Jim Ross Reveals When He Will Retire From Announcing

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  Jim Ross

  Birthname:

  James William Ross

  Birthdate:

  1952-01-03

  Birthplace:

  Fort Bragg, California

  Current Promotion:

  AEW

  Debut:

  1974-00-00

  Twitter:

  Instagram:

Part of the wrestling business for 50 years, and an announcer for almost that entire time, Jim Ross has one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable voices in pro wrestling. Establishing himself in the NWA before signing with WWE in the early '90s, there's an entire generation of wrestling fans who grew up listening to JR every single Monday. Ross now calls the action on a part-time basis in AEW, but admitted this week 2024 will likely be his last year behind the announce desk.

Likely JR's Last Year

JR recently confirmed he signed a new one-year deal with AEW, detailing likely plans when asked about the length of the deal on Grilling JR (H/T to Fightful for the transcription).

I'm 72 years old, I feel good, I get healthier every day, which is great, but I have to think realistically this could be my last year and more than likely will. It's to be determined. That's between me, my health, and Tony Khan.

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JR added that his new deal effectively means he's only brought in to call the action at PPVs. A smart move by Khan as not only does JR's inclusion make a show feel more special, but casual fans trying AEW out for the first time may be pulled in by hearing a voice they've heard before. Ross notes plans could change, but as it stands, he will likely be done announcing when his current deal comes to an end.

Health Scares And Cancer Battle

Not only is JR 72, but he has been battling health issues for a while. The announcer has been battling cancer, undergoing surgery a little more than a month ago. The WWE Hall of Famer has also been dealing with Bell's palsy for decades, a condition that causes facial paralysis and while temporary in some people, JR first experienced it in 1994 and has been battling it ever since.

Whatever awaits JR, there's no question the announcer will go down as one of, if not the best commentator in wrestling history. If there was a big moment in WWE from 1993 until 2013, odds are JR was calling the action. Quite a few of those moments came with JR quotes you could say in almost any room to this day and even the most casual wrestling fans will know who and what you're referencing. "As God as my witness, he is broken in half," may well be the most iconic line in wrestling commentary and will be repeated by fans long after JR's career has come to an end.