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Tag: Jim Ross

  • Vince McMahon Believed To Have ‘Noose Around His Neck’ In WWE Shareholder Lawsuit Case

    Vince McMahon Believed To Have ‘Noose Around His Neck’ In WWE Shareholder Lawsuit Case

    AEW commentator Jim Ross has shared his thoughts on the WWE shareholder lawsuit and the recent evidence-destruction ruling.

    Several top WWE executives, including Nick Khan and Paul Levesque, have been named as defendants or potential witnesses in the lawsuit, meaning the case could demand a significant amount of their time and attention during the legal process.

    The Allegations

    The lawsuit centers on allegations that Vince McMahon structured the 2023 TKO merger in a way that protected his position within WWE following the public emergence of sexual misconduct allegations in 2022.

    The plaintiffs argue that McMahon believed Endeavor was the only bidder that would allow him to remain involved with the company and claim other potential buyers were not given an equal opportunity to pursue a deal. The defendants have denied those allegations.

    If the shareholders succeed, the financial damages could reach into the millions—or potentially hundreds of millions—of dollars. The case will be decided in the Delaware Court of Chancery by Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster rather than a jury, and a final ruling is not expected immediately after the trial concludes.

    Jim Ross’ Thoughts

    Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster has found that McMahon and Nick Khan allegedly destroyed evidence by using Signal’s auto-delete feature. The court will treat five damaging facts as presumptively true at the trial that begins June 8. Jim Ross said:

    “Well, as the old cliche goes, where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and there’s fire here. I think that’s a very unique case. It’s going to expose a lot of conversations and things of that nature, I think, but it’ll be very wordy, it will be very hostile, I think, because you’re talking about, if I’m thinking the right way, a ton of money, a ton of money.”

    He then opened up on Vince McMahon’s specific legal exposure. JR said:

    “I feel bad for, you know, I don’t know Nick, I’ve never met Nick Khan, I don’t know what kind of guy he is, he’s done well for them, but Vince, he’s got a noose around his neck, it would seem to be so, and it won’t be a case that’s over quickly, I don’t think, too much verbiage, too much what you mean by this, and whatever.”

    Ross also reflected on the operational impact on WWE.

    “It’s taking people that have major responsibilities in WWE away from their designated task, and right now it’s not the time to have your eye off the ball, and that’s what it looks like, it’s traveling in that way.”

    The case is expected to draw significant attention as it could have major financial and operational implications for WWE and several of its top executives.

  • WWE Hall of Famer Reveals Doctors Monitoring For Dementia

    WWE Hall of Famer Reveals Doctors Monitoring For Dementia

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently revealed that doctors are monitoring him for potential dementia or Alzheimer’s disease following recent neurological testing.

    The veteran AEW commentator discussed the medical concerns during the latest episode of his podcast, Grilling JR.

    Ross explained that his neurologist raised concerns after reviewing test results, prompting additional evaluations and ongoing monitoring. While no formal diagnosis has been publicly confirmed, Good Ol’ JR acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

    “Gives me a chance to get my ailments addressed. I had a positive doctor’s appointment with my neurologist—everyone’s getting in on it, man. They took a bunch of blood, ran some tests.”

    “They’re worried about dementia or Alzheimer’s, and I’m like, ‘What the hell are you gonna do about it? There’s not a cure,’” Ross stated on the podcast.

    Jim Ross Reports Feeling Physically Well

    Despite expressing skepticism about available treatments, Ross made clear he would follow medical recommendations if preventative options exist. He highlighted his willingness to take any medications or therapies his doctors suggest.

    “If there’s any medicine I should be taking preventatively, tell me what they are and I’ll do it,” Ross said. “But you know, we’ll see how it works out. I’m going through a lot of tests. I don’t feel bad at all—I feel great, actually. But you know, getting old is a b****.”

    The comments came after Ross shared positive news from a recent physical examination. He reported excellent results for blood pressure, blood sugar, and other major vitals, though doctors noted some kidney concerns related to medication.

    Ross has been open about various health challenges in recent years, including previous battles with Bell’s palsy and skin cancer. The longtime broadcaster continues his work with AEW while undergoing medical monitoring.

  • Wrestling Legend Predicts Kofi Kingston Future After WWE Release

    Wrestling Legend Predicts Kofi Kingston Future After WWE Release

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently discussed Kofi Kingston’s WWE career and predicted his future.

