Jim Ross Predicted Former WWE Champion Would Return After 2004 Departure

In a recent episode of his “Grilling JR” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross shed light on the career trajectory of one of WWE’s most dominant figures, Brock Lesnar. Ross, known for his astute observations and deep industry insights, discussed Lesnar’s departure from WWE in 2004 and his subsequent return, claiming he always knew the “Beast Incarnate” would find his way back to the squared circle.

Ross, who played a pivotal role in recruiting Lesnar to WWE during his college years, recounted the aftermath of Lesnar’s initial WWE run and his brief foray into the NFL. Despite Lesnar’s exceptional athleticism, his NFL aspirations fell short when he failed to secure a spot on the Minnesota Vikings’ 53-man roster.

He was amazing, but not quite good enough to make the 53-man roster.

This setback, according to Ross, left Lesnar with limited career options that could match the financial rewards of professional wrestling, as he posed a rhetorical question that encapsulated Lesnar’s predicament:

What else is he going to do to make that kind of money? Nothing.

JR’s statement underscores the unique earning potential that WWE offers to its top-tier talents, a factor he believed would ultimately lure Lesnar back. Jim Ross said he knew at the time that Lesnar had expressed interest in pursuing a career in agriculture, specifically as a rancher or farmer. However, the WWE Hall of Famer was quick to point out the significant financial barriers to entry in this field.

To do that, you gotta have land, and they don’t give land away.

Ross wasn’t alone in his conviction. He mentioned that Gerald Brisco, another influential figure in WWE, shared the same sentiment. This shared belief led to a strategic approach in maintaining communication with Lesnar during his time away from the company.

That’s why I made sure that Brisco and him talked. Keep the connection alive. Make sure there’s a pulse there on both sides, so that when everybody’s feelings have been addressed, then we can get started.

The WWE Hall of Famer emphasised the importance of nurturing relationships in the industry, especially with talents of Lesnar’s calibre. He recalled recognising Lesnar’s potential early on.

It didn’t take a genius to see that Brock Lesnar was money. I knew that when he was a college student, when Brisco and I first started recruiting him.

Ross concluded with a piece of wisdom that extends beyond the wrestling world.

And if your options are limited, then don’t cut the best option you got. Don’t slap it in the face. Be smart.

This statement not only encapsulates Ross’s perspective on Lesnar’s career decisions but also serves as a broader life lesson on recognising and valuing opportunities.

Lesnar’s subsequent return to WWE in 2011 and continued success for the next decade in the company have since validated Ross’s predictions. The “Beast Incarnate” has gone on to become one of the most decorated and feared competitors in WWE history, cementing his legacy and proving that Jim Ross’s instincts about talent are rarely off the mark.

Jim Ross Says He Was A “Scapegoat” Regarding Former WWE Star’s Departure

In another recent episode of his podcast, former head of WWE talent relations Jim Ross opened up about the departure of Jeff Jarrett from WWE to WCW in 1999, and said he takes part of the responsibility in the whole drama, which ended up with Jarrett holding the company up for more money.

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