Jim Ross has provided a detailed update on his health, revealing that he has lost more than 50 pounds and continues to receive twice-weekly visits from home health care nurses following his lengthy hospital stay earlier this year.
Speaking on this week’s Grilling JR, Ross discussed his recovery after spending more than 30 days hospitalized in Norman, Oklahoma, during May and June following a fall at his home. Ross later revealed in July that he was scheduled to undergo brain surgery.
Asked how much weight he has lost from his heaviest, Ross responded: “Over 50 pounds.”
The WWE Hall of Famer explained that nurses continue to monitor him at home and that a longstanding wound on his left ankle remains among his health concerns. “I have home health care nurses that come to my home twice a week, and they look me over and take my vitals, blood sugar, blood pressure, and I still have issues,” Ross said. “The wound on my left ankle from skin cancer and 22 radiation treatments has not healed. So they dress that twice a week. It’s looking better, but it’s not healed.”
Ross was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2021 and underwent radiation treatment on his leg. The resulting wound has remained a recurring issue in the years since, including requiring emergency room visits in 2023.
Ross said monitoring his blood sugar has become one of his biggest priorities during his recovery. “I have cravings sometimes for sugar. I like pie, I like cake, I like cake and ice cream, like a little child, and I get pissed at myself sometimes because of my urges. So I’ve been really watching my blood sugar, and I’m going to continue to do that because that’s a dangerous thing to mess with.”
He has also made adjustments to his eating habits, including attempting to finish his meals before 6 p.m. and paying closer attention to portion sizes. “My life is getting more structured under the new circumstances of my health.”
Another obstacle in Ross’ recovery is two broken toes on his left foot, which have restricted the amount of physical therapy he can currently undertake. “I can’t do as much physical therapy as far as walking or moving on my feet because of my broken toes. When they’re healed, and they’re healing slowly, I’ll be right back in the saddle, no doubt about it.”
Ross explained that the injuries are also affecting his balance, making avoiding another fall particularly important. “I sit here at home and I tell myself that I’m a lot better, and I am a lot better. If my two toes on my left foot weren’t broken, my balance would be adversely affected as it is right now. I still got to be careful when I walk and to not fall. Falling is JR’s enemy.”
Ross has experienced several falls over the past two years. One before AEW Double or Nothing in May caused him to miss a flight, while another following the event preceded his extended hospital stay. During that period, Ross also revealed that he was undergoing testing for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Despite his ongoing health challenges, Ross recently enjoyed a significant personal milestone by attending Oklahoma’s home football game against UTEP on Saturday, marking his first Sooners game in several years.
Ross watched from a friend’s suite, met Oklahoma’s new athletic director and his sons, and reunited with former Sooners star Brian Bosworth. He also revealed that his weight loss has allowed him to wear his WWE Hall of Fame ring again.
Elsewhere on Grilling JR, Ross and Conrad Thompson discussed the recent deaths of Bill Dundee and Andy “The Butcher” Williams, Bayley’s return to Raw, Bret Hart’s comments about non-wrestlers working as bookers and MJF’s remarks regarding veterans in wrestling locker rooms.
Ross disagreed with Hart’s position on non-wrestlers as bookers, while saying he could not disagree with MJF’s comments about veterans. Ross described professional wrestling as “a con man’s business.”
He also reflected on his own storyline firings in WWE in 2003 and how they coincided with Vince McMahon’s real-life efforts to find a replacement lead announcer.
We wish Jim Ross continued progress in his recovery.
