Jim Ross’ iconic voice been part of the soundtrack of professional wrestling for decades. In his latest book Business Is About To Pick Up!, Ross delves deep into his 50 years in the business to recall 50 stories behind some of his most calls. Ross has worn many hats during that time, including referee, announcer, executive and more. His greatest accolades are in the arena of broadcasting and many consider him to be in a class of his own when it comes to heightening the drama of big-time matches.
I recently had a chance to read the book, which is filled with many interesting anecdotes that some fans may not be aware of. Narrowing down the list of 50, here are 5 things I learned from Jim Ross: Business Is About To Pick Up!:
5: The Rock’s Debut Was Also A Test for JR
“Now there’s going to be the man right there. That’s Blue Chipper right there.”
Few names have become bigger in wrestling than The Rock who would infamously debut as Rocky Maivia at Survivor Series 1996. WWE’s first third-generation Superstar, Maivia was thrown in at the proverbial deep end by being booked as the sole survivor for his team.
The classic Survivor Series match inside MSG also proved to be quite the test for Ross. In the book, JR writes about being promoted to VP of Talent Relations around the time, replacing the legendary J.J. Dillon. Ross watched on, hoping that Maivia would thrive in his debut and prove he had an eye for talent. Needless to say, JR’s signing certainly delivered on the night.
4: He Was Sure Mick Foley Had Died At King of the Ring 1998
“As God as my witness, he is broken in half!”
Mick Foley had wrestled for years by the time he entered (or rather climbed) the Hell in a Cell structure at King of the Ring 1998, but this match helped cement his legacy. Mere minutes into the match, the Hardcore Legend was thrown off the side of the cell, momentarily pausing the match as fans worried for Mick’s wellbeing.
JR’s commentary of the match is a collection of some of his greatest lines, as it was this match that also spawned “That killed him! That killed him!” In his book, Ross writes that neither he nor Jerry Lawler had any idea Mick was going to go off the cell and had actually advised him shortly before the match to be more cautious with his bumps. Foley’s second cell fall, this one being later in the match through the roof of the structure to the mat, had JR fearing that he’d seen his friend die in the ring.
3: Shawn Michaels Vs. The Undertaker Was An Honor to Call
“I just had an out-of-body experience!”
By 2008, JR had established himself as the voice of WWE (and arguably the voice of pro wrestling) but his career was showing signs of the proverbial downward slope. Ross was moved from Raw to SmackDown in that year’s draft, a move that he was not warned about. As part of the blue brand, JR would also be relegated further with a demotion as lead announcer.
As 2008 rolled into 2009, Ross was feeling pretty numb to his WWE career, until a phone call helped revitalize his spirit. That call was the company requesting him to call the WrestleMania 25 bout between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. Ross describes being presented with the match as “one of the greatest gifts I ever received” given how low in the WWE’s pecking order he had landed. It certainly helps that the match was “perfect” in Ross’ eyes, and would put some ‘pep’ in Ross’ step.
2: His Wife’s Passing Played A Role in Joining All Elite Wrestling
In March 2017, Jan Ross was involved in a serious vehicle accident and was put on life support but passed away two days later. The couple had been married for 24 years and understandably, Jan’s death affected Jim in a profound way.
Two years later, JR’s contract would expire with WWE as the two sides opted not to renew. For WWE, they had no plans for Jim in a commentary role, and JR wanted to push himself in a role greater than the part-time appearances WWE had in mind. JR “needed something more engaging, something more scary and risky, to help me not be in my head so much.”
That something would be AEW, who welcomed Ross with open arms that same year. With AEW, Ross was thrust right back into the hustle and bustle he had experienced for years in WWE, and kept him motivated and his mind occupied.
1: He Has No Idea Why Vince McMahon Returned to WWE
In January 2023, less than a year after his ‘retirement’ Vince McMahon forced his way back into WWE. The move came a year after Vince essentially banished his son Shane after chaos at the 2022 Royal Rumble and amid reports that he and Linda had long been separated. Stephanie’s departure from WWE the same time as her father’s return only further demonstrated the McMahon family drama.
Ross worked closely with the McMahon’s for decades and their work on TV often came at his expense. In the book, Ross argues that the McMahon’s seem more divided than ever and has no idea why Vince opted to return, saying it’s perhaps to flame up “all the embarrassment and scrutiny again for his family.” Ross also questions what kind of deal McMahon was seeking that it was worth ripping his family apart.
Editorial Reviews
Publisher Penguin Random House provided these quotes from some of the biggest stars in wrestling whose matches have been voiced by Jim Ross:
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: “Jim’s masterful play-by-play commentary has always been driven by his passion, deep wrestling knowledge, and most of all, his ability to make the audience feel the action of the wrestling match.”
John Cena: “Through the years, Jim Ross has been not only the voice of some of the greatest stories ever told in sports entertainment, he has identified and helped a great number of successful professionals . . . I’m extremely grateful for all his guidance through the years.”
Bret Hart: “To my memory, Jim Ross was the greatest play-by-play wrestling commentator there is, was, and ever will be . . . He brought TV’s greatest wrestling matches to life, and the many unforgettable memories that come involving each superstar on each telecast, taking you there word-by-word, guiding you carefully to the finish for one more wild ride.”
Kenny Omega: “Jim Ross hasn’t just been the narrator guiding us along our journey in pro wrestling—he has become the voice synonymous with wrestling. It’s been the greatest honor to have experienced his work as a fan, and to also have benefitted by working alongside him in AEW.”
Mick Foley: “Jim Ross has the ability to turn a good match into a great match, and a great match into the stuff of legend. For an entire generation of wrestling fans, Jim’s immortal calls were part of the soundtrack of their lives, eclipsing wrestling itself to become an indelible part of popular culture.”