    During an episode of his Grilling JR podcast with Conrad Thompson, the AEW commentator reflected on his involvement in bringing Kingston to WWE and shared his thoughts on the wrestler’s future.

    Ross confirmed his role in signing Kingston during his tenure overseeing WWE talent relations in the mid-2000s. Kingston debuted on the main roster in 2008 and went on to become one of WWE’s most decorated performers, capturing the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35 in 2019.

    “I think I was involved in the process. Kofi was such a lovable, likable guy, talented as hell. You know, he’s now known for his spots in the Royal Rumble match, the spots where his both feet aren’t touching the floor type thing. But yeah, if he was hired during my tenure, damn right I was involved. I was involved in all of them. I had to do their contracts. I had to talk to them about their pay and any other little issue they may have.”

    Ross then predicted Kofi’s future.

    “But Kofi has always been a great team player. He will not be out of work long. You put that way.”

    Kofi Kingston Could Join AEW

    Kofi Kingston impressive resume during his WWE tenure. Kingston is a former WWE Champion, four-time Intercontinental Champion, and three-time United States Champion. He’s also captured multiple Tag Team Championships, primarily as part of The New Day alongside Big E and Xavier Woods.

    Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods could land in AEW following their departure from WWE. There has been interest from AEW in signing the New Day members.

    Kingston and Woods recently booked their first public appearances since leaving WWE. The former New Day members have been advertised for GalaxyCon Oklahoma City under the names “Kofi” and “Austin Creed.”

  • Veteran On WWE Releases: ‘Free To Go Where The Hell They Want’

    Veteran On WWE Releases: ‘Free To Go Where The Hell They Want’

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently addressed WWE contract structures.

    Several names were cut from the WWE roster as part of post-WrestleMania 42 releases. JR explained that multi-year deals typically include performance-based exit clauses. He highlighted that contracts are not fully guaranteed unless specifically negotiated that way.

    On his Grilling JR podcast, Ross stated that WWE includes protective measures in long-term agreements. He explained that even five-year contracts often contain provisions allowing the company to release talent under certain circumstances.

    “I think probably most of them probably got a 90 day out, meaning they get paid for 90 days and they’re free to go where the hell they want. So essentially when you sign those five-year deals, a lot of them have outs, all of them have outs of some sort, and if they don’t? You’re stupid…and WWE is not stupid.”

    The veteran commentator clarified that signing a five-year deal does not guarantee five years of employment at a set rate. Ross noted that talent must specifically negotiate guaranteed terms if they want full contract security.

    “Just because you got a five-year deal, it doesn’t mean you got five guaranteed years to pay at this particular rate,” Ross explained. “If I’m a talent, I like the five-year deal, cause it gives me a little bit of security. But it’s not guaranteed unless you negotiate that in your deal, that ‘I got five years guaranteed and my contract ends in 2032 or something.’”

    Ross’s comments provide insight into how WWE structures talent agreements and the importance of contract negotiations in professional wrestling.

  • Jim Ross: The Truth Behind WWE’s “No Guarantees” Contracts

    Jim Ross: The Truth Behind WWE’s “No Guarantees” Contracts

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross addressed the wave of recent WWE releases head-on during the May 7 episode of his Grilling JR podcast — and his take on the contract structure at the heart of the controversy is eye-opening.

    JR explained, bluntly, that no WWE contract is truly guaranteed for its full term unless it’s been explicitly negotiated that way. And in his experience, that rarely happens.

    JR’s Straight-Shooting Take on WWE Contracts

    “When you sign a five-year deal, all of them have outs of some sort. If you don’t, you’re stupid, and WWE is not stupid.”

    That quote, delivered in Ross’s characteristically unvarnished style, gets to the core of what many wrestlers and fans have misunderstood about the nature of WWE deals. Multi-year contracts — regardless of how they’re described publicly — almost always carry provisions that allow the company to terminate early.

    Ross also addressed talent conduct, advising wrestlers to stay sharp and professional to protect their position: “Talent like wrestlers should avoid loafing to protect their careers.”

    The 90-Day Clause and Low-Money Releases

    JR noted that the majority of recent releases involve what he called “low-money guys” — talent whose base pay makes the 90-day pay-upon-release provision relatively inexpensive for WWE to execute. It’s a calculating, if cold, business reality: the less a talent earns, the cheaper it is to cut them loose.

