Jim Ross Gives Candid Response To Questions About Retirement

Jim Ross says 2024 will be his last year as an announcer.

It was recently revealed that Jim Ross had signed a new one-year contract with All Elite Wrestling. Ross joined the company in 2019 but has found his TV time limited by several health issues in recent years.

Despite this, and while still recovering from a broken hip, Ross was on hand to call the final match of Sting’s career at Revolution.

It’s been reported that JR’s run in AEW has been more financially beneficial than any contract he signed while with WWE.

Jim Ross Says It’s Realistic That 2024 Will Be Last As A Commentator

Although he’s signed a new contract, there remains a great deal of speculation around his future due to his age and long-running health problems.

During the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer was asked whether the length of the deal meant that he would be retiring as a commentator when it expires.

“I think so. It’s realistic to think that. I’m 72 years old, I feel good, I get healthier every day, which is great, but I have to think realistically this could be my last year and more than likely will. It’s to be determined. That’s between me, my health, and Tony Khan.

Right now it’s a good plan because I’m essentially working, as I understand, pay-per-views only. That’s where you’ll find me, as the plan goes, as we speak. As we know, in pro wrestling, things change and could be different, but I don’t think so with this occasion. I think it’s what I’ll be doing, and that’s fine with me. I get to go to big shows, call big matches on big shows.

Tony Khan has a good feel for what he’d like me to do, and my skill set. Right now, my situation is, I’m going to be married to the pay-per-views. That’s good. Maybe it’ll help the buy rates a bit. Storytelling will be a little sounder and different,”

Jim Ross began his wrestling career back in 1974 and worked as a referee as he honed his skills as an announcer. The WWE Hall of Famer is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestling commentators in history, logging spells with Jim Crockett Promotions, WCW, WWE, and NJPW as well as AEW.

H/t to Fightful