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Ross back for WrestleMania

Posted: Nov 24th 2009 By: mikeiles

JIM ROSS will be back to call WrestleMania, according to his colleague and best pal Jerry 'The King' Lawler.

The WWE Smackdown commentator suffered a Bell's Palsy attack last month and hasn't been able to work since.

It was the third time he has been struck down with the condition, which paralyses the facial nerve leaving victims unable to control their muscles on the affected side.

Fans were worried they may never hear Ross ? considered the best wrestling announcer of all time ? commentate on a match again.

But Lawler insists he is recovering well and will be back for the WWE's showpiece event on March 28 next year.

Lawler told SunSport: "Bell's Palsy almost has the same effect on a person, as far as your facial features, as a stroke.

"But the only good thing about it is that in 90 per cent of the cases, over time, the nerves regenerate and it corrects itself.

"This was JR's third attack of Bell's Palsy and this was a pretty major one.

"I texted him last night, and spoke with him this past week, and he's doing better but says it will probably be a few months before he's facially ready to be back on television.

"It takes that long for those nerves in your faces to regenerate. He is basically talking out one side of his mouth right now.

"But when you talk to him, when you just hear his voice, you can't tell. He doesn't have slurred speech any more.

"There's a strong possibility that WrestleMania could be when he makes a return.

"Even if it's a situation where he could return a little bit before that, it might be best to just wait and let him come back at Mania ? as the comeback of JR would be a big draw.

"He is the voice of the WWE and WrestleMania wouldn't be the same without hearing him."

Raw commentator Lawler also spoke to us about the return of another legend ? Hulk Hogan.

The Hulkster will soon start work for WWE's rival firm TNA ? but The King insists few people in Vince McMahon's promotion are fussed.

Lawler added: "I've told this to a lot of people, and I don't know if they believe it, but no one in the WWE ever talks about TNA.

"There is no concern whatsoever.

"They don't acknowledge, think or worry about them, they're not even a blip on the radar screen.

"Even with Hulk Hogan, I don't think the WWE feel they are any threat at all.

"Maybe they don't worry if TNA does well as competition is a good thing.

"The best years WWE had was when we were embroiled in the big war with WCW."

Tags: Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, WWE, TNA, WCW