Jim Ross worked in WWE for several years, which is why he knows the inner workings of the company. He has extensively worked with Vince McMahon, and it has not always worked out in his favor, as Ross has been the subject of ridicule many times.
Dave Meltzer once noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Steve Austin stepped in when the company tried to portray Jim Ross as a ‘buffoon.’ In fact, it was Austin going to bat for Ross that led to Ross calling his match against The Rock at WrestleMania.
”Austin, a loner who really didn’t get involved in others’ business at a time he had the power where he could have, made an exception and went to bat for and saved his announcing job in 1999.
Vince Russo and others felt his character had to be destroyed because of his popularity, but that his face, after suffering a second bout of Bells Palsy, and the lingering question regarding his Southern accident, were detriments to the Raw broadcast. The destruction of Ross’ character, as an insane buffoon who went postal about no longer being on Raw, was starting to take hold.”
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Jim Ross is certainly more than happy to be working under Tony Khan in AEW, as it is likely he will be ending his career with the company. Regardless, he will forever be grateful to Steve Austin for all the help he gave.
Follow Corey at @CoreyBrennanBS on Twitter
If you enjoy Bodyslam’s content, you can help donate to the site here. You can also visit our PWTees store and buy Bodyslam official merchandise here.
You can listen to all of Bodyslam’s podcasts by following us on Spotify and subscribing to our YouTube Channel, or any of your favorite podcast platforms.ⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘ
