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Jim Ross Relishing His Role Broadcasting the Action in AEW

Posted: Jul 3rd 2020 By: Justin Barasso

Sunrise in Norman, Okla., does not always paint a picture of happiness.

For Jim Ross, the signature voice of wrestling and a mainstay in the business for the past 46 years, it is a reminder of what—or, more specifically, whom—he is missing.

“That’s the hardest part of the day,” said Ross. “I don’t have a lot of company except for the sun.”

Ross was widowed three years ago when his beloved wife Jan was struck by a vehicle while riding home in her Vespa. She suffered a traumatic brain injury, and was pronounced dead two days later.

“For me, loneliness is not a great ally,” said Ross, 68, speaking from home. “I’ve had a hard time getting over Jan’s death. It was so unnecessary. She was turning into our home when she got hit. I pass that spot every day.”

Still grieving the loss of his best friend, Ross has turned to the one constant in his life for comfort. Long before the birth of his own children, at a time when his mother was doting over her only son and his father was providing discipline, Ross found a love in pro wrestling.

“When I was a boy, my reward for finishing all my chores was watching wrestling on Saturday mornings,” said Ross. “Wrestling is my destination. It gives me purpose, it fulfills me.”

The renewed vigor in Ross’ voice can be heard every Wednesday night when Dynamite airs on TNT. Joining AEW provided Ross with closure in his on-again, off-again relationship with WWE that began in 1993, which is covered in great detail in his new book, Under The Black Hat: My Life in WWE and Beyond.

The book, which begins with Ross’ unfulfilling journey in the WWE corporate office, extends from WrestleMania XV in 1999 through his departure in April 2018, sharing memories of working for Vince McMahon and constantly trying to get back into the broadcast chair.

“Ultimately, WWE made the decision it was time to turn me out to pasture,” explained Ross. “That was the consensus among Vince and upper management. That was troubling because I’ve always believed if I can paint a picture people can see on the TV screen, then that’s what I should be doing. All I’ve ever wanted to do is call the matches.”

WWE decided it was time to move on, and so did Ross. He found a new purpose with his work in All Elite Wrestling. Sharing the broadcast booth with Excalibur and Tony Schiavone, he brings legitimacy to the airwaves and a tone familiar to multiple generations of wrestling fandom.

“I was amazed this past weekend that so many people remembered the call that I made 22 years ago from the Hell in a Cell with Taker and Mick,” said Ross. “This is what I was brought into the world to do. I’m glad that I am still able to do it, and I hope at a pretty high level.

“As for our team in AEW, I think we’re the best broadcast team in pro wrestling. I truly believe that. Even though I’m not a three-man booth guy, as a rule, we’re making it work. And it’s fun.”

If Ross sounds more comfortable with the AEW product than he did when calling New Japan Pro Wrestling in the studio for AXS TV, or more passionate now than he did in his role as an occasional one-off announcer for WWE, like when he called the Raw 25 show in 2018, it is because he is back in his element. While Ross has evolved and embraced modern wrestling, the only way he can truly succeed is to be present every week. One of wrestling’s foot soldiers for the past five decades, Ross needs to be part of the process every week to provide his intimate touch of the product.

“I got to referee Harley Race-Dory Funk, call Steve Austin against The Rock, and now I am calling this generation’s stars in Kenny Omega and Hangman Page,” said Ross, who will call Omega/Page as they defend their tag team titles against Chuck Taylor and Trent Wednesday night on AEW’s FyterFest special. “I’ve been blessed in this business, and it’s an honor to call the talent I’ve called and still do today. They’re so passionate, creative, and talented. That resonates throughout our entire roster. Mox, Jericho, Cody, Britt Baker, Sonny Kiss, MJF, Scorpio Sky, they’ve got it.

“It’s been a hell of a run so far, but it’s not over. Our best work in AEW is yet to come. FyterFest is the equivalent of a pay-per-view, and it’s free. We’re dealing with coronavirus issues, just like everyone else, but it’s going to be a great show.”

A cursory glance at the television broadcasting industry shows that Ross is an anomaly. On-air roles are for the young and glamorous, and the elder statesmen are typically ushered out and replaced with their younger counterparts. Ross has persisted and endured, a touch of the past that fits seamlessly into the present, and he remains grateful for the new life that AEW CEO Tony Khan has provided him.

“I will always be indebted to Tony Khan for bringing me aboard AEW,” said Ross. “I feel wanted in AEW. That’s a great feeling.”

Ross is just a kid compared to Vin Scully, the legendary broadcaster who called Dodger baseball games for 67 seasons. Now 92, and still involved in baseball on a periphery level, Scully continues to provide inspiration to Ross.

“Vin Scully is a national treasure, and he gives a lot of broadcasters the hope that they can extend their game,” said Ross. “I was influenced by these great announcers as a kid, listening to St. Louis Cardinals baseball on my transistor radio, listening to Harry Caray, Jack Buck, Walter Cronkite, and Curt Gowdy. They were great storytellers, and they were the voices of my childhood. I always wanted to be one of those guys.

“I never wanted to play a character, I never had a fake name. I tried to be myself. Eventually, I started wearing that black hat because Vince thought everybody in Oklahoma wore one. I didn’t like it at first, but it became part of my presentation, and now it’s part of me.”

Pro wrestling will forever blur the lines of reality, so it is apropos that the man calling the action has endured his own personal battles, enhancing his ability to share the strife of others. After all these years, the man in the black hat continues to persevere, adding to the industry that has brought him immeasurable joy.

“I am living my best life,” said Ross. “I would love to be living my best life with Jan, but that’s not the hand I’ve been dealt. We’ve got a great thing going and I’m having a lot of fun. I still miss Jan and cherish her memory daily, but I think she would be happy knowing I’m back in the game I love.”

Mornings remain tough for Ross, but his days are now filled with less sorrow. Wrestling is his passion, and working with AEW has reinserted joy back into his soul.

“My favorite time is putting on the headset and calling wrestling,” said Ross. “Wrestling is my life-saver. If you’re listening to our show, I’m not going to let you down.”