Jim Ross says he does not want his broadcasting career to end, but with his AEW contract expiring this month, he would understand if Tony Khan decided not to renew his deal.
Speaking on Grilling JR, Ross was initially asked whether there were any wrestling venues still remaining on his bucket list. Having called events in virtually every major building during his career, Ross instead began discussing how he hopes his eventual retirement will be handled. “What I would like, I hope that my ending, my career ending, is planned, and so I just don’t show up one Wednesday night on Dynamite and say, well, I got some news for you folks, I’m done.”
Ross said having the opportunity to prepare mentally for the end of his career would mean a great deal to him. “That might sound cool and edgy, but I would like to be able to know that I’m leaving. I think that’s important for my psyche.”
After more than four decades as one of professional wrestling’s most recognizable broadcasters, Ross said there is little left for him to accomplish. “Just have a good, clean ending, and if I could pull that off, then I’ll be. I’ve done everything else. I’ve done every major event for every major promoter.”
Ross then discussed his ongoing health issues and revealed that he is scheduled to undergo another procedure next Wednesday. “I’ve had a blessed career. You know, I’ve been battling some health issues. I’m getting a shunt put in my brain on Wednesday, so we’ll see how that works out, no pun intended.”
The 74-year-old acknowledged that he knows his broadcasting career cannot continue forever. “It’ll have had a unique life, and I realize that it’s coming to an end. I get it.”
Ross then brought up his AEW contract, which is scheduled to expire during August. “I think my contract’s up this month, and so I’m done, just pretty much. I don’t want to be done.”
However, Ross stressed that he would harbor no resentment toward Khan if AEW decided his current contract should be his last. “But if Tony Khan said, you know, JR, thanks for the efforts and thanks for being here and all that stuff, then I’d have no problem with that.”
Ross said the opportunities he has already received throughout his career make it difficult for him to feel entitled to anything more. “Because how can I be such a greedy b**tard and want more in my career than I’ve already received?” He added, “Sometimes you stumble onto a great job and a great career. My career as a wrestling broadcaster has been nothing but wonderful.”
Ross previously revealed in May that his AEW contract would expire in August. At the time, he said he had discussed the situation with his agent, Barry Bloom, and was leaving the decision in Khan’s hands. Ross expressed hope that he would remain with AEW but said he was no longer worrying about his contractual status.
AEW has not publicly commented on Ross’ future, and nothing in his latest remarks indicates that the company has informed him whether a new agreement will be offered.
Ross has been with AEW since the promotion launched in 2019. Health issues have limited him to occasional commentary appearances in recent years, with his most recent coming at Double or Nothing in May, where he called Jon Moxley’s Continental Championship match against Kyle O’Reilly.
Ross is scheduled to undergo surgery next Wednesday in Norman, Oklahoma, and expects to remain in hospital for one day.
