Why Did Jim Ross Leave WWE?
Many fans have wondered why iconic WWE announcer Jim Ross left the company in 2013. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the possible reasons why Ross decided to leave WWE.
Jim Ross’s WWE Career
Jim Ross is a WWE legend. He’s been with the company for almost 30 years and has been the voice of WWE for many fans. However, in September 2017, Jim Ross announced his departure from WWE. There are many theories as to why Jim Ross left WWE, but let’s take a look at the facts.
Jim Ross’s early years in WWE
Jim Ross began working for Vince McMahon Sr.’s World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in March 1993 as the lead commentator for WWF Superstars, replacing Gorilla Monsoon. He debuted at WrestleMania IX, calling Hulk Hogan’s victory over Yokozuna. Ross’s first high-profile WWF match that he called was Survivor Series 1993, where he witnessed Bret Hart retain the WWF World Heavyweight Championship against Jerry Lawler.
In 1994, Ross’s contract with the WWF was set to expire; however, before it expired, McMahon Sr. unexpectedly died, leading to Vince McMahon Jr. taking control of the company. McMahon Jr. offered Ross a new five-year contract with a raise, which Ross accepted out of respect for McMahon Sr., whom Ross considered to be like a father figure to him.
Jim Ross’s on-air roles in WWE
Jim Ross has had many on-air roles in WWE over the years. He was the lead commentator for Monday Night Raw from 1993-1997, and again from 1999-2000. He also became the lead play-by-play announcer for Smackdown in 1999, a role he would hold until 2008. Ross would also call several WrestleMania events during his time with WWE. In addition to his announcing duties, Ross also served as WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent Relations from 2007 until his departure in 2013.
Ross left WWE in 2013 after his contact expired. Reportedly, Ross had asked for a reduction in his on-camera appearances due to health reasons, but WWE refused his request. It was later revealed that Ross had suffered two concussions within a six-month span, which played a role in his decision to leave WWE.
Jim Ross’s backstage roles in WWE
Jim Ross has had numerous backstage roles in WWE over the years. He was WWE’s head of Talent Relations from 1993 to 2000, and then again from 2007 to 2013. In between those two stints, Ross served as the company’s Executive Vice President of Business Operations. Ross has also been a commentator for WWE’s main roster and developmental territories, most notably calling the Attitude Era with Jerry Lawler.
In 2013, Ross was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Ross left WWE in September 2013 due to creative differences.
Jim Ross’s Departure from WWE
Jim Ross was one of the most iconic voices in WWE for almost two decades. So, why did he leave? Ross had been with WWE since 1993 and was loyal to the company through some of its most tumultuous periods. However, in 2013, Ross’s contract was not renewed by WWE.
The events leading up to Jim Ross’s departure
In 1993, Ross became the lead announcer for WWE’s main television programs, Raw and Superstars, after Vince McMahon fired Gorilla Monsoon. He commentated for The Undertaker’s WrestleMania VII retirement match against Hulk Hogan. Ross called the WWF Championship match between Bret Hart and Yokozuna at WrestleMania IX, which was also Hart’s final match in the company for nearly a decade.
In late 1995, Jerry Lawler quit WWE due to a dispute with McMahon over his on-air burial following the 1995 King of the Ring tournament (when Lawler had lost to At just forty-six years old and at the top of his profession, Jim Ross’s life was turned upside down on September 11th, 2001. While driving to a WWE SmackDown! taping in Tampa, Florida, Ross was involved in a severe car accident that broke his jaw in six places and left him with numerous other injuries.
Jim Ross’s departure from WWE
On September 11, 2013, Jim Ross announced his departure from WWE after 21 years with the company. The following day, it was revealed that Ross had signed a new deal with Fox Sports to be the lead commentator for their new wrestling show, WWE Backstage.
Ross’s departure from WWE was a surprise to many fans, as he had been with the company for over two decades. Ross had been one of the most recognizable voices of WWE, and his departure left a void in the commentary booth.
There are several theories as to why Ross left WWE. Some believe that Ross was unhappy with his role in WWE, and that he was looking for a change. Others believe that Ross was not offered a new contract by WWE, and that he decided to leave on his own accord. Whatever the reason, Jim Ross’s departure from WWE was a shock to the wrestling world.
Jim Ross’s post-WWE career
Jim Ross has had a prolific post-WWE career, appearing as an announcer and commentator for various mixed martial arts organizations, most notably the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has also made several cameo appearances in film and television.
Reasons for Jim Ross’s Departure
Jim Ross is one of the most iconic voices in professional wrestling, and his departure from WWE in 2013 came as a shock to many fans. There are a number of theories as to why Ross left the company, ranging from creative differences to backstage politics. Let’s take a look at some of the most likely reasons for Jim Ross’s departure from WWE.
Personal reasons
In September 2013, WWE announced that legendary broadcaster Jim Ross had left the company. The news came as a shock to many, as Ross had been with WWE for over 20 years and was considered the voice of WWE.
So why did Jim Ross leave WWE?
The most likely reason is that Ross simply wanted to retire. He had been with WWE for over two decades, and at the age of 64, Ross may have felt it was time to hang up his microphone and enjoy his retirement.
Another possibility is that Ross was unhappy with his role in WWE. In recent years, Ross had been used less and less on WWE programming, and it’s possible that he felt he was being phased out by the company.
It’s also possible that Ross left WWE because of backstage politics. There have been numerous reports of tension between Ross and Vince McMahon, and it’s possible that Ross simply grew tired of working under McMahon’s regime.
Whatever the reason, Jim Ross’ departure from WWE was a sad day for wrestling fans around the world. Ross was one of the most legendary broadcasters in the history of the business, and he will be greatly missed by the wrestling community.
Professional reasons
There are many theories as to why WWE legend Jim Ross left the company in 2013 after more than two decades of service. Some believe that his departure was simply due to the fact that his contract had expired and WWE chose not to renew it. Others believe that Ross was forced out due to backstage politics.
The most popular theory, however, is that Ross was let go because of his relationship with then-WWE CEO Vince McMahon’s daughter Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie and Jim Ross were rumored to be in a romantic relationship, and some believe that McMahon did not approve of this relationship.
It has also been speculated that Ross was let go because he was not in favor of WWE’s switch to a more “family-friendly” product in the early 2000s. Ross was known for his edgy, adult-oriented commentary and it is believed that WWE wanted to move away from that type of content.
Whatever the reason for his departure, Jim Ross is still one of the most respected figures in the world of professional wrestling. He currently works as a commentator for New Japan Pro Wrestling and continues to be one of the most popular voices in the industry.
Financial reasons
In 1994, McMahon fired Ross after he had been with the company for nine years, reportedly due to financial reasons. McMahon had recently signed Hulk Hogan to a record-setting contract, and he wanted to sign Bret Hart as well. Ross was making $350,000 a year at the time, and McMahon offered him a buyout of $1 million. Ross refused the offer and was subsequently fired.