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Jim Ross worked for WWE as a commentator and executive for a combined 23 years between 1993 and 2019. In a recent podcast episode, the legendary announcer recalled how he did not want to fire Ron Simmons.
Simmons, also known as Faarooq, wrestled for WWE between 1996 and 2004 after making his name in WCW. During his WWE stint, the former football player was best known for his alliances with Bradshaw and The Nation of Domination.
Ross was once told by former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon that Simmons was no longer needed as part of the roster. On his Grilling JR podcast, the current AEW commentator said his conversation with the popular star was not easy:
"No, it wasn't, it wasn't," Ross stated. "It's a tough part about the job, you know? You get the exhilaration of being able to hire somebody and help facilitate their dreams, while at the same time knowing that at some place, maybe sooner than later, in this case, it was too soon for me, to have that chat where you have to let somebody go." [1:07:09 – 1:07:31]
After his WWE in-ring career ended, Simmons continued to work for the company as an agent and occasional on-screen character.
Jim Ross says Vince McMahon didn't want Ron Simmons
Vince McMahon was WWE's creative figurehead throughout Ron Simmons' time with the company as an in-ring competitor.
According to Jim Ross, Simmons was one of many superstars who received their release simply because McMahon did not want them to wrestle anymore:
"Sometimes, there's not great reasons for it. It's hard to say to somebody, 'The reason we're letting you go is because Vince is tired of seeing you.' Quite frankly, that may sound sh***y, but you'd be surprised how accurate that statement really is." [1:07:32 – 1:07:51]
Simmons returned to WWE in-ring action in 2006 before competing in his final match for the company in 2007. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012.
Do you have any favorite Ron Simmons memories? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
Please credit Grilling JR and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use Jim Ross' quotes from this article.
Poll : Which version of Ron Simmons did you prefer?
Bradshaw's tag team partner
Nation of Domination member
93 votes