    That 90-day period — commonly referred to as the “90-day non-compete” — means released talent continues to receive pay for roughly three months post-release but cannot appear for a competing promotion during that window.

    The Broader Context

    Ross’s comments arrive amid significant turbulence in WWE’s talent relations department. TKO Group Holdings has overseen more than 24 post-WrestleMania 42 releases, with reports also surfacing that at least six talents were asked to accept pay cuts of up to 50%.

    Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day were among the most notable departures, reportedly declining those reductions before being released. Roman Reigns, by contrast, was said to not have been approached about a pay cut.

    For Ross — who spent decades as one of WWE’s most prominent executives before transitioning to AEW — the current situation reflects a business being run with hard-nosed financial pragmatism. Whether that’s the right approach for a company built on long-term talent relationships is a question he leaves for others to answer.

    But on the legal and contractual mechanics? JR’s message is clear: assume nothing is guaranteed unless it’s written that way — explicitly.

  • WWE Legend Picks Oba Femi Over Bron Breakker For Headlining WrestleMania 43

    WWE Legend Picks Oba Femi Over Bron Breakker For Headlining WrestleMania 43

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross believes Oba Femi has the strongest chance to headline WrestleMania 43 as WWE Champion, ranking him ahead of Bron Breakker and Logan Paul.

    Femi’s momentum shifted dramatically after his main roster debut led to a feud with Brock Lesnar. At WrestleMania 42, Femi defeated Lesnar in his first WrestleMania appearance, with ‘The Beast Incarnate’ removing his gloves and boots afterward to signal retirement.

    Ross Explains His WrestleMania 43 Pick

    Good Ol’ JR discussed the rising stars’ championship potential on the latest Grilling JR Podcast. Ross highlighted Femi’s unique positioning after defeating Lesnar as the key factor in his prediction. Ross sees ‘The Ruler’ as the slight favorite in the championship race.

    “He’s got a better shot at it than anybody you and I can probably name right now, because he beat the monster. And he’s unique. His look is unique. He’s very impressive in that regard.

    Oba Femi being the champion at next year’s WrestleMania is going to be dependent upon how fast the company can build total confidence in his ability. He’s got to stay reliable. He’s got to work on his game. He ain’t ready. But you got to run with a guy if you’re making that kind of commitment.”

    The veteran commentator acknowledged that the Nigerian powerhouse still needs development, but emphasized WWE’s commitment by having him defeat Lesnar. He noted that no one currently on the roster has a significantly better chance at holding the title at WrestleMania 43.

    Breakker and Paul Also in Contention

    While selecting Femi as his top choice, Ross praised both Breakker and Paul. He called Paul “the best worker of the group” and noted his fundamental soundness often gets overlooked due to his physique.

    Ross expressed strong support for Breakker’s potential, citing his athletic background and wrestling lineage.

    “Breakker is a, I love his game because he’s a legitimate tough athlete that has the pro wrestling DNA flowing through his veins. If I had to make a pick, Oba is going to be one, and maybe Breakker will be one A. But you damn sure don’t want to pass over on Steiner’s kid.”

    Breakker returned at WrestleMania 42 after recovering from hernia surgery for nearly two and a half months. He speared Seth Rollins and cost him his match against Gunther at the Premium Live Event.

    Both Femi and Breakker previously competed in NXT before their main roster transitions. Paul took a different path, working feuds with Sami Zayn and The Miz before becoming a full-time WWE performer.

  • “Hell No, No Way” – Jim Ross Says Brock Lesnar Isn’t Retired

    Jim Ross doesn’t believe Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 42 moment was the end. The WWE Hall of Famer made it clear that the company likely hasn’t seen the last of The Beast.

    While speaking on Grilling JR, Ross was asked about Lesnar’s legacy and whether the boots-in-the-ring moment at WrestleMania 42 signaled a real retirement. The conversation quickly turned into a strong defense of Lesnar’s long-term value and the idea that major matches still remain on the table.

    Ross first reflected on how confident he was in Lesnar from the moment he signed him. He explained that he immediately saw something different compared to other rookies.

    “I knew he was that special, Conrad. My God, I mean, just look at him. And he carried himself like a champion. He’s a big brute. He’s intimidating looking. I paid him more money than I ever paid any rookie. So he was that special,” Ross said.

