Jim Ross, Professional wrestling commentator

James William Ross, born on January 3, 1952, is an iconic American professional wrestling commentator and influential talent relations executive. Affectionately known worldwide as "JR" or "Good Ol' JR," he is currently a vital part of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), serving not only as a seasoned commentator and insightful analyst but also as a senior advisor, leveraging his unparalleled experience to guide and mentor talent within the burgeoning promotion. His enduring legacy in sports entertainment has led many to label him as the greatest professional wrestling commentator of all time, a testament to his distinctive voice, emotional delivery, and ability to elevate the drama of any match.

The Illustrious Career of "Good Ol' JR"

Ross's journey in the professional wrestling industry is marked by decades of dedicated service and an unwavering passion for the sport. Before his voice became synonymous with wrestling's biggest moments, he honed his skills through various behind-the-scenes roles, including refereeing and working in production for regional territories.

Early Career & Rise to Prominence

His breakthrough as a broadcaster came in the early 1980s when he became the primary play-by-play announcer for Mid-South Wrestling. Under the guidance of promoter Bill Watts, Mid-South was a highly respected regional promotion that emphasized gritty, realistic wrestling and strong storytelling. Ross's natural aptitude for storytelling and his authentic Oklahoman drawl quickly endeared him to fans.

Following his impactful tenure in Mid-South, Ross expanded his reach, providing commentary for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and later, World Championship Wrestling (WCW). During his time in WCW, he often shared the commentary booth with colorful personalities like Jesse "The Body" Ventura, further refining his ability to balance insightful play-by-play with character-driven commentary. This period built the foundation for what would become his most globally recognized role.

The Voice of WWE: The Attitude Era & Beyond

In 1993, Jim Ross made a landmark jump to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which would later be rebranded as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). His first appearance for the promotion occurred at WrestleMania IX. It was during his extensive tenure with WWE that Ross solidified his status as "the voice of the company."

His commentary was particularly pivotal during the highly influential and commercially successful "Attitude Era" of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Alongside his long-time broadcast partner, Jerry "The King" Lawler, Ross's passionate calls became the soundtrack to some of professional wrestling's most iconic moments. His unforgettable reactions to the antics of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, the electrifying charisma of The Rock, and the ominous presence of The Undertaker captivated millions. Ross had an unparalleled ability to convey the raw emotion, high stakes, and intricate narratives of wrestling, making every punch, kick, and submission hold feel genuinely impactful.

Ventures Beyond WWE & Other Combat Sports

Even after his primary run with WWE, Ross continued to lend his esteemed voice to other promotions and combat sports. From 2015 to 2018, he served as the lead announcer for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) on AXS TV. In this role, he played a crucial part in introducing a wider American audience to the unique style and burgeoning stars of Japanese wrestling, including acclaimed performers like Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega. His versatility also extends beyond wrestling, as he has occasionally provided play-by-play commentary for high-profile boxing and mixed martial arts events, demonstrating his command of various combat sport narratives.

Accolades and Entrepreneurial Pursuits

Jim Ross's profound impact on professional wrestling has been widely recognized with numerous prestigious inductions into Halls of Fame. He is a celebrated inductee of the WWE Hall of Fame, the NWA Hall of Fame, and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. Furthermore, he has been uniquely honored twice by the distinguished George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, receiving both the "Distinguished Member" recognition and the "Jim Ross Award" for his significant contributions to the sport. These multiple inductions underscore his widespread respect and enduring legacy across the wrestling landscape.

Outside the squared circle and the commentary booth, Ross has also found success as an entrepreneur. He is well-known for his popular barbecue sauce and beef jerky brand, J.R.'s Family BBQ, which reflects his Oklahoma roots and culinary passion. Additionally, he connects with fans and shares a wealth of industry insights through his popular weekly podcast, "Grilling JR," where he interviews wrestling legends and recounts captivating stories from his storied career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jim Ross

What is Jim Ross's current role in professional wrestling?
Jim Ross is currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) where he serves as a commentator, analyst, and senior advisor, contributing both on-air and behind the scenes to the company's talent development and strategic direction.
Why is Jim Ross known as "Good Ol' JR"?
The nickname "Good Ol' JR" affectionately highlights his genuine, down-to-earth persona, often linked to his Oklahoma roots and a traditional, honest approach to calling wrestling matches.
Which wrestling promotions has Jim Ross provided commentary for?
Jim Ross has had extensive commentary roles across several major promotions, including Mid-South Wrestling, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/WWE), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Is Jim Ross still involved in the wrestling business?
Yes, Jim Ross remains actively involved in the wrestling business through his commentary and advisory roles with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Does Jim Ross have a podcast?
Yes, Jim Ross hosts a popular weekly podcast titled "Grilling JR," where he shares stories, insights, and interviews guests from the professional wrestling world.