Jim Ross

James William Ross is an American professional wrestling commentator signed with AEW. He has been labeled as one of the greatest wrestling commentators of all time.

Professional Wrestling Career

NWA and WCW (1974-1993)

Ross began his career by commentating on the radio for his college. After college, he began working for the NWA Tri-State territory. In 1974, he worked as a referee. They promoted him to the broadcast team in 1977. In 1982, he became a play-by-play commentator. After Jim Crockett bought UWF, Ross went to WCW. He began working with David Crockett and Tony Schiavone on the broadcast team. After Bischoff's arrival, Ross and Bischoff didn't get along, and Ross left WCW.

WWE/F (1993-2013, 2017-2019)

In 1993, Ross made his WWF debut at WrestleMania IX. Ross had a substantial part in the growth of broadcasters in wrestling. In 1994, Ross took some time off due to his first attack of Bell's palsy. After his return, Ross went back to commentary. In 1996, Ross became a heel commentator and sided with heel wrestlers. It was the first time when Ross turned heel as he was a play-by-play or face commentator.

In 1998, Ross had his second attack of Bell's palsy. Ross became the voice of RAW and Attitude Era as Ross commented on several high-profile matches during his time with the company. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler became some of the great wrestling commentators of the company. Apart from commentary, Ross has also had some executive and management roles. They also used Ross in storylines and had physical interactions with various superstars.

In 2005, he stepped down from those additional roles as he wanted to focus more on his family. After commentating for RAW and SmackDown over the years, Ross stepped down as a full-time commentator in 2009. After a while, Ross commentated on special occasions and PPVs. In 2013, Ross was released from the company.

In 2017, Ross returned at WrestleMania 33 to commentate the match between Roman Reigns and The Undertaker. Ross commentated for a few shows such as Mae Young Classic, Raw 25, WrestleMania 34, and Greatest Royal Rumble before leaving the company.

AEW (2019-Present)

Before commentating for AEW, Ross worked with AXS TV and NJPW as a color commentator. In 2019, AEW signed as a play-by-play commentator Ross. He is regularly featured on AEW Dynamite. In 2022, Ross was seen commentating on AEW Dynamite along with Tony Schiavone and Excalibur.