    Lesnar’s Future in WWE

    Despite the emotional boots-in-the-ring moment at WrestleMania 42, Ross made it clear he does not believe Lesnar is fully finished with WWE appearances. Ross addressed the idea that Lesnar’s time might only be changing rather than ending completely.

    “Have we seen the last of Brock Lesnar? Hell no, no way. Have we seen the last of Brock Lesnar as a semi-reoccurring character on TV? I think so. But I don’t think we’ve seen the last of him,” Ross said.

    Ross suggested Lesnar could return for WrestleMania or other major events. He even pitched a potential rematch with Oba Femi, noting that their previous encounter doesn’t rule out a future showdown.

    “For WrestleMania next year or major events, they’ve got somebody. I think if you project that Brock Lesnar returned to fight Oba Femi, let’s say. I know they fought already. That means nothing to me. If you’re good at what you do for a living, you should be able to do it more often than once and kick ass. And I’m sure those two guys could do that,” Ross said.

    Dream Match With Gunther

    The conversation then shifted toward one of the biggest dream matches WWE has yet to deliver: Brock Lesnar versus Gunther. The matchup has been rumored for years, and Ross made it clear he believes WWE should save it for the biggest possible stage.

    “That’s a match that has to be booked somewhere. I don’t see that before WrestleMania. That’s a WrestleMania match, not SummerSlam, not Royal Rumble. It’s a WrestleMania match,” Ross said.

    Ross emphasized that the foundation for the match is already in place. He compared it to building a castle where only the finishing touches remain.

    “It’s already half-assed built. It’s like building a castle. You’re now just putting the finishing touches on it because the foundation is laid. That would be a great match. One of your tent poles for next year’s WrestleMania. And it would sell like a sumbitch, especially in Minneapolis, where Lesnar calls home,” Ross said.

    Lesnar leaving his boots in the ring at WrestleMania 42 created plenty of speculation about whether his career had reached its end. Moments like that have historically signaled retirement in WWE, but Ross’ comments suggest the company could still be holding onto Lesnar for select major events rather than weekly appearances.

    If Ross is right, fans may not have to wait forever to see Lesnar back in action, especially if WWE decides to finally deliver the long-discussed showdown with Gunther on the grandest stage.

  • Jim Ross Suspects Vince McMahon is Playing Key Role in WrestleMania 42

    Jim Ross Suspects Vince McMahon is Playing Key Role in WrestleMania 42

    Jim Ross isn’t guessing about Vince McMahon’s involvement in WrestleMania 42. He’s convinced.

    Speaking on Grilling JR with Conrad Thompson, the WWE Hall of Famer and former AEW commentator offered his most direct assessment yet of McMahon’s role in WWE creative heading into WrestleMania weekend.

    “I don’t think there’s any doubt in my mind that Vince will be instrumental in this year’s WrestleMania as far as creative is concerned,” Ross said.

    When Thompson asked point-blank whether McMahon is involved in creative for this year’s show, Ross didn’t flinch:

    “Oh yeah. Okay. Yeah.”

    McMahon Is “In the Kitchen Making Pies”

    Ross used a colorful metaphor to describe what he believes McMahon is doing behind the scenes. Pointing to WrestleMania 42’s loaded match card, Ross said he sees McMahon’s fingerprints all over it.

    “There are some massively marquee matches. And I think Vince is in the kitchen and he’s making pies, and we’re going to see how his pies taste sooner than later,” Ross said.

    He later extended the analogy, adding: “He’s hungry. If he’s making pies, we know he’s in the kitchen.”

    Ross clarified that he doesn’t think McMahon is writing scripts line by line. Instead, he sees the former WWE Chairman operating the way he always has: setting direction and choosing who to elevate.

    “How’s it going to hurt for Vince to chip in with an idea or two and a general direction? He was always really good at picking out somebody he wanted to get over and having a plan to make that happen. And I think that’s kind of where we are right now.”

    “It Will Remain That Way Until They Bury Him”

    Ross grounded his belief in decades of firsthand experience working alongside McMahon as WWE’s Executive Vice President.

    “It comes back to one person: Vince. No matter what his other issues may or may not be, all that stuff, it’s still Vince,” Ross said. “And anyone that’s been listening to this who has worked in WWE knows full well it’s all about Vince, and it will remain that way until they bury him.”

    Ross’s comments come amid the ongoing TKO investor lawsuit, which surfaced leaked Signal messages showing McMahon was actively tracking WrestleMania creative even after his departure from the company.

