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WWE News: Examining Jim Ross' History of Dismissing Return Rumors

Posted: Aug 2nd 2013 By: mikeiles

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is sick and tired of your questions about comebacks. This was especially evident in a blog post around this time last year.

In a more recent blog, Ross discussed whom he feels should be inducted in the 2014 Hall of Fame. Nowhere did he mention the words "Ultimate" or "Warrior." This despite Warrior's apparent reconciliation with Vince McMahon and the WWE. Not to mention the subsequent Hall of Fame rumors.

Good Ole' J.R. knew exactly what he was doing. He's never been one to feed into the niche subculture of the return rumors. In fact he lives to extinguish them. He probably has more disdain for the IRS than the average taxpayer since it too contains the word "return."

In fact, if Jim Ross really was tired of fielding return questions he would simply stop answering them. O.U. Football, barbecue sauce, territory-era wrestling and human punching bags are all areas of expertise for the semi-retired announcing legend.

But shooting down fan hopes of a high-profile comeback? Well, that's just leisure.

A Steve Austin Wrestling Return? Oh Hell No!

Jim Ross wasted no time dismissing the possibility of a Steve Austin return to the ring. Austin has kept himself in tip-top shape since retiring from the wrestling in 2003, and is currently pursuing a movie career in addition to other outside endeavors.

Ships for the Hogan and Goldberg dream matches have all sailed. But as long as CM Punk is an active WWE Superstar, Austin will continue to be the target of one-more-match scenarios.

As recently as last month, Jim Ross pounced on these theories. J.R. Tweeted:

?@andyvanweele: @JRsBBQ Thoughts on one more match for Austin?? Tired topic. Times running out. I'd guess less than 50/50. Simply not likely
? Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) June 23, 2013

Jim Ross Dismisses Sting-to-WWE Rumors as 'Internet Dribble'

Sting is the greatest pro wrestling star not named Lou Thez to never compete in the WWE. Every year his contract comes up with TNA, Sting-to-WWE rumors follow. As does Jim Ross with his proverbial rumor extinguisher in tow.

The latest batch of rumors came after Sting was featured in a WWE promotional video to hype a champion-vs-champion match on Raw. Said Ross:

I cannot predict the future but these daily, Sting-to-WWE rumors are merely internet dribble and are unfounded although they always seem to make for interesting fan chatter.

Jim Ross Describes a Jeff Hardy Return as 'Not Likely'

Jeff Hardy is still a relatively big name in WWE circles. It was just four years ago that Jeff Hardy dove off a 20-foot ladder in his Swanton Swan Song on WWE pay-per-view.

Fans still go nuts for Rob Van Dam, who was last seen in the WWE in 2007. There's a big market for the Jeff Hardy in the show. That is, as long as he is willing to re-enter that market, which isn't likely according to Jim Ross:

Will Jeff Hardy ever return to WWE?" I have no way of answering that question other than to speculate that answer would be a 'not likely.' I have no way of knowing if Jeff would even be interested or if WWE would be interested. If Jeff is happy in TNA, then my suggestion to him as a friend would be to enjoy the ride and save your cash.

Jim Ross Calls Fan 'Gullible' for Believing in Taz Return Rumors



Jim Ross issued a quick and painless kill shot to one poor fan who had the gall to inquire about Taz's possible WWE return.


The TNA contract of the former ECW Heavyweight Champion turned commentator was recently set to expire. Prior to re-signing with TNA, there was a modicum of speculation as to what his future held. Those who asked publicly, namely @Jamie98TV3, were dealt with swiftly and harshly:

?@Jamie98TV2: @JRsBBQ Is it true that Tazz is returning to WWE?? Been reading the Internet again, right? #Gullible
? Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) June 27, 2013

Jim Ross Pulls off an Impressive Triple Shoot Down

Don't try this at home. What Jim Ross pulled off in a July 2 blog was simply ridiculous in the field of dream-killing.

They were three of wrestling's biggest stars. JR was, quite literally, given the third degree. He was simultaneously bombarded with questions of their impending revivals.

But Ross was Jackie Chan-like in his multitasking, albeit Debbie Downer, response:

I get these Tweets daily, will @steveaustinBSR or @Goldberg ever return to WWE? I'm wondering why those asking don't Tweet the talents themselves. Not everyone that has had a wrestling career wants to return to the grind. It's not that glamorous. Same goes for @DaveBautista who's also building a film career.

Jim Ross Even Shot Down a Brock Lesnar Return in 2012



Following Brock Lesnar's unceremonious exit from UFC in 2011, the next logical step was a return to WWE, at least on a part-time basis.

Did somebody say return?

Jim Ross weighed in on the possibility of Brock Lesnar coming back to the WWE in 2012:

Will Brock Lesnar return to WWE full time or part time? For those that know Brock well, the answer to this question is actually quite simple. It's NO. Brock dislikes, putting it mildly, traveling. Plus, he doesn't need the money even though he's smart enough to not turn down a big payday if the lay of the land is to his liking.

Brock Lesnar returned to the WWE, on a limited basis, the night after WrestleMania XXVIII.

WWE-TNA Inter-Promotional Relationship Gets Good Ole J.R. Riled Up

A WWE-TNA inter-promotional relationship would see multiple come backs from Kurt Angle?another potential WWE return Ross felt was 'not likely'?to Bully Ray.

The unlikely scenario of WWE working with TNA was teased by TNA President Dixie Carter. Ross aggressively dispatched any speculation regarding a WWE-TNA working relationship:

WWE is about as likely to work w/ Impact Wrestling on an event as I am wearing burnt orange to the Oklahoma-Texass Red River Rivalry Game. Ain't gonna happen. WWE has zero to gain by this and I'm surprised that some fans actually think that it "could" happen.

A Jim Ross Return to the Announce Booth? Now We're Talking

Jim Ross is a fixture in the annals of wrestling history. He didn't leave his post as Raw's lead announcer on his own accord as much as he was awkwardly forced out.

J.R. was asked about his own return on Twitter in February of 2012. As fate would have it, he sang a different tune than the cynical one that usually accompanies his answers to these endless comeback questions:

?@TerryTheTitan: @JRsBBQ Possible we will see u again on the announce table again? That's possible. To be determined.
? Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) February 25, 2012

The G.O.A.T. announcer returned five months later in a guest spot during RAW 1000.