Jim Ross

Biography

James William Ross, better known as Jim Ross or simply “JR,” was born on January 3, 1952, in Fort Bragg, California. However, Ross is synonymous with Oklahoma, where he was raised and attended college. Known for his trademark cowboy hat and Southern drawl, Ross is widely considered one of the greatest professional wrestling commentators of all time.

Career History and Evolution

Ross’s career in the wrestling business began in the 1970s with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). He eventually found his way to Jim Crockett Promotions, which was purchased by Ted Turner in 1988 and renamed World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
Ross worked as a commentator in WCW until 1993, when he joined the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). It was in WWE where Ross truly came into his own as a commentator. From unforgettable calls like Mankind’s fall from the Hell in a Cell to Stone Cold Steve Austin’s victory at Wrestlemania XIV, Ross was the voice behind many of WWE’s iconic moments.
In 2013, Ross retired from WWE but returned to professional wrestling commentary in 2016 for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) on AXS TV. In 2019, he signed a three-year contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he currently serves as a commentator.

Biggest Matches

While Ross was not a wrestler, he was the voice behind the commentary desk for countless significant matches in wrestling history. He’s best known for calling some of WWE’s biggest matches, such as The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania XV, and Mankind vs. The Undertaker’s Hell in a Cell match at King of the Ring 1998.

Career Highlights

While not a wrestler, Ross has been physically involved in several storylines, most notably his on-screen rivalries with “Mr. McMahon” and Triple H. He also briefly served as the storyline “owner” of WWE’s flagship show, Raw.
Ross is a two-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion, a title he won during his tenure in the 1980s. He was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

Family Life

Ross was married to his wife, Jan, for over twenty years until her tragic passing in 2017 due to a vehicular accident. They have two daughters together.

Clothing and Entrance Music

Ross is best known for his cowboy hat, which has become synonymous with his on-screen persona. His usual attire is a business suit complemented by the hat, playing into his Oklahoma roots. Ross’s entrance theme in WWE was called “Boomer Sooner,” a nod to his favorite college football team, the Oklahoma Sooners.

Legacy

Jim Ross’s commentary is legendary in the world of professional wrestling. His passion and unique turn of phrase have made countless wrestling moments more memorable. Known for catchphrases like “slobberknocker” and “business is about to pick up,” Ross’s work is as essential to the fabric of professional wrestling as any in-ring performer. Today, he continues to contribute to the industry as a commentator for AEW, mentoring a new generation of wrestling talent and providing his iconic voice to a new era of matches.