    Triple H also appeared on Cody Rhodes’ podcast the same day this episode was recorded, where he acknowledged McMahon was involved in creative decisions during that period.

    With WrestleMania 42 set for this weekend, Ross’s assessment adds yet another voice to the growing chorus suggesting McMahon’s influence never truly left WWE.

  • Jim Ross Confirms AEW Dynasty Status

    Jim Ross Confirms AEW Dynasty Status

    Jim Ross will not be calling AEW Dynasty on April 12 in Vancouver, but the WWE Hall of Fame commentator says he is feeling better than he has in a long time and expects to return to his regular schedule next month.

    Ross addressed his status during the April 9 episode of Grilling JR, offering the most detailed update yet on where things stand following a frightening fall at home that left him on the floor for hours and kept him away from recent AEW programming.

    “Probably next month, because I don’t think I’m gonna go to Vancouver. It’s a hard trip. That’s the only thing I have issues with in my life is traveling,” Ross said.

    The 74-year-old cited the physical demands of long-distance travel as the main reason for sitting out the upcoming pay-per-view rather than any ongoing health concerns. He was honest about what makes the journey difficult while making clear his overall condition has improved significantly.

    “Ramping and my legs hurt and all that shit. I’m up for anything, but flying that far is daunting, shall we say. But I feel good, I feel really good. I feel better than I’ve felt in a long time. I should be back to a normal schedule sooner than later,” Ross said.

    The fall Ross suffered at home had raised concern among fans, given the severity of the incident and his age. The good sign is that his comments suggest the recovery has gone well and that his absence from Dynasty is a matter of caution rather than a sign of a longer-term issue.

  • AEW Commentator Believes Vince McMahon Will Contribute To WrestleMania 42 Creative

    AEW Commentator Believes Vince McMahon Will Contribute To WrestleMania 42 Creative

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross feels that former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is likely to be involved in WrestleMania 42 creative, despite WWE operating under Triple H’s leadership.

    Speaking on Grilling JR, Ross was questioned whether he believes McMahon will return to WWE creative. His answer left no room for doubt.

    “Yeah, absolutely no doubt about it. I don’t even have a question in my mind where there’s, you know, it’s the old cliche, or there’s smoke, oftentimes there’s fire, and there’s been a lot of smoke regarding VKM in WWE, and what his future may or may not be, and how he can still contribute.”

    McMahon’s Creative Vision Still Valuable

    Ross noted McMahon’s track record and mindset as reasons why the former WWE boss still has something to offer. He believes McMahon’s big-picture thinking makes him valuable for WWE’s biggest show of the year.

    “This can still contribute. He’s a big picture guy, and that takes a lot of detail work and planning, but he can do that. He can make all that happen. And you know he’s hungry, so we know he’s in the kitchen. So I don’t think there’s any doubt in my mind that Vince will be instrumental in this year’s Wrestlemania as far as creative is concerned.”

    When asked whether McMahon is already playing a role in WrestleMania 42 build-up, Ross doubled down.

    “Oh, yeah. He’s not going to wait on anything. He’s not going to, as John Wayne would say, we’re burning daylight. Something’s going to happen. I believe that McMahon will have the will to contribute to this year’s WrestleMania… I just think that he’s going to be involved in WrestleMania in some shape, form or fashion.”

    With Jim Ross expressing complete confidence in Vince McMahon’s continued influence, the conversation around WrestleMania 42 creative has only intensified.

    While Triple H remains firmly in charge of WWE’s day-to-day direction, Ross’ comments suggest that McMahon’s presence, whether direct or behind the scenes, may still shape the company’s biggest show of the year.

  • Jim Ross Reveals What Powerhouse Hobbs Told Him Before Royal Rumble

    Powerhouse Hobbs thanked Jim Ross for all his support.

    The former AEW TNT Champion left the Tony Khan promotion earlier this month. The belief is that he has officially signed with WWE and the creatives are just waiting for the perfect opportunity to introduce him on TV.

    Jim Ross, who has been a mentor to the 35-year-old since he joined the Tony Khan promotion in 2020, discussed his future on the latest episode of his podcast. The AEW commentator revealed a recent conversation he had with Powerhouse Hobbs, where the young star thanked him for all his support:

    \”He called me a day or two ago thanking me for my help over the years. I said, ‘Well, my phone number isn’t going to change, big fella. So if you need me for something — need a little motivation, need a question answered, or just want to shoot the sh*t — I’m your man. I want to help you if I can.\’”

    The WWE Hall of Famer also speculated that Hobbs will be making his debut in the Royal Rumble match. Ross argued that it would make no sense not to use the former AEW star for the big event after signing him close to the PPV.

