Norman, Oklahoma, closed after being opened in 2007.
In 2010, Jim Ross appeared on the Old School Raw special, making a brief return to WWE programming.
In 2011, Jim Ross competed against Michael Cole on the April 25 episode of Raw, winning by disqualification after Jack Swagger attacked him.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
On May 26, 2014, Jim Ross made his debut calling boxing for Golden Boy Promotions on Fox Sports 1.
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.
In October 2014, Jim Ross appeared in "Brian and the Boz", a 30 for 30 documentary on Brian Bosworth.
In 2014 Jim Ross began hosting his own podcast The Ross Report for PodcastOne.
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.
On October 8, 2016, Jim Ross, along with Jim Cornette, provided commentary for What Culture Pro Wrestling's (WCPW) first iPPV, Refuse to Lose.
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.
On March 21, 2017, Jim Ross's wife, Jan, was involved in a vehicle accident, suffering serious head injuries.
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.
On October 3, 2017, Jim Ross's autobiography Slobberknocker was released, with a foreword by Vince McMahon.
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.
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.
On April 27, 2018, Jim Ross's last televised appearance for WWE was part of the pre-show panel for the Greatest Royal Rumble.
In 2018 The Ross Report podcast was relaunched as part of the Westwood One podcast network as The Jim Ross Report.
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.
In 2018, Jim Ross had an eye operation that greatly affected his eyesight in one eye.
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.
On April 3, 2019, Jim Ross signed a three-year deal with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a commentator and senior advisor.
In April 2019, Jim Ross partnered with Conrad Thompson to revamp his podcast as Grilling JR, focusing on Ross's wrestling history.
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.
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.
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.
On October 23, 2021, Jim Ross tweeted that he had skin cancer as he was on his way to AEW Dynamite.
On December 29, 2021, Jim Ross tweeted that he was cancer free.
On the January 5, 2022, episode of Dynamite, Jim Ross returned to TBS for the first time since 1993.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On February 1, 2024, Jim Ross posted that he had undergone successful cancer surgery on his right hip.
Following his further surgery in February 2024, Jim Ross returned on March 3, 2024, for Revolution to commentate Sting's retirement match.
On May 7, 2024, Jim Ross and Paul O'Brien released their second book, 'Business Is About to Pick Up!'.
On August 25, 2024, Jim Ross commentated during the main event between Bryan Danielson and Swerve Strickland at All In.
On September 7, 2024, Jim Ross returned for the All Out main event and unsanctioned matches.
On May 15, 2025, Jim Ross announced that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer and was to go into surgery for it.
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