Jim Ross Discusses Bringing In WWE’s “Michael Jordan”

Jim Ross has singled out one talent who WWE instantly knew was destined for the top and had the potential to become the “greatest in-ring talent” ever.

Before moving to a role with AEW, Jim Ross spent an extended period as Head Of Talent Relations at WWE, playing a crucial role in the development of the likes of The Rock, Chris Jericho, John Cena and Mick Foley within the company.

The list also included Brock Lesnar, who joined WWE in 2000 and went straight to Ohio Valley Wrestling. He was part of an iconic ‘class’ from 2002 which also included likes of Cena, Batista and Shelton Benjamin.

Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross has opened up on one of the first time Vince McMahon saw Brock Lesnar down the corridor, and why he was still being protected as the company’s version of Michael Jordan at the time.

Vince and I were talking outside the locker room and Brock was standing down the hall talking to [Gerry] Brisco, and Vince looked up like he had seen a ghost,”

‘My god, who’s that?’ Of course, I’m being a wise-ass: ‘That’s Gerry Brisco, he’s worked for you forever.’ [Vince said], ‘Oh, God dammit, JR. I mean, who’s that monster?’ The monster was Brock Lesnar, and at that point, the love affair began. It was love at first sight.

We’re protecting what we believed to be Michael Jordan. We believed that Brock Lesnar was going to become the greatest in-ring talent that we ever had. You can’t replicate what he brought to the table. The look alone brought the eyes there, and if talent can’t figure out what gets the eyes on him or her, then they need to re-evaluate the position. Brock Lesnar can just walk into a room and consume it. He was our Jordan, man.

I just believe and I still believe it — I don’t know if I’m wrong now. Who does the biggest company in the world bring in every time they want to draw stadium events? Brock Lesnar, and he’s not even on TV every week. They’re doing a great job with him. Brock is an attraction guy, and not seeing him too much is how you should culture and develop attraction-type talents.

Brock Lesnar will step back in a WWE ring at SummerSlam, where he takes on Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE World Championship in a Last Man Standing match.

With thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.