    While there is no guarantee of Hobbs making his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble, a couple of other names have been confirmed to be in Saudi Arabia ahead of the Saturday night show. You can check out more about it here.

  • Jim Ross to Miss AEW Dynamite in Orlando Due to Fall

    Jim Ross will miss this week\’s AEW Dynamite from Orlando, Florida, after suffering an untimely fall at home. The legendary wrestling commentator, who was scheduled for the January 21 event at Addition Financial Arena, revealed the incident on X.

    Ross explained that he lay on his living room floor for five hours following the fall. He posted from Jim Ross\’s X account (via Post Wrestling):

    My trip to Orlando for @AEW Dynamite is postponed due to an untimely fall that saw me lying on my living room floor for 5 hours. I’ll be watching!

    Ross, 74, had recently returned to the AEW broadcast booth on January 7 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

    He has faced health challenges, including colon cancer diagnosed in 2025, from which he recovered after surgery, and a prior fall before AEW All In 2025, which he still worked despite the injury.

    Under his one-year deal signed in August 2025, Ross handles pay-per-view commentary and select TV appearances. He assured fans he will watch Dynamite from home while recovering.

    Get well soon, JR!

  • Jim Ross Addresses D-Von Dudley Racism Allegations, Offers Private Reconciliation

    WWE Hall of Fame commentator Jim Ross has once again addressed racism allegations made by D-Von Dudley, firmly denying the claims while offering to reconnect with the Dudley Boyz legend—but only in private.

    Speaking on his \”Grilling JR\” podcast with Conrad Thompson, Ross appeared frustrated at having to repeatedly address the situation.

    \”How many times do I gotta address it to satisfy everybody? I am not a racist. I have never been a racist,\” Ross stated. \”Ask some of the African-American athletes that I\’ve been around and worked with in my 50-year career. They\’ll say the same thing.\”

    Despite the ongoing controversy, Ross extended an olive branch to D-Von, though he made clear he won\’t turn their reconciliation into content.

    \”No problem, Conrad. I\’m happy to do it. I\’m just not going to put it on tape and make a TV show out of it. Period,\” Ross said. \”I am interested in reconnecting with Devon because I like Devon.\”

    Ross expressed bewilderment at the allegations, stating he has no memory of negative interactions with D-Von.

    \”I was bewildered by how this could happen because like I said, I don\’t remember any negative exchanges with him,\” Ross explained. \”There\’s no ill will in my heart towards Devon or any other person of color.\”

    The controversy took a new turn when D-Von claimed in a recent video that Ross was \”extremely drunk\” during the alleged incident, potentially explaining why Ross has no recollection of the events.

    What Happened With Jim Ross and D-Von Dudley?

    Timeline of Events:

    • 1990s–2000s: D-Von Dudley and Jim Ross work together in WWE during the Dudley Boyz run, with Ross in talent relations and on commentary.
    • October 2025: On his own YouTube/podcast, D-Von says he experienced racism from certain WWE officials and later confirms he is referring to Jim Ross.
    • Late December 2025: On “Grilling JR,” Ross publicly denies the allegations, calls them “absurd,” and says he has never been a racist.
    • January 2026 (early): In a new YouTube video, D-Von provides detailed accounts of two alleged racist incidents involving Ross (a WWE restaurant event and an Indianapolis interaction involving Paul Heyman) and says Ross was very drunk/heavily intoxicated during one of them.
    • January 2026 (following days): Ross addresses the situation again on “Grilling JR,” reiterates his denial, states he is not and has never been a racist, and says he would have no problem reconnecting with D-Von privately while expressing confusion over the accusations.

    The situation remains unresolved several months later, with Ross maintaining his innocence while keeping the door open for private dialogue with D-Von to clear the air.

  • \’You\’re Damn Right\’: D-Von Dudley Reveals What Jim Ross Allegedly Said

    D-Von Dudley has fired back at Jim Ross in a new video responding to JR\’s denial of racism allegations, providing detailed accounts of two separate incidents and backing from fellow WWE veteran Maven.

    In a new video on his YouTube channel, D-Von directly addressed JR\’s denial on his Christmas Day podcast where he called the claims \”absurd\”, suggesting D-Von was \”conjuring up\” stories for attention.

    \”I have no ill feelings towards him, okay? But don\’t take cheap shots at me for something that you did. Don\’t sit there and tell me, you know, that I\’m lying cuz I know I\’m not,\” D-Von stated.

    D-Von provided a detailed account of a WWE restaurant event where he claims JR, while heavily intoxicated, made racially charged comments about him to Bubba Ray Dudley.

    \”JR says, \’You know, the verdict\’s not out yet, but I\’m still a little hesitant with Devon.\’ And Bubba butts in and goes, \’You know something, J.R., regardless to what, Devon\’s a hard worker. He never gives this company any problems.\’ And finally, that\’s when it comes out. You know, he\’s black, you know. I just I don\’t know. And that\’s my hiccup.\”

    D-Von also revealed a second incident in Indianapolis witnessed by Paul Heyman, who has spoken fondly about his time running ECW, where Heyman confronted JR directly.

    \”Paul Heyman basically called him out, says, \’What? You don\’t want to say hello to Devon? What? Cuz he\’s black.\’ And [JR] went, \’You\’re damn right. Cuz he\’s black.\’ You\’re damn right,\” D-Von alleged.

    Maven, who appeared alongside D-Von, offered his own analysis of JR\’s defense, calling it flawed.

    \”When he says, \’I like Devon. I booked them. They made money off me.\’ That\’s not the argument he thinks it is. Because news flash, good old Jr., when Devon makes money, you make money. And booking was your job, whether you liked, disliked, or were indifferent to anybody,\” Maven explained.

    D-Von was careful to clear other WWE officials, stating that Vince McMahon, Triple H, Michael Hayes, John Laurinaitis, and Pat Patterson were not the individuals he was referring to when he first revealed he faced racism as soon as he joined WWE.

    Despite the allegations, D-Von expressed no desire for an apology or any form of reconciliation. \”The days of you needing anything from him are long gone. I love the fact that I\’ll never need anything from JR ever. And that said, I wish him nothing but the best.\”

    Booker T has also weighed in, stating that while JR never said anything racist to him personally, he added that he knows \”Devon isn\’t a liar.\” Booker was recently named the greatest Black wrestler in history by BET.

  • Jim Ross Returns to AEW Dynamite Commentary in Tulsa Tonight

    Jim Ross is officially returning to the AEW commentary desk tonight for Dynamite from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, marking his first on-air appearance since mid-2025. The legendary WWE Hall of Famer\’s comeback follows a lengthy health-related absence, and AEW is positioning his return as a major selling point for the promotion\’s first significant episode of 2026.

    Returning to his home state adds personal resonance to what AEW has billed as a loaded card. Alongside JR\’s return, tonight\’s show features a Lights Out tag team match pitting Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page against HOOK and Powerhouse Hobbs, plus a Continental Championship Eliminator match between Jon Moxley and Shelton Benjamin.

    Ross\’ return is a promising sign that the beloved announcer who has battled a slew of health issues in recent years still has a few Slobberknockers left in him.

    AEW Dynamite airs tonight at 8 PM ET on TBS and streams on MAX.

  • Rumor Killer: Jim Ross Did Not Make Viral Quote About AEW Booking

    A quote attributed to Jim Ross criticizing modern wrestling booking has been making the rounds on social media, but it\’s completely fabricated.

    Conrad Thompson, co-host of JR\’s Grilling podcast, took to X (formerly Twitter) to debunk the viral quote that claimed Ross said: \”Booking wrestling in 2025 is very easy. Just throw a bunch of sht out there and some basement dweller will invent a story for you and defend your booking on social media.\”

    Not So Fast

    Thompson was clear in his response: \”We recorded @JrGrilling days before the PPV. @JRsBBQ did not say this on the pod or anywhere else. This is a made up quote but yall have fun I reckon.\”

    https://x.com/heyheyitsconrad/status/2005674761192620132?s=46

    The fake quote originally appeared alongside discussion of AEW Worlds End and was presented as if Ross had made disparaging comments about All Elite Wrestling\’s creative direction. The quote quickly spread across wrestling social media before Thompson\’s correction.

    This incident highlights the ongoing issue of fabricated quotes circulating in wrestling discourse, particularly on platforms like X where misinformation can spread rapidly before being fact-checked.

    Jim Ross remains an active commentator for AEW and continues to co-host Grilling JR with Conrad Thompson, where they discuss wrestling history and current events in the industry.

  • Vince McMahon \’Had A Thing\’ For Making People Uncomfortable, Says Matt Hardy

    Matt Hardy believes Vince McMahon liked to abuse people.

    During a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Former WWE broadcast personality Todd Grisham discussed how Mr. McMahon used him to play cruel pranks on Jim Ross multiple times. This has led to a renewed discussion in wrestling circles about how the former WWE chairman treated his employees.

    The Attitude Era star, who worked under McMahon for a long time, recently gave his opinion on the matter as well. Speaking on his podcast, Matt Hardy claimed that Vince had a thing for putting people in uncomfortable positions:

    “I mean, I felt like Vince had a thing for putting people in positions that made them feel uncomfortable, and he kind of got off on that, in all honesty. That was like one of his things. And I felt like he did that with JR quite a bit. That became a regular, common thing there.\”

    I Think He Was Abusive: Matt Hardy

    Matt Hardy said that Vince McMahon would make things harder for people who said no or showed signs of weakness in front of him. While the philosophy behind it might have been about growth, the former ECW Champion noted that it led to the wrestling promoter becoming abusive with many of his employees:

    \”I feel like anytime he put us in positions where—and I feel like sometimes he said—’if you don’t go into areas or positions where you feel uncomfortable, you will never grow.’ And in some ways, that is true. But in some ways too, I think he was abusive with it as well. And JR probably was one of the guys he was more abusive with in many, many ways.\”

    Jim Ross himself had recently talked about his experiences with McMahon. The veteran commentator suggested that the issues between the two stemmed from jealousy. You can check out his remarks here.

  • Jim Ross Responds to D-Von Dudley\’s Racism Allegations

    Jim Ross has finally addressed racism allegations made by D-Von Dudley in October 2025, calling the claims \”absurd\” during the December 25th edition of his Grilling JR podcast.

    D-Von previously stated he experienced racism from \”certain top officials\” in WWE, specifically naming Jim Ross and alleging JR said, \”I don\’t like you because of the color of your skin.\”

    When co-host Conrad Thompson played a clip of D-Von\’s comments and gave JR a chance to respond, the WWE Hall of Famer categorically denied the allegation.

    \”That\’s so absurd, it doesn\’t merit a response,\” Ross stated. \”I never said that to D-Von Dudley. And why he would conjure up that — I guess to get attention. Maybe he\’s not as happy with his post-wrestling life as Bubba is.\”

    JR emphasized his respect for The Dudley Boyz, noting he hired the team and helped book their legendary TLC matches.

    \”I like D-Von. I like him today. I hired he and Bubba. I thought we did a good job of booking them. They made money,\” Ross explained.

    Despite the denial, Ross said he holds no anger toward D-Von: \”I\’m not angry at D-Von. I\’m just curious and don\’t understand why he went there. I just don\’t get it.\”

  • Jim Ross Feels Vince McMahon’s Animosity Towards Him Stemmed From Jealousy


    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has opened up about the tense relationship he experienced with Vince McMahon during his time with WWE, claiming the former chairman’s hostility was rooted in professional jealousy.

    Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross addressed longtime speculation about McMahon’s treatment of him throughout the Attitude Era and beyond.

    “I never have understood Vince’s intense animosity. I think he was jealous,” JR revealed. “He was never the play-by-play guy that I was.”

    Ross, who served as WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent Relations from 1996-2004 while simultaneously working as the company’s lead announcer, believes McMahon refused to acknowledge his contributions to WWE’s most successful era.

    “He didn’t want to give me any credit for helping build the Attitude Era to what it was,” Ross explained.

    The legendary commentator pointed to his role in signing the talent that transformed WWE’s fortunes.

    “I signed all those guys that made him millions of dollars and facilitated the company going public. Those were my guys. That was my roster and it happened to click,” he said, referencing WWE’s historic October 1999 IPO that valued the company at $172.5 million.

    Ross’s signings during this period included Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Edge, Trish Stratus, and Mick Foley—talent that defined the Attitude Era and drove record revenues.

    Despite the friction, Ross emphasized he’s moved forward. “I worked my ass off, but sometimes that’s just the way that it is,” he noted.

    “I have the choice to carry that animosity and that angst with me or cut it loose and move on. And the latter is what I’ve done, and I will continue